senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(303) 771-4221

What Is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration, also called AMD or age-related macular degeneration, occurs when the macula — the central portion of the retina — begins to wear down, causing central vision loss.

People who suffer from AMD tend to lose their “straight ahead” vision, making it difficult to read, drive, and recognize faces. 

Total vision loss is unlikely, as there's typically enough peripheral vision to allow for other activities of daily life. 

Man with macular degeneration


Types of Macular Degeneration:

macular degeneration types

  • Dry AMD: small deposits called drusen damage retinal nerve cells and reduce vision
  • Wet AMD: new blood vessels form that leak and release fluid that harms the macula. This is a more severe form of AMD that can more quickly cause vision loss.

Don’t Let AMD Rob You of Your Sight

An estimated 196 million people are living with macular degeneration worldwide. Although those affected by it rarely lose all their vision, the vast majority suffer from some degree of vision loss. 

While there is currently no cure for AMD, there are certain treatments that can slow its progression — and low vision aids that can increase independent functioning.

If you think you're at risk or are experiencing symptoms, contact EyeCare Consultants today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Risk Factors for AMD

  • Aged 50+

    The onset of AMD usually happens over the age of 50 and increases substantially with time. For instance, a 2% risk at age 55 can turn into a 30% risk by age 75.

  • Lifestyle factors

    Smoking or eating a diet high in saturated fat can increase your risk of AMD. Furthermore, these habits increase the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease–two additional risk factors for AMD.

  • Obesity

    Research shows that people with a BMI of over 30 double their chances of developing AMD.

  • Family History

    If you have a close relative with AMD, you have a higher risk of developing this eye condition.


How to Stop the Progression of Macular Degeneration

While there isn’t yet a cure for AMD or an effective way of reversing vision loss that has already occurred, you can take certain steps and adopt new habits to slow the progression of the disease.

Furthermore, certain treatments can slow its progression and low vision aids that can increase independent functioning.

Talk to us about how you can slow the progression of the disease and avoid vision loss by contacting EyeCare Consultants today. 

Photograph


Macular Degeneration FAQs

What are the first signs of AMD?

You may have AMD and not know it. Typically, symptoms may not develop until the advanced stage of the eye disease.

First signs of AMD may include: 

  • Blurred vision
  • Blind spots or dark spots
  • Straight lines appearing distorted or wavy
  • Faded colors 

 For early detection and better outcomes, it's important to undergo regular eye exams at our eye clinic, especially if you have a family history of AMD or other risk factors. 

How common is macular degeneration?

Statistics indicate that 8.7% of the world population has macular degeneration. The rate of AMD is expected to increase from 196 million in 2022 to 288 million by 2040.

What is the best treatment for macular degeneration?

Currently, the most common treatment for wet AMD is the injection of medications called anti-VEGF agents. High levels of VEGF in the eye increase the formation of abnormal blood vessels that cause much of the damage in wet AMD.

Patient Reviews
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742 Reviews
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- Jun. 27, 2025
Knowledgeable to le and pleasant...
- Jun. 16, 2025
Service was kind efficient. The doctor was helpful and provided a lot of information and made me fee... l comfortable. Ty woman who helped me select my glasses and sunglasses was knowledgeable, positive, and helpful. I did pay quite a bit for my new glasses, but I'm very happy with them and the best part is I can see!
- Jun. 12, 2025
Excellent experience. Professional and caring. Dr. Barkey was exceptional.
- Jun. 04, 2025
I've been going here for years. Very friendly staff and doctors.
- Jun. 03, 2025
Dr. Shimonova was very professional and patient. She answered all of my questions clearly and comple... tely.
- Jun. 02, 2025
Heavenly environment million thanks
- May. 25, 2025
EyeCare Consultants is great
- Apr. 08, 2025
They provide excellent customer service.
- Apr. 04, 2025
Great eye doc, staff, and facility!
- Apr. 01, 2025
Very professional, highly recommend
- Mar. 21, 2025
I have used EyeCare Consultants for over two decades since my PRK procedure. I have always received ... excellent care for my vision health. Despite change in ownership in 2021, I continue to experience that same level of excellence.
- Dec. 18, 2024
Dr. Barkey is wonderful. Knowledgeable an kind. My wife and I both go there and my father did as wel... l before he passed. The best place to go for eyecare in Colorado.
- Dec. 12, 2024
The entire office is professional, courteous, prompt and polite.
- Dec. 10, 2024
Great experience with Dr. Kaitlyn Barkey was excellent and answered my concerns and made recommendat... ions for continued eye health approaches.
- Dec. 09, 2024
Dr. Katlyn is awesome! She is great at answering my questions and is easy to talk to. The staff is... also great. There's no waiting, they are efficient and I feel taken care of there.
- Dec. 07, 2024
I was able to easily schedule first appointment on line on a day that was not too far out, office st... aff friendly, appointment ran very efficiently, Dr Barkey was so personable and easy to talk with, she answered my questions and provided helpful information. Highly recommend EyeCare Consultants!!
- Nov. 20, 2024
Great staff and amazing service.
- Nov. 06, 2024
Dr Vasi is the best
- Sep. 25, 2024
Excellent service!
- Sep. 11, 2024
My wife went to this office on 9/10 due to a minor eye injury and Dr. Barkey and her staff did a won... derful job not only reassuring and calming my wife, but with the actual handling of the injury. Everyone here seems compassionate and competent. My wife told me she will be coming here from here on out for her eye exams.

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Centennial

Our optometry practice in Centennial

Photograph of Katlyn  Barkey
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 12:30 pm
    1:30 pm - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 12:30 pm
    1:30 pm - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 12:30 pm
    1:30 pm - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 12:30 pm
    1:30 pm - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 12:30 pm
    1:30 pm - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Aetna
  • Anthem
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Medicare
  • Spectera
  • United Healthcare
  • VSP

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

Don’t let AMD stop you from doing the things you love.

(303) 771-4221