senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(210) 490-9293

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 EyeTX - Vineyard-Blanco 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 EyeTX - Vineyard-Blanco 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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262 Reviews
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- Oct. 25, 2024
Great experience. Super nice and helpful!
- Sep. 29, 2024
Dr Marlan Anderson is outstanding eye Doctor Who pays attention to every detail. I am extremely happ... y with his services and I highly recommend him to anyone who is in need for an eye doctor.
- Sep. 28, 2024
Yesterday, my son had somehow scratched his eye and was sent home from school in extreme pain. We im... mediately visited one clinic that had told us by phone that they dealt with this issue, but after charging us the fee, their doctor came into the exam room and 60 seconds later told us they didn't have the special orange fluid or equipment to do the necessary eye exam. He said we needed to take him to an emergency room, and then to a specialist he knew. Walking out with the sealed letter he gave us that he instructed us to give to the emergency room, which apparently contained the name of his specialist, my son and I were back to square one, him in pain and me out money with nothing to show for it. Not wanting to spend a fortune on an emergency room visit and then a specialist, my wife and I got on the phone and found EyeTX. Never having been there, we read the reviews - which were good - so we called, explained the situation, and the very kind receptionist assured us they did this service and made an appointment for one hour later. Ninety minutes later, my son had received a thorough, professional examination, his pain was gone, and we were picking up the prescription they'd given us. And all for a VERY reasonable fee. I don't write many reviews, but I wanted to write this one because Dr. Anderson at this EyeTX location was the best physician I've ever seen in the United States. Compassionate, kind, and thoroughly professional. In short, he's the doctor ALL doctors should aspire to be. Naturally, I recommend this place, this staff, and this doctor highly, and we will be lifelong patrons.
- Sep. 26, 2024
Always great and friendly service.
- Sep. 23, 2024
Timely, efficient and friendly!
- Sep. 18, 2024
We had a great experience. I made an appointment with the Vineyard-Blanco Team EyeTX Vision Center b... ecause my eye doctor no longer accepted my current eye insurance. Therefore, I did some research online and liked the reviews that I saw for Dr.Green and made an appointment through Zodoc. I found the staff at this clinic to be quick and courteous with check-in and Dr.Green to be easy to talk to and he seemed to connect well with my kids. Lastly, the frame selection was very good. I found some frames that I want for myself and am planning to make an appointment in the near future because I’m over due for an exam and new frames.
- Sep. 13, 2024
Great Dr and staff! They are so friendly and helpful and have a great selection of frames.
- Sep. 11, 2024
Very professional and caring Dr. and staff when I needed immediate care for an eye infection.
- Sep. 10, 2024
EyeTX has been my optometry provider for over 20 years. Always superior service and fair prices
- Sep. 06, 2024
Great experience
- Sep. 04, 2024
Excellent customer service at this location.
- Aug. 24, 2024
Always a great experience with Dr. Anderson
- Aug. 15, 2024
very professional, polite and extremely helpful in answering all my questions
- Aug. 06, 2024
Dr. Anderson is a wonderful doctor and the staff is great too!
- Jul. 06, 2024
Best optometrist office. I have been seeing Dr. Anderson for decades. He really cares about his pa... tients and does a thorough exam. The front desk staff is professional and efficient. I love the new OptoMap technology that provide high definition photos without the need for eye dilation drops and that whole after effect.
- Jun. 05, 2024
We have been using EyeTX and Dr. Anderson for over 15 years and have always received outstanding ser... vice from him and his staff.
- May. 22, 2024
I have been going to EyeTX @ Blanco for over 10 years and love the care and attention that I receive... from the entire staff, with everything from my eyeglasses to my contact lenses. The staff is always very communicative and accommodating. I appreciate the level of service that I receive with each visit or when calling in for assistance.
- Apr. 29, 2024
Excellent service!
- Mar. 15, 2024
Visiting EyeTX is always a pleasure. The staff is great and there is never a long wait.
- Feb. 29, 2024
Great Contacts!!!

View All 262 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Far North Central

Our optometry practice in Far North Central

Photograph of Erica  Lee
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • MetLife
  • Aetna

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(210) 490-9293