senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

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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 Eye Country today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Fredericksburg

Our optometry practice in Fredericksburg

Photograph of Hans Oosterbaan
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • Metlife

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 Eye Country today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
4.8
154 Reviews
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- Sep. 22, 2023
They have gotten us in on two different ,last minute emergency visits and were great! Also, regular ... visits for the family. Highly recommend
- Sep. 21, 2023
Great experience and friendly staff. All go out of their way to make the eye exam and eye glass purc... hase a happy experience.
- Aug. 30, 2023
friendly and competent
- Aug. 18, 2023
Nothing beats great service and customer service and welcoming facility.
- May. 21, 2023
I loved it and professional and friendly service.
- Apr. 17, 2023
The best in the area!
- Apr. 09, 2023
Wonderful doctor, super-competent and friendly staff! I’m so thankful to Dr. Oosterbaan and all of... the staff at Eye Country for helping me keep my vision healthy! Thank you!
- Jan. 30, 2023
My wife and I enjoyed a very positive experience during our eye exams during our appointments at Eye... Country. We thoroughly enjoyed meeting Dr. O's Team.
- Jan. 13, 2023
Friendly atmosphere.
- Jan. 10, 2023
Gotten exams here for glasses and contacts for the past couple years. Everyone's always super nice a... nd helpful, very fairly priced. I'm private pay so I like to shop around before committing to an appointment and eye country is the cheapest in town I believe. Will be back for my exam this year.
- Dec. 06, 2022
Very friendly staff and professional service.
- Nov. 11, 2022
Highly recommend Eye Country!!!
- Nov. 08, 2022
Dr. Oosterbaan is a perfect model for what a doctor should be. He is thorough, explains everything ... completely, and relates to his patients like a team captain. I have been his patient for 30 plus years and will continue on in his exemplary care.
- Nov. 08, 2022
Thorough eye exam, friendly staff, wait time was short. The office was clean and comfortable. Dr was... cute 😉
- Oct. 23, 2022
Friendly and professional staff in a very clean and comfortable environment. Dr. Oosterbaan provide... s both a thorough eye exam and healthy eyecare consultation.
- Sep. 20, 2022
Best Optometrist and staff in the state!
- Aug. 11, 2022
Very good experience
- Aug. 10, 2022
Great office and staff.
- Apr. 01, 2022
Excellent place. Loved the eye doctor and all the staff.
- Jan. 20, 2022
Everyone was very friendly and yet professional.

View All 154 Reviews

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.


senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

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