senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(913) 884-6800

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 Insight Vision Center - Gardner 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 Insight Vision Center - Gardner 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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180 Reviews
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- Oct. 02, 2024
I heard about how great this place was from a moms group on Facebook and they did not disappoint. M... y son is little and gets nervous at doctors appointments so I was anxious about how it would go and if he would ever want to come back. They were so patient with him and explained things to him and myself very clearly. Dr. Martinez was great with my child and even gave his little spider man toy an eye exam as well. They approached my child with genuine kindness and joy and I truly appreciate that. My son loved it so much he wanted to go get an eye kit toy for him when he was done. So very thankful that my son was able to have such a positive experience with them.
- Sep. 28, 2024
Dr. Martinez and his staff are great! Super professional and extremely nice. No pressure to buy glas... ses and contacts immediately.
- Sep. 06, 2024
It's a wonderful efficient staff at this business they talked to him was very personable and kind. I... believe they actually cared about me and my eye health would definitely recommend this office to anyone anywhere.
- Sep. 01, 2024
Staff and doctors are super friendly. Would highly recommend for anyone needing an eye place
- Aug. 22, 2024
Dr. Martinez and his tech are great. Andre and Sam are amazing gals to work with to get glasses and ... Jenna made checking in so easy
- Aug. 15, 2024
I have to say the doctors and staff here have honestly been incredible for me and my daughters. I ha... d an exam and then when I got my glasses, something was totally off. The doctor redid my exam and got me new lenses and contacts and was super great about it! My 2 year old was also seen and given a stronger RX which then caused an eye turn. We went and saw the pediatric ophthalmologist to make sure it wasn’t a medical problem and they gave her a new RX. Since we had just recently ordered new glasses for her from Insight, I sent them the new RX and they are taking care of getting her new lenses! Honestly, we will be back every year just because their customer service is incredible!! Thank you all so much for taking care of me and my family!
- Aug. 01, 2024
Great experience
- Jul. 28, 2024
Super nice staff and very knowledgeable as well.
- Jul. 20, 2024
Dr Weigel is very professional and knowledgeable. The person who helped me pick my rx glasses save m... e lots of money! Thank you!
- May. 12, 2024
I came here for both glasses and contacts. The place is clean and airy, the staff were all super fri... endly and nice, the doctor was great with explaining situations, and their prodcuts were all great quality!!
- Apr. 30, 2024
Staff are friendly and knowledgeable. I did not have to wait long. Great place.
- Apr. 03, 2024
Great easy eye care. Staff was friendly, convenient location. Will continue to use them.
- Dec. 10, 2023
I’ve been going to Insight for several years. I am a diabetic and I feel like they take excellent ... care of my eyesight, as well as having adorable frames when I need new glasses
- Dec. 05, 2023
I cannot share enough how thrilled I am with my experience here! From the check in process, to my te... sting, to my exam, to my purchase - and any aftercare I've needed. Absolutely top notch!
- Nov. 15, 2023
Amazing I love them Alex always is a really good job with finding me the best frames
- Oct. 13, 2023
Professional, friendly and knowledgeable staff.
- Aug. 16, 2023
The staff at the Gardner Insight Vision Center are absolutely phenomenal!
- Aug. 11, 2023
This was a great experience. The staff was very friendly. I will be back
- Jul. 25, 2023
This place took care of me in every way! Please come to this place first!
- May. 25, 2023
Stellar staff and very knowledgeable doctors. They got my right in and out super quick! Great prices... and the check in lady was super nice and informative, happily looked my spouses benefits up, even tho the appointment was for me!

View All 180 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Gardner

Our optometry practice in Gardner

Photograph of Justin  Weigel
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • Anthem
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • MetLife

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(913) 884-6800