senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(913) 648-2021

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 Windmill Eye Associates 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 Windmill Eye Associates 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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63 Reviews
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- Sep. 07, 2024
Dr. Mary is fantastic! She is smart and a great educator!
- Sep. 04, 2024
Dr. Mary is the best. She takes time to listen and thoroughly address every concern I have. She trea... ts my young kids with compassion and treats them as individuals. Front desk staff is friendly. The check in/out process was fast.
- Aug. 30, 2024
Dr Mary and her staff are wonderful! Check them out!
- Aug. 02, 2024
I've been going to Windmill Eye Associates for years and will continue doing so after a previous vis... it. The staff is very friendly, attentive and professional. I felt I learned something valuable based on the time the doctor took to explain in a way I could understand. 10 out of 10 experience!
- May. 02, 2024
Very friendly staff. The Dr. Is very knowledgeable and friendly.
- Apr. 30, 2024
Wonderful staff and the charismatic friendly Dr. Mary made this visit both informative, fun, and str... ess free. I have insurance but even their self pay rates are super budget friendly. Amazing place!!!!!!!
- Apr. 02, 2024
My kids eyes clinic favorite highly recommend!!👍
- Mar. 28, 2024
I love Windmill it's my favorite eye clinic, Dr.Mary is awesome and so sweet I love her, the staff i... s so nice and welcoming and the tech who btw is biligual she is so sweet and funny I love Windmill
- Mar. 25, 2024
Wonderful knowledgeable staff. Great place!
- Mar. 10, 2024
My experience with appointments at Windmill Eye Associates have always been positive.
- Feb. 01, 2024
My experience was that of a mother who arrived very worried, and I was lovingly attended to, welcome... d, an excellent and very human doctor, welcomed me as a doctor and as a mother. Rcommend absolutely.
- Nov. 21, 2023
Today is the first time I’ve seen Dr. Mary Hemphill and it was an absolute pleasure. She is the mo... st thorough optometrist I’ve ever seen. She’s professional, caring, and extremely personable. I’ll be back!!
- Jul. 24, 2023
Dr. Hemphill is very helpful and informative during your eye exam. She helps you understand your eye... s better and is thorough in explaining what kind of eye care you need. Highly recommend.
- Sep. 19, 2022
Everything about this place is wonderful. It's a very clean establishment and the staff is all super... nice and friendly. Dr. Mary is the sweetest doctor I have ever met. She's very knowledgeable and explains everything. Great with kids as well. Highly recommend!!
- Sep. 23, 2021
My husband and I have been going here for years. Staff is wonderful. We have been treated by both ... eye Drs and both are wonderful!
- Jan. 29, 2021
Dr Mary was fantastic with all four of my children. She made everyone very comfortable and her exper... ience and expertise was very appreciated. Her staff was also very accommodating and helpful.
- Jul. 30, 2020
My family and I have gone here for years and we love it! Dr. Lozado is so sweet and explains everyth... ing thoroughly to us. He also speaks Spanish which is so helpful since my mom only understands Spanish. We have always been treated with respect and will never go to another place.
- Feb. 14, 2020
Best eye doctor I've ever....seen 😎
- Sep. 12, 2019
I see Dr. Lozado and have been for about a year. He has been helpful every step of the way with my d... ry eye and eye health overall. Definitely would recommend!
- May. 24, 2019
My grand daughter and I have both used them in the past and they definitely deserve 5 stars.

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Sylvan Grove

Our optometry practice in Sylvan Grove

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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(913) 648-2021