senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(814) 824-3937

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 Shawnee Optical - East Erie 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 Shawnee Optical - East Erie 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
4.5
120 Reviews
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- Oct. 05, 2024
The whole entire staff is amazing. Jennifer was absolutely helpful with figuring out the issue with ... my insurance coverage
- Aug. 04, 2024
Great place, only downfall is how busy they are. Scheduling is months in advance .
- Jul. 28, 2024
Everyone was very friendly and professional. The doctor was thorough and honest. I will be going bac... k for future eye needs.
- Jun. 08, 2024
My experience with Shawnee optical was great and the staff was friendly who helped me and explained ... to me options that I had with them. I had a good experience.
- Apr. 20, 2024
Me and my fam has been going to Shawnee for years, never disappointed. Staff is always with a smile ... on. Dr. Fisher is very professional and always treats us very nice. Office is usually busy but the staff is always on top and get jod done very quick. Come in and out at no time. Definitely recommend.
- Mar. 26, 2024
Service was great.
- Feb. 28, 2024
Always friendly and helpful!!
- Feb. 19, 2024
Great staff, always friendly and helpful. Helped with fixing my broken frames in 3 days. Certainly r... ecommend.
- Feb. 10, 2024
A great place to go. The exam was very good. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful. Dr Fischer... is very nice and tells you what he's doing and why.
- Jan. 22, 2024
I've been going to our local Shawnee since my daughter was prescribed glasses at 2yrs old. They've a... lways been very welcoming and accommodating. Recently, we went down for her new RX and had an issue with her insurance, it was on the insurance's end and we could easily have been told to come back once straightened out. Instead, the wonderful associate had my daughter pick out her glasses, took down a copy of the card and my phone number. She told me not to worry she would keep checking and as soon as her coverage showed active she would send it in. Sure enough that's exactly what she did! Not only did she believe me when I told her it was the insurance's error, but she made my daughter feel comfortable and made sure she was able to get the glasses she wanted. To my that's exceptional service and true definition of going ABOVE AND BEYOND for your customer. Thank you! I highly recommend this location.
- Jan. 14, 2024
Highly recommend office on 38th St.
- Nov. 04, 2023
Have been going there for many year. Staff is friendly and willing to help.
- Oct. 10, 2023
Dr Fischer is incredibly efficient and informative. Front desk and support staff is on point with ev... erything.
- Aug. 16, 2023
Everyone is always helpful and nice.
- Jun. 25, 2023
FIRST TIMER....WISH I HAVE BEEN COMING FOREVER..BUT.. DOCTOR AND SATFF WERE GREAT...IN AND OUT....TH... ANKS
- May. 25, 2023
I have been coming here for three years now and the ladies are amazing. They make you feel comfortab... le and assist with finding the perfect glasses. I have three children that also come here and they are so good with my children.
- Oct. 12, 2022
Went above and beyond to help me with an emergency, so thankful to the entire staff for taking such ... good care of my eye pain!
- Oct. 03, 2022
Great experience. Would recommend.
- Aug. 19, 2022
Thank you Mary. As promised five stars & πŸ‘πŸ‘
- Jul. 21, 2022
Nice friendly atmosphere. All staff are polite . A huge variety of frames.

View All 120 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Erie

Our optometry practice in Erie

Photograph of John  Fischer
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(814) 824-3937