senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(830) 896-2600

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 Hill Country Vision Center - Kerrville 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 Hill Country Vision Center - Kerrville 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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306 Reviews
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- Nov. 07, 2024
Great service and I received my new glasses quickly. Everyone I encountered was professional. Took ... my insurance as well.
- Nov. 05, 2024
They were very professional and they were very good. Help me out when I didn’t know how to spell m... y medication would recommend to anybody.
- Oct. 16, 2024
Very professional staff, friendly and informative. They kept me informed of every step. I am extrem... ely pleased with the service and my new glasses.
- Sep. 15, 2024
We had an emergency and they found us an appointment for that day. We really like Dr. Evans and the ... staff was great. We're staying.
- Sep. 14, 2024
The friendliness of the staff as soon as I walked in the door was incredible. They gave me a same d... ay appointment, as I had an eye infection, even though I was not an existing patient. The cost was very reasonable, especially considering it was a same day appt.
- Sep. 11, 2024
Fast, friendly and courteous. A fine establishment.
- Sep. 05, 2024
Dr. Pam Evans and her staff are wonderfully kind and competent. I have a great experience every time... I come up there and they are able to figure out my insurance benefits better than I can.
- Aug. 31, 2024
Very efficient and professional.
- Aug. 29, 2024
The whole team is outstanding
- Aug. 20, 2024
Optimist are very helpful and knowledgeable
- Aug. 17, 2024
Efficient, thorough and friendly! They have the latest machines for an excellent eye exam. All of ... the staff is supportive.
- Aug. 04, 2024
Everyone there was very helpful and my new contacts have not bothered me at all. Thank you Dr. Pamel... a Evans and all the staff at Hill Country Vision Center.. I will be returning anytime I am due to have my vision checked. I still need to return for a pair of eye glasses I picked out.. Thank you all so much.. God Bless You all for all you do for your patients. 🙂
- Jul. 30, 2024
My husband had an urgent issue with his eye and was in a lot of pain. We were desperate to be seen a... nd tried calling multiple places before we called this one and Jill said they could work us in that same morning. We were so grateful and were impressed by how quickly we were seen after arriving. They treated my husband and he was all healed up just a couple days later.
- Jun. 19, 2024
Very friendly knowledgeable staff.
- Jun. 19, 2024
Great people! Wonderful care and I love that I have them as my eye care professionals !!! 10 ☆'s f... or Hill Country Vision Center!
- Jun. 14, 2024
We received good quality care by the doctor and staff at Hill Country. Our lens quality is very good... for our new glasses. Purchased 5 new pairs. Received quickly, good quality
- May. 27, 2024
Very nice and professional and friendly
- May. 15, 2024
In and out, no fuss. Great customer service, very knowledgeable doctor who assisted in getting a gre... at prescription. Would recommend to any friend or family member!
- May. 12, 2024
Hill Country Vision Center gave me great service, pricing, and expertise. I highly recommend them!
- Apr. 10, 2024
Very nice and professional.

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Kerrville

Our optometry practice in Kerrville

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Hours
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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(830) 896-2600