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 Hill Country Vision Center - Kerrville today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Kerrville

Our optometry practice in Kerrville

Photograph of Brandon Blaker
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
  • Nov. 24 Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross

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

Patient Reviews
4.7
220 Reviews
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- Nov. 23, 2023
Fast Friendly Knowledgeable Professional
- Nov. 20, 2023
Best optical in Kerrville!
- Nov. 15, 2023
Kind staff who really know their stuff. You will be in good hands.
- Oct. 01, 2023
Hill Country Visuon in Kerrville is a great place for your eye care needs.
- Sep. 23, 2023
Friendly, and a great exam that was thorough! I always enjoy visiting Eye Country!
- Sep. 15, 2023
So nice and very helpful!
- Sep. 15, 2023
Great doctor, great staff!
- Sep. 12, 2023
This practice is amazing and will take care of you right! Not only did the Dr do a great job but Ave... ry S went above and beyond with making sure my glasses were perfect! I couldn't have wished for better service and such friendly people! Thank you!
- Sep. 10, 2023
Great place, full of happy helpful people.
- Aug. 29, 2023
Excellent friendly staff and MD! Love my new senior goggles!
- Aug. 12, 2023
My son has tried contacts before and we’ve had no success. We thought we’d try again at a diffe... rent place with new people and came to Hill Country Vision. Kurt worked him and was so patient and great with him!!! My son got them in with all of Kurt’s tips and tricks!! We had to go back a week later and he sat with him again and encouraged him into confidence and success!! We are truly thankful and grateful to Kurt. He is our hero. He is amazing at what he does. Thank you Kurt!!
- Jul. 14, 2023
Everything about our experience here was top notch. The wife and I both had our eye prescriptions up... dated, and we ordered, and were very happy, with our new glasses. Excellent customer service here, and everyone, yes everyone, made us feel welcome and valued, a refreshing experience. We will tell our friends. Thank you HCVC!
- Jul. 14, 2023
Very professional and friendly staff
- Jun. 11, 2023
Great staff, friendly and knowledgeable.
- Jun. 10, 2023
Excellent service and great experience.
- Jun. 10, 2023
All the staff were very friendly in helping me with a difficult situation for me. I have only in the... last few yrs have needed glasses and I have been straggling with that change. It was refreshing to have kind people help me through the process.
- Jun. 04, 2023
Great and friendly service
- Jun. 01, 2023
I love my glasses! So does my daughter. The experience was quick easy and thorough. If you need glas... ses or an eye dr this is the place! Also the selection was amazing.
- May. 21, 2023
This is the best eye doctor I have ever been to and I have been wearing glasses since Kindergarten. ... The doctor is great, the contacts are great, and I am seeing better than I have seen in years. It’s been life changing for me finding the right script and contacts for my astigmatism and my extreme nearsightedness!
- May. 18, 2023
Great customer service

View All 220 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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