senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(931) 489-0029

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 Primary EyeCare - Spring Hill 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 Primary EyeCare - Spring Hill 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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173 Reviews
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- Sep. 28, 2024
Excellent care. The staff is great.
- Sep. 07, 2024
Dr.Engle was great!! Very knowledgeable and did not feel rushed. His staff was very friendly and the... y got me in and out quickly while still taking the time necessary to do my eye exam and address any concerns, which I can appreciate.
- Aug. 28, 2024
Prompt, professional and practical.
- Aug. 24, 2024
Dr. Engle and all of the staff (especially Ms. Terry and technician Crystal) are incredibly friendly... , warm, and professional! I would recommend this team to anyone needing eye care!
- Aug. 21, 2024
Best optometrist I have ever been to! Very knowledgeable, friendly, professional and a wonderful sta... ff!
- Aug. 07, 2024
Best experience I’ve ever had at an eye doctor. Turns out my prescription has been wrong for years... , and within the first 5 minutes of first appointment here, he was able to correct it. 100/10.
- Aug. 01, 2024
Everyone is SO kind. I'm new to the area so it was nice to encounter good customer service! Everythi... ng was very straight forward, honest, and efficient
- Jul. 28, 2024
Primary Eye Care in Spring Hill is very professional, helpful and friendly with the patient needs of... service.
- Jul. 18, 2024
They are always on time, friendly, easy to check in, and staff and doc are pleasant.
- Jul. 05, 2024
I always have a good experience here! Thorough exams, kind staff, & short wait times!
- Jun. 21, 2024
Primary Eye Care has always been great for my family and me. I highly recommend!
- Jun. 05, 2024
Always friendly and professional. Honest conversation with helpful information.
- May. 29, 2024
The team at Primary EyeCare is very professional and extremely friendly. If you are looking for eye... care in the Spring Hill area - this is your provider!
- Apr. 08, 2024
Dr. Engle is very attentative. Helps you understand what is going on with your condition and option... s available. Mike helped me pick out my frames' great overall experience.
- Apr. 01, 2024
Primary Eye Care is my go to for exams, glasses, and top notch service. Samantha and Michael treat m... e right and give me their honest opinion about my funky glasses choices. 🙂
- Apr. 01, 2024
The nurse doctor provided very friendly service. I'm very satisfied. It's the best.
- Mar. 22, 2024
Amazing caring and professional! Can not find better care in Spring Hill or anywhere for that matte... r! If you need an eyecare facility RUN don't walk !! You will not be disappointed. I've had 2 different Doctors and both times were amazing!!
- Mar. 10, 2024
Great place to take children
- Mar. 02, 2024
Dr. Engle is great to work with. The staff were fantastic, and very helpful finding me the right new... pair of glasses.
- Feb. 27, 2024
Great office friendly and professional. Dr. Engle was thorough in explaining tests and results. To... ok time to understand my eye health history.

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Spring Hill

Our optometry practice in Spring Hill

Photograph of Nicholas  Engle
Hours
  • Monday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 7:30 am - 2:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(931) 489-0029