Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(607) 722-2020

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 Roberts Eyecare Associates - Vestal 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 Roberts Eyecare Associates - Vestal 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.

Meet our Macular Degeneration Specialists

Michael Christensen O.D.

Patient Reviews

- Oct. 11, 2024

Sigh....I don't even know where to begin. My wife and I had an AWFUL experience at another eyecare ... Show Morecenter. I won't name names, but it was right down the road, and I gotta say: after receiving care there, my wife's Vision just doesn't Work(s). The long story made short, we waited a month for what turned out to be a telehealth appointment, which resulted in an improper Rx for my wife. If you call their office, you are sent to a robot call center, never to the actual brick&mortar place itself. So, customer service was horrendous, non-local, and entirely unethical. Then, enter Roberts. I called, they answered - as in, one of the FOUR front desk receptionists who breathe oxygen and likely drink water to perform homeostasis - to schedule my wife and I. You walk in and this place is CLEAN, with wooden ACCENTS and I might even dare say to be somewhat FANCY! But, guess what? They take my insurance. Wow. I have been nursing a scratch on my eye for some time, and my wife was experiencing frequent headaches as a result of her Robot Glasses from...the place down the road. Dr. Bakari Samin attended us in the most professional and friendly manner imaginable. No...one cannot actually imagine such levels of professionalism, this man reached deep into his soul to help us feel heard, reassured, and ultimately cured; heard? I'm telling you, come here for the service. I see a lot of 1-2 star reviews on here that only talk about the prices of eyewear. Anyone who is shocked by retail prices in 2024 have been living under a rock! Take your Rx and go elsewhere, they get it! But come HERE for the service. I asked them if they have a robot and telehealth, and several people there said they came to Roberts to work from other Works of Vision because they DON'T do that complete nonsense. I guarantee if folks wrote reviews based on their experience rather than eyewear prices, they would be 5 star reviews. From Dr. Samin to the wonderful receptionists at the front desk, my family was able to regain the sense of dignity lost last year when we were "taken care of" (more like "Taken Out") at....the other place down the street. Again, not naming names, but if your Vision Works, you should be able to see it from Robert's window, and you'll know where to avoid. I think we found our lifelong eyecare team here at Roberts, which has been serving the southern tier since 1911. You can tell based on the decor they are proud Binghamtonians, and hey, so am I. Thank you.