senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(847) 888-1555

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 Elgin Family EyeCare 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 Elgin Family EyeCare 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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350 Reviews
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- Dec. 01, 2024
I first started coming here back in like the mid 90s or maybe earlier than that when we first moved ... to the south Elgin area so like since I’ve been a kid I’ve been coming here and then sometimes I’ve gotten older and changed insurance. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to be a member therefore a time and that really disappointed me but now I’ve got really great insurance and of course there’s no other place. I’d rather be than Elgin Family Eyecare. I trust them and I’m very picky about my eyes. I don’t just let anybody look at them. 🙂
- Nov. 27, 2024
The staff were so kind and helpful.
- Nov. 12, 2024
Dr ONeill has great expertise and conduct. The staff are all kind and helpful.
- Nov. 05, 2024
The staff and Dr. Petroczky were great and made the visit to the eye doctor a pleasant experience
- Oct. 25, 2024
friendly, efficient and professional
- Oct. 08, 2024
I was extremely satisfied & impressed with everything.
- Sep. 27, 2024
The staffs and doctors are kind and friendly to the children. Also, their consideration and understa... nding towards me, who is my poor English, was wonderful.
- Sep. 21, 2024
Our entire family uses Elgin Family Eyecare, including our daughter (since she was four!) They're al... l so great!
- Sep. 11, 2024
Always great service, kind staff, and the best doctors anywhere.
- Sep. 09, 2024
Love our new optometrist and staff very friendly and professional. My husband and I saw Dr. O’Neil... l and loved that he took the time to ask if we had any plans for the day and on top was very profesional and answer all of our questions. Our Daughter saw Dr. Kennedy and although he wasn’t able to perform an extended visit due to our daughter needs he was extraordinary professional. Also Gilbert was very patient with teaching her with eye contact lenses. Thank you!
- Aug. 16, 2024
Easy to make an appointment, friendly service and affordable.
- Aug. 05, 2024
The staff was excellent with my young son. Staff was caring and kind. It was very busy that Sarurday... but we never felt rushed or not taken care of. Appointment was efficient, prompt and Dr. O'Neil was attentive and professional.
- Aug. 02, 2024
My son can be a bit wild since he is 5 but the staff was very kind and patient with him
- Jul. 24, 2024
Very detail orientated--highly recommend Elgin Eye Care!!
- Jul. 10, 2024
The service was efficient and delightful. My son and I thoroughly adored Dr. Kennedy. He kept us smi... ling and laughing through both of our exams.
- Jul. 08, 2024
Wow what a great place! Stellar service with all my questions answered. Plus I CAN SEE NOW!! Yippee!... !
- Jun. 27, 2024
Dr Nakajima is incredibly informative and the other staff members I encountered were very friendly a... nd approachable.
- Jun. 21, 2024
I trust Dr. Brauer and the rest of the staff and I feel confident I am getting the best care possibl... e.
- May. 05, 2024
I was looking for a new pair of glasses at Elgin Family Eye Care. Lexi is a wonderful help! She list... ened to my preferences for frames and helped me to discover several possibilities. (It would have taken me hours to work through the many styles, shapes and frame colors.). She answered my questions and made this experience very pleasant! If you need help picking out new frames, I recommend Lexi!!
- Apr. 28, 2024
They were great

View All 350 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Elgin

Our optometry practice in Elgin

Photograph of Michael Kennedy
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • MetLife
  • Blue Cross

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(847) 888-1555