senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(303) 757-6747

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 EyeCare Specialties of Colorado - Colorado Boulevard 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 EyeCare Specialties of Colorado - Colorado Boulevard 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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630 Reviews
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- Aug. 05, 2025
Great experience again here. Went to get my vision checked since I have insurance. Alex was awesome ... over the phone with helping verify my coverage and booking an appointment. When I showed up for my appointment, all the staff members I interacted with, including the optometrist, were nice, helpful, and explained the process. Mary was extraordinary with helping me pick a frame and she went into detail with what add-ons I can choose from and get the best deal. I mainly love the blue light filter since I wear glasses when using the computer to prevent migraines. I really love this location and you don’t waste half of your day for an appointment.
- Jul. 31, 2025
Great service! Mary was super friendly and helpful with selecting glasses.
- Jul. 18, 2025
Great customer service fast friendly effective quality care is high thank you
- Jul. 18, 2025
Dr. Tracy Wells was great as was Mary who helped me with the billing after my appointment. It was my... first aopointmnet with Dr. Wells and she was very professional!
- Jul. 03, 2025
I hadn’t had an eye exam in years and finally booked one when my vision got blurry. The optometris... t was great—friendly, professional, and explained everything during the exam. They let me try a few different lenses before deciding on the right ones, and I could actually see clear again for the first time in a while. Got my new glasses within a week. The selection was decent, not huge, but had some good stylish frames. Only complaint is the glasses were a bit pricey, but I guess that’s normal. The staff was helpful and didn’t pressure me to buy the most expensive ones either. Office was clean and I was in and out in under an hour. Real smooth experience overall. I’ll definitely come back next year for my checkup. If your vision’s getting worse like mine was, stop putting it off and just go.
- Jun. 06, 2025
I trust the Eye Care Specialist for decades with giving me the same remarkable experience every time... I step into their offices. I continue to trust the doctors to analyze my changing vision for many years trusting them to diagnose my vision properly taking the time to go over my health screenings, because it matters. Then not rushing my actual eye exams. Then Dr LaHaurd, is doing an AMAZING job of taking care of my son's changing vision who was playing sports in goggles with astigmatism. Now, we have contacts because Dr. LaHaurd notified us of the opportunity for people with this condition could now take advantage of this. Therefore, I am decades down the line with so much gratitude for the Eye Care Specialist team!! They are like my family!! You can trust them for a remarkable, well cared for, up to date on everything experience!!!! Thank you! Sincerely, Lee Turner
- Jun. 06, 2025
Staff was awesome, the person who help me choose my glasses was ,awesome helpful can't describe it ... 100%
- May. 31, 2025
Super helpful and friendly staff, if you have Medicaid especially I’d recommend this place every t... ime!!
- May. 21, 2025
My glasses lost a screw and the store where I got them is not convenient. I stopped in here and no ... questions asked they jumped on it to help.
- May. 13, 2025
was helped by optician Michael Eaves, and they were amazing! super knowledgeable and can tell they c... are about helping people. was able to get everything I needed taken care of!! super great experience!!
- Apr. 29, 2025
Michael Eaves was very helpful and informative on how to keep my glasses in great condition. I reall... y appreciate all the effort he put into helping me and making sure i was satisfied with the glasses I picked. Great employee!!
- Apr. 20, 2025
Great service! And great return policy if you're not happy with your frame selection.
- Apr. 09, 2025
The staff and optometrist are incredibly friendly, the appointment was quick, and my insurance was p... rocessed smoothly. I highly recommend this spot!
- Apr. 07, 2025
Very attentive staff genuinely focused on finding best value & cost solution for you
- Apr. 05, 2025
Want to give Jason and Micheal the most high points for one being the top at customer service custom... er satisfaction and just awesome eye appointment overall five stars service.
- Mar. 30, 2025
Fast, friendly customer service.
- Mar. 29, 2025
Very litty titty would definitely scom von diddily again.
- Mar. 28, 2025
Michael had very good customer service for me and my mother was wonderful thank you in I recommend t... his. Eye doctor to everyone
- Mar. 15, 2025
Very friendly also professionally inclined team, great store.
- Mar. 13, 2025
I had an excellent experience getting my new eyeglasses! Michael did an awesome job helping me pick ... out the perfect pair. He was patient, knowledgeable, and made the whole process so easy. I’m really happy with my new glasses. Thank you, Michael, for your great service!

View All 630 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in East

Our optometry practice in East

Photograph of Tracy Wells
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 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
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  • Medicaid
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  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(303) 757-6747