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 EyeCare Specialties of Colorado - Colorado Boulevard today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in East

Our optometry practice in East

Photograph of Amanda Axman
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
  • Nov. 23 Closed
  • Nov. 24 Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • Anthem
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • 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 EyeCare Specialties of Colorado - Colorado Boulevard today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
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453 Reviews
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- Nov. 06, 2023
The staff is so friendly and did what it took to make my glasses work for me. They have a really goo... d selection for those of us with medicaid, and all my kids love them also.
- Oct. 15, 2023
I have always had great service and experiences at this location...thank you!
- Aug. 26, 2023
Great experience! Awesome staff!
- Aug. 24, 2023
Mitsi went to great lengths to fix an insurance mess up. Amanda was proactive in finding a couple o... f frames she thought I would like and I did! Dr. Lahoud was very patient with my need to talk and be heard.
- Aug. 01, 2023
Very professional. In and out in less then 30 mins. Dr. Emily is amazing and super helpful.
- Jul. 29, 2023
I just want to thank both Dr. Lipscomb, and Dr. Meyette. Both were extremely accommodating, attentiv... e, and informed. I would say that they both were doctors that I would happily see again- both for the aforementioned reasons and because they will have helped my eyes stay in the best shape possible. Dr. Meyette, you taking your time to calmly address my concerns (some of them repeatedly when I made it necessary) was probably the biggest relief I could have asked for when it comes to my overall health concerns. Thanks so much, sir.
- Jul. 27, 2023
Excellent service! Staff are knowledgeable and helpful.
- Jul. 26, 2023
Very cordial and professional
- Jul. 22, 2023
I really appreciated James’ help yesterday. He was incredibly proactive and worked with my insuran... ce and budget limits to get me what I needed. I got contacts for the first time, and he was incredibly patient and helpful as I learned to put them in. Thank you!
- Jul. 21, 2023
They were there for me, and they were very professional and seemed to be happy and have a smile on t... heir faces while helping others. The staff was great and the doctor's will listen.
- Jul. 08, 2023
All the stuff and Doctor's behavior is very good 😊
- Jun. 29, 2023
2 front desk ladies are awesome!! super helpful and sweet! if i were to recommend this place to anyo... ne it would be because of them:))
- Jun. 13, 2023
Everyone was very nice and wanted to help with any concerns.
- Jun. 03, 2023
I will never go anywhere else for glasses again. The staff here are quite phenomenal!
- May. 13, 2023
Compassionate and dedicated to excellent service
- May. 08, 2023
Dr.Emily smith is such a kind and knowledgeable doctor. This was my sons first appointment and she m... ade sure he was having fun and engaged the whole time while still managing to complete the exam. I was also so happy to be educated on myopic preventative measures!
- Apr. 22, 2023
I had an eye urgency today and needed to be seen as soon as possible. I was able to be seen by Dr. L... ipscomb, and from start to finish had the best experience. When I called this morning I spoke with Alex, and she was so kind and helpful, and went out of her way to make sure I could get in today and that I was taken care of. When I got there, both her and a coworker, Jason, helped me - again super kind and great. The Dr. and his assistant were also both great and made me feel confident in the care I was receiving. No one rushed me or made me feel like they were squeezing me in. I left feeling like they all cared. Even when I called back to make my follow up appt, the gentleman who answered was super awesome. They have a new patient out of me, thanks!!
- Apr. 15, 2023
it was short and sweet, took care of business, the atmosphere was wonderful, thank you very much.
- Mar. 20, 2023
Misty helped me she was very helpful. She took very good care of my needs, thanks
- Mar. 02, 2023
Michael Morovati is the best eye doctor I have had the pleasure to work with. The staff at this lo... cation is also top notch. Loved how large the office was as well.

View All 453 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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