senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(360) 459-3333

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 Hawk's Prairie Vision Clinic 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 Hawk's Prairie Vision Clinic 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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373 Reviews
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- Oct. 01, 2024
Very professional, they made my 5 year old comfortable and talked her through which frame fit best.
- Oct. 01, 2024
Friendly staff,professional and on tone.
- Sep. 27, 2024
Timely and thorough examination. Been going here for 10 years
- Sep. 26, 2024
They were prompt, friendly and professional
- Sep. 23, 2024
Awesome people and great quality glasses
- Sep. 16, 2024
Melissa helped me fix my glasses that I had stretched the arms on, so that they would sit on my face... properly. She did a great job, and it didn’t cost anything! Front desk staff is friendly and helpful, as well.
- Sep. 12, 2024
Small town feel with high-end quality. Everyone is friendly and professional. I have found my opht... halmology home.
- Sep. 12, 2024
Dr Durham and her staff are the very best! Super friendly, easy to talk to, and truly cares about th... eir patients.
- Sep. 11, 2024
Wife and I have been going for 5 years. Great very friendly clinic.
- Sep. 06, 2024
From setting appointment to Vision exam everyone was knowledgeable and caring!
- Aug. 29, 2024
Dr. Durham is one of the most personable providers I have ever had the pleasure of visiting. I wish ... all healthcare providers were as engaging!
- Aug. 27, 2024
Very friendly and comprehensive vision services every time we are there.
- Aug. 24, 2024
Came in, taken into examination room very quickly (no waiting), talked with me with respect and cour... tesy. I will continue visiting this team since they continue to take my health very seriously.
- Aug. 13, 2024
The clinic operates with exceptional organization and expertise. The front desk staff is not only ef... ficient but also genuinely kind, setting a positive tone from the moment we arrived. We were seen by an intern from Arizona, who demonstrated remarkable patience and thoroughness. Both she and Dr. Durham attentively listened to our concerns, collaboratively creating a tailored treatment plan for my daughter’s myopia. The optician brought a lively energy to the experience, showing great patience as my daughter explored various frames, ultimately helping us select the perfect pair for her small face.
- Aug. 09, 2024
Love Hawks Prairie Vision. Great for families!!
- Aug. 04, 2024
Excellent staff and fast friendly service.
- Jul. 26, 2024
All the staff here were super nice and helpful! I'm also very thankful that I was able to get an app... ointment here because I'm on Apple Health and most other clinics are booked out until September, but I was able to squeeze in an appointment in July. Their prescriptions also last for two years, or at least the one I just got lasts two years.
- Jul. 03, 2024
Highly recommend coming here. The doc is so attentive and so is the staff! They were extremely consi... derate and made sure I felt comfortable.
- Jun. 28, 2024
Friendly and knowledgeable. I recommend them.
- Jun. 23, 2024
Staff and products are excellent.

View All 373 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Lacey

Our optometry practice in Lacey

Photograph of Michelle Durham
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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(360) 459-3333