senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

Schedule Eye Exam

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 Foothills Vision and Eye Care today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in The Landings

Our optometry practice in The Landings

Photograph of Scott  Haugen
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

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 Foothills Vision and Eye Care today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
4.9
190 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Feb. 26, 2024
Dr Scott Haugen and staff are all great! I’ve been going to him for a lot of years!
- Feb. 16, 2024
Matt is a very meticulous practitioner. The service I've gotten over the course of a number of years... has been excellent. I recommend him completely.
- Feb. 14, 2024
Everyone is kind and professional
- Jan. 26, 2024
Always great care with Dr. Haugen.
- Dec. 10, 2023
Always to notch customer service !
- Nov. 21, 2023
Great doctor, equipment and expertise. Staff is top notch. Knowledgeable and friendly.
- Oct. 29, 2023
Friendly, helpful, and attentive staff. I appreciated that all of my questions were answered with de... tails and felt I had comprehensive care from both Dr. Skrdla and Jonathan, one of the opticians. I have dry eye and with my previous Kaiser insurance, really struggled to find a provider that knew what they were doing and what products to recommend. It was clear to me that Dr. Skrdla is very knowledgeable about treatments and options for this.
- Oct. 26, 2023
Friendly, attentive, professional and helpful staff!
- Oct. 14, 2023
The eye exam was very detailed and explained. Was very happy with it and was able to walk away knowi... ng my eyes were taken care of
- Oct. 09, 2023
Every interaction I have had with Foothills Vision and Eye Care, especially with Theresa and Jonatha... n has been nothing but exceptional .
- Aug. 29, 2023
Great experience at Foothills Vision and Eye Care. Dr. Haugen and his staff were great and it was pr... obably the most thorough and thoughtful experience I’ve ever had for an eye exam
- Aug. 19, 2023
Dr. Haugen was very thorough and professional in his exam. He checked the health of my eyes along wi... th my vision. Very friendly office. I was able to get an appointment next day.
- Aug. 04, 2023
The doctor and front staff were very thorough. Great experience.
- Jul. 20, 2023
The staff is all so kind and caring! Two out of six family members go there and if someone needs an ... eye doctor down the ride we already know where we are going!
- Jul. 19, 2023
They're so sweet and wonderful and super helpful. You'll love shopping for your lenses with Jonathon... !
- Jul. 11, 2023
I have had consistent positive experiences here, and today Dr. Haugen went above and beyond to help ... my son have a good experience, too. Thank you!
- Jul. 07, 2023
Friendly staff and extra caring physician!
- Jun. 23, 2023
Dr. Skrdla is the best! I've moved or gone to other optometrists and always come back. The team of o... phthalmologists are equally as wonderful, giving me a ton of their valuable time to find the perfect pairs, even helping me customize some lenses on a pair of frames I had. Now they just might be my favorite. Couldn't be happier. Thank you Foothills Eye Care! Still same quality of care since Spex days with an even greater assortment of frames to choose from.
- Jun. 23, 2023
I will never go anywhere else besides here for my eye care! I've had a wonderful experience every ti... me I've come here. The staff is attentive, kind, and so good at their jobs. Dr. Haugen is very thorough and kind, and he will answer any question you have. In fact, everyone is great at answering questions and explaining things to you! Visiting the eye doctor can be a stressful event because my eyesight is pretty bad, and it can be disheartening when my vision gets worse. However, Foothills Vision & Eye Care makes it a completely anxiety-free event, and I know I am receiving the best care possible here!
- Jun. 12, 2023
The staff and Dr Skrdla are so helpful, friendly, and excellent at what they do.

View All 190 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.

Schedule Eye Exam