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 Foothills Vision and Eye Care 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 Foothills Vision and Eye Care 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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239 Reviews
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- Dec. 01, 2024
The Foothills Vision and Eyecare office operates efficiently and flawlessly. It is rare that we rece... ive health care on this expert and caring level in current times. I have been an RN for 40 years. Thank you !
- Nov. 23, 2024
Dr. Skrdla takes his time and and is thorough in his explanations. The staff are friendly and helpfu... l. The eyeglass frame selection is large. All make Foothills Vision and Eye Care a great one-stop shop for vision health.
- Nov. 16, 2024
Dr Haugen is very thorough and competent. He is extremely caring and I trust his guidance and advic... e with my vision
- Nov. 15, 2024
Dr. Skdrla is very knowledgeable and communicats well.
- Oct. 24, 2024
The team at Foothills Vision is awesome! Our whole family goes to see Dr. Skrdla and has for years.... Their team is thorough, patient, and great at helping to pick out frames!
- Oct. 20, 2024
Great people and service at Foothills Vision and Eye Care!
- Oct. 09, 2024
I've had Doctor Skrdla for my eye doctor for years now, and I always appreciate the care and kindnes... s I get from him and his staff.
- Oct. 07, 2024
Perfect service, office staff and doctor are kind, thoughtful, thorough, and professional.
- Aug. 02, 2024
I had an excellent experience with Dr. Haugen and his staff. Dr. Haugen took the time to do a very t... horough exam as well as explain options for treatment of my eye condition. He and his staff were extremely pleasant and efficient.
- Jun. 14, 2024
Dr. Haguen is the best eyedr I’ve seen been I’ve been seeing him for about 15 for years. He take... s the time to explain to me so that I understand how to take better car of my eyes now that I’m older and his office has lots of brands of eyewear to chose from . Dr. Haugen team will make sure your eye ware will fit good before you leave. I love how they are all so friendly
- May. 16, 2024
Amazing Dr. and great, friendly staff. Have been going to them since moving here for college in the ... early 2000's.
- May. 08, 2024
Great experience! Friendly staff and the doc helped find a more comfortable pair of contacts for me
- May. 05, 2024
Friendly and knowledgable staff. I am never pressured to purchase glasses or contacts. They get my... scripts right the first time.
- Apr. 25, 2024
Great staff and very efficient. I needed a quick eye exam for the DMV and they got me on the road ag... ain.. Five Star
- Apr. 10, 2024
Always an exceptional experience.
- 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 !

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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
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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

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