senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(513) 631-8889

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 Harper's Point - Norwood 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 Harper's Point - Norwood 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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188 Reviews
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- Nov. 27, 2024
Very helpful. Very friendly and nice
- Nov. 21, 2024
Doctor Nusgart gave me a very thorough follow up eye appointment. It was a seamless experience. Than... k you
- Nov. 06, 2024
I was fully informed and educated on my opportunities and possible challenges along with possible re... asons why it is, was or maybe. I felt good about the visit.
- Oct. 10, 2024
Great place great people
- Oct. 03, 2024
Dr Josie is very professional, nice and caring
- Sep. 28, 2024
Extremely easy to schedule an appointment online, staff was welcoming and easy to work with, nurses ... and Dr. Nusgart were able to answer all my questions and correct my prescription.
- Sep. 27, 2024
I find this place trying to to help someone else. Took my daughter to get a nice backup pair for spo... rt day at school
- Sep. 13, 2024
These people are amazing!
- Jul. 16, 2024
I love Dr Nusgart I’ll always recommend him
- Jul. 08, 2024
I would definitely go back everyone so nice and friendly
- Jun. 29, 2024
A great. Places and smiles
- Jun. 23, 2024
By far the best Doctor and staff I've ever met. They are fantastic and it was a pleasure doing busin... ess with Harper's Point! God bless!
- Jun. 02, 2024
Very friendly personnel, great care and professionalism.
- May. 17, 2024
Very friendly.
- Apr. 18, 2024
A very good place to go for eyewear. Friendly, Knowledgeable, Staff. 💯
- Apr. 15, 2024
This business did an excellent job detecting and identified a problem with my eyes, pointed me to at... -home solutions that solved the problem on-the-cheap, and rectified any problems I encountered along the way. Dr. Ziegler and her team gave a 10/10 performance.
- Mar. 26, 2024
Everyone was very nice and pleasant.
- Mar. 10, 2024
Best place to get your glasses from. Staff is always professional and friendly
- Feb. 15, 2024
Quick and easy very professional
- Feb. 15, 2024
My experience was great very friendly quick service great selection to choose from loving my new ey... e wear thanks Harper's point 🤓

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Norwood

Our optometry practice in Norwood

Photograph of Josie  Ziegler
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
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Aetna

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(513) 631-8889