senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(480) 820-9880

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 20/20 Image Eye Centers - Chandler 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 20/20 Image Eye Centers - Chandler 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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501 Reviews
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- Sep. 16, 2024
Best staff at this location!
- Aug. 05, 2024
I have visited this location for several years and have been pleased with the service and selection ... of frames.
- May. 05, 2024
Great team of doctors and staff, suprisingly lower cost than I expected and great selection!
- Apr. 18, 2024
Friendly, knowledgeable staff with a large selection of frames.
- Jan. 03, 2024
Dr. Milita waived an optical scan payment when a dilation procedure wouldn’t take. I found out th... ere is some abnormal issue with one eye but she assured me everything would turn out fine. She also recommended I get a second opinion if I choose to do so, which no eye care let alone health care provider has ever instilled in me. Great service and care all around.
- Dec. 21, 2023
Convenient, professional and respectful service.
- Nov. 14, 2023
Awesome visit
- Nov. 13, 2023
Employees and the selection of frames are great!
- Oct. 25, 2023
Fast and efficient service coupled with a sizable selection of glass frames and lenses.
- Aug. 23, 2023
The best place and great customer service!!
- Aug. 22, 2023
So helpful, quick , knowledgeable
- Aug. 18, 2023
Had a miscommunication with staff but management was able to right the situation and ended up refund... ing me what I thought I was owed. Optometrist is wonderful. Great place to go.
- Aug. 18, 2023
John and Tamara are amazing!! My husband and I were educated and treated like family which far excee... ded our eye exam visits in the past.
- Aug. 04, 2023
Have always had great service at this location.
- Aug. 01, 2023
Very knowledgeable and helpful 👌
- Jul. 31, 2023
This is a great clinic for diagnostic. I'm very happy with the end results.
- Jun. 02, 2023
All staff are friendly and knowledgeable.
- Apr. 23, 2023
Smooth process from beginning to end! I found all of the team members to be approachable, friendly,... and professional. Dr. Petrauskaite was extremely knowledgeable and able to give me an exact prescription to manage my post-operative vision needs. Soooooooo, the first time around, I was not happy with the way my glasses turned out (entirely my fault, when ordering 😳)! Thomas D. was gracious and empathetic towards my debacle, and the manager was understanding enough to allow the remake of the 2nd pair, which ultimately fulfilled my needs... I am truly appreciative and will absolutely recommend 20/20 Image Eye Centers to my friends and colleagues, moving forward! 🤗
- Apr. 04, 2023
Dr. Petrauskaite is amazing! Staff is very friendly.
- Mar. 09, 2023
I had a really good visit. I like the fact they were not just trying to get money but they made sure... everything was within my budget. They were not pushy trying to get me to get expensive frames but were able to find similar styles that were within my budget. The doctor was professional and pleasant. I didn’t have to wait at all for my appointment they took me right in the back to get started. I will make this my new eye doctor while living in Arizona.

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Chandler

Our optometry practice in Chandler

Photograph of Milita  Petrauskaite
Hours
  • Monday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(480) 820-9880