senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(281) 485-2020

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 Memorial Eye Center of Pearland 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 Memorial Eye Center of Pearland 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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385 Reviews
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- Aug. 17, 2025
Knowledgeable and friendly. My appointment was on time. No waiting!
- Aug. 15, 2025
Dr Nguyen is so caring and takes her time to make sure you understand everything.
- Aug. 10, 2025
Dr. Mohsan Ali at Memorial Eye Care in Pearland is truly outstanding! From the moment I walked in, h... e made me feel welcomed and at ease. He took the time to listen to all my concerns, performed a very thorough eye exam, and explained each step in detail. His professionalism, kindness, and genuine care for his patients are unmatched. He identified and addressed my vision issues with precision, and the treatment he recommended made a noticeable difference almost immediately. I left feeling confident that my eye health is in excellent hands. Highly recommend Dr. Ali to anyone looking for exceptional eye care!
- Jul. 29, 2025
Great service for EYE care. if you live in the Pearland area I highly recommend this Center for your... eye care
- Jul. 21, 2025
Dr. Jones provided an exceptional eye exam experience with thorough attention to detail and genuine ... care for my vision health. She took the time to explain each step of the process and answered all my questions with patience and expertise. Her professional yet warm demeanor made me feel completely comfortable throughout the appointment. I highly recommend Dr. Jones to anyone seeking quality eye care from a knowledgeable and compassionate optometrist.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
- Jun. 25, 2025
Great experience, staff was more than helpful
- Jun. 22, 2025
Exceptional service!
- Jun. 05, 2025
Friendly and very helpful staff!
- May. 04, 2025
Everyone was so nice. My husband and I had an appointment. Service was awesome
- Apr. 30, 2025
(Translated by Google) I love Dr. Monica and her Spanish-speaking team; Everyone is super friendly a... nd attentive. I love Dr. Mónica and her Spanish-speaking team; they're all super friendly and caring (Original) Me encanta la Dra. Mónica y su equipo que habla español; todos son súper amables y atentos. I love Dr. Mónica and her Spanish-speaking team; they’re all super friendly and caring
- Apr. 27, 2025
Great place to work with , efficient, great on communication and quick service , great pricing for q... uality work .
- Apr. 21, 2025
They are kind, the process was orderly and informative, and I could not be happier.
- Apr. 06, 2025
Amazing all around ❤️
- Mar. 27, 2025
Excellent.
- Mar. 06, 2025
Staff and doctor are very professional, thorough and kind.
- Feb. 10, 2025
Great customer service always!!
- Feb. 08, 2025
The whole staff was amazing and so so nice they even took the time out of their day to break down pr... ices with me to see which option would be cheaper. Not to mention they have much an amazing collection of glasses frames to choose from, I highly recommend this place to anyone wanting to look for a new eye doctor/ place to pick out frames out!!!!! 100/10
- Jan. 25, 2025
Dr. Jones is amazing!! Very thorough exam and she answered all of my questions. The staff provided e... xcellent customer service!
- Jan. 01, 2025
Great place to take your eyes. Friendly and knowledgeable staff.
- Dec. 17, 2024
The staff is very nice and helpful, the Drs well trained in their field.

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Pearland

Our optometry practice in Pearland

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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(281) 485-2020