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
4.9
321 Reviews
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- Dec. 12, 2024
Great eye clinic. Wonderful staff!
- Nov. 21, 2024
I just got my prescription and josh was very helpful
- Nov. 14, 2024
Dr . Ali is kind and patient. Very attentive to my care. If he ever leaves I will follow him. The of... fice is very clean and very demure. The staff is phenomenal.
- Oct. 21, 2024
Great service, variety of frames! Our family loved our experience and highly recommend Memorial Eye ... Center Pearland!
- Oct. 19, 2024
Great doctor and great staff, clean and professional facility. Our glasses came out excellent just t... he way we ordered them
- Oct. 12, 2024
Great Customer Service , very friendly environment, Great staff, Great doctor i felt very comfortabl... e
- Oct. 11, 2024
Dr. Jones was very professional and knowledgeable. She actually took the time to answer all of my qu... estions in detail…
- Sep. 27, 2024
After experiencing eye troubles for weeks, Dr. Jones helped me and I recovered very fast. The front ... staff were also very kind.
- Sep. 08, 2024
Friendly and quick
- Sep. 03, 2024
We love this place. The Drs are so nice.
- Aug. 11, 2024
We always have a wonderful experience getting our annual and glasses each year. Knowledgeable drs an... d kind front desk staff. We’ve been customers for 4 years and always have a great experience.
- Aug. 02, 2024
This place is amazing Dr Madelyn Nguyen is so nice and really explains information she does not ma... ke you feel rushed she listens takes her time really examining you not robotic like some other places. Also Janet who is the assistant was soo helpful and explained very well the information to my daughter was so patient teach my teen how to place correctly her contacts (first timer). The place is so relaxing and very welcoming very pretty!! Usually when you go to the eye doctor it’s plain not this place they even have a corner for the lil ones to play. This place not only is the environment Great but the service as well!!! Diff will be coming here no need to find another place!
- Jul. 22, 2024
Every person I came in contact with was extremely helpful and pleasant. I highly recommend them.
- Jun. 25, 2024
Monica Jones is a great eye dr.. She makes you feel like a friend not a patient… She was very info... rmative and patient with me and all my questions… I loved her friendly personality too! Everyone at the office was nice and welcoming.
- Jun. 19, 2024
I also buy my glasses from Memorial Eye Care in addition to the my examination because they do my co... mplicated prescription great every year. It was wrong one time in 4 years, but they made it right with no additional costs. They also have a well trained, courteous, friendly and professional staff.
- Jun. 18, 2024
Quick, thorough, friendly service!
- Jun. 03, 2024
Went in last week for routine eye exam. Brought my niece because she wanted to see what it was all a... bout and they talked her through it all. They were awesome
- May. 28, 2024
Ana, Michelle, Valeria, and Janet are very so helpful and very knowledgeable in the optical business... . You have an awesome team, keep up the great work!!
- May. 24, 2024
This is a great place for glasses! Very friendly and professional staff, my glasses came in VERY qui... ckly and look great!
- May. 23, 2024
Best eye doctor around! 🙂

View All 321 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Pearland

Our optometry practice in Pearland

Photograph of Monica  Jones
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • United Healthcare
  • Medicare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Blue Cross
  • Medicaid
  • MetLife

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(281) 485-2020