senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(281) 531-0300

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 - Eldridge 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 - Eldridge 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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230 Reviews
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- Sep. 20, 2024
Staff is very nice and professional. I had my exam and selected a nice frame. I felt welcomed as I e... njoyed my glasses and didn't have to wait or take long for them to see me.
- Mar. 08, 2024
My mother-in-law doesn’t wear glasses nor have an optometrist. She scratched her eye and they imme... diately agreed to see her. She got exactly the help she needed as opposed to waiting in an ER to likely still not see the right specialist. Thank you! She definitely will be a return customer for regular care and we really appreciate the help.
- Jul. 22, 2023
Dr. Tavares is great...very nice and listens to you. The staff is also very nice and helpful. It h... as gotten hard to find this level of customer service and I really appreciate them!
- Feb. 14, 2023
I needed new eye glasses, but I wanted to try some place new that was close to my home. I located Me... morial Eye Center on Eldridge near the I-10. From the time we walked in to the time we walked out the service was great. No sale pressure, friendly atmosphere and treated with respect. The eye examine went well, and they checked for everything, which I needed them to do. The price for glasses were reasonable, but the lens and a few other added things could be expensive. Overall, I would recommend Memorial Eye Center. Ask for Vanessa. Spider webs need to be clean up in the exam room behind the door and in the corners.
- Nov. 18, 2021
I would highly recommend Dr John Tavares. I have been visiting him for the last 3 years. He is highl... y professional and take time to examine and explain each step in simple terms. I did have some issues with my prescription specs which led to delays. However the new Manager Ms Alicia has improved the response with auto updates for pick up by text and email. Overall a very good experience at Memorial eye centre.
- Sep. 03, 2021
Fast, efficient and friendly service! It was a very pleasing experience from start to finish. Grace ... is jack-of-all-trades, very knowledgeable and truly efficient and Dr. Tavares is very good at what he does and very personable. Thank you very much!
- May. 26, 2021
First time at this location and it was great! Dr. Tavares and the staff were extremely nice. My appo... intment was quick and informative. Definitely recommend making an appointment here.
- May. 09, 2021
Great customer service, they were able to give me an appointment right away and got seen right away ... as well didn’t have to wait at all the variety of glasses was overwhelming all of them are sooo pretty lol didn’t know which one to get but ended getting some pretty glasses 🤓 can’t wait to receive them
- Jan. 13, 2021
Excellent experience! Very professional and friendly staff. Carlo was so patient and diligent to wor... k through all concerns. He explained everything thoroughly and assisted from beginning to end. Outstanding in every way
- Nov. 13, 2020
Service was great! Very professional. Very knowledgeable. And they care about you!
- Jun. 24, 2020
Jabari and the optometrist were both great! The staff was very welcoming and helpful throughout the ... entire process!
- Jan. 09, 2020
I was absolutely amazed by the service, everyone was so kind and welcoming. Dr. Tavares was super th... orough and sweet throughout with the exam and so was the male receptionist (who kinda looks like vin diesel lol) was super awesome too! Thanks for the new glasses and all the help! 🙂 Certainly will come back and recommend it to all my family/friends!
- Oct. 09, 2019
I missed my yearly eye appointment at the Eldridge location due to the Harvey flooding. I was able t... o go to another location for my reading glasses that Dr. Tavares (in previous yearly eye exams said would come with age). I returned to the Eldridge location and the service I received from reception to Dr. Porter (my first time seeing her) to opting for a 2nd pair of readers and selecting frames was impressive. The level of service I received was a definite reminder of why I choose to go the Memorial Eye at Eldridge. Outstanding service that will have you referring family and friends for great eye care.
- Aug. 03, 2019
I have been coming here over 20 years. Eye exam is always efficient and thorough . I love the per... sonnel especially Dr. Porier and Vanessa. Just picked up my new glasses and love them. Great fit. I recommend them to friends always.
- Jul. 25, 2019
I was leaving town on business with very little notice and was almost out of daily wear contacts. I... was afraid I wasn't going to be able to get in for an exam to renew my prescription of contacts in time. Thankfully, Memorial Eye found me an opening at a different branch than the one I normally go to. The staff was very accommodating and friendly. Everyone seemed very professional and the appointment was quick and easy. I am very grateful and would have no qualms recommending either branch to friends or family. My only gripe is the price of contacts; although, as bad as my vision is, I guess it’s a small price to pay for clear sight.
- Jul. 23, 2019
Friendly staff and doctors.
- Jul. 22, 2019
The staff and Doctor Tavares are always so welcoming and kind!
- Jul. 10, 2019
I just started going to Memorial Eye last August. I just went in for my yearly check up early since ... I needed more contacts. Great staff, got me through all the initial exams quickly and my optometrist is great! Friendly, easy to talk with and just overall a great place and have recommended to friends and family!
- Jul. 08, 2019
Everyone was extremely friendly and knowledgeable!!
- Jul. 04, 2019
Staff members and the doctor were very Nice . Waiting time was minimum.

View All 230 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Energy Corridor

Our optometry practice in Energy Corridor

Photograph of Amelia  Holbrook
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Aetna
  • Medicare
  • Anthem
  • Blue Cross
  • Spectera
  • United Healthcare
  • VSP
  • MetLife
  • Metlife Vision
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(281) 531-0300