senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(480) 892-6560

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 Oasis Vision Center 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 Oasis Vision Center 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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312 Reviews
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- Nov. 19, 2024
Dr. Pieper and the team at Oasis Optometry were amazing! Kind, caring, and great with the kids, they... made the whole experience so easy. The office staff was friendly and super helpful. We love them and highly recommend!
- Nov. 02, 2024
Dr Pieper was so nice and calm with my 5year old daughter who needed glasses. The staff checking us ... in and out were very friendly!
- Nov. 01, 2024
The doctor and staffs are very friendly and explained things patiently.
- Oct. 15, 2024
I recommend Dr. Pieper to everyone. She is very thorough and explains issues very well.
- Oct. 03, 2024
This was the best vision experience I have ever had even though I was very nervous at first!! The s... taff took the time to explain things and made me feel very comfortable!!
- Sep. 23, 2024
Service provided by Oasis Vision Center was great. Thank you very much.
- Jul. 16, 2024
Great staff, awesome atmosphere! Dr Ng was so friendly and personable, makes a difference in the exp... erience. Definitely would recommend Oasis Vision Center to anyone.
- Jul. 06, 2024
There were a lot of frames to choose from and the staff was very friendly
- May. 24, 2024
Been using Oasis Vision Center for at least 15 years now. Every visit has been pleasant and Dr. Pipe... r really knows she stuff.
- May. 01, 2024
I am constantly impressed with this office. The optometrists are amazing and the staff is beyond pro... fessional. Neil was able to set me up with a new pair of glasses as well as contact set. He went above and beyond! He made sure that my glasses fit perfectly and searched for the best deals that the office had. He made me feel valued as a customer. I will definitely be back. I highly recommend this vision center!
- Apr. 12, 2024
If you need eye Care, this is where you should go, they are the best!
- Mar. 01, 2024
This was my first visit to this location. The staff was attentive and welcoming. Dr. Ng was very per... sonable and asked a lot of questions relating to my past eye history. I would highly recommend.
- Feb. 24, 2024
Love this office! Dr. Siegel is one of the friendliest doctors I’ve come across and the staff is w... elcoming and friendly.
- Feb. 21, 2024
Great staff great experience helping me get the glasses I needed appreciate it
- Feb. 08, 2024
Very Efficient office, great communication on the status of my eye health
- Feb. 08, 2024
Friendly, professional service
- Feb. 02, 2024
A wonderful place to receive care❤️
- Feb. 02, 2024
Awesome staff and service!
- Jan. 05, 2024
This is a great team! Efficient and caring.
- Jan. 05, 2024
Dr.Ng took care of my kids and myself. She was very thorough and great with kids.

View All 312 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Mesa

Our optometry practice in Mesa

Photograph of Milita Petrauskaite
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(480) 892-6560