senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

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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 Total Eyecare & Eyewear - Denton today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Denton

Our optometry practice in Denton

Photograph of Heath  Coleman
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife

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 Total Eyecare & Eyewear - Denton today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
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308 Reviews
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- Nov. 26, 2023
Dr. Vang was very knowledgeable, kind, and accepting of my 5yo who was with me during my exam.
- Nov. 23, 2023
The team at Total Eyecare & Eyewear is very friendly and professional. The office environment is als... o warm and inviting!
- Nov. 14, 2023
Very efficient and professional staff. Dr. Coleman is professional, efficient and friendly.
- Nov. 10, 2023
Pleasant experience.
- Oct. 16, 2023
Excellent experience with Cindi at The Gallery, she knows her work very well.
- Sep. 27, 2023
Had an apt with Kimberly Vang.. she is a great Dr. Very knowledgeable and informative when I asked q... uestions. She is easy on the eyes as well
- Sep. 09, 2023
Wouldn’t go anywhere else.
- Sep. 01, 2023
Devante and the whole staff were wonderful! They made the shipping for glasses fun!! Great team tha... t knows their job and knows how to connect!
- Aug. 30, 2023
Dr. Qattan has been a wonderful doctor. He diagnosed my issue and immediately went to work on care a... nd treatment for me. His departure from the practice is a loss but I know the great support staff and Dr. Vang have already stepped in to help me manage my issue and continue to provide the great care I am used to here.
- Aug. 28, 2023
My family has been patients at Total Eyecare for 20 years and I wouldn't trust our eyecare to anyone... else.
- Aug. 18, 2023
We see Dr. Coleman, and have for several years, and really enjoy the practice. Sometimes there is a ... wait, but usually it's a pretty quick visit.
- Aug. 10, 2023
Great office all around. Would recommend to anyone.
- Aug. 04, 2023
Dr Coleman really helped explain the current problems with my eyes, what the tests meant and outline... d how it will be monitored in future visits. This information made me feel assured that I am doing what is needed to maintain eye health and to not stress. All of the staff at both Crossroads and Denton locations are the best, very friendly, knowledgeable and make you feel right at home. The only thing I would like is a taller more supportive chair in the waiting room for older seniors who have difficulty standing up (or who suffer from knee problems) from your cushy chairs. Just one would be good! Otherwise please don't change a thing! Doctors and staff are excellent!
- Jul. 28, 2023
This was my sons first time to try contacts, they scheduled a “teach” appt and were so patient a... nd helpful! I highly recommend for teenagers first contact appt!
- Jul. 10, 2023
Total Eye Care is Hands down the BEST. I have been going here since I was 13 and they also make sure... I am taken care of.
- Jun. 04, 2023
The staff members are friendly and helpful. They worked to find the best price for my contact lenses... .
- May. 11, 2023
Dr Middleton is very nice and very respectful . He did a great job!
- May. 04, 2023
Top notch eye care. The doctors are staff are great.
- Apr. 17, 2023
Dr. Trusty was extremely friendly and knowledgeable in his field. I felt very welcomed and left with... some information I didn't even know before about my eyes. Wonderful doctor!! Thanks so much!!
- Mar. 07, 2023
I took my son last week for a medical visit (pink eye) and I had to come back for myself this week f... or the same thing. Everyone was so nice! From the front desk and the office manager to the Doctor himself, they all made me feel so welcomed and cared for! I will definitely come in for my yearly exam!

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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.


senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

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