senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(847) 584-9900

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 Elk Grove Optical 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 Elk Grove Optical 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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408 Reviews
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- Jul. 24, 2024
Dr. explained me with easy vocabulary.
- May. 31, 2024
Loved doctor and staff. Super detailed and clear about problem . Friendly staff
- Mar. 30, 2024
(Translated by Google) We liked everything from the beginning, they treated us very well and everyon... e was very, very kind and my children liked it a lot. (Original) Nos gustó todo des del principio tratan muy bien y muy pero muy amables todos y a mis hijos les gustó mucho .
- Jan. 17, 2024
Dr.Kim was very prompt and polite to my kids
- Jan. 13, 2024
Korean lady doctor was able to find the cause of eye pain. Gave a very good solution. Deatil Orient... ed. Excellent doctor!
- Dec. 04, 2023
It was my first time coming and I saw Dr.Kim, and I really loved this place. The doctor was so patie... nt and really took their time explaining to you to help you understand what you have and what you can do about it. The associates that were working as well were extremely nice. I am planning to bring my parents here to get eye exams too.
- Nov. 23, 2023
Great experience.
- Oct. 23, 2023
Such a smooth and efficient process, Airrionne was very helpful and honest about prices and the fram... es fitting my face to help me pick the best one! Highly recommend for an easy quick appointment and Dr. Mehta is very sweet!
- Sep. 21, 2023
Dr. Patel did my exam. Until now, no one ever explained the reasoning behind the difference between ... my contact lens prescription and my glasses prescription. She went into detail about astigmatism and how contacts of a higher prescription can compensate the uneven shape of the eyes without being engineered for astigmatic eyes. Was pretty cool to get those details finally after 10 years of glasses lol. The rest of the staff was great at informing me of my contacts and frames options and how that'd work with my vision insurance. I especially appreciate that they carry designer frames. Ended up really impressed with the service and casual professionalism of everyone at the store. Will definitely be back for my vision needs!
- Aug. 26, 2023
Satisfied
- Jun. 14, 2023
Dr. Niki Mehta was super helpful and knowledgeable. Made the experience 100x better
- Jun. 12, 2023
Thank you Doctor Kim and the wonderful Staff: Hilda, Gina, Angie, Analis and the rest. Keep it up.
- Apr. 19, 2023
Great team and efficient operation at Elk Grove Optical. Highly recommend.
- Mar. 11, 2023
I recommend this place I came without an appointment. I had an eye accident and they accepted me fo... r which I am very grateful
- Mar. 07, 2023
I was in and out in about 30 mins including getting fitted for a new pair of sunglasses.
- Mar. 06, 2023
Amazing place. You must come here
- Mar. 03, 2023
Everyone was extremely helpful and kind during my visit for a standard eye checkup
- Jan. 13, 2023
Great energy and everyone there was really nice
- Jan. 09, 2023
I had a scratched cornea and they were able to get me in the same day that I needed. The staff and ... doctors are all amazing. I highly recommend them.
- Jan. 05, 2023
Very quick and responsive. My longest wait time was no more than 7 minutes from entering to leaving.... No problems with getting the glasses either. Overall great experience.

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Elk Grove Village

Our optometry practice in Elk Grove Village

Photograph of Sung Kim
Hours
  • Monday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 10:00 am - 6:00 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.

(847) 584-9900