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 Best Eyecare Associates today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Thornton

Our optometry practice in Thornton

Photograph of Christine Best
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 2:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Cigna
  • Tricare
  • EyeMed

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 Best Eyecare Associates today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
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147 Reviews
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- Aug. 02, 2023
Great staff. They worked w me to help me find the best frames for my face.
- Jun. 03, 2023
Very professional. All employees are kind and do their jobs well. The exam was detailed.I feel they... are The Best!!!
- Apr. 12, 2023
I had a great experience at Best Eyecare. They were prompt, friendly and explained the entire proces... s as we went.
- Mar. 16, 2023
They were the Best! My 4 year old son took a book to the eye and had a cornea abrasion. He was so un... comfortable. I called, they were abel to get him in immediately to be seen. They ended up being out of network, but I decided to go ahead and pay out of pocket. They tried very hard to find someone in network for us, but it was already 4pm and we had zero luck trying to find someone willing to take on a 4 year old at 4pm, even though it was an emergency. She went ahead and helped my son in her office. I was very grateful as he was uncomfortable and I didn't know where else I would go. Thank you for helping me take care of my son!
- Mar. 02, 2023
Everyone was so kind and professional. I am so happy I found Best Eye Care.
- Feb. 01, 2023
I recommend this place to everyone!
- Jan. 03, 2023
I love Dr. Best and her entire staff. They're thorough and very kind. I've been going for several ... years now . I wouldn't want to go anywhere else.
- Dec. 08, 2022
Very professional and very accommodating people
- Nov. 01, 2022
This office is wonderful from the kind professional first call though the exam to check out. This p... lace strikes the balance between warm and professional perfectly. I will be back.
- Oct. 11, 2022
Dr. Best performed an excellent eye exam, probably one of the best I've ever had. Dr Best and her ... staff answered all my questions very well. I would recommend this practice if I have the opportunity.
- Oct. 06, 2022
They’re very professional people, I like the variety of glasses they have there. I’ll continue g... oing there, I am happy with them.
- Aug. 25, 2022
Got me in when they were not open to patients. Quickly diagnosed my retinal tear then had me set up ... for a laser procedure with a retinal specialist the same day. Amazing doctor and staff who go above and beyond to provide excellent care!
- Aug. 24, 2022
Dr Best and her staff are above professional and caring. I have been going to her for almost 20 yea... rs. If anyone is looking for a phenomenal eye provider she is the BEST!!!!
- Aug. 15, 2022
Wonderful experience. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Thank you Mary! Highly recommended! AAA+++
- Aug. 09, 2022
Professional, efficient process, top notch optometrist!
- Jul. 15, 2022
Everything was great as usual!! Keep up the good work.
- Jun. 29, 2022
Everyone has been friendly, they are good about explaining and always willing to answer questions. I... would highly recommend Best Eye Care.
- Jun. 17, 2022
I had an appointment for 1:00, I notified them that if they had something earlier I would be availab... le. I had the time pushed up and got in and out with out any problems. My exam had been done by the VA. I have experienced greedy optical vendors in the past, to pad the bill. This office was not that way. I will let my family know about this facility.
- Jun. 15, 2022
I just love Dr. Best! I've been seeing her for years now and have never been disappointed. She is ve... ry caring as is her staff. They are very polite and informative. I always have a good experience with their office. She also always makes sure that my PCP gets my eye exam notes. I also work in a PCP office and it is frequently a struggle for us to get these from other offices, so I appreciate that she is so consistent at sending these. Only 1 tiny thing is that they are booking out a bit right now, but I'm sure it's because they do a great job!
- Jun. 15, 2022
Great atmosphere. All the staff were pleasant. Overall great experience. Thank you for the great car... e.

View All 147 Reviews

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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