senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(303) 254-4888

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.


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


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
4.9
215 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Nov. 28, 2024
Dr Best is very thorough and I was impressed by her staff this time for their thoroughness as well.
- Nov. 20, 2024
Excellent from first greeting to goodbye with a clear plan in place!
- Nov. 13, 2024
Super nice staff.
- Oct. 23, 2024
THE most professional optometry office experience in my many years of having eye exams! Front desk,... technician, doctor… all competent, knowledgeable, personable people. The exam itself was most comprehensive; Dr Best took her time and was thorough in both treatment and explanation of her findings with regard to my particular eye care needs. I highly recommend this practice!
- Aug. 22, 2024
Highly recommend, they were just wonderful with my 4 year old and made the whole process super easy....
- Aug. 19, 2024
We've been patients of Best Eyecare Associates since Dr. Best opened her practice. The staff does a... wonderful job caring for our family's eyecare needs.
- Jul. 31, 2024
Professionalism, Care and concern for well being. Excellent staff
- Jul. 29, 2024
The Doctor and stuff go above and beyond to make sure that you receive a thorough eye exam. They dis... cuss all the necessary details about your appointment. I would highly recommend them to my family and friends.
- May. 17, 2024
I have always been treated well and taken care of with kindness.
- May. 15, 2024
The exam was thorough and everyone was great to work with.
- May. 11, 2024
Everyone is so helpful.
- May. 05, 2024
Extraordinary care and service!
- Apr. 29, 2024
Very thorough and professional
- Apr. 26, 2024
Everyone was friendly and Dr. Best is great!
- Apr. 17, 2024
The BEST is the BEST in eye care! Since I needed classes I have been in doctors that they didn't pro... vide the eye care I needed. Since I found Best eye care I'm able to see clearly again! They are the BEST!
- Feb. 12, 2024
The staff at Best Eyecare is extremely friendly and welcoming. They always put their patients first.... Dr. Best is professional and able to answer my treatment questions. I’ve been a client for about four years and their care is consistent and top notch.
- Feb. 09, 2024
Service was exceptional. Appreciate everyone
- Feb. 09, 2024
I’ve been going the best eyecare for several years. I receive the best care, great consultation an... d they always take the time to ensure that I am taken care of. I recommend best eyecare to anyone who needs eye exam, glasses or follow ups!
- Feb. 03, 2024
I have been a patient for several years now. I always see the very best care, and the office is prof... essional, and well run!
- Feb. 02, 2024
We had a fantastic experience getting my 8 year old glasses. There was a large selection of kids gla... sses, much larger than lenscrafters. Then once she picked them out, the man was very kind and patient with her. He even remembered her name when we came back in to get them. I was very impressed by him and the business. I highly recommend!

View All 215 Reviews

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

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(303) 254-4888