senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(708) 229-2200

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 Advanced Eye Care Professionals 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 Advanced Eye Care Professionals 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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203 Reviews
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- Sep. 23, 2024
The staff is friendly and helpful. Dr Hogan is amazing
- Sep. 22, 2024
Advanced eye care professionals alway exceed expectations and are very knowledgeable. They really c... are about their patients.
- Sep. 20, 2024
Staff explained everything and made it comfortable for my daughter and myself to get our eye exams.
- Sep. 17, 2024
Dr. O has been doing my exams for years, always fantastic!! The staff were amazing as well.
- Sep. 09, 2024
I SEE DR. HOGAN EVERY YEAR FOR ANNUAL EYE EXAMS. SHE IS A WONDERFUL DOCTOR AND I FEEL CONFIDENT IN ... HER SKILLS. SHE IS THOROUGH AND VERY CARING.
- Jun. 12, 2024
Love the personal attention, no rushing and customer service.
- Jun. 11, 2024
Dr. Opferman was fantastic, as always!
- May. 26, 2024
Highly recommend Dr. Tiffany Polanek and the whole staff at Advanced Eye Care. The whole process of ... making an appointment to the communication, to the actual appointment itself is a well oiled machine.
- May. 12, 2024
This place is fantastic. I loved everyone I saw that day. I just wish they had Saturday hours. I... 'm a school teacher with an evening job as well. The lack of Saturday hours made picking up my item difficult. I had to take time off work to go pick up my glasses. That was the only issue. My original appointment was during spring break but the pick up time was a few weeks later.
- May. 09, 2024
Advanced Eye Care is a great place. I wouldn't go anywhere else. Dr. Hogan is kind and very profess... ional. Her staff is great. They called me when an earlier appointment opened up just like they said they would. I would highly recommend!
- May. 09, 2024
AEP is a great place to have your peepers checked and Dr. Polanek is a top notch doctor!!
- Apr. 11, 2024
No wait, great doc and warm staff. Great experience.
- Mar. 29, 2024
I have been coming here for three years and I absolutely love the doctors and staff. Everyone is ama... zing.
- Mar. 04, 2024
Dr Hogan and her staff are friendly, professional and highly experienced. I would not trust anyone ... else to provide care to my daughters.
- Feb. 27, 2024
Dr. Polanek is the best. Very friendly and great bedside manner. Highly recommend her if you are loo... king for an eye doctor.
- Feb. 27, 2024
I had very red eyes and I did not know what it was took the doctor 15 minutes to find out I have pin... k eye. Gave me medicine and said I am good to go. They were fast and not messing around 5 stars
- Feb. 12, 2024
Great Staff, Great Services
- Feb. 11, 2024
A great doctor and a great staff.
- Jan. 05, 2024
Great Eye Dr, very thorough and took time to explain things so that my mom could understand them. Al... so very kind and friendly. Great experience!
- Dec. 31, 2023
Courteous, helpful staff with professional and knowledgeable Doctors.

View All 203 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Oak Lawn

Our optometry practice in Oak Lawn

Photograph of Casey  Hogan
Hours
  • Monday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Thursday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday Closed
  • Saturday By Appointment Only
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(708) 229-2200