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 Advanced Eye Care Professionals today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

For Dr. Hogan's availability, please contact the practice. (708) 229-2200


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
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • 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 Advanced Eye Care Professionals today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
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119 Reviews
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- Sep. 23, 2023
Go here. Look no further!
- Sep. 14, 2023
(Translated by Google) Incredible customer service (Original) Increíble servicio al cliente
- Sep. 13, 2023
I had my first appointment with Dr. Tiffany Polanek. She was very friendly and helpful. She answers ... all of my questions and educating me on eye care. I really appreciated her tips for my dry eyes. The staff were all friendly and welcoming. I ended up ordering my contact lenses with them and will be going back to purchase some eyeglasses. They have a great selection to choose from!
- Sep. 10, 2023
Everyone was very pleasant and caring. I have been going there over 10 years...simply the best!!!
- Aug. 15, 2023
Everyone is very welcoming, friendly and professional.
- Jun. 29, 2023
Dr hogan does a very comprehensive exam and answers all of my questions.
- Jun. 03, 2023
In my opinion, Dr Hogan and her staff deserve 10 stars. Thank you.
- May. 31, 2023
I stopped in to pick up my contact lenses and Bobby was so helpful finding them and having me try th... em on. I appreciated that he went the extra mile to tighten my sunglasses that were a bit lose. He did not have to do that. It’s so refreshing to have someone take care of you in a friendly, courteous way now days. Thank you so much!
- May. 28, 2023
Very professional services. Would recommend them for everyone
- May. 12, 2023
Dr. Hogan and staff provide very high quality service...highly recommended!
- May. 11, 2023
Check out this place! Way better than those big corporate places. Highly recommend as the staff were... great and the prices were great on frames.
- Mar. 31, 2023
Everyone in this staff is so incredibly kind and helpful! Always smiling and always making sure you ... have everything you need/all questions answered. HIGHLY recommend them ☺️ also shout out specifically to Kerrie, she's so chill and friendly!
- Mar. 14, 2023
I’m glad I came here
- Mar. 05, 2023
Great from making the appointment to picking up your glasses and/or contacts. Awesome!!!
- Feb. 21, 2023
Very caring Dr and staff.
- Feb. 20, 2023
THE BEST EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE when it comes to eye care! I live 45 minutes away from this place and... I’m willing to make the drive once a year for this business to service me! I’m still sitting in the chair giving this review! Dr. Hogan is so kind and sweet! She’s very knowledgeable and just want what’s best for her patients! KERRIE!!!!! The freaking best!!! She sealed the deal with me driving 45 minutes. She’s hilarious, knows her stuff, outgoing, caring, and so sweet! Keep up the great work ladies! See ya soon! Thanks for such a great experience! ❤️
- Jan. 22, 2023
Great service, always makes it easy and affordable for my family and I
- Jan. 15, 2023
The best eye care that I've received. Total confidence in Dr. Polanek, she is certainly one of the b... est in her profession.
- Jan. 13, 2023
Wonderful eye doctors and staff. Everyone is friendly and very helpful. Highly recommend for your ey... e care needs
- Jan. 12, 2023
You can't go wrong @ AEP! Excellent Experience and Through Exams!

View All 119 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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