senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(713) 521-2020

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 Memorial Eye Center - Rice Village 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 Memorial Eye Center - Rice Village 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
4.4
32 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Oct. 01, 2024
What a pleasant experience. Clarissa was great. Dr. Chacko was very personable and knowledgeable. I ... will be seeing them next year!
- Dec. 14, 2023
State of the Art Technology and Service
- Jan. 31, 2023
Love this place !!!
- Apr. 16, 2022
Always friendly and professional
- May. 04, 2021
Dr Flanders and his staff are extremely nice and very helpful. Dr Flanders explained everything to m... e and was very calm and patient. He is #1 in Houston so go here and stop looking. I am so glad I found his practice it’s so cozy and in a wonderful area. Thank you guys!! You are all super awesome
- Jan. 21, 2020
Good service. Friendly and professional
- Oct. 30, 2019
Great friendly staff, first time being here and had a great experience, dr is very detailed and expl... ains the exam. Took some images of my eyes and the doctor was great explaining on the health of my vision. I really recommended to anyone looking for a great service. The lady in the front was able to help me find my insurance and helped me find a great pair of glasses.
- Mar. 25, 2019
I had a great experience with Dr. Flanders. This was my first visit to this clinic, and he took time... to listen to my prior issues with wearing contacts, and he diagnosed me with astigmatism that other optometrists had not diagnosed. He helped me find contacts that would help with that issue, and he even tried a few different prescriptions to make sure they were the perfect fit. For the first time, I can see perfectly and am comfortable wearing contacts. When it was time to pick out glasses, one of the ladies in the office nicely offered to help me choose, and she gave feedback as I tried on at least 20 pairs. She also gave me options for frames that were within my insurance coverage and price range. Also, their Saturday hours are great for people that work Monday - Friday. I appreciate their help and flexibility!
- Mar. 23, 2019
Good and satisfied. With out insurance it would cost $85.
- Sep. 26, 2018
I was very happy with the time Doctor Flanders took to listen to my eye problems and, then, find the... best solution for me. He took the time to conduct a thorough exam, then explain the results to me.
- Mar. 01, 2018
Dr. Flanders is the best eye doctor I've seen since I started wearing contacts! I went to see him as... a new patient, thinking my eyes were getting worse, but it turns out my contacts were not the right fit. He took the time to examine my eyes and had me try on 3 different types of contact lenses until I found the perfect fit. I left seeing more clearly and it was overall a great experience. I highly recommend him!
- Jan. 01, 2018
I have been a customer of Today's Vision for almost twenty years and I would not think of going to a... nother optical store! Dr. Flanders, is an excellent eye doctor and I would never want to trust my eyes to another doctor! When I step inside the store I immediately see the kind and cheerful faces I have seen for close to twenty years, sitting at the same desk...Richard and Cheryl, and everytime, it's like seeing old friends once again! The service is excellent, the envoirnment is clean and the eye care and eye wear is up to date! I would reccommend this Today's Vision, located in Rice Village to anyone who ask... in a heart beat!
- Aug. 01, 2017
Best eye doctor I have ever been to--thorough and pleasant. Really appreciated the technology that a... llowed a detailed eye exam without pupil dilation.
- Jun. 18, 2016
Have been going here for more than 15 years. Excellent. Good selection of glasses and fast on the co... ntacts. Highly recommend Dr. Flanders.
- Apr. 25, 2016
I've been going there for years and now my son goes too. I'd highly recommend Dr. Flanders and his ... whole staff. Great people! Great service!
- Mar. 29, 2016
They have been taking care of our eyes for over 20 years. We love Dr Flanders and his staff!!
- Sep. 29, 2015
Great staff. Doctors are very good - They explain all tests and results thoroughly. I recently reco... mmended several family members to this location in Rice Village.
- Jul. 13, 2015
Extremely friendly and helpful staff from beginning to end. Dr. Sims was thorough, explained everyth... ing he would be doing and why, and then walked me through my issues. When it was time to get glasses, someone from the front desk helped me for a solid 10 minutes pick out frames that looked best on me, which I was really thankful for. I'll definitely recommend them to friends and family who go to the eye doctor!
- Jun. 02, 2015
Consistently great customer service - they're very friendly and they make it easy to schedule appoin... tments and order contacts.
- Apr. 24, 2015
I have been going to Dr. Bob since he opened up the office. All of the employees are courteous and k... nowledgeable. They help me pick out my frames when I can't decide between several pairs.

View All 32 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in University Place

Our optometry practice in University Place

Photograph of Yasmine  Sanaei
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 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife
  • Spectera
  • VSP

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(713) 521-2020