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 Eyes Of The World - Washington Park today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in South Denver

Our optometry practice in South Denver

Photograph of Channing Baird
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
  • Nov. 24 Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross

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 Eyes Of The World - Washington Park today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
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213 Reviews
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- Nov. 08, 2023
Such delightful staff, willing to spend time and offer honest opinions.
- Oct. 22, 2023
Everyone I interact with is so friendly and helpful! Appointments can be stressful and it’s nice t... o know that these won’t be 🙂
- Oct. 13, 2023
On time appointment. Thorough exam and explanation of condition by Dr. Channing. Appreciated handlin... g of referral for further evaluation.
- Oct. 06, 2023
super friendly, let me ask questions, great staff
- Sep. 09, 2023
I like it here, they are good eye people
- Aug. 29, 2023
Great experience - got an eye exam and the optometrist took time to walk me through every question I... had. Ended up getting some glasses; the specialists were very patient and thorough (stayed slightly after close to finish).
- Aug. 20, 2023
The hospitality was outstanding and the service was excellent.
- Aug. 18, 2023
Always great!
- Aug. 15, 2023
I had a great experience visiting Eyes of the World on Gaylord St. Easy check in, no long waits, ex... cellent service.
- Aug. 06, 2023
Everyone here is very friendly and knowledgeable.
- Aug. 03, 2023
Very impressive with eye examinations - professional staff - inventory is also impressive. Have ... been a client for 10 years!
- Aug. 01, 2023
I feel I'm getting the best eye care possible given the staff, doctors, and exam technology.
- Jul. 18, 2023
Such a cute space! This is more of a boutique experience in the world of eye exams and I really enjo... yed it! The staff here is wonderful, caring, and so fun! I would definitely recommend getting your exams here!
- Jul. 12, 2023
Everyone is so helpful and caring. They are dedicated to making your experience amazing!
- Jun. 23, 2023
It's really hard to find a great optometrist who will ensure your prescription is correct and help y... ou save some money at the same time. Dr. Channing was so helpful and dove into my vision situation to get me the correct prescription. The rest of the staff, including the tech and salesman, were also very thorough and kind. Most importantly, Dr. Channing let me decide which prescription was best for me by having me practice reading with the lenses she suggested for a while. She also saved me some money by not doing the new dilation machine (not sure what that's called). My new prescription is 100% accurate and helping my eye fatigue while studying. The office itself is also very unique and has a friendly and upbeat atmosphere - different than many other office I've been to before.
- May. 18, 2023
Great service and didn’t try to upsell me on contacts
- May. 03, 2023
Went to the Eyes of the World yesterday and saw Dr. Baird. She was truly wonderful. Very knowledgabl... e and took the time to listen to me and the issues I was having with my contacts. 100% recommend. So lucky I found her and her staff!
- Apr. 12, 2023
If you want personal attention and your needs to be considered by just a simple eye exam, this is th... e place you should go. I had an issue from a previous visit and Dr. Baird went above and beyond to make it right.
- Mar. 28, 2023
Always friendly service and Saturday hours.
- Mar. 14, 2023
I have been a patient here for years. I have consistently had positive experiences. It’s a very co... mfortable, upbeat atmosphere, and every team member I’ve come in contact with is very friendly and knowledgeable. From the providers to the person who helps me find the right glasses, I always feel surrounded by people who really care about me as a patient, and are willing to take the time to understand my concerns and provide the highest quality of care. Can’t say enough good things about this place.

View All 213 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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