senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(402) 420-2020

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 EyeCare Specialties - Pine Lake 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 EyeCare Specialties - Pine Lake 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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696 Reviews
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- Nov. 20, 2024
I have seen Dr. Brian Brightman for years and he helped me tremendously with my dry eye issue. He al... ways had the best advice for a variety of things as my vision has changed over the years. He truly listens and cares-I know I can always trust his advice.
- Nov. 04, 2024
Very professional and very friendly! Great care and service!
- Oct. 30, 2024
Very professional and courteous staff from check in to check out. Dr. Brightman is excellent. He is ... very thorough and addresses all of my questions and concerns.
- Oct. 15, 2024
Great customer service, always able to find a solution. Would recommend to anyone, we have 2 kids w... ith glasses and they always take very good care of them.
- Oct. 04, 2024
Needed new prescription and something removed from my eye. Was painless and my eyes are good to go!
- Oct. 03, 2024
Staff was great, everything was fast and friendly.
- Sep. 12, 2024
From the very first moment I walked in I was greeted warmly, asked if I had an appt, and taken care ... of by the whole team of professionals! I met Dr. Brightman, who is caring and professional. I walked out with a repaired pair of glasses, ordered new ones from Brad, and had more knowledge about my eye vision! Great job everyone. 👍🏼
- Jul. 13, 2024
Would recommend
- Jul. 03, 2024
We love the team at Eyecare Specialities! Especially Dr. Brian Brightman! He’s so great with our e... ntire family!
- Jun. 25, 2024
The staff and Dr. Steger were very informative of the steps, and explained thoroughly the changes to... my eyes. I didn't feel rushed, and was allowed to ask follow-up questions at length.
- Jun. 25, 2024
Amazing staff! Very friendly and professional! Highly recommend!!!
- Jun. 19, 2024
Everyone is always kind, helpful and informative. They are all very good with my kids, 2 of whom are... on the spectrum.
- May. 28, 2024
Dr. Brian Brightman is amazing!!! The reception staff needs more training; especially, with release ... forms & patient history…..(established patient or new) You have to be your own ADVOCATE!!!
- May. 17, 2024
Have blurred vision and problems reading Found out I have cataracts. Dr Doug Harshman was very frien... dly and explained everything to me Would go back to him in a heart beat. Thank you Doug and staff.
- Apr. 19, 2024
Awesome place with awesome staff!
- Apr. 06, 2024
Dr. Taylor Steger was phenomenal! Hands down, the most thorough eye exam I have ever had. He was ext... remely patient with me as I asked several questions, provided me with lots of information, and had excellent bedside manner. Further, Dr. Steger’s team took great care of me and even went out of their way to make my appointment with a specialist for LASIK. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
- Apr. 02, 2024
They have been taking care of my eye health for over 30 years. Thank you!
- Mar. 15, 2024
My brother Scott recommended Dr. Brightman. I’m so glad he did. Fantastic experience. My appointme... nt ran on time and the staff was kind and gracious. I highly recommend Dr. Brightman and his staff.
- Mar. 08, 2024
Dr. Taylor Steger and the whole staff, from beginning to end, provided highly professional skilled s... ervices. I was very impressed not only by them, but the whole facility.
- Feb. 16, 2024
Wonderful and kind staff. Answered all questions and always helpful.

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Lincoln

Our optometry practice in Lincoln

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Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(402) 420-2020