senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(360) 659-6255

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 Marysville Vision 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 Marysville Vision 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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161 Reviews
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- Sep. 24, 2024
Super efficient and quick. Everyone is so friendly. Definitely recommend
- Sep. 14, 2024
They did amazing with my kiddos. Made it a fun experience and let them be helpers along the way. Hig... hly recommend.
- Jul. 09, 2024
Dr. Liu is soft spoken and has great bedside manner. He has been my doctor for several years and is... helping me to manage my eyesight and eye health so that I keep my sight for as long as possible. His whole team is kind and caring from the front office staff to his eye care colleagues.
- Jun. 29, 2024
Best in all this area bar none
- Jun. 06, 2024
Excellent customer service, professional and friendly staff.
- May. 29, 2024
The staff is always kind and patient with my children. They always go the extra mile for us.
- May. 05, 2024
Dr. Liu is so kind and amazing with my son.
- Mar. 22, 2024
at first there was a miscommunication on getting me seen but I was able to get an appointment and ge... t the treatment I needed for my eyes
- Dec. 07, 2023
Friendly and professional staff. Nice selection of eyewear at a reasonable price.
- Nov. 21, 2023
Dr. Liu is thoughtful and thorough. He takes the time to answer your questions and ease any fears yo... u may have. His tech also explained every test and made me feel comfortable with the process.
- Nov. 15, 2023
Dr. Good was so nice and actually listened to what I had to say and it was the first time I been the... re as a patient I been there with my other half and now I became a patient because I been having eye issues but he helped me to figure out if I needed glasses or not which I do I recommend going there everyone's nice!
- Nov. 10, 2023
This is simply the place to go! They are great.
- Nov. 02, 2023
Dr. Liu and his staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and extremely thorough. A+++!
- Sep. 26, 2023
Excellent service and professional care by everyone involved. I would recommend to anyone who is loo... king for vision services.
- Aug. 29, 2023
Fantastic place for excellent eye care.
- Aug. 21, 2023
No complaints here. I’m always treated with kindness and respect.
- Jul. 22, 2023
The entire process from setting the initial appointment to the eye exam was effortless and efficient... . All the staff were friendly, polite, courteous and professional. I felt they had my best interests at hand. Thank you for the exemplary service.
- Jun. 19, 2023
Friendly staff and willing to help
- Apr. 12, 2023
What a lovely eye clinic, excellent customer service from the moment i walked in to the moment I wal... ked out, and EXCEPTIONALLY CLEAN, meaning whoever is cleaning that clinic is doing a great job, thanks for that.
- Aug. 18, 2022
I’ve gone to Marysville Vision Source for many, many years, first seeing Dr. Kron and then, after ... he retired, Dr. Liu. I won’t trust my eyes anywhere else. Now, my whole family goes, too! All of the staff give exceptional care and attention to all of us. The receptionists at the front desk, the technicians, and both Dr. Liu and Dr. Good are so patient and kind, and answer all of our questions. We highly recommend them!

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Marysville

Our optometry practice in Marysville

Photograph of Jessie  Liu
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 12:30 pm
    1:30 pm - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 12:30 pm
    1:30 pm - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 12:30 pm
    1:30 pm - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 12:30 pm
    1:30 pm - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 7:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • Metlife Vision

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(360) 659-6255