senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(440) 543-5186

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 Tanglewood Family Eyecare 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 Tanglewood Family Eyecare 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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159 Reviews
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- Nov. 24, 2024
Great staff, my son is 10 and felt super comfortable throughout the entire exam, even with the dilat... ing drops. Love this office!
- Nov. 15, 2024
The staff is awesome! I have been going here for years. Dr. Erin is so sweet. I love having her as m... y eye doctor!
- Sep. 28, 2024
Received professional, knowledgeable and friendly service. The doctor and the staff are fabulous! �... ��
- Jul. 27, 2024
A very professional evaluation and treatment. ......loved it!!!!
- Jul. 14, 2024
Staff is friendly and efficient. Provider was thorough, kind, and knowledgable. Would absolutely rec... ommend Tanglewood eyecare!
- Jun. 09, 2024
The office staff is very friendly and efficient. Doing the paperwork online is very nice and saves ... time in office. Dr. Mackanos is super nice, explains things well, she takes her time you don’t feel rushed at all. She makes sure all questions are answered. I took my almost 5 year old daughter for her first eye exam and she was so good at talking to her and including her in the conversations and explained everything she was going to do to her before she did it. I’m so happy we finally found our new family eye doctor!
- Jun. 05, 2024
Dr.Erin and her staff were very efficient and friendly and took the time to explain what was going o... n. I would highly recommend them!
- May. 05, 2024
Very nice people, professional and courteous.
- May. 03, 2024
I’m very pleased with my check up and my glasses I just got
- Mar. 27, 2024
Best eye care staff in the area
- Mar. 22, 2024
Fast, easy, and a convenient location. Dr. Mackanos and her team are friendly and great with patien... ts. They do not push unnecessary care.
- Mar. 06, 2024
Dr. Mackanos is a very thorough and caring optometrist. The entire staff is friendly and efficient. ... Easy online scheduling, too! I highly recommend Tanglewood Family Eyecare.
- Feb. 22, 2024
All staff are lovely and professional! I keep returning due to the personable care and great frames... selection!
- Feb. 21, 2024
Friendly staff, good location, good service.
- Feb. 06, 2024
Everything from scheduling as a new patient to getting my new pair of glasses felt simple and easy. ... Staff was very friendly and foster a calm and welcoming feeling.
- Jan. 30, 2024
Linda who handles the glasses is the best. Her personality is excellent and she is always helpful i... n any and all situations. Thanks Linda!
- Jan. 25, 2024
They went above and beyond to help me and my husband when we needed an out of state renewal of our d... rivers license and eye exam to accompany the application.
- Jan. 15, 2024
Very friendly and professional. Great service!
- Jan. 06, 2024
Up beat atmosphere and happy smiling people.
- Jan. 06, 2024
Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Highly recommended.

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Chagrin Falls

Our optometry practice in Chagrin Falls

Photograph of Erin  Mackanos
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 7:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(440) 543-5186