senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(651) 459-9000

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 Cottage Grove Eye Clinic 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 Cottage Grove Eye Clinic 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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116 Reviews
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- Sep. 24, 2024
Very friendly and helpful staff! Will continue to go back!
- Sep. 10, 2024
great eye dr
- Aug. 15, 2024
The best eye doctor around! Dr. Cole is amazing and so freaking smart!!
- Aug. 08, 2024
Whole team is very personable.
- Aug. 08, 2024
Great place to get glasses and highly recommend. Although do not go past 6 pm on Wednesday. Cause t... hey close. The website and e mail show 7 pm closing. Can get a bit frustrating. Hope they change that soon!
- Jul. 17, 2024
This was the most welcomed I’ve felt for an appointment! The entire process was great and everyone... had such great energy. Will absolutely be returning and recommending to friends and family!
- Jul. 05, 2024
Very patient with kids. Easy to work with and a great experience from exam to glasses pick up!
- Jun. 27, 2024
I brought my 79 yr old mother to this clinic the other day and EVERYONE at this clinic from the opto... metrist, Kim Nyugen to the optician Leann to the ladies who checked us in treated us like we were their family. The service and person treatment we received made my mom’s heart melt. Thank you!
- Apr. 22, 2024
I wish I got the name of the optician who helped me with my broken glasses this morning. She was aw... esome. I am a patient of the clinic, but I was a walk-in today. I sat on my favorite pair of computer/reading glasses, and they broke. I thought for sure I was going to be stuck buying a new pair, which also meant waiting days to get them. NOT TODAY! The optician took them in the back and after a little magic, she had them back to normal. It's difficult to tell they were ever broken. THAT is reason enough for me to keep coming back. THANK YOU!!!!!
- Mar. 03, 2024
The care I recieved was fantastic. Ella was super helpful with explaining and trying to help us figu... re out insurance coverage for my fiance. All the staff were very friendly and great!
- Feb. 03, 2024
I had a very positive experience at this clinic. I felt confident that my needs were appropriately m... et in a respectful manner.
- Jan. 11, 2024
Per normal, everyone is always amazing and caring. Thank you
- Jun. 12, 2023
Excellent Services, I would recommend to everyone. Thanks!
- Apr. 24, 2023
Very friendly staff, doctor is very good and knows his information! Clean and in and out quickly
- Nov. 04, 2022
Great service to include convenient scheduling, excellent customer service and detailed eye exam.
- Jul. 08, 2022
Very friendly and knowledgeable.
- Jun. 26, 2022
Dr. Cole has taken care of my family for so many years ! He is excellent eye doctor! I recommend com... ing to get your eyes check with him !
- Apr. 04, 2022
Thorough analysis of my eyes and helpful information. Good choices for glasses and options with them... .
- Feb. 14, 2022
Very friendly, fast, and professional. Nothing but good things to say about this clinic.
- Nov. 26, 2021
Dr Cole and the entire staff are very professional and knowledgeable and provided a great customer e... xperience

View All 116 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Cottage Grove

Our optometry practice in Cottage Grove

Photograph of Taylor  Lauermann
Hours
  • Monday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • United Health Care Community Plan

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(651) 459-9000