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 Cottage Grove Eye Clinic today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Cottage Grove

Our optometry practice in Cottage Grove

Photograph of Trent Cole
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
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • United Health Care Community Plan

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

Patient Reviews
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- 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. 16, 2021
This rating is for my first visit at this location, which occurred 11/15/2021. I thought all staff I... encountered were pleasant, helpful, and courteous. In addition, Dr. Lauermann was professional and knowledgeable, two important things for any doctor. Thank you Dr. Lauermann and the CG Eye Clinic team!
- Nov. 15, 2021
Dr. Cole is very knowledgeable and personable. There is nothing but friendly faces and a welcoming a... tmosphere. I recommend Dr. Cole any chance I get. He’s great with every member of our family, ages 5, 11, 13 and adult.
- May. 06, 2019
The staff is extremely welcoming and friendly. The Dr. was very patient and thorough and answered a... ll of my questions in an easy to understand manner. I'd highly recommend Cottage Grove Eyecare Clinic!
- Apr. 12, 2019
I was helped by Alissa, she was very nice and sweet and super helpful with properly fitting my glass... es and helping me find the right ones that worked for me!!!
- Apr. 12, 2019
The staff was amazing and friendly. I worked in particular with Alissa, the first time I came in I a... lways had trouble finding glasses that look good on me. Alissa was very understanding and did an amazing job at finding the perfect pair for me. The two other times I have been there since then Alissa has given amazing service as with the rest of the staff. I highly recommend going here!!
- Dec. 04, 2018
I had my eyes evaluated (first time in 4 years). I could afford the frames that I liked. Amber wrote... down the name of the frames and the dimensions for me to take home. I ended up purchasing my glasses online. Once I received them my eyes could not focus. I did not know if I received the wrong prescription, I entered the Rx wrong, or if they manufactured my lenses incorrectly. I called Cottage Grove Eye Care Clinic to ask some questions. I thought that I would get some "shame" for not getting my lenses/frames with them. Amber was AMAZING! She offered some advice then offered for me to come in. She checked what I ordered, chechecked my Rx, and she checked my lenses. She was so incredibly helpful! I will continue with that clinic just because of her!
- Nov. 15, 2018
I saw Dr Herde today! He and his staff are very friendly, personable, professional, and efficient. ... My husband also sees him and likes all of the staff especially in the Woodbury location.
- Oct. 30, 2018
My daughters and I see Dr. Cole for our vision exams. When we walk through the doors we are greeted... with smiles and addressed by name. Dr. Cole is very nice and friendly. He is compassionate, caring, listens well, along with being dedicated and determined to help improve our vision. Additionally, Dr. Cole cares about the people in the community and about Cottage Grove, by being involved and giving back. He has served on committees, given his time and resources to organizations within the community as well. Thank you Dr. Cole and wonderful staff for taking care of us.
- Aug. 14, 2018
I've been seeing Dr. Cole since I was 13, I'm 28 now, and he's been awesome. He knows about my weird... eyeballs and takes good care of them. I would recommend Dr. Cole, he's awesome and very cool and kind.
- Dec. 16, 2017
I am a dentist working at the same building. I get my eye care at this eye clinic and see Dr. Cole.... I lost a screw on my loupes eyeglasses and I needed to start seeing patients! The nice lady that helped me was very understanding and fixed it up for me in 5 minutes and said there was no charge for it. I told her she was a lifesaver! 🙂 I went about my day happy to have my loupes back and happy to see my patients.
- Dec. 06, 2017
We had just moved to Cottage Grove a few months ago and I had not taken the time to find a new eye d... octor yet. When I tore my last pair of contacts, I needed to get in somewhere immediately. Not only were they extremely accommodating, they also accepted Tricare (which many places do not). Jenn was very helpful and even called me after my initial scheduling to tell me they had a cancellation for an earlier day/time, knowing it was important I get in right away! I cannot say enough good things about the Cottage Grove office. I will be referring them to everyone I know.
- Jan. 18, 2017
We’ve been coming to Cottage Grove Eye Care Clinic for several years. I love the fact that we can ... typically get into an urgent same day appointment. That flexibility is nice with kids. There is also a contact number if you have an eye emergency after hours. Dr. Cole and his staff have always treated us with respect. They go above and beyond to help us find frames. Selection is somewhat limited. But between the three stores (Woodbury, Oakdale, and Cottage Grove) I have always found something great! My kids are notorious for breaking glasses, and they have always given us a one-time replacement within the first year, if needed. Ana and the front desk staff are tremendous. I have never had a bad experience here! I highly recommend Cottage Grove Eye Care Clinic for your entire family!
- Jan. 12, 2017
I found this clinic when my family moved to CG about 5 years ago. The doctors are fantastic and wil... ling to work with you. The staff are so kind and truly care about you as a person. There are no hidden fees, they are very honest and upfront about charges etc. It has been a wonderful experience. I plan on bringing my 4 year old son in a few weeks!

View All 92 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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