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 EyeTx - Atascosa today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Pleasanton

Our optometry practice in Pleasanton

Photograph of Bill Burges
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
  • Nov. 23 Closed
  • Nov. 24 Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • Medicaid
  • Avesis
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • AlwaysCare
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife
  • Community Eye Care
  • Eyetopia
  • Aetna
  • Devoted Health Plans
  • Premier Provider Network

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 EyeTx - Atascosa today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
4.9
425 Reviews
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- Oct. 31, 2023
The Dr and staff were friendly, birthday, and professional. Tina is awesome.
- Oct. 15, 2023
You need vision care? Go here!
- Oct. 14, 2023
First time here everything went great and got my new glasses within 2weeks.
- Sep. 14, 2023
Great exp here. Very helpful and knowledgeable staff and Doctor.
- Sep. 12, 2023
I like been seen here since I started coming from Kenedy nice service and nice new Eye Dr like the o... ther one
- Sep. 07, 2023
Excellent service. Same day appointment! I’m
- Sep. 07, 2023
Great customer care! Thank you
- Sep. 04, 2023
Got me what I needed, highly recommend you see them, literally!!!!!
- Sep. 03, 2023
Dr. Prough is willing to spend extra time for patient care. He’s absolutely great!
- Sep. 03, 2023
Staff was very professional and nice. Doctor answered all my questions and provided excellent servic... e.
- Aug. 25, 2023
Very courteous and professional staff and doctors explain in easy to understand language. I would re... commend a visit for your next eye exam.
- Aug. 23, 2023
Best place in town!
- Aug. 05, 2023
awesome people in this office 🙂
- Jul. 28, 2023
Dr. Prough is great! He is professional, thorough, and very enjoyable. I highly recommend him to pe... ople of all ages.
- Jun. 28, 2023
The staff was very friendly. Makes you feel comfortable and at ease through the whole visit.
- Jun. 11, 2023
Very well nice ppl.. it make the world more easier to live .. thank you so much for y’all service ... to us..
- May. 22, 2023
They keep to the scheduled appointments very well. Pleasant greetings when you enter the building. E... veryone is very competent at their job.
- May. 02, 2023
Initially, I gave three stars because my contacts are on backorder, but that's not their fault. They... have been in contact with me, updating me on the situation and providing me with free trial pairs while we wait. The staff is always friendly, the place is clean, and it just feels nice to be welcomed in.
- Apr. 14, 2023
Friendly
- Mar. 26, 2023
Love this place ! Staff are helpful and honest !! Happy with my purchase!! Will be coming hear from ... now on !!

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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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