senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(720) 499-8349

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 North Range Eye Care 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 North Range Eye Care 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
4.8
316 Reviews
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- Oct. 04, 2024
BLUETIFUL & KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF, they blew my eye balls mind..I was very impressed with care & optio... ns they offered…but if you need your eye balls massaged, it’s the perfect place… oh you don’t know what that feels like, guess you need to get over there & experience eye ball care & love… but that’s just how I felt..well how about you be their guess & find out for yourself….
- Oct. 01, 2024
Providers are knowledgeable, thorough, and took time to explain my condition. My new prescription ... is working well, and I will be back again whenever I need eye care.
- Sep. 25, 2024
Friendly and competent staff with a welcoming environment. Definitely recommend!
- Sep. 15, 2024
Great customer service from the staff. You can easily tell they care about their clients, I would re... commend them to everyone,
- Sep. 13, 2024
Dr. Hite is excellent. He takes his time, doesn't rush your appointment, and answers questions with... thoughtfulness and informed feedback. Also, the personnel at the front desk are enjoyable, helpful and establishing an appointment and answering questions, and made me feel valued.
- Aug. 15, 2024
Great service and staff. Very kind and professional which made my appointment easy
- Jul. 14, 2024
I've been going here for years. Really appreciate them knowing my eye history. And having a plan mov... ing forward. Friendly and professional.
- Jun. 25, 2024
Love love love this optometrist. I love my contacts and their glasses selection is good. You’re ... able to get all your needs met in one place. Customers service is excellent and they care for you and your family.
- Jun. 06, 2024
Great staff and care!
- May. 25, 2024
The Best!!!! I love the doctor's and team. They are all very kind, knowledgeable and empathic. I'm a... lways greeted with a smile and a warm greeting when I come in. The doctor's are outstanding and the best I've ever experienced. The office is cute, clean and there are tons of beautiful glasses to purchase for men and woman. If your reading this review and looking for the best of the best-look no further. I love this team.
- May. 22, 2024
Dr. Hite and his staff go above and beyond expectation.
- May. 13, 2024
Very friendly professional and overall every time I have an appointment I have the best experience.
- May. 10, 2024
Great place to have you eye care taken care of. Friendly people, easy scheduling and great facility....
- May. 05, 2024
The people are super nice and the place was spotless.
- Apr. 19, 2024
Very professional office, the staff is pleasant.
- Apr. 15, 2024
This office is my all-time-favorite eye office! The staff is always incredibly friendly and helpful,... and the doctors are attentive and caring.
- Apr. 11, 2024
Very good.
- Apr. 09, 2024
Great service, very professional
- Apr. 06, 2024
Very satisfied with their staff and facility. They make you feel like you are the only patient ther... e during your appointment.
- Mar. 29, 2024
This is my 4th year in a row going to them. I have never had a bad experience there. Everyone is sup... er friendly and very professional. Plus, they never try to push any procedure and/or product on you. I will keep going there for as long as I can!

View All 316 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Commerce City

Our optometry practice in Commerce City

Photograph of David  Hite
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday Closed
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
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  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Humana
  • Tricare
  • Medicaid
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue View Vision
  • TriWest
  • Colorado Access
  • Child Health Plan Plus

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(720) 499-8349