senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(763) 261-5444

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 Insight Eye Care - Becker 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 Insight Eye Care - Becker 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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51 Reviews
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- Aug. 04, 2024
Wonderful people. Excellent eye care.
- May. 02, 2024
Adrianna was very nice, she cleaned my glasses & stretched out my frames for a perfect fit for me. Y... ou all always take good care of me, thanks
- Mar. 29, 2024
Great place
- Feb. 16, 2024
The receptionist was so over the top helpful. I came in close to closing time not thinking it would ... take longer than expected. She stayed, never made me feel rushed or that her time was up. She made me feel that I was the most important person right then.
- Dec. 14, 2023
I've referred friends to experience the same as I do.
- Aug. 12, 2023
This is a great eye clinic for the entire family! From check-in to check-out, the entire team is kno... wledgeable and friendly. I can't imagine going to any other clinic.
- Jul. 08, 2023
Very welcoming and kind towards me as a first time patient.
- Feb. 10, 2023
Great customer service and professional care from start to finish.
- Nov. 28, 2022
5/5 Professional comprehensive care.
- Oct. 29, 2022
I had an incredibly positive experience with Dr. Malikowski. She is smart, professional and genuinel... y interested/concerned about my eyes with Sjogren's. Doctors like this are hard to find as a Sjogren's patient. I'm with her 100%.
- Aug. 24, 2022
Dr. Nelson was amazing. Very thorough examination, Dr.Nelson made sure I understood everything befor... e we were finished.
- Aug. 24, 2022
Dr Malikowski is a superb eye doctor. She is very thorough and takes the time to explain everything....
- Jun. 20, 2022
Dr Alex did an amazing job with my son. But not just limited to Dr Alex the entire team was very pro... fessional and kind. Def coming back for all future needs for eye care
- Apr. 02, 2021
They take the time to help at every step of the way. Dr. Bennett Nelson is so thorough and explains ... what is going on.
- Mar. 25, 2021
Very friendly staff that does a great job with children!
- Feb. 04, 2021
Very friendly and informative staff. Eye exam was thorough and Dr Bennett Nelson did a great job of ... explaining everything during the process.
- Aug. 19, 2019
I've been going to Insight for years now and have always been treated respectfully and kindly. Their... care for my eyes is outstanding

View All 51 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Becker

Our optometry practice in Becker

Photograph of Anna  Malikowski
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Wednesday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thursday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
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  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(763) 261-5444