senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(320) 763-4321

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 Eye Associates of Alexandria 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 Eye Associates of Alexandria 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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321 Reviews
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- Jun. 24, 2025
Knowledgeable staff, and very good doctors. Very helpful and would highly recommend them to anyone l... ooking for Quality Eye Care in Alexandria
- Jun. 18, 2025
Well done. Very professional
- Jun. 10, 2025
Great
- Jun. 10, 2025
Awesome office
- May. 30, 2025
Dr. Stotesbury and the entire staff are very pleasant and professional.
- Apr. 18, 2025
Dr Melissa and staff are top tier. Very thorough and amazing customer service!
- Apr. 09, 2025
Dr Eric was very thorough The only thing I was disappointed with is the price of glasses! I asked wh... at the cost of glasses would be and was told about 600.00 I ordered two pair of glasses from Zenni and they cost me 165.00 the one pair is progressive and the other one is sunglasses with my prescription
- Apr. 04, 2025
Been going to them for years awesome service and care.
- Feb. 26, 2025
Great customer service.
- Feb. 13, 2025
Eye Associates did an amazing job on my eye exam, and educating me along the way, and answering my q... uestions. I really enjoyed all the staff that assisted me during my exam and in while checking me in. A few weeks later I came in to look at frames, and Mikayla helped me out by picking out some cute frame options, and was so thorough and helpful!
- Jan. 22, 2025
Staff is very friendly and there was no wait time.
- Jan. 15, 2025
Very caring atmosphere! I was needing immediate help and they worked me in. I felt important, and ... that my concerns were heard.
- Jan. 04, 2025
Excellent, very engaging and personable.
- Nov. 08, 2024
I went in to have my glasses looked at and Michelle was amazing! Excellent customer service, I canno... t say enough! Thank you.
- Oct. 16, 2024
I had the best experience at Eye Associates. Michelle was very friendly and knowledgeable and she ab... solutely made my day when she found me not only one, but two, frames that looked and felt great! Thank you!
- Sep. 20, 2024
Dr. Melissa is excellent, efficient, and kind. Very knowledgeable and truly cares about the patient ... at each visit. Highly recommend!
- Aug. 31, 2024
Great service and selection!!
- Aug. 25, 2024
Excellent care and service. Thank you
- Aug. 14, 2024
All staff were extremely friendly and helpful in answering my questions. Definitely felt like I had ... Dr. Melissa's entire attention, as well as the other staff and they didn't rush me or pressure me to buy something I didn't need or that was out of my price range. Very much recommend Eye Associates of Alexandria!
- Aug. 04, 2024
Had my first visit and love it. The entire staff is kind and A= customer service.

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Alexandria

Our optometry practice in Alexandria

Photograph of Eric Von Holdt
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  • Friday 7:30 am - 3:00 pm
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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(320) 763-4321