senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(865) 966-2020

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 The Eye Group - Kingston Pike 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 The Eye Group - Kingston Pike 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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524 Reviews
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- Nov. 15, 2024
Dr. Manning and his staff are great
- Nov. 14, 2024
I've been going to the Eye Group for two years now and the doctors and staff have been excellent!
- Nov. 04, 2024
Great experience. Staff very friendly and patient.
- Oct. 18, 2024
I was very impressed by the staff and doctor. They were professional, knowledgeable, and thorough.
- Oct. 09, 2024
Courtesy professional timely informative
- Sep. 18, 2024
Dr. Lain has taken great care of myself and late husband. Trust him and respect him.
- Aug. 28, 2024
Caring, Knowledgeable friendly staff.
- Aug. 10, 2024
Highly recommend Dr.Amburn, so thoughtful and a great listener. My new prescription has allowed me t... o see the best I have ever seen, I am extremely grateful.
- Jul. 20, 2024
A positive experience with all staff. They were informative, genuinely caring, knowledgable, client... centered, and attentive to my input and questions.
- Jul. 11, 2024
Caring professional group. Addressed my concerns completely and made me comfortable with my choices....
- Jun. 27, 2024
Customer service was outstanding. The staff are very knowledgeable and treat u with respect. Dr. A... mbrose was excellent, I have seen him several times and he is always on top of his game. I will always use the Eye Group.
- Jun. 15, 2024
I have been going to The Eye Group for 28 years. The doctors are thorough and thoughtful. The staff... has always been courteous and pleasant. If I have ever had an issue, they have gone above and beyond to correct it.
- May. 11, 2024
Dr. Lain takes time to consider my questions and answer them in a manner commensurate with my backgr... ound. He shows interest in me and asks about my family. Furthermore, he spends the necessary time with me to ensure I have the correct prescription for optimal eyesight. I also appreciate that he discusses improvements in eyewear and let's me make decisions about my vision needs after providing me with facts. I highly recommend Dr. Lain as an eye care physician and am blessed to have him as a friend.
- May. 05, 2024
Good time management.
- Apr. 29, 2024
Dr. Amburn is fantastic! Staff super friendly, as well.
- Apr. 28, 2024
Our family has been going to the Eye Group for years. We've always been very pleased with the care a... nd concern they show us, and we're a complicated group. I have dry eye, my husband has astigmatism, and my daughter has a kidney disease related eye condition, but we all have 20/20 with corrective lenses. I would recommend any of the doctors to take good care of you.
- Apr. 27, 2024
Always a good experience
- Apr. 13, 2024
Great care all questions answered. Dr Cross is great and caring provider. Thanks to Katie for being ... friendly and professional!
- Apr. 13, 2024
Making sure someone can still use their eyesight is a big weight to tote around. Rather it had been ... from an accident or just wear and tear overtime, we have always walked out feeling taken care of. Great Team guys... Keep It Up!!!
- Apr. 12, 2024
Wonderful staff

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Knoxville

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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(865) 966-2020