senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(970) 641-2020

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 ABBA Eye Care - Gunnison 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 ABBA Eye Care - Gunnison 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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- Oct. 22, 2024
Dr. Robbin’s is my fathers dr. My Dad is NOT an easy patient- yet Dr. Robbin’s always meets him ... where he’s at with kindness, and professionalism. 5 strong stars! Always impressed when we go there.
- Oct. 14, 2024
Very knowledgeable and caring about eyes.. Wonderful staff taking time with all concerns and questio... ns. Veterans are welcome with easy transaction...
- Sep. 12, 2024
We are always so pleased with the level of service we receive from Abba Eye Care. From the front des... k to the doctor, we feel comfortable, confident and like we are at the exact right place for our needs. Thank you Team Abba! And congratulations on adding Teri to your team. We are ecstatic! Love Gus & Katie Lew
- Sep. 09, 2024
Wonderful staff and great selection of eyewear….
- Aug. 31, 2024
Customer service was extremely helpful
- Aug. 25, 2024
Terrific staff and Dr. Robbins is amazing!
- Aug. 19, 2024
The whole experience was excellent, as was expected since I had been told they were the best. I was ... not disappointed. Doctor David Robbins knows what he is doing, and does it with kindness. They also have a wide selection of everything you could possibly need for your eyes.
- Aug. 07, 2024
Eye issues that needed to be checked out urgently. They fit me in, checked things out quickly. Effic... ient, courteous and friendly staff and Dr.
- Jul. 23, 2024
Fast, efficient and cheerful
- Jul. 18, 2024
Best place for eyewear !! Love these people !
- Jul. 03, 2024
Friendly, professional service - The optometrist took all the time needed to gather the most accurat... e info, didn't do unnecessary tests, and explained the significance of his findings. The staff clearly walked me through all the options for glasses without any pressure. We are lucky to have them in this town.
- Jun. 27, 2024
The staff and Dr. Robbins are exceptional to work with. They are very friendly and take the time to... explain everything really well. They were very helpful in choosing the right glasses, too. I had basically no wait time.
- Jun. 12, 2024
The ABBA in Gunnison is excellent. Dr. Robbins is very good at his work and the team is very servic... e oriented.
- Jun. 04, 2024
Would highly recommend! Dr Dave was great and the office staff was so awesome.
- May. 28, 2024
Wonderful staff! I’m not a patient here since I travel full time in my rv. I accidentally lost my ... last monthly contact lens down the sink and they were able to help get me a new lens to get me by until my next online order comes in. So grateful to these lovely people!
- May. 22, 2024
Great doc. Great staff. Comforting care.
- May. 09, 2024
ABBA eyecare and all who are there to assist the customer is the best. They are so friendly and acco... mmodating!
- Apr. 30, 2024
Professional and comfortable. Helpful and knowledgeable.
- Apr. 22, 2024
Wonderful staff - the ladies worked to get me in quickly, and Dr. Robbins is very knowledgeable with... my eye condition! I'm so glad I found them!
- Mar. 12, 2024
ABBA Eyecare is the best!

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Gunnison

Our optometry practice in Gunnison

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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(970) 641-2020