senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(915) 833-1928

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 West Texas Optometry 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 West Texas Optometry 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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303 Reviews
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- Apr. 10, 2025
quick and easy.
- Apr. 04, 2025
Dr Gordon is very professional and easy to work with.
- Mar. 03, 2025
Absolutely recommend Dr Wong and her staff. I now bring my whole family here. They are very friendly... and knowledgeable. My son was a little nervous and asked a lot of questions, Dr Wong was extremely patient with him.
- Feb. 19, 2025
Great customer service. I am so glad I came her, I have been struggling for years. The staff brought... piece of mind to me and my family. Will definitely be a lifer.
- Feb. 18, 2025
Great customer service!
- Feb. 07, 2025
Excellent experience with caring and professional staff. Dr Wong is excellent.
- Jan. 21, 2025
Highly recommend all the stuff that is so nice, helpful, and very professional, my appointment was ... at 2:15 and I asked them that I have to leave at 3:15 because I need to pick up my kids from the school and they finishing everything on time thank you 😊
- Jan. 20, 2025
Took sometimes to see me first day but service overall professional
- Jan. 13, 2025
Dr. Wong is incredibly knowledgeable and her staff are friendly and look to go above and beyond.
- Jan. 06, 2025
Great staff, easy to get an appointment, good sale, they take my insurance and finally I have a pair... of trifoculas that work for me!
- Dec. 30, 2024
Dr Wong and her team are incredible. They always go the extra mile for us. We live out of state and ... come in for our annual apts when we are in town because we love them so much.
- Dec. 28, 2024
Squeeze me in for a same day appointment. I didn’t wait too long for the medical pre exam. I did h... ave to wait 20 minutes ish for Dr Wong who I can tell from other reviews is usually on the curt side but I thought was fine. Overall I was done with my routine yearly EyeMed exam in 55 minutes. At check in, they wanted me to sign that I’d pay the $5 plus $39 for something unclear to me. I refused and they didn’t charge me for or do the $39 service. Overall, had a good experience, especially since I was able to refuse the extra $39 service.
- Dec. 17, 2024
Great service
- Dec. 15, 2024
Excellent Dr and service! Have been their patient for ten years
- Dec. 04, 2024
Friendly, knowledgeable, and great customer service! Clean and love the location. They were able... to schedule me same day, too!
- Nov. 24, 2024
Very kind and professional practice
- Nov. 06, 2024
Awesome Dr, awesome staff!!
- Aug. 20, 2024
Great service for the whole family (ages 7-45 years old).
- Aug. 14, 2024
Wong knows what she is doing! Such a great person and doctor!
- Aug. 10, 2024
An excellent doctor and super friendly staff. I'd highly recommend W.T.O to anyone on the west side....

View All 303 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Northwest El Paso

Our optometry practice in Northwest El Paso

Photograph of Joyce L. Wong
Hours
  • Monday Closed
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(915) 833-1928