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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240 Reviews
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- 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....
- Jun. 22, 2024
I love Dr Wong and her staff, very knowledgeable efficient and courteous.
- Apr. 29, 2024
Great staff, service… Doctor Wong was very knowledgeable and answered all questions. I would recom... mend highly.
- Apr. 23, 2024
Best glasses ever their customer service is pretty good.
- Apr. 23, 2024
Dr. Wong has a lot of experience and is very thorough. Staff is super friendly and helpful. Love it....
- Apr. 16, 2024
Dr Wong and her staff exceeded our expectations. It is very rare to actually see a doctor in person... any longer and not receive an exam through a computer doc in the box. Office personnel were extremely professional and Dr Wong was very informative. As long as we continue to receive personal service with an in office doctor, we will continue using WTO.
- Apr. 10, 2024
Fast and friendly service
- Apr. 07, 2024
Dr. Wong and all of her staff take the time to explain everything to you, and she really seems to ca... re about her clients. Also, their selection of frames rocks, and the staff members who help with choosing and fitting glasses really know their stuff and offer excellent advice.
- Mar. 24, 2024
Dr. Wong is a great optometrist.
- Mar. 04, 2024
HAVE BEEN W DR. WONG N HER STAFF FOR THE LAST 14 YEARS, THEY R LIKE FAMILY TO ME. VERY FRIENDLY N P... ROFESSIONAL STAFF.
- Mar. 03, 2024
Dr Wong has over 30 years of experience and the staff at WTO are all super friendly and helpful. Hi... ghly recommend this place.
- Feb. 17, 2024
The entire staff was amaizing! Everyone was so helpful and very kind. So happy we found this office!...
- Feb. 16, 2024
Staff very friendly and Dr. Wong was very good with my examination.
- Jan. 15, 2024
Samples of contact lenses provided until permanent contact lenses came in. Excellent!
- Jan. 05, 2024
Dr. Wong is an amazing knowledgeable kind and caring eye doctor.
- Dec. 16, 2023
Dr. Wong is caring and meticulous. I feel like I'm in good hands. Her staff is friendly and the woma... n who sells frames knows how to help you find frames that look good on you.
- Nov. 24, 2023
I was greeted by staff immediately and with smiling faces. I was there to pick out glasses and prom... ptly assisted. I love that they clean the glasses between try in prevent pink eye and other coodies. I would definitely recommend Weat Texas Optimetry.
- Nov. 10, 2023
I am new to the area and needed a new optometrist. I had a great experience here with everyone I enc... ountered. Reception was friendly, the assistant was great, and Dr Wong herself was very kind, competent, and professional. I am so glad to have found this place!

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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
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  • Medicare
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  • 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