senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

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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.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

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
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed

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

Patient Reviews
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183 Reviews
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- 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!
- Nov. 05, 2023
Super service!
- Oct. 30, 2023
Always a great and professional experience
- Oct. 25, 2023
The whole stuff friendly and knowledgeable the medical assistant the conductor on my test prior to s... eeing the Dr. Was great I will definitely recommend and come back anytime any day thank you great team..!!!
- Sep. 19, 2023
Great Dr, great staff
- Aug. 30, 2023
First time to experience Dr Wong and her staff. On a scale of 1-10, everybody gets a 20 esp Dr Wong.... I have been to Opthamologists and optometrists and Dr Wong is at the top of my list. She is so patient, knowledgeable, candid and so personable. Her staff is the same. Dr Wong truly has earned her high review ratings! And cannot thank the optician enough for taking the time to help get the best deal for my contacts. She was so very helpful and patient and knowledgeable. Again, Thank You, Dr Wong!
- Aug. 13, 2023
WOW! great experience at West Texas Optometry. If you’re looking for a better way this is the pl... ace to go. Everyone is very nice and knowledgeable on what they are doing and take the time to answer all your questions. I am very happy with my new glasses.
- Aug. 01, 2023
Dr. Wong is the best in town, hands down!
- Jul. 15, 2023
Love this place. Very professional and great customer service. Dr Wong is attentive and cares for ou... r concerns. I would highly recommend Dr Wong to friends and family .
- May. 22, 2023
I love Dr. Wong and her staff. They are always kind and attentive and make sure we are cared for. Dr... . Wong answers all our questions and spends time with us making sure out exams are well done. The staff is also great. My contacts were back ordered and they made sure to supply me with samples during that time. They also spent time helping me choose my glasses and I never once felt rushed. They're just great!
- May. 20, 2023
Great service, staff are professional and helpful. From the optometrist, to the technician conductin... g the eye tests, front desk administrative personnel and the technician for your eye glasses. All are very kind, caring and made you feel comfortable. Never felt rushed and responded to all my concerns.
- Apr. 27, 2023
They were fantastic. Great experience overall with both my husband and my visits. We will definitely... be back and are grateful for the service we received.
- Mar. 13, 2023
Friendly staff!
- Jan. 25, 2023
Dr Wong has been our doctor for about 5 years and I always appreciate her commitment and concerns wh... ile doing our eye exam. She truly cares about her patients.
- Jan. 07, 2023
Incredibly knowledgeable staff and willing to take the extra step for patients.
- Jan. 07, 2023
Very knowledgeable and polite staff. This was my first of many more visits to this clinic. Thank You... everyone
- Dec. 26, 2022
Excellent care!
- Dec. 23, 2022
Dr. Wong is professional, friendly and takes time to answer all of our questions.
- Dec. 20, 2022
Dr Wong delivered straightforward no nonsense care. I was in and out in about an hour. The woman who... fitted me for my glasses was friendly and listened to what I wanted in a pair of glasses. The front desk had Lemon heads in the candy bowl.(My favorite) I will return for all my optometric needs.

View All 183 Reviews

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.


senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

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