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 Suburban Eye Care today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Livonia

Our optometry practice in Livonia

Photograph of John Jacobi
Hours
  • Monday 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
    3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
    3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife

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 Suburban Eye Care today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
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331 Reviews
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- Nov. 12, 2023
I am really impressed with Suburban Eye Care. It's the best eye care experience I've had, by far. If... you're in the market for eye care, look no further.
- Oct. 24, 2023
Doctor is very thorough. There is never a wait. Would definitely refer anyone for an eye exam!
- Oct. 18, 2023
Complete professionals. Helped out a guy who’s never wore glasses. Made the transition. Nice, easy... and smooth. Can’t think them enough..
- Oct. 16, 2023
Dr Jacobi and his entire staff were wonderful and very knowledgeable!
- Sep. 25, 2023
Very professional yet personable
- Sep. 16, 2023
I’ve been a patient for over 40 years. Suburban doctors has taken excellent care of my eyes year i... n, year out!
- Aug. 10, 2023
Have been coming to Dr. Arnold for many years now, he is AWESOME! Amber is an amazing technician, su... per knowledgeable, wonderful at helping you pick styles and designs, skilled at working around your insurance and budget to get you the coverage you need. I will continue to come here - I drive 45 minutes now to do so!
- Aug. 10, 2023
I had an excellent experience at this optometrist's office. The staff were incredibly accommodating ... and friendly . The doctor went above and beyond to ensure that I received the right prescriptions, showing dedication and patience. I'm truly impressed with their commitment on my eye health and satisfaction.
- Jul. 13, 2023
I recently finished Vision Therapy and am on my last check in. For me, Vision Therapy was well worth... it. I had a concussion five years ago that compounded additional vision issues onto ones I already had. I was in school at the time and struggled to keep up with my classmates. I had to read the same thing multiple times and longer because I skipped and misread words. My regular eye doctor, Dr. Arnold, highly recommended Vision Therapy to strengthen my eyes and to train my brain to process reading and other tasks properly. He teamed up with Dr. Smith and Vision Therapist Miss Kelsey for my care, so that I had more experienced people helping me through the process. To begin, I did a series of tests with Dr. Smith and Miss Kelsey to determine my starting point. On a weekly basis, I worked with Miss Kelsey through various exercises and did homework throughout the remainder of the week. There were many times when I was frustrated with my progress, especially when I struggled with some exercises. Miss Kelsey was incredibly encouraging and flexible to changing an exercise as needed. Throughout my time in vision therapy and after it, I experienced many improvements, particularly in reading and comprehension. When I had to study for a licensing exam, I could not believe the difference. It was so much easier and less stressful for me. I read quicker and remembered more than I would have before. For the first time in a long time, I felt confident in my learning and comprehension. Thank you Suburban Eye Care for helping me through my vision issues!
- Jul. 01, 2023
If your family member is struggling to see give these folks a shot - you won’t be disappointed wit... h Dr. Jacobi! Dr. Jacobi is very personable and he placed my mom at complete ease. Thank you Doctor Jacobi! Summer (front desk clerk) was very professional!
- May. 24, 2023
I highly recommend the Vision Therapy program! As an adult going through the process it opened up m... y eyes to what was really going on with me. I was having horrible anxiety about driving, going on vacation, going out with friends, even day to day activities were too much for me. It was because my eyes were not working together anymore(Convergence insufficiency & Vertical Heterophoria) and I was seeing double. Dr. Kayla Smith is a fantastic Optometrist who I saw throughout the program. She cares so much for her patients and listens to your concerns. Amanda G was my fantastic Vision Therapist. We worked together for 6 months. She sent me home with exercises to work on and met once a week in office. She's kind, warm and very very encouraging! Together they gave me the tools and exercises to work through vision issues and my anxiety that is being caused by my diagnosed problems. I graduated therapy and couldn't be more happy with the program. I am grateful that I was prescribed Prism glasses to wear when my eyes get fatigued to help with my Vertical Heterophoria(vertical misalignment of my right eye). If you're having vision issues, are anxious about being in a car or even living your normal life seems more anxiety ridden I suggest making an appointment for to see if you are a candidate for Vision Therapy!
- May. 07, 2023
Friendly and warm place. Super nice people
- Apr. 22, 2023
Very thorough friendly and knowledgeable.The staff is very professional .
- Mar. 26, 2023
Friendly office
- Mar. 24, 2023
The staff and eyewear selection are both great. The staff is always helpful when choosing frames and... my glasses always arrive earlier than expected and the lenses are always correct.
- Mar. 19, 2023
I always receive a good exam and great service from Suburban Eye Care. The staff is friendly and alw... ays helpful.
- Mar. 18, 2023
I have worn contacts/ glasses for 30 years and I just learned about myopia therapy and numerous trea... tments that may slow progression - when researching options for my 12 year old son. Trying the multifocal contact lenses for him in a few weeks in hopes his vision won't get as bad as mine. Dr. Arnold and team were so knowledgeable and professional. May also look at OrthoK as an option in the future (wearing hard contacts at night so no contacts needed the next day, such an amazing thought!!) Will definitely continue to see them.
- Mar. 18, 2023
The Optometrists and staff are great! Very friendly.
- Mar. 06, 2023
Please note that the correct spelling of my name is Kevin O'Neill. Thank you!
- Feb. 19, 2023
I didn’t know I had dry eyes until the optometrist told me. She recommended Blink eye drops, which... is working great.

View All 331 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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