senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(734) 525-8170

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.


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


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.


Meet our Macular Degeneration Specialist

Patient Reviews
4.8
409 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Dec. 09, 2024
Always a great experience. Dr. Jacobi is a caring and truly helpful low vision specialist and provi... des excellent service. The staff is helpful and friendly as well.
- Nov. 19, 2024
Doctor and staff are very knowledgeable, helpful, and easy to talk with. This was my first visit, a... nd I look forward to my next!
- Oct. 23, 2024
Very awesome staff!!
- Oct. 12, 2024
Attention, caring and thorough exam, answers, direction. I always feel confident that I've gotten th... e best care and advice. Takes time, not rushed through. Best experience.
- Oct. 11, 2024
Dr Arnold is excellent and everyone that works there is awesome
- Sep. 19, 2024
Amber is amazing to work with and extremely helpful
- Aug. 30, 2024
I always appreciate their professionalism while making me feel like part of the family.
- Aug. 28, 2024
All the staff was very good and helpful Amber and Andrew are awesome!
- Jul. 24, 2024
Great group of people that work there and the service is excellent
- Jul. 18, 2024
Dr. Jacobi is a very knowledgeable and detailed doctor. He is also very funny and makes you feel com... fortable.
- Jun. 30, 2024
Suburban Eye Care provide the latest in eye technology and eye care services
- Jun. 20, 2024
Excellent place for Vision Therapy! Our child was struggling with reading and below grade level and ... after working with the therapists here, he’s made huge improvements and loves to read. We’re very happy with the program!
- Jun. 12, 2024
There is nothing that needs to be changed about this place. From the initial phone call to every ap... pointment we've had has been beyond 5 stars. I've recommended my sister as well. Dr Arnold....don't ever leave. I'll follow you. Love the entire staff.
- Jun. 06, 2024
Vision Therapy was the best thing for my daughter. She really struggled with reading. We went to the... eye doctor and was told her eyes were fine. Then spoke with a friend whose daughter was currently in VT and the symptoms she said she had were what my daughter had. We made an appointment to Suburban and she spent the next 9 months in VT. There were times where it was hard and we didn’t know if we could make it through some of the activities each week but we did and the growth she showed was amazing. Her grades have improved especially in reading and spelling. We are so grateful for VT!
- May. 27, 2024
excellent eye care, very friendly and efficient admin staff.
- May. 22, 2024
The best eye care in Michigan! Period!
- May. 22, 2024
They really took the time to make sure my son had a thorough eye exam. Rachel was awesome!
- May. 18, 2024
Wonderful recent appointment with Dr Arnold and the team at Suburban Eye Care! Assistants were very ... friendly as well and the selections of frames is unmatched!
- May. 10, 2024
I've been going to Suburban Eye Care for many years. The staff had always been friendly and profess... ional. The staff explains each step of the exam and Dr. Arnold is very thorough and answers any questions I may have. I am very pleased with my experiences here.
- Apr. 29, 2024
Best eye care place to take small children, or overly hyperactive children. Highly recommend.

View All 409 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Livonia

Our optometry practice in Livonia

Photograph of Kayla  Smith
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

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(734) 525-8170