senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(920) 922-7121

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 Family Focus EyeCare 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 Family Focus EyeCare 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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480 Reviews
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- Oct. 01, 2024
Dr. Suzanne was very kind and made me feel comfortable for my first eye exam in a long time! The sta... ff was also kind and helpful during my visit as well. Can’t wait to get my new frames!
- Jul. 03, 2024
1000/10 experience! The staff is absolutely amazing and knowledgeable. The opticians were extremely ... helpful in picking out frames that fit my face. I definitely will be recommending this place to my friends and family. All I can say is the new management is wonderful!
- Jan. 17, 2024
Great staff
- Nov. 29, 2023
All around excellent experience. Lindsay was the tech, she was kind very helpful. Dr Courtney was ph... enomenal. Provided lots of education, patience for all questions and excellent patient care. The tech who helped with fitting and ordering glasses had great customer care as well.
- May. 11, 2023
They were on time with our appointments. The staff was very thorough, friendly and helpful.
- May. 03, 2023
Great service and friendly staff
- May. 03, 2023
Great people and very knowledgeable staff.
- Apr. 28, 2023
Always great service and attention to detail and care for my eyes.
- Apr. 18, 2023
Although my visits are only once a year I enjoy the kind and uplifting atmosphere.
- Apr. 05, 2023
Always a pleasure going in for an exam with, Dr Jessica Kulick and her team. Full of smiles and laug... hs. Thank you for your wonderful care of my eyes👀!
- Apr. 04, 2023
Family Focus is AMAZING!! I recommend them to everyone and won’t go anywhere else!
- Mar. 30, 2023
Always helpful, polite and professional. Clean rooms, floors, countertops, mirrors, etc. Excellent d... octor and staff.
- Mar. 30, 2023
Great group of people... my glasses broke and of all the optical places my wife and I traveled the F... ond du Lac area to see what could be done, Family Focus staff was interested and concerned about our/my needs. They took the time to see what could be done and gave guidance to the best process at the time. Our choices were very limited but they generally cared. After we left and were at a recommended jewelry shop to get my glasses temporarily fixed, the staff called the jeweler to advise of a cancelation and if I would like the opening and I wasn't even a registered patient....I am now. Even though there was not much that could have been done to assist at that moment the Family Focus made my wife and I feel like Family... Thank you so much for customer support and follow up, which is hard to come by today. We were blessed for stopping and our support and patronage is theirs.
- Mar. 24, 2023
Eye exam went great. No waiting and great service. Thank you and see you in a year.
- Mar. 23, 2023
Always do a great job!
- Mar. 23, 2023
Always friendly and thorough.
- Mar. 22, 2023
The Dr is thorough with my exams every year and is pleasant to talk with. All the workers are always... wearing a smile and willing to help out anyway they can. I will never go anywhere else.
- Mar. 21, 2023
Wow, everybody here tonight did amazing job. 👏 Angi thank you so much for helping my son. You pu... t a smile on his face.
- Mar. 17, 2023
Staff is Always friendly, professional, and willing to assist. Also love Dr. Jessica
- Mar. 16, 2023
Love the Dr Courtney, she is super nice and great with kids and she explains things very well. And ... the front end tech are super nice. WAY TO GO!

View All 480 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Fond du Lac

Our optometry practice in Fond du Lac

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Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(920) 922-7121