senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(503) 546-4460

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 Foster Vision 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 Foster Vision 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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- Sep. 27, 2024
Good customer service very fast and efficient. Nice environment. 10/10 Nice collection of frames as ... well. I will be back!
- Sep. 13, 2024
Been coming to Foster Vision for years and the team is so wonderful, compassionate, supportive and Q... UICK. They have a great selection of eyewear and are very knowledgeable and helpful.
- Aug. 28, 2024
Had a really great experience here. I've been bouncing around eye doctors in Portland for 10 years a... nd finally found a place I'd love to come back to. Thank you to all the staff.
- Aug. 11, 2024
Great providers and support staff. Very professional and kind.
- Jul. 23, 2024
I really enjoyed my experience at Foster Vision! The appointment was smooth and seamless and the Dr.... is incredibly knowledgeable !!! I am so grateful to have found them and will most definitely be going back in for my next appointment/ check up. They also had a great selection of glasses !
- Jul. 09, 2024
It was amazing! Mariielle was professional and hilarious. The entire staff was great.. Definitely t... he most fun I’ve ever had an eye exam after nearly 50 years of being legally blind. I highly recommend foster vision!
- Jul. 09, 2024
Great people and atmosphere to be around! Doctor knows what she is doing and is very transparent. Ov... erall I had a fantastic experience at foster vision!
- Jul. 09, 2024
I absolutely love this place! Their staff is amazing and their service is top notch!
- Jul. 09, 2024
Everyone was wonderful!! I would definitely come back again
- Jul. 01, 2024
Staff were very friendly and easy going. Great communication and very helpful.
- Jul. 01, 2024
Great visit! Quick, painless, and nice selection of glasses!
- Jun. 27, 2024
Great experience. Professional, prompt and good utilization of my vision benefits! Thank you.
- Jun. 15, 2024
Wonderful doctor and outstanding care in regards to assisting me with picking out frames within my p... rice range and giving me advice on what fits, looks, the best on me. I had a very relaxing exam and I choose the doctor to be my annual eye doctor, absolutely wonderful. Highly recommended
- Jun. 15, 2024
Very professional and quick!
- Jun. 14, 2024
Friendliest eye doctor I’ve ever been to! I love going back here, they handle each customer with s... o much care every time I go in. I’ve never had a bad experience here, and plan to keep returning 🙂
- Jun. 11, 2024
Everyone was professional and friendly. I would recommend this establishment for your optical needs....
- Jun. 06, 2024
My visit was great . Friendly and knowledgeable staff thank you
- Jun. 04, 2024
was able to make an appointment quickly and easily, everyone i interacted with was very friendly and... accommodating! they were also upfront about any additional charges that my insurance wouldnt cover and didnt pressure me to make any purchases. overall a very pleasant experience!
- May. 31, 2024
I am officially a forever patient of Foster Vision. They got me in very quickly for an appointment, ... and Dr. Tong was so wonderful about working with me to get my contact prescription right. When I had a complication with my order (personal and not at all Foster Vision’s fault), everyone from the front desk staff to the actual owner of the practice (Dr. Kwon, an angel) was so accommodating and kind. They caught me on an absolutely horrible week and made me feel like saw me first as a human than just a patient. Thank you for everything, FV!
- May. 30, 2024
Excellent service and staff!

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Mount Scott - Arleta

Our optometry practice in Mount Scott - Arleta

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Hours
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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(503) 546-4460