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 Memorial Eye Center - Wilcrest today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment

Our optometry practice in Houston

Photograph of Sandra  Bui
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • 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 - 3:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Aetna
  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross
  • Medicare
  • Medicaid
  • MetLife
  • Spectera
  • VSP
  • United Healthcare

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 and 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 Memorial Eye Center - Wilcrest today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
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441 Reviews
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- Mar. 24, 2023
Everyone is super sweet and helpful.
- Mar. 13, 2023
Professional and friendly staff
- Nov. 30, 2022
Dr bui is the best. Staff is fantastic. Highly recommend this office for your vision needs
- Nov. 27, 2022
I love this location (wilcrest)! I have been seeing this team for well over 5 years and ever visited... is amazing! Everyone is always so polite and helpful. I had an eye emergency and they took me in same day and made sure everything was okay! The only reason that I no longer go here regularly is due to the distance from a recent move. However, they will always be an option and a doctor that I can depend on. Dr. Linda Enciso and Dr Sandra Bui - amazing and love them both!
- Oct. 31, 2022
This is by far the best eye care center in all of the alief & West Chase district. The staff is all ... about customer service
- Oct. 13, 2022
Exceptional staff at the Wilcrest location. Dont bother going to the Sugar Land location. Have rec... eived exceptional care at the Wilcrest location for 14 years.
- Sep. 22, 2022
Friendly staff helped me every step of the way from verifying my insurance coverage and allowances t... o my exam to getting me new frames and the best lenses for my lifestyle!
- Sep. 10, 2022
Ask for Jabari!!
- Sep. 08, 2022
The staff is super knowledgeable and friendly
- Sep. 08, 2022
Staff is very professional and patient. They took extra time to ensure my glasses fit properly and t... hey never tried to get me to purchase something I didn't need!
- Sep. 02, 2022
Great customer service!!!
- Aug. 27, 2022
Everyone is so friendly, nice and most importantly knowledgeable about what they do. Highly recommen... d!
- Aug. 22, 2022
Excellent service, extremely polite doctors and staff, an overall good vibe.
- Aug. 10, 2022
It was my first time visiting for an appointment and service was so quick! They even got me in 1 day... early after I’d mixed up my appointment days! Dr. Sandra was great and you can tell that she really loves what she does! I have never had such an extensive eye exam!
- Jun. 14, 2022
Dr. Linda Enciso and the staff at Memorial Eye Center are awesome! Dr .Linda has been keeping my eye... s healthy for years. The office is clean and the staff wear mask
- Apr. 27, 2022
Great staff and wonderful customer service
- Mar. 28, 2022
Ciara and stephany are two of the greatest employees they have i had an excellent experience and wil... l return
- Mar. 21, 2022
My favorite eye care team! All locations! Thanks Dr Bui for being so great!❤️
- Feb. 01, 2022
Great overall experience! The office is extremely clean. The staff is helpful and friendly. Dr. Enci... so is experienced, patient, and very knowledgeable. I would recommend Memorial Eye to all my friends and family.
- Jan. 27, 2022
Very nice and professional. This is an Example of how businesses should treat their customers to mak... e America great again

View All 441 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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