senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(215) 550-6273

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 Yardley Vision 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 Yardley Vision 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.

Patient Reviews
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138 Reviews
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- Nov. 18, 2024
I truly recommend Yardley Vision Care and Dr Sheila Maisel. Is no place like this in the area. Every... body is super nice and you always feel like you and your needs are their most priority. Thank you!
- Oct. 01, 2024
Great service, friendly, efficient, organized, on time.
- Sep. 13, 2024
Everyone was extremely courteous and nice. Made me feel like a valued customer and not a number. Dr.... Maisel was very thorough with her examination and explained things in an understandable way. The technician who helped me select my glasses couldn’t have been more helpful and nicer. It was my first visit. Highly recommend Dr. Maisel and her team.
- Aug. 26, 2024
Excellent service and office hours. Staff is knowledgeable and always helpful.
- Aug. 21, 2024
Wonderful vision care and help picking out glasses. Brittany was wonderful.
- Aug. 20, 2024
Highly recommend
- Jul. 26, 2024
Dr. Maisel and staff are some of the friendliest healthcare employees I’ve encountered. They are k... nowledgeable in their field and care for their patients eye well being and overall health.
- Jun. 24, 2024
Dr. Pinal Dave is a pediatrician eye doctor, and my daughter's 1st experience with seeing an eye doc... tor was great. Great customer service during our visit. In and out quickly, considering it was a bit busy.
- Jun. 24, 2024
Doctor and staff are very attentive. Very little wait time. Doctor uses latest devices and technolog... y to diagnose and treat patients.
- Jun. 24, 2024
I have been going to this practice for over 20 years and highly recommend it.
- May. 12, 2024
Everyone there is professional and friendly. Dr. Maisel is just the greatest!
- May. 06, 2024
Kind and thorough, answered all my questions an A+ experience.
- May. 02, 2024
Very friendly staff, good variety of glasses
- Apr. 20, 2024
Doctor Shiela and Samantha are extremely friendly and provide exceptional professional service. They... are a team that helps me see better. Francis Collins
- Apr. 16, 2024
KNOWLEDGBLE= FRIENDLY -PROFESSIONAL
- Apr. 04, 2024
Great experience here, Dr Maisel is fantastic, she goes above and beyond.
- Mar. 12, 2024
Dr. Maisel always takes great care of our optical needs.. her office and staff is a pure delight, hi... ghly recommend.!
- Mar. 06, 2024
The girls there have a passion for fashion! Stylish frames to choose from. I've gotten so many comp... liments on my glasses! Keep up the good work ladies!
- Jan. 05, 2024
Timely and very courteous. Friendly and accommodating service
- Dec. 07, 2023
Great place they are very thorough. The staff is friendly and the wait is not long. Definately recom... mend them.

View All 138 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Yardley

Our optometry practice in Yardley

Photograph of Courtney  Allen
Hours
  • Monday 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tuesday 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Thursday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday By Appointment Only
  • Sunday Closed
  • Nov. 28 Closed
  • Nov. 29 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Eye Med
  • Anthem
  • 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.

(215) 550-6273