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 EyeCare Specialties - Quincy today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Quincy

Our optometry practice in Quincy

Photograph of Kurtis  Carlson
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
  • Nov. 23 Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

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 EyeCare Specialties - Quincy today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
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283 Reviews
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- Aug. 15, 2023
Great experience! Dr Carlson and his staff are professional and efficient.
- Aug. 11, 2023
Very friendly and helpful got me right in explained everything and got me fixed up I would definitel... y recommend them to others
- Jul. 17, 2023
The doctor was very friendly and included me in his thoughts about what is going on with my eyes. H... e educated me and included me in diagnostic and treatment plans. The staff was friendly and helpful. My biggest praise for this location is the extended hours they offer. I can make and keep an appointment without having to take time off work.
- Jun. 17, 2023
The ladies at reception were wonderful! They made an extra effort to make my anxious child feel comf... ortable. Doug was great with him during the exam explaining everything as he went and just being really pleasant. Dr. Thoele was quick, professional, and also really nice. Overall, during our very first visit here we were made to feel like we had been customers for years. Would definitely recommend this place!
- May. 01, 2023
Great service
- Feb. 22, 2023
I have had Dr Carlson as a dr for years this was the first time seeing him at his new office. And Do... ug the staff who did my initial testing and such is the best. He was super friendly and you can tell he loves his job.
- Feb. 17, 2023
WE LOVE THE LADY AT THE FRONT DESK! SHE IS THE BEST!
- Jan. 09, 2023
I really enjoyed my visit. Staff was friendly and professional. The Dr. Was also friendly and profes... sional. He listened to me when I had questions and answered them clearly in a way I could understand. Both the Dr. And the staff dis not mind spending time with me to make sure I was satisfied. They also have a great selection of glasses
- Dec. 22, 2022
Dr Krohn is amazing
- Oct. 26, 2022
Friendly and respectful staff, the varying appointment are helpful
- Oct. 17, 2022
This was service beyond my highest expectation. Wry upbeat and professional office staff. Just a br... eath of fresh air!
- Aug. 18, 2022
Such caring Staff
- Aug. 05, 2022
I would recommend this place to anyone. Very friendly staff and doc's. I been going here for years a... nd never had any issues. They care and got my contacts with in a couple days.
- Aug. 03, 2022
Dr. Carlson is my favorite! He’s great with kids and takes the time to answer all my questions! He... is the first eye doctor to find the perfect fitting contact lenses for me!
- Jul. 21, 2022
Everyone was very polite and professional from the start of my service to the end of my service. Mad... e me feel comfortable and welcome. A+ Service
- Jul. 08, 2022
Great team easy to understand and frames are outstanding love my new glasses
- May. 05, 2022
I enjoyed my visit. Everyone was friendly from the receptionist optical techs and Dr. K was very inf... ormative and nice. Wonderful experience akso I got my glasses in less then 2 weeks. I will be returning for feature eye care needs
- Nov. 17, 2021
Just upgraded from 20/30 to 20/10!!! Loving the crisp vision. Thanks Dr Krohn!
- Nov. 06, 2021
Wonderful experience here. The staff was great! I enjoyed everyone I met.
- Oct. 05, 2021
Absolutely amazing! I took my daughter in for replacement glasses. Got told to come in and pick out ... frames I made it about 10 minutes until close and they stayed over to help me get new glasses for my daughter. I will definitely continue going through iec for myself and my kids!

View All 283 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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