senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(915) 821-6800

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 Eyeland 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 Eyeland 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
4.5
568 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Jun. 15, 2024
Went today for a virtual eye exam and was not disappointed!!! Everyone who assisted was so friendly ... and informative! Will definitely do another virtual eye exam on my next visit!!!
- Jun. 14, 2024
Absolutely love this place, everyone is so nice, patient, and personable. I won't go any where else ... for my eyes.
- Jun. 14, 2024
I was able to get scheduled the very next day i call! From the moment we walked in everyone was so k... ind! They explained every step and what every test was doing. I went to visit Dr.Andy and he was beyond helpful and kind. I will definitely be coming back! Highly recommend
- Mar. 31, 2024
Real friendly staff . Will bend over backwards in order to help you get the right eyewear that you n... eed.
- Jun. 12, 2023
Working for an optical office I was weary sending my mom here cause of the recent reviews. However m... y mother enjoyed it even though she's a pretty decent critic. Like another lady said in the other reviews, it went well with her. Thanks guys!
- May. 17, 2023
Dr. Kim took care of me, and the entire team made me feel very comfortable, welcomed, and enthusiast... ic to help me. I did my insurance intake online, so the confirmation and check in intake when I got there was very easy. During my exam, I was very comfortable and I genuinely feel like they took the time to truly do a thorough exam, while also explaining what was happening if I had questions. At the end of the “1 or 2” options, I was asked to close my eyes and Dr. Kim flipped through the lenses. When she stopped and asked me to look, I saw clearly for the first time in a long time. She also took time to thoroughly explain everything that was happening with my vision. Before this appointment, I had a dental appointment that absolutely brought me to tears solely due to how I was treated, and then again afterwards at my psychiatrists office. The entire highlight of my day was being at Eyeland and having such a positive experience. Thank you so so much to the entire Eyeland Team that I worked with
- Apr. 03, 2023
I visited Eyeland Vision on 3/29/23 for an eye exam. Dr. Kathy phan took care of me. I want to thank... Dr. Phan and her staff for an excellent and professional work, see you soon. Thanks.
- Mar. 02, 2023
After reading all of the reviews I was nervous about coming here. I'm glad I came though! I didn't h... ave any problems as the staff was extremely friendly and helpful. They gave me my prescription with no issues and didn't force me to try to buy glasses at all. They asked if I wanted to or not but that was it. I was aware of the retina exam before I came in, but they did tell me before I went back and asked if I was okay with that, which for some people might be a deal breaker as everyone has to do it to be seen there and it cost me $45 as most insurance companies seem to not cover it but I was perfectly fine to pay for it and do the exam. That's my personal preference though so that is something to consider. I love that the online appointment system was easy to set up and that they accepted my insurance (Tricare). The doctors were very nice and knowledgeable. I would come back here again!
- Sep. 29, 2022
My family and I are new patients of Eyeland Vision. We recently had a wonderful experience at our fi... rst appointment. Dr. Do & staff are Amazing, and took great care of us!
- Jul. 13, 2022
The appointment making process online is easy to use. The receptionist got me in right away. Everyon... e is smiles and helpful. Dr. Kathy Phan is the greatest. She listened to what I needed and gave me the best prescription ever. I need to see far away and very small details up close and my new glasses work perfectly. Thank you Eyeland Vision! I will be a repeat customer.
- Sep. 14, 2021
Fantastic clinic, look forward to going every time I need a check up. They have very up to date equi... pment and ensure you get a through exam all while being fast and friendly.
- Jul. 28, 2021
Staff was very professional and kind. The Doctor encourage questions and was very thorough in answe... ring. I like that her answers opened up discussion for further inquiry. I left understanding more than I anticipated to discover about the overall health of my eyes. Overall, the experience from the staff and Doctor exceeded my expectations.
- Jul. 21, 2021
The staff is professional and efficient. Waiting time is minimal. Doctor Phan is thorough and precis... e. She took her time and explained all of the procedures. Doctor Phan also inquired about my daily activities in order to better assess my vision needs. I would recommend this Optometrist and her staff to my friends and family.
- Jul. 08, 2021
To whom it may concern, My appointment with Eyeland Vision was great! They took the time to talk me ... through everything and made sure I understood what was being done and why. I had a great check up and will continue to go to them for my eye exams.
- Jun. 26, 2021
Everything was excellent, the staff and Doctors were friendly and professional. No long wait, in and... out.
- Jun. 24, 2021
I Absolutely love this place!! The doctors are very helpful and explain everything so good!
- Jun. 23, 2021
The staff was friendly and courteous and attended to me the minute I walked in the door. The prelimi... nary exams were speedy and I saw the doctor within minutes. I’m very happy and satisfied with my experience there and would recommend it to anybody
- Jun. 23, 2021
Thorough exax
- Jun. 17, 2021
Dr. Holt is very patient, explains every thing in detail even gives advise on things which are not i... n his job. Everyone is very patient and nice take their time to explains things. The whole office is so calm and courteous. You can feel the kindness in everyone. Never felt like this at Western Eye. Thank you everyone for making me feel at home. Ms. Josephine Melendez.
- Jun. 17, 2021
There is never a long wait. Staff is quick and professional and I love the eye glasses selection the... y have.

View All 568 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Northeast El Paso

Our optometry practice in Northeast El Paso

Photograph of Kathy  Phan
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(915) 821-6800