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 Harper's Point Eye Associates - Montgomery today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Cincinnati

Our optometry practice in Cincinnati

Photograph of Elliot  Kirstein
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • Anthem
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife

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 Harper's Point Eye Associates - Montgomery today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
4.7
238 Reviews
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- Sep. 16, 2023
I have seen Dr.Zelczak for years. He and his staff have always treated me with kindness and respect
- Sep. 12, 2023
Good people
- Aug. 16, 2023
Dr. Z and his team provide excellent, professional eye care!
- Aug. 15, 2023
Great environment and awesome staff. Been going here for 20+ years.
- Aug. 08, 2023
I was very pleased with the service that was provided. Great staff highly recommend
- Jun. 30, 2023
the desk staff is always friendly and helpful, I appreciate having the opinion of the student intern... s, and Dr. Kirstein is the best, I have been going to his practice for for over 20 years and I would highly recommend them.
- Jun. 12, 2023
They were very polite and caring.
- Jun. 07, 2023
I highly recommend Harper's Point Montgomery office. This was my 1st visit with this office. EVERYON... E was pleasant, over knowledgeable of their job description. Dr. Zelczak went over and beyond to find me a box of daily contact lenses due to my prescription. It was only 1 company that carried them. A big 📣 to you Dr.
- Jun. 04, 2023
Great eye doctors, timely, and gentle!!! Always nice and helpful. Montgomery location is amazing!
- May. 12, 2023
Great Drs and office staff
- May. 06, 2023
From the front desk to the tech that did my test to the Dr to the staff that helped me choose my gla... sses to the staff that helped me when I picked them up, this experience was absolutely the Best! Professional, Knowledgeable, Friendly, Smiling and patient. The cost was reasonable. I HIGHLY recommend Harper's Point.
- Apr. 28, 2023
Always the best care at Harper's Point. I've been a patient there for over 25 years and highly reco... mmend them.
- Apr. 09, 2023
A smooth experience end to end from the Eye Exam to ordering Glasses. Excellent staff & customer ser... vice
- Mar. 27, 2023
Highly recommend Harper's Eye Associates in Cincinnati
- Mar. 13, 2023
The office is beautiful!! The staff was very friendly and helpful. The doctor was very nice, pati... ent and understanding. He was also very informative and made me feel at ease. Great first time experience.
- Mar. 11, 2023
The physician and staff were wonderful. My mother had a NPV scheduled for later in the month but she... was having some new problems and she fit in for s same day appointment with all the time that was needed.
- Mar. 10, 2023
Great job by everyone! Very friendly staff.
- Feb. 16, 2023
The bifocal glasses I just picked up are awesome! I didn't know bifocals could be this great. I hav... e had 2 other pair in the past from 2 different places and I have been disappointed. I love my new glasses from Harper's Point.
- Feb. 15, 2023
They are very friendly and on time all the time. Take time to understand your eye concerns and addre... ss them immediately. Very highly recommend
- Jan. 31, 2023
Always pleasant and tentative to my care

View All 238 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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