senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(513) 530-0440

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.


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


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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342 Reviews
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- Sep. 30, 2024
Professional, people that seem to be happy work there.
- Sep. 09, 2024
Very good experience at Harper's Point Eye! Doc and staff are over the top amazing.
- Sep. 07, 2024
Best eye doctor Dr ,Todd.Zelczak thank you so much for your best help for my 7 year old son’s eye!... I recommended.Also our insurance accepted too!
- Aug. 15, 2024
10/10 recommend all doctors at this practice. we have moved since becoming patients and still drive ... almost an hour to appointments. Thank you!
- Aug. 10, 2024
I'll stay
- Aug. 07, 2024
They told me to checking 15 minutes before my appointment I get out of the car a white lady tel... ls me were not open yet two white people go right in so I won't be going there anymore!
- Jul. 31, 2024
Great staff!
- Jul. 12, 2024
had a great experience with doctor ziegler and her intern (didn’t catch her name) but definitely a... mazing people. you can tell they really care about the patients and were extremely knowledgeable. also, time effective! impressed and will be back annually 😊 thank you!
- Jul. 01, 2024
Staff serve with smiling faces and good vibes.
- Jun. 30, 2024
Friendly, competent, and efficient experience.
- Jun. 24, 2024
The Staff at Harpers Point Eye Associates are top notch. They are very helpful, knowledgeable and k... ind. My rating of Dr. Zelczek is excellent because he is very knowledgeable and very patient oriented. He explains your eye health and answers all questions that I had. I felt my care was exceptional.
- Jun. 18, 2024
All associates are nice and helpful.
- Jun. 13, 2024
Extremely competent professional and friendly staff. I see Dr Kirstein and he’s amazing! Will ne... ver go to anyone else as long as he’s in practice. They also have a large wonderful display of frames to choose from.
- Jun. 11, 2024
I would like to say this was the first time that I had an eye exam at Harpers point eye associates a... nd I have to say that the front desk was excellent Ruth and the young lady Tessa who did my eye exam was wonderful. Tessa and Tiffany helped me pick out a wonderful pair of glasses that I love. Dr zelchak was wonderful did a thorough exam. All of the personnel people that I met was great. I would highly recommend.
- Jun. 10, 2024
Front desk ladies are the sweetest ! The doctors and other staff were absolutely amazing with my 5 y... ear old son . Would definitely recommend coming here !
- Jun. 06, 2024
Super nice staff . Quick and fast . Brought my 5 year old son here and they were amazing with him! N... ice and clean facility. Very spacious
- Jun. 01, 2024
The doctors are thorough and efficient. I have received excellent and comprehensive care from them. ... I highly recommend them.
- May. 01, 2024
I had a great experience here. Dr. Ziegler referred me to this location as a follow up from another... location due to having specialized equipment. She met me here, did her boss thing, and I'm good to go. She also helped me upgrade my new glasses so they work better for my lifestyle. I told her I had some problems and all of them been resolved. She is highly competent and she cares about a lasting, positive outcome.
- Apr. 10, 2024
Very Pleasant staff and surroundings! They seem like they really care about you and your well being... , especially Dr. Zelchek
- Apr. 03, 2024
Dr. Kirsten and Staff are very Welcoming and attentive! My Family and I truly appreciate you all!

View All 342 Reviews

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
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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(513) 530-0440