senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(210) 495-9020

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 Hill Country Vision Center - Stone Oak 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 Hill Country Vision Center - Stone Oak 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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386 Reviews
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- Oct. 04, 2024
This is a great optometry office with professional and friendly optometrist and staff. Office employ... s great communication.
- Aug. 24, 2024
Staff and Dr. McNabb are so friendly and helpful. Would highly recommend!
- Aug. 09, 2024
Efficient, comprehensive, lots of patience and friendly. 💯
- Aug. 08, 2024
Professional and friendly doctors and staff.
- Aug. 02, 2024
Dr. Ip and Dr. Conner took great care of our eye needs, significantly improving on what we had exper... ienced previously. They were both friendly and took the time to explain things to us. The staff and eye glass specialist were also very friendly and professional. Pricing was competitive and they were willing to price match on contact lenses when I identified a better price elsewhere. Overall a great experience and our vision provider of choice going forward.
- Jul. 31, 2024
Both of our children require vision needs. Ages 9 and 10. We have been to several eye drs. Dr. McNab... b is far and away the most thourough and professional dr we have seen to date. I only wish we ended up here sooner. Do your child a solid and go visit Hill Country Vision.
- Jul. 05, 2024
Staff and providers are extremely kind and patient. Love this office!
- Jul. 04, 2024
Very friendly folks.
- Jul. 02, 2024
Solid staff, caring, patient, and attentive. I've been going, along with my whole family, for years... . Highly recommended!!
- Jul. 02, 2024
Dr. McNabb genuinely cares for his patients. He is extremely professional and competent. The whole t... eam is friendly and provide a great experience. I highly recommend.
- Jun. 30, 2024
Nice clean store, the staff and in particular Julie, are very friendly. Dr. McNabb demonstrates sinc... ere interest and care for his patients.
- Jun. 08, 2024
I can't believe I haven't posted in the past. I absolutely love my optometrist, Dr. Allison!! She is... the absolute best. Her tech, Kiyona, is amazing. They are both very knowledgeable and make you feel right at home. I've been with them for over 5 years and I don't intend on going anywhere else.
- May. 13, 2024
Staff is friendly and thorough. Dr. McNabb is knowledgeable and kind.
- May. 09, 2024
I have been coming here for a couple years, great staff and glasses.
- May. 04, 2024
very friendly staff and my prescription glasses came out so accurate!!
- Apr. 20, 2024
Dr. Ip was very knowledgeable, professional, and thorough. Great experience.
- Apr. 20, 2024
My daughter and I had a great experience here
- Apr. 20, 2024
I love this place. Everyone is so friendly. They squeezed me in because I ran out of contacts. I was... in and out in about one hour. They even price-matched a year supply of contacts and gave me complimentary contacts until my order comes in. The doctor was thorough, the place is super clean, and they have complimentary coffee and water. I don’t buy glasses, but the frame selection looks great. It’s a 30-minute drive from my house but so worth it!
- Mar. 31, 2024
Very nice office.
- Mar. 02, 2024
Dr Ip was wonderful and took her time with me to perfect my prescription. I have had vision issues i... ncluding optic neuritis and she was very thorough and helpful with my questions and concerns about my vision. The staff up front (totally forgot their names!) Was extremely kind and helpful with my shopping experience. I was definitely picky and they gave me great options and input on the various frames for my face shape and eyes etc. I will be back again and again!

View All 386 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Stone Oak

Our optometry practice in Stone Oak

Photograph of Conner  McNabb
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • EyeMed
  • 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.

(210) 495-9020