senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(402) 475-9113

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 Eyes on Lincoln - Vision Studio 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 Eyes on Lincoln - Vision Studio 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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39 Reviews
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- Oct. 03, 2024
Very friendly and efficient!! The staff all take their time with any questions or concerns. I took a... chance with this smaller business, because the care my family was getting at a larger office was not good. Eyes on Lincoln did not disappoint!! Love everything about this practice. Would highly recommend πŸ‘Œ!
- Sep. 03, 2024
Beautiful office and a prime location! I can appreciate the fact that both locations are near a bus ... route :). And I can tell that customer care is very important to them because every single employee I've encountered at both places has been genuinely kind, professional and pleasant. Those are characteristics some employers don't look for or assume can be trained, but they're inherent traits. So THANK YOU Dr. Weber and your staff!
- Aug. 29, 2024
vary complete exam. Friendly staff and doctor.
- Aug. 09, 2024
I have complete confidence , trust in the care this office provides. Dr Weber is caring and thoroug... h and his staff is excellent as well. Very welcoming, professional, kind and helpful. I rate them 10 out of 10 and highly recommend them!!!
- Aug. 02, 2024
Great service and care!
- Jul. 23, 2024
I have been going to EOL for years. Their O Street office is easy walk from my house. They detected ... development of cataracts few years ago. This year we determined it is time to get cataracts removed. They recommended an ophthalmologist that has a very good reputation, Eyes and Lasers
- Jul. 13, 2024
I stopped in to ask some questions at the recommendation of a friend. They were able to work me in f... or an exam. I received more information after that short exam than I had in years from my previous doctor. Very thorough and informative, the kind of service everyone wants! I highly recommend Dr. Weber!
- Jun. 27, 2024
Dr. Gildersleeve and his team provide top notch services. I highly recommend Eyes on Lincoln to anyo... ne looking for a great, professional, and caring eye clinic.
- Jun. 25, 2024
Highly recommend getting your eyecare done/taken care of at Eyes on Lincoln! Dr. Gildersleeve is gre... at - very caring, helpful, and willing to answer any questions I have... which I usually do. The staff is kind and knowledgeable about my insurance plan - which is helpful as I understand how regular insurance works but I am in the dark when it comes to vision insurance. All-around great experience.
- Jun. 10, 2024
Great Eye Check Up
- May. 07, 2024
They have always been great. Quick yet thorough. Works with my insurance and even saved me quite a b... it on my contacts. I recommend them to everyone.
- Apr. 17, 2024
I have had nothing but the absolute best experiences with eyes on Lincoln. I really appreciate thei... r mindful efforts to be an optical provider that has the patients best interest and, while offering debatably the most economical optical solutions, manages to uphold a quality standard that is superb. I send all of my friends and family their way. Thank you eyes on Lincoln and especially, Dr. Weber!
- Feb. 14, 2024
Excellent, modern facility with a courteous and friendly staff. I went specifically to see Dr. Gilde... rsleeve as he is a fellow pilot and understands the specific needs of aviation. Happy with both my eyeglasses, sunglasses and contacts.
- Feb. 07, 2024
Who knew going to the eye doctor could be enjoyable? Eyes on Lincoln is quick and efficient, which I... greatly appreciate with my tight schedule. Dr Gildersleeve is a pleasure to talk to and is very personable. I also appreciate his outside of the box thinking and suggestions.
- Jan. 15, 2024
Wonderful experience at Eyes on Lincoln Studio 2. Dr. Gildersleeve goes above and beyond with helpin... g patients with their vision needs. Clean modern space with friendly staff. Would highly recommend for vision needs/ocular problems in Lincoln area.
- Apr. 27, 2022
I'm so happy to have gone out of my comfort zone and find a new place. They actually talked to me an... d listened when I had a concern it was a sigh of relief.
- Mar. 03, 2022
Best eyecare I've ever received, bar none and full stop. Dr. Weber and the team here were nothing bu... t helpful, friendly, and informative. Cannot recommend this place enough.
- Feb. 17, 2022
Had a great experience at their studio 2. Dr. Weber did an outstanding job, and I appreciate knowing... exactly where I stand in terms of eye health now. Everyone I have talked to in person and over the phone at Eyes on Lincoln has been more than helpful and friendly. I would highly recommended.
- Jan. 21, 2022
Nice and friendly service, explained everything well and they helped me pick out a new pair of glass... es πŸ™‚
- Jan. 03, 2022
First time at Eyes on Lincoln and they were great and friendly! They were very time efficient and Dr... . Gildersleeve took time to answer all my questions. I will for sure be going back! Highly recommend!

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Culler

Our optometry practice in Culler

Photograph of Stephen  Gildersleeve
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(402) 475-9113