senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(419) 872-4477

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 Zysik EyeCare 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 Zysik EyeCare 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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357 Reviews
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- Nov. 01, 2024
My son is young and the were wonderful with him! Thank you 🙂
- Oct. 06, 2024
Doctor answered all my questions in a way I could understand.
- Sep. 30, 2024
Beautiful people
- Sep. 29, 2024
Great exam
- Sep. 28, 2024
Fast, friendly, courteous, and extremely knowledgeable.
- Sep. 08, 2024
In addition to taking time in each appointment for questions, scheduling appointments is easy. Unli... ke most medical practices, you can get an appointment within a week.
- Aug. 31, 2024
Like the way I was treated, very relaxing experience
- Aug. 22, 2024
Staff was very friendly, doctor explained what he was doing and why it mattered, overall great exper... ience!
- Aug. 07, 2024
Knowledgeable and friendly. Have every confidence I received the best care for my vision needs.
- Jun. 30, 2024
Friendly staff. I like Dr.Lovas.
- May. 21, 2024
Very professional service, personal attention and a clear desire to understand the vision needs of e... ach patient.
- May. 13, 2024
Wonderful experience selecting frames and working with the gallery staff. Terri is amazing!
- May. 08, 2024
Both doctors are great! The opticians are so helpful when finding glasses. I enjoy this office and r... ecommend.
- Apr. 23, 2024
Everyone at the office was helpful, caring, inviting, and knowledgeable. Dr. Julie Zysik put my chil... d at ease who needed glasses for the first time. She was very thorough in her exam and explanations.
- Apr. 19, 2024
The whole staff was fantastic!!
- Mar. 16, 2024
Dr Lovas was very knowledgeable and informative when it came to treatment for our son. We brought hi... m in because we thought he had scratched his cornea or eyeball and we found out he just has allergic conjunctivitis which was very re assuring to hear as a parent that your child has nothing serious going on. He gave us eye drops to help our son. I will definitely be bringing our child back when it’s time for his first eye exam!
- Feb. 28, 2024
Great customer service! Friendly staff and physician!
- Feb. 22, 2024
Great Staff, very friendly and all very helpful! They got me in very quickly and I had my new glasse... s in about two weeks. Also love they have later office hours a few days a week highly recommend
- Jan. 14, 2024
The staff was amazing. They were so friendly and knowledgeable. Service was top notch!
- Dec. 14, 2023
Professional Caring and pleasant Dr's and staff..highly recommend this Eyecare Office

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Perrysburg

Our optometry practice in Perrysburg

Photograph of Julie  Zysik
Hours
  • Monday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Aetna

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(419) 872-4477