senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(724) 935-9999

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 EyeCare Specialties Pediatric & Adult 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 EyeCare Specialties Pediatric & Adult 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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457 Reviews
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- Nov. 26, 2024
Dr Prazer is fantastic and the staff here is so friendly and helpful!
- Sep. 28, 2024
Excellent professional and friendly care in a beautiful facility. Dr. Prazer was wonderful.
- Sep. 20, 2024
Dr. Prazer is top notch in his field with over 40 years experience treating concussions and its all ... encompassing impact on vision and the brain. He is kind, empathetic and reassuring. Dr. Prazer explained the specialized test for a person with a concussion and it's impact. I am an RN and highly recommend Dr. Prazer. The staff are welcoming, efficient and genuinely care. Thank you !
- Sep. 11, 2024
My son had an eye injury over the weekend and was treated at a children's urgent care. By Monday, hi... s eye was still hurting, so I called to see if any appointments were available. Although the doctors were fully booked, the scheduling team went above and beyond, working with the doctors to squeeze us in. I truly appreciated their effort and care in getting my son seen promptly.
- Aug. 28, 2024
Such a great and caring place!! Explained every step to my daughter and made sure I understood every... thing! Highly recommend!
- Aug. 18, 2024
Great examination by doctor!! Staff super friendly and helpful!!
- Aug. 09, 2024
Excellent services.
- Aug. 06, 2024
Everything was super excellent
- Jul. 19, 2024
Excellent staff and great service! Both my boys go here for yearly check ups, glasses, contact lense... s and unplanned glasses repairs and the staff is always there to help! Highly recommended!
- Jul. 16, 2024
Pediatric & Adult Vision Care gives amazing eye care. The staff and doctors are top notch!! The hav... e the best selection of eyeware around!!
- Jul. 03, 2024
Caring, friendly professional
- Jun. 26, 2024
In my 44 years of my life this is the only eye care facility that has the highest amount of care. No... thing compares to this eye care team. I saw them back in 2018 and I now live in Ohio going to make an appointment to go back no one cares more about your eyes then at Pediatric eye care.
- Jun. 23, 2024
Both of my children have benefited greatly from the care of this office. I trust their medical skill... s, and they are also kind and fun to work with. We drive far to get there and it is worth it.
- May. 08, 2024
Dr. Prazer is great. Explains things in everyday language. I have used Dr. Prazer for years and high... ly recommend him.
- May. 05, 2024
Great people, great results.
- May. 03, 2024
Always pleasant, prompt, helpful and compassionate. Love how much Dr. Prazer knows about nutrition... and his other aspects of health and wellness work together with eye care.
- Apr. 21, 2024
I never want to go anywhere else for eye care. Everyone at this practice is so kind, considerate, an... d highly knowledgeable.
- Apr. 12, 2024
It was immediate love at first sight! Not only did the elevator open to an enormous gorgeous space, ... but I was greeted by a knowledgeable, welcoming team of Opticians at Eyecare. I arrived a little late after a difficult and stressful day, but they embraced me with open arms, and we got to work. This was my first visit so I had to complete some New Patient paperwork, however they helped me with completion so not to delay my time there. My evaluation with Nicole and Dr. Shuster was brief but quite thorough.  It’s always a little nerve wracking when you’re meeting a new medical team, but They made me feel comfortable, listened and answered questions I had about my prescription and plan. Then came the fun part and my primary reason for scheduling with them! I was skeptical that they would not meet my expectations in terms of frame options, as I have been disappointed and looking for fun funky frames for over a year. Believe me when I say, I was pleasantly surprised! Suzanne who I had spoken with before my appt to confirm, listened to my preferences and had already set aside some frames for me to try. Then, despite me being there at the end of the night, Bailey and Cherie spent considerable time while I tried on as many frames as I could.  Now, I’ll admit I am a tough critic and quite particular looking for specific shapes and dramatic colors.  When you’ve worn glasses long enough, you know what you want.  Well I may not have found what I thought I was looking for, but they opened my eyes to other options, and now I have to make a difficult decision on one or another, or maybe both! They offer a variety of high-end brands, but are reasonably priced, and they have some amazing bargains to take advantage of.  Plus, they are open later, which is hard to find, and I am so thankful for, with my work schedule.  They informed me that get new inventory pretty frequently which was music to my ears! Either way, I will be buying and will without a doubt be returning to work with this amazing team and selection of frames!  I encourage all of you who have imperfect vision to go explore.  I was referred by a very satisfied friend, and now I want to do the referring!  If it’s your first time, they will guide you!   I promise you will not regret it!
- Mar. 06, 2024
I am starting my second year with Dr. Shuster. I was sent to her from an eye doctor who had concern... s about my eyes. Dr. Shuster is knowledgeable and treats me with compassion. I am very grateful to have been sent to Pediatric & Adult Vision Care.
- Jan. 30, 2024
My husband and I have been coming here for a few years and we love it. Everyone is so professional a... nd kind. We even get to have our appointment together which is fun & saves us some time.

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Wexford

Our optometry practice in Wexford

Photograph of Robert  Prazer
Hours
  • Monday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tuesday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wednesday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:00 am - 1:30 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • Davis Vision
  • National Vision Administration (NVA)
  • EyeMed
  • VBA
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife
  • Aetna
  • UPMC Health Plan

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(724) 935-9999