senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(281) 265-9090

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 Wishnow Sugar Vision - Sugar Land 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 Wishnow Sugar Vision - Sugar Land 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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185 Reviews
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- Aug. 25, 2024
Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Our family optometrist for many years now !!
- Apr. 30, 2024
At my first visit I experienced miscommunication. My second visit, I voiced my concerns to the offic... e manager and he handled my situation with grace. The manager was able to put a smile on my face while also assuring me he would speak with who caused my concerns. He respects not just everyone who comes in, but his employees as well. This speaks volumes of this business as a whole. Dr. Sugar is the absolute best medical professional I have encountered. Beside manner 11/10, listens to EVERY concern, and has the best attitude. Other medical offices should use this one as a blueprint to their own.
- Apr. 25, 2024
Incredible!! Professional and precise. Love my new glasses!!
- Apr. 21, 2024
Professional and friendly service
- Apr. 14, 2024
Great people, Great service for 20+ years.
- Jan. 28, 2024
Excellent customer service and easy access to the office and pretty good selection of glasses.
- Jan. 24, 2024
Very friendly and very professional.
- Jan. 08, 2024
Very fast and friendly
- Nov. 23, 2023
The staff was incredibly professional, courteous, and made me feel at ease throughout the entire pro... cess. Dr.Sugar was thorough, knowledgeable, and took the time to explain every step of the examination. The facility was clean, well-maintained, and equipped with the latest technology. I left feeling confident about my eye health, thanks to the comprehensive and accurate assessment. I highly recommend their services to anyone in need of a vision check!
- Nov. 07, 2023
Personalized attention
- Oct. 30, 2023
Dr. Sugar and his staff are ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL! They are attentive and I definitely recommend!!
- Oct. 19, 2023
Dr. Dan and his staff are friendly and good at what they do! If you need a little help with your vi... sion, they can help.
- Oct. 15, 2023
Great service. Very professional. Very helpful to my elementary age grandsons. J.M.
- Sep. 28, 2023
Dr Sugar and staff have always been there for me and treated me and my eyes with the utmost care and... professionalism.
- Sep. 11, 2023
Every person I dealt with in the office was fantastic. Would definitely recommend.
- Aug. 23, 2023
Every member of Wishnow makes you feel Welcome and Important
- Aug. 07, 2023
Love this place. Been going here for years. When I walk in, everybody greets me with a smile and the... y remember me and my whole family. It’s like a little reunion every time I go in. And they are very good at what they do
- Jul. 31, 2023
Friendly, competent, & professional service.
- Jul. 25, 2023
Great service, great staff. Don’t go anywhere else!
- Jul. 18, 2023
Very personalized service. All employees are customer oriented and very helpful.

View All 185 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Lakepointe Center

Our optometry practice in Lakepointe Center

Photograph of Daniel  Wishnow
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Aetna
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Medicare
  • Spectera
  • United Healthcare
  • VSP
  • EyeMed

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(281) 265-9090