senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

937-435-0315

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 Shawnee Optical - Dayton 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 Shawnee Optical - Dayton 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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136 Reviews
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- Oct. 26, 2024
Dr. Hardin was thorough, very knowledgeable, and kind. The office had state of art equipment, and th... e appt went through with no issues. Would recommend to friends and patients.
- Oct. 23, 2024
Great experience. Everyone is friendly and knowledgeable.
- Sep. 30, 2024
Staff and service is great!
- Sep. 14, 2024
This staff has the charm and courtesy of bygone years! Sam, Debbie, Janice, and Dr. Hardin are the ... reason we were so impressed. There wasn't the slightest degree of partiality shown by anyone. I loved the mix of generations in this office; all worked to ensure customer satisfaction. The doctor's un-rushed conversation and recommendation for future care / cost should a medical need arise was most reassuring. This is an ace of a place!
- Sep. 09, 2024
Everyone was very nice and the doctor explained everything. I didn't feel rushed through my appointm... ent.
- Sep. 07, 2024
Professional in everyway. Very friendly.
- Aug. 16, 2024
Dr. Hardin has been the best optometrist at this practice. She's also likely the best optometrist I'... ve ever had, and she speaks very highly of her staff, which is a good indication of effective management. The staff is extremely helpful. Yesterday, they searched online for my glasses while I was in with Dr. Hardin, because I have a difficult time finding frames that are large enough, and I have a very specific style. I hadn't even asked them to do this, and it was an extremely welcome surprise, because browsing the internet for any product is exhausting. I like all members of Dr. Hardin's staff, but - specifically - Debbie is my favorite. There are many reasons for this.
- Aug. 12, 2024
Wonderful experience
- Aug. 03, 2024
After 2 incorrect prescriptions from another company, I tried Shawnee Optical. What a difference!! D... r Hardin was very thorough and gave me a correct prescription, plus actually looked at my eye physiologyand noted an issue that required an ophthalmologist visit. I am very thankful for the complete examination. The section with all the glasses to choose from is also quite nice, as are all the staff!
- Jul. 17, 2024
I wanted to share how Dr. Hardin & staff are patient and friendly. Dr. Hardin was very caring and to... ok time to explain in detail for me to understand.
- Jun. 06, 2024
Love the staff and Dr. Hardin is compassionate along with being very thorough and knowledgeable.
- May. 24, 2024
After having a bad experience at my old doctors office I was on the search for a new one.. with a qu... ick search through my health insurance I found Shawnee and Dr. Hardin. Every one there was so nice to me and my mom and Dr.Hardin was fabulous! Definitely recommend!!
- May. 14, 2024
Very thorough and friendly service.
- May. 05, 2024
Everyone was quite courteous and personable and knew exactly what they were doing. Dr Hardin was gr... eat she discovered things with my eyes that Cincinnati Eye Institute didn't even find I was thrilled with my experience there.
- May. 04, 2024
The staff at Shawnee Optical is so very friendly and they make you feel so welcomed. Dr, Hardin is ... so professional and so very nice. She explains things to you whereas you understand what’s going on.
- Apr. 22, 2024
Best eye doctor and caring staff in town!
- Apr. 04, 2024
The staff here are top notch! So kind and helpful. Dr Hardin is a true gift!
- Mar. 26, 2024
All women; very professional; very thorough. I could not be happier with my experience there.
- Mar. 25, 2024
Great service
- Feb. 28, 2024
Dr. Hardin is the best. Very knowledgeable. I've gone here for years and she is the best doctor to b... e there. I highly recommend.

View All 136 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Dayton

Our optometry practice in Dayton

Photograph of Elizabeth  Hardin
Hours
  • Monday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Anthem
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • MetLife

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

937-435-0315