senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(765) 664-9637

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 Preferred Eye Care - Marion 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 Preferred Eye Care - Marion 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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281 Reviews
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- Aug. 29, 2024
Took less than an hour and glasses came in less than a week when expecting to take 3 weeks
- Aug. 12, 2024
Dr. Fetting took extra time with me! I've had eye problems that resulted in surgeries. He was meticu... lous checking me! The staff is wonderful! I felt welcome there as if I wasn't any bother even though I can be overly chatty!
- Jun. 21, 2024
Dr. Fettig is great, and his staff is friendly. They've always been helpful, and I feel confident in... his care. I would definitely recommend.
- Mar. 14, 2024
Knowledgeable, Friendly, Caring doctors and staff
- Feb. 18, 2024
Took our 4 year old here. Super friendly staff! They were super patient with him and doctor was kind... to him as well. Definitely recommend!
- Feb. 11, 2024
Extremely helpful, friendly, and went out of their way to help!
- Jan. 23, 2024
Fast , friendly, thorough, great selection of eyewear, various options, reasonable
- Jan. 16, 2024
Outstanding staff. Very satisfied with my exam and glasses. I highly recommend Preferred Eye Care an... d will continue using them.
- Dec. 29, 2023
They got me in quickly and actualy seemed to care about my situation.
- Dec. 07, 2023
Dr Fettig spent a lot of time making sure we were both taken care of to the fullest, even assisting ... my husband who is legally blind.
- Dec. 05, 2023
Very pleased with our experience at Preferred EyeCare of Marion. Dr Fettig turned back the clock ... for me! I can now see up close and drive at night with my new contacts! He was very patient with my young daughter and made the experience for all my kids a good one! Thank you!
- Sep. 23, 2023
Great people there
- Aug. 08, 2023
My husband, daughter (5 year old), and I all go there for our eye care and they are always kind and ... listen to you well. They are patient with my daughter which is important for me because she's not confident in herself when it came to the letters so it took some time for her to read them. She also didn't like the eye drops but they were kind and understanding with her. We like that they also have hours available past 4 PM on Mondays. It's nice for when school is going on as well as for my husband after work. Highly recommend!
- Jul. 24, 2023
Friendly. Courteous. I was last seen a few years before and they still remembered who I was which sa... ys alot
- Jul. 10, 2023
~ Great Dr ~ Great staff ~
- Apr. 24, 2023
I would recommend Preferred Eye Care without any hesitations.
- Mar. 14, 2023
A great place to go to for eye appointments and many choices of eye wear and products at affordable ... prices.
- Mar. 13, 2023
I just started going to preferred eye care and I absolutely love it friendly staff , very clean offi... ce 10/10 would recommend.
- Feb. 27, 2023
Great staff! Great service!
- Feb. 21, 2023
I’ve been coming in for years. Staff is super friendly and knowledgeable. The doctor is so nice. ... Great selection of frames.

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Marion

Our optometry practice in Marion

Photograph of Todd J.  Fettig
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(765) 664-9637