senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(815) 397-5959

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 Primary EyeCare Centers - Edgebrook 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 Primary EyeCare Centers - Edgebrook 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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211 Reviews
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- Nov. 27, 2024
Went in today to see dr Abraham. Made the appointment in person the day before. Have been going to P... rimary Eyecare for a decade. There have been ownership changes and I was leary however I noticed no difference at all. The staff have always been very friendly and helpful . They are fair in their rates and overall friendly people. I would recommend them in a minute.
- Sep. 12, 2024
Service was professional and friendly; Dr. Abraham was knowledgeable and caring. He understood my ne... ed and request for multi focal contacts and glasses. He customized each product for my lifestyle (work and home). I will continue my wellness services at this location.
- Aug. 24, 2024
I have been acquainted with Edgebrook primary Eyecare for we say decades now I’ve had the most won... derful opportunity to join their team and I have only positive and wonderful feelings and experiences and I absolutely love working there. The team is fabulous. They’re kind compassionate and they always have a smile, my manager, Lupe I couldn’t ask for anyone better. She has been fabulous and under her direction, she has a team that works for her that love working for her and we enjoy coming to work every day !!’n Please come visit soon
- Apr. 26, 2024
Amee the optician is very kind, sweet, and patient. The experience is 10/10!
- Mar. 26, 2024
I have been a patient of Dr. Kittle for over 15 years! He is awesome! The staff is awesome. My tech ... Rhonda was very helpful and the receptionist Ravena was very helpful as well!
- Sep. 15, 2023
Great experience, great people 💯👍👍👍
- Oct. 24, 2022
The BEST I've ever experienced! The optometrist is very thorough. The office staff is sooo pleasant.... I live out of town otherwise this would be my office of choice for life. 5 stars easily!
- Oct. 28, 2021
EDGEBROOK PRIMARY EYE CARE WAS A GREAT EXPERIENCE FOR MY WIFE AND I. THEY TAKE YOU THRU THE PROCESS ... OF THE STAGES OF GIVING A SMOOTH CHECK-UP AND ANSWER ANY CONCERNS YOU MAY HAVE. THE CHOICE OF FRAMCES ARE FOR ANY BUDGET. STAFF IS GREAT.
- Sep. 30, 2021
Every employee with whom I had contact was professional and very pleasant.
- Sep. 29, 2021
Dr. Kittle is OUTSTANDING!!
- Sep. 18, 2021
Always a pleasant experience in an office staffed by warm, caring professionals.
- Aug. 28, 2021
Wonderful service. Highly recommend them.
- Aug. 20, 2021
Dr. Priyanka Patel was amazing! She worked magic on me and corrected my left eye to 20/30 vision wh... en I have never been able to read out of it (54 years)! Here manner is amazing and just a very likeable person all around. She cares about her patients and makes extraordinary efforts to make sure your prescriptions are exactly right! Don't look any further for an Optometrist. Trust me, she is the one for you!
- Aug. 12, 2021
Great practice what a fun bunch! The Dr's and staff are very thorough.
- Aug. 12, 2021
Took my son for his 1st eye appointment. They were very patient with him. I myself went to get my ey... es checked too. It was a pleasant experience. Would highly recommend.
- Jul. 16, 2021
During a routine exam I was greeted by friendly faces and rapid service. The tech ,Italiana, was fri... endly and very thorough ! She explained the testing and gave me her undivided attention with her care. Dr. Prayika Patel was prompt to ask for an additional test after noticing a troubling area in my right eye. She was comforting and clearly showed me what concerned her that day. She was professional but very caring. She discovered that I needed eye surgery and Italia followed up immediately by getting a date set for surgery before I left my appointment. I am so impressed with the level of care I experienced and I appreciate each of those who provided me with sight-saving care ! Thank you, Primary Eye Care !
- Jul. 15, 2021
Dr Patel was awesome. Took a lot of time and explained everything to me. Her assistant, Erica was ... superb. Very friendly and organized business. I highly recommend!
- Jul. 10, 2021
Michelle helped me find the perfect pair of glasses for me. She was kind, patient, professional, and... knowledgeable.
- Jun. 30, 2021
Dr Kittle has been our family eye doctor for years. He is amazing. He is very kind and really cares ... about his patients. He is the most knowledgeable vision Doctor I have ever know. He always makes us feel comfortable during the exams and he has a fun sense of humor. He makes my sons comfortable by talking about Star Wars to help them relax during the exam. He is very patient. My son when younger had a vision condition that is uncommon and really was impacting his life. Other types of doctors were miss diagnosing him with other conditions but but Dr. Kittle found right away that his situation was due to his eyes. All my son needed was vision therapy and his condition he had is completely gone after the therapy. I have a neurological condition and I have had 2 brain surgeries and he understands how my condition effects my eyes. Plus I am very difficult to fit for contacts because of complex condition with my eyes but he had always been able to find contacts that work for me. Just this week I was having an issue with my eyes and he came in a half an hour earlier just to see me because he was double booked with patients that day. After the exam he did find my eyes did need treatment and I really appreciate him coming in to work early just to treat me before his day started. He is truly a great doctor. I highly recommend him. Technicians to do adjustments are awesome. I like them all and they are all very kind and professional. Victor is very kind and always greets me when I come in. I will always recommend anyone to go here. I would not go anywhere else.
- Jun. 30, 2021
Dr Anderson is always very kind, attentive and professional. Very detailed examination. When choosin... g frames/glasses lots of variety with brand name, style and sizes for all. Luke was an excellent optician to assist with selecting and ordering my new frames. He was even able to get my pair from last year that were broken covered under warranty. Great place for excellent care and customer service! Highly recommend!

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Rockford

Our optometry practice in Rockford

Photograph of Justin  Abraham
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Medicare
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  • Spectera
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(815) 397-5959