senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

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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 North Garland Vision today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Garland

Our optometry practice in Garland

Photograph of Cheryl Simmons
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross

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 North Garland Vision today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
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324 Reviews
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- Dec. 02, 2023
Just left my annual appointment and needed to commend Arturo in Optical, in addition to Dr. Lim. Bot... h went above and beyond to provide a great experience and terrific patient care. Thoroughly pleased and strongly recommend.
- Nov. 28, 2023
My eye exam went smoothly. The North Garland Vision staff treated me with A+ service!
- Nov. 12, 2023
Staff is pleasant. Dr. Lim is kind and informative. I went in for just an annual exam. Great options... for specs in store. Will be back to purchase glasses.
- Nov. 10, 2023
Me and my family have been going here for many years. We love Dr Suder and the rest of the staff. ... I can not recommend them enough. However, you can definitely find glasses and contacts much cheaper elsewhere.
- Oct. 27, 2023
First time visiting and will definitely be returning. Dr. Lim was very chill and educational! Love a... doctor with great spirit. The front desk staff are wonderful as well! The young lady who performed the initial tests was amazing as well! Recommend to everyone!
- Oct. 24, 2023
Very quick. Very nice. Local sister location. I'll be back here soon
- Oct. 15, 2023
I felt cared for and listened to and the staff was amazing helping me find the perfect pair of glass... es. They took the time to work with me through several pair to find the perfect ones!
- Oct. 15, 2023
Jamie and Dr Bollish are wonderful.
- Oct. 14, 2023
I have been with Dr Bollish since 1992. Exceptional doctor n human being. He has my eye history in m... ind every time I see him. Always look forward to spending time with him.
- Oct. 01, 2023
Excellent care, very thorough and professional.
- Sep. 26, 2023
Dr. Lin was able to see me on very short notice when I had an eye issue. The staff was very professi... onal and provided a great experience.
- Sep. 22, 2023
Good place to get eye exam and new glasses. Wish they had more sunglasses options!
- Sep. 04, 2023
Service is outstanding
- Sep. 03, 2023
Had set up an appt. via Zocdoc. They respond fast, and staffs were all friendly and attentive. I was... seen by Dr. Lim. She was knowledgeable, friendly, and patienly listens and answers all the questions. I highly recommend here.
- Aug. 30, 2023
Best Dr. Lim. Staffs were great and professional. Will definitely visit again.
- Aug. 19, 2023
I love this place! They have great manners and very professional! Everyone was very informative and ... answered all of my questions!!! Try them out and see for yourself.
- Aug. 06, 2023
Dr. Bollish is the best!
- Aug. 05, 2023
Always a great experience here! Thank you Dr. Kim! Shout out to Arturo for being so kind, knowledgea... ble and patient!
- Aug. 03, 2023
As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by staffs with warm welcome. Everyone was very courteous and w... illing to help with any questions I had. Dr. Lim was very thorough on the exam and made sure I am aware of all the concerns she had. She was very kind and patient. When choosing frames and lenses for my new glasses, staffs were very informative and made sure I got all the benefits from my insurance. I initially chose this place because it was only 5 mins from my home and I am glad I did. Will definitely recommend to everyone.
- Jul. 27, 2023
Great place. Very friendly staff and doctor was very nice to my son.

View All 324 Reviews

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.


senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

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