senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(425) 883-9300

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 Vision Care Crossroads 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 Vision Care Crossroads 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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198 Reviews
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- Nov. 15, 2024
Professional doctors! Patient and kind staff! Clean and welcoming environment!
- Nov. 05, 2024
Great service- prompt staff from beginning calling to remind for appointment- checking Insuarance be... fore hand- taking history everything was fabulous. Benjamin Stienman - DO is super polite, patient and takes good time to do a thorough exam and a lot of time to answer all questions. Highly appreciate it and highly recommend the whole team! Best wishes! 🙂
- Nov. 01, 2024
Dr. Liaw and the clinic staff did a great job!
- Oct. 15, 2024
Professional and courteous as always. Highly recommend Dr Hsu. Staffs are very friendly with promp... t service.
- Oct. 04, 2024
Friendly staff, efficient process and a kind and knowledgeable doctor!
- Sep. 11, 2024
I went here for my eye exam, Dr Jessica was really good and she answered all my questions patiently....
- Sep. 05, 2024
Both of my kids go to see Dr. Lee for their OK lenses that they can wear at night. One of my daughte... r's eyes is a little bit not that normal and she needs repeated adjustments for her contacts visit after visit. Dr. Lee works with us very patiently and spent hours and hours checking/measuring/talking with us so that the lenses can fit her eyes perfect to achieve 20/20 day light vision. Really awesome doctor Dr. Lee who puts patient's needs on top of everything else.
- May. 24, 2024
Dr. Mindy Lee was so thoughtful in her assessment. Showed care by carefully explaining and made sure... that I understood. I would definitely recommend Vision Care Crossroads to anyone that need a great optometrist.
- Apr. 25, 2024
I 100% recommend Dr. Sam Hsu. I have been going to see him for about 20 years and he has always bee... n friendly, courteous, knowledgeable, and willing to explain everything to a level of detail that satisfies my curiosity. He also has an amazing memory and it's like we just talked yesterday when I go to see him. See you next year Sam. Also, to give a little extra context about my 5-star rating. My insurance changed and I chose to pay out of pocket to continue to see him this year. The staff was very clear and helpful about what any tests and procedures would add to the bill.
- Mar. 24, 2024
Just wanted to give a shoutout to Dr. Sam Hsu - seriously impressive! I dropped by last month and ha... d an awesome experience. Dr. Hsu is a total pro, explained everything clearly and had a great knack for making me feel comfortable. What blew me away was how he knew the ins and outs of insurance. Saved me some cash by working out what my plan covered. Total lifesaver. Plus, the ladies at the front desk are always friendly and helpful, putting patient's needs at the first place. The clinic has a cool, laid-back vibe that instantly puts me at ease. Highly recommend
- Feb. 28, 2024
We have been visiting Dr.Hsu for more than a decade. what a wonderful doctor. I recommend to anyone ... for annual eye check ups
- Feb. 27, 2024
I had my first visit to Vision Care yesterday and my appointment was with Dr. Yu. She was amazing, s... o helpful and kind, as were the staff. I am happy to finally find a new eye doctor I trust. Thank you Vision Care & Dr. Yu!
- Feb. 10, 2024
Always great experiences here at this eye doctor's office. Both of the Doctors at this location are ... amazing. The front desk staff are friendly and efficient. I recommend 100%!
- Jan. 30, 2024
We've been going to Dr. Hsu for 20 years; he's great! We also really appreciate the staff wearing ma... sks for our visit.
- Jan. 29, 2024
Awesome staff, Awesome doctor & great selections
- Jan. 26, 2024
Dr. Minha Lee is skilled and professional and listens to her patients. The staff are great to work w... ith, too.
- Jan. 18, 2024
The doctor and staff are very professional and caring!
- Dec. 30, 2023
Our family has seen Dr. Sam Hsu for over ten years…always love our annual chats. Staff is efficien... t, consistent, and super helpful
- Nov. 07, 2023
overall great experiences! Doctors are professional, efficient, and nice to work with. Friendly admi... n staff as well!
- Nov. 02, 2023
Good place and very nice people including doctors.

View All 198 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Crossroads

Our optometry practice in Crossroads

Photograph of Sam  Hsu
Hours
  • Monday 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • Aetna
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(425) 883-9300