senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(508) 497-9500

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 Hopkinton Eye Associates 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 Hopkinton Eye Associates 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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234 Reviews
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- Oct. 05, 2024
Helpful and knowledgeable
- Sep. 26, 2024
Friendly, full service office. Very thorough exam. Takes time to explain what they are testing and w... ill answer any questions to make sure you understand
- Sep. 11, 2024
Doctors are friendly, knowledgeable and thorough. Opticians are well versed in the products and extr... emely helpful. Front staff is friendly and accommodating. Love this place.
- Sep. 07, 2024
Dr. Ma was awesome, I highly recommend her .
- Sep. 06, 2024
Trifecta - accommodating, professional and friendly!. Dr. Straube always takes her time and explain... s any questions or concerns in both a knowledgeable and clear way. The entire staff is incredibly cheerful and friendly.
- Aug. 27, 2024
Great experience
- Jul. 26, 2024
Friendly and professional Drs and staff. Dr. Straube provided expert and compassionate care for me... when I injured my eye. She went out of her way to get me into the office and helped me get to 100% very quickly. The whole team at Hopkinton Eye Associates is awesome. Highly recommend.
- Jul. 23, 2024
Great first experience at Hopkinton Eye Associates. Everyone was super friendly, especially Dr Strau... be. I’m happy with my move and definitely recommend them!
- Jul. 23, 2024
Doctors are very personable and knowledgeable. The staff is friendly and the facility has state of ... the art imaging and testing equipment.
- Jul. 18, 2024
Service provided by Staff and Doctor was really good and satisfactory, would use them again for regu... lar checkups.
- Jul. 14, 2024
Great experience at Hopkinton Eye Associates-knowledgeable, professional staff and great office loca... tion.
- May. 26, 2024
Great caring and professional eye care specialists
- May. 20, 2024
Excellent experience. Highly reccommend Michelle Straube. I did not feel rushed, she was very throug... h and created a calm environment for my already anxious 8 year old.
- Mar. 21, 2024
Hopkinton Eye Associates always makes my appointment so easy and the staff is so helpful. Dr Straube... explains everything so clearly.
- Mar. 17, 2024
Friendly knowledgable staff
- Mar. 12, 2024
Quick service and friendly staff.
- Mar. 05, 2024
Excellent staff and caring, thorough eye drs.
- Feb. 13, 2024
Dr. Emily Pilotte was absolutely amazing! Addressed all my concerns, took so much time, went above a... nd beyond! I will be back with family and friends!
- Jan. 31, 2024
Everyone is friendly, professional and skilled.
- Jan. 30, 2024
Very thorough, helpful, answered my questions & concerns, and have a beautiful selection of frames!

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Hopkinton

Our optometry practice in Hopkinton

Photograph of Emily  Pilotte
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
    1:30 pm - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
    1:30 pm - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
    1:30 pm - 7:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
    1:30 pm - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
    1:30 pm - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(508) 497-9500