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 Ducklo EyeCare today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

First Thursday of each month we open at 9:15 a.m.


Macular Degeneration Treatment in Midtown

Our optometry practice in Midtown

Photograph of Tommy Ducklo
Hours
  • Monday 9:15 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:15 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 7:15 am - 4:00 pm
  • Thursday 7:15 am - 4:00 pm
  • Friday 7:15 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
  • Nov. 23 Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

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 Ducklo EyeCare today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
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- Aug. 30, 2023
Ducklo EyeCare is an excellent family owned practice.
- Aug. 29, 2023
My go to eye care place for more than 20 years!
- Aug. 25, 2023
Walked in for my appointment desk staff were very friendly, filled out paperwork and was seen by Tec... h. then Eye Doctor. In and out in less than an hour. Whoo hoo
- Aug. 22, 2023
Great service! From check in to prescription, the experience was awesome.
- Aug. 19, 2023
I have been going to Ducklo Eyecare for over 20 years. It has always been a great experience with e... xams and feedback.
- Aug. 17, 2023
Dr Tommy DUCKLO has been my Dr for a long time and even though he is retiring I feel like he chose g... reat Doctors to replace him.
- Aug. 14, 2023
Very happy with service and care given by Dr Solomon and the staff.
- Aug. 13, 2023
Everyone was super friendly and overall a great experience!
- Aug. 11, 2023
Stephan at the front desk went above and beyond for us when my son had an emergency and needed his p... rescription sent. You not only provide excellent eye care, but exceed expectations with your amazing staff and customer service. You have no idea how much we appreciate it.
- Aug. 10, 2023
Love Ducklo Eye Care! Their staff are so friendly, no pressure, and a delight to visit.
- Jul. 26, 2023
Friendly, helpful and welcoming staff at registration. Dr. Ferro was engaging, listened well and off... ered insights and recommendations for my eye care. Great experience.
- Jul. 22, 2023
Always has been great service and more importantly, great care!
- Jul. 08, 2023
All of the staff treated me very nice, they all went above and beyond to make sure all my needs and ... wants were met. They helped solved a insurance issue for me in a timely manner and got me on the schedule within just a few days after even though this facility is booked up pretty much for months. I greatly appreciate that. Also, shout out the the woman who helped me pick out and fit me for glasses. She went and picked out what she thought I would like, I tried them all on and and she nailed it I had a hard time deciding which to pick. But I finally made my decision and she got me priced and the order ready for me. All in all this has been the best eye exam experience I've ever had and I will definitely be coming back here from now on.
- Jul. 05, 2023
Great staff, both medical and administrative. Wait times are sometimes a little long, but my eye exa... ms are always thorough. Been going here for many years.
- Jun. 29, 2023
I've been seeing Dr. Ducklo since the 1980s, but I had an urgent concern and had to see Dr. Blair So... lomon, which turned out to be just as satifactory. Everyone was friendly, reassuring, and Dr. Solomon clearly explained what was happening while making sure I knew PVD is something that happens to virtually everyone as they age.
- Jun. 29, 2023
Been going to Ducklo EyeCare for almost 30 years. Always felt comfortable and welcome by Dr. Ducklo... and his staff. The best and most thorough eye exam had always come from Dr. Ducklo.
- Jun. 10, 2023
After not being able to see without double vision due to keratoconus for 40 years, I am elated and b... eside myself. I was introduced to Scalaral lenses. I cried and laughed and freaked out a little when Two images merged into one. Thank you Ducklo for changing my life
- Jun. 09, 2023
I’m in town for the weekend and my contact ripped in half last night. Thank you to Ducklo EyeCare ... for providing me with another one for free, with a prescription from my Florida eye doctor. Thank you so much!!! I can see again!!!
- Jun. 07, 2023
Great place!
- Jun. 04, 2023
I have been seeing Dr.Ducklo eye care for many years. Great customer service and highly trained opht... halmologist under the care of Dr.Ducklo church is the location for top quality eye care. If you have a condition that needs more attention trust me you will get a recommendation for your needs.

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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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