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 Southwest Vision Center today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in North Richland Hills

Our optometry practice in North Richland Hills

Photograph of Mario  Contaldi
Hours
  • Monday 7:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 7:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 7:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 7:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 7:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday 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 Southwest Vision Center today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
4.8
141 Reviews
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- Sep. 01, 2023
Great staff and Doctor. Always friendly and professional.
- Aug. 22, 2023
Very nice experience, and I love my new glasses.
- Aug. 10, 2023
I've been going here since I was in elementary school, now I'm in my 30s! They've always been helpfu... l and staff has always been great. Definitely trust them with my vision!
- Aug. 01, 2023
Entire Staff is very professional and friendly. Highest level of customer service. Dr. Contaldi an... d Dr. Vasilko take the time to explain the process of what they do and why they do it and make sure you as a patient understand everything. Would highly recommend Southwest Vision Center to everyone!
- Jul. 31, 2023
Great staff, great frame options.
- Jul. 26, 2023
Love this Staff & Dr Contaldi he always have updated equipment for your exams & will over & above to... get you Right 💖
- Jul. 06, 2023
Friendly and understanding staff
- Jun. 22, 2023
Went in to have my eye checked due to pain. Come to find out there was a very small piece of plastic... stuck in my eye. She reassured me that it wouldn’t hurt and after putting numbing drops in both eyes, removed the debris and it was done. I could instantly feel relief. Very professional and knowledgeable. It’s the day after the procedure and I’m feeling back to normal.
- May. 31, 2023
Great place! and great care!
- May. 11, 2023
Great experience. Knowledgeable doctor and very helpful and friendly staff.
- May. 01, 2023
Great place for your eyes. The doctor and staff are very friendly and very helpful
- Apr. 22, 2023
The experience at the eye doctor was wonderful
- Apr. 19, 2023
fantastic service
- Apr. 14, 2023
Southwest Vision Center employs some of the nicest staff members you’ll ever meet. Dr Contaldi is... a gem, a truly good guy with great bedside manners. Been my eye doctor for 8 years, and even saw me during the height of the pandemic - when I had a medical eye emergency.
- Feb. 28, 2023
great bed side manner, and the new doc she is very on point as well as likes to make a difference.
- Feb. 14, 2023
great place, great doctor and staff.
- Jan. 26, 2023
Go here for years, the best care ever. Dr Contalie is so sweet. Staff is really great. Highly recom... mend
- Jan. 26, 2023
Highly recommend Southwest Vision Center for your eye and eye wear needs. Professional, efficient, h... elpful eye care.
- Jan. 20, 2023
Everyone is very nice and welcoming 🙂 my issues were explained with compassion and understanding. W... hat was to be a referral ended with an appointment to a specialist for my issue which was very convenient! I'm scheduled to have it taken care of soon. I appreciate every person I encountered there and i hope everyone has a similar experience 🙂 thank you!
- Jan. 19, 2023
Staff is friendly and helpful. The doctors are knowledgeable and take time to listen to me.

View All 141 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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