senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(360) 256-0203

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 Advanced Eye Care 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 Advanced Eye Care 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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76 Reviews
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- Sep. 14, 2024
Husband and I were visiting Vancouver for a wedding. And he left his contacts at home. Advanced eye ... care was so kind and gave him contacts get us through the rest of the trip!
- Sep. 13, 2024
Dr. Garner and the staff at Advance Eye Care are fantastic!!! Highly recommend them.
- Sep. 03, 2024
Dr. Garner discovered the reason for my blurry vision in my right eye and knew right away to recomme... nd I have laser surgery to correct the problem I'm looking forward to better eyesight and winning more pickleball games!
- Aug. 18, 2024
Great care and service! I highly recommend Advanced Eye Care. 😀
- Jan. 24, 2024
Hands down the best I have ever been to! They absolutely know what they are doing and even took real... images of my eyes to make sure that they were healthy almost like an x-ray. Never seen that before in any other doctor's office. Very quick very knowledgeable and very informative. Clear communication! My last visit of visionworks at the Vancouver Mall set me on the hunt for a new doctor and found everything I was looking for and more here 🙏
- Dec. 22, 2023
I've been going to Advanced Eye Care for over a decade now, ever since I learned my eyes are bad. Th... ey're run pretty well and they have good customer service which has been consistent over the years. Building is clean and well-kept. They have some really nice eyeglasses selections in their shop that can be affordable with the right insurance, and they have cheaper options as well. The doctors seem to know what they are doing and can explain what's going on with your eyes that sounds patient and not scary. I've changed insurance a few times and already moved to another state but I don't want to let go of this place.
- Nov. 18, 2023
Very glad I found my new go to eye clinic. Dr. Drew was thorough and listened to all my concerns. ... The man of the hour was Tai who helped me picked out my glasses. After meeting Tai, I now understand there are levels to this game and Tai has achieved the highest level. Tai knows all there is to know about finding the perfect pair. The most important thing, he cares. Tai is truly an artisan of his field. My brother from another mother, thank you Tai!
- Jul. 27, 2023
We have been going to Advanced Eye Care for over Twenty years now and we have always been very grate... ful for all of their excellent services! They are very professional people who treat patients with respect and the best care possible! The entire care package from the Doctors Mari & Tim to everyone of the support staff (Tai & Kristin) and very friendly and caring! Sydney was most helpful in her IPhone Instructions. Thanks again for all your care!
- Feb. 28, 2023
Tai was fantastic and helpful choosing frames and lenses to suit my eyewear needs
- Feb. 25, 2023
Tai Hua was an amazing Optician. Specifically, he went out of his way to fix my glasses that I purch... ased from a different retailer. I give him 5 stars for going above and beyond, I highly recommend going to Advanced Eye Care.
- Feb. 25, 2023
Tai Hua was very helpful when I was picking out my new glasses 😁.
- Feb. 25, 2023
Tai is wonderful! He is always kind and helpful! He is the reason I have come here for almost 6 year... s!
- Feb. 21, 2023
Heather was amazing and super helpful with helping me pick out glasses. I was able to get in early ... and the Optometrist Mr. Garner was very kind and informative. 10/10 would recommend! Advanced Eye Car really does care ❤️
- Feb. 21, 2023
Great service, fast and at reasonable prices for great frames. Maje sure you ask for Tai Hua!
- Feb. 20, 2023
My family has been coming here for years and we have always had great service. Tai Hua always greets... us by name and is really helpful when picking out new frames. We appreciate all the employees here.
- Feb. 18, 2023
5/5 star service. Everyone was super kind and helpful. Huge shout out to Tai for helping me. I had o... rdered some contacts that ended up being on back order for a couple weeks. He figured out a way to get the contacts to me ASAP, kept me informed and was always professional and friendly. I know have my contacts sooner thanks to him and had a poor experience made great thanks to the wonderful staff.
- Feb. 12, 2023
Great service & wonderful staff. Kristin is always so helpful in picking out the best eye glasses an... d sunglasses. Ty is fantastic at figuring out my insurance coverage and giving style advice too. I always have a great experience here- I highly recommend Advanced Eye Care.
- Feb. 01, 2023
From the moment you walk in you are greeted with a friendly smile and atmosphere that puts you at ea... se. Pretesting with Dona is pleasant. All the Dr’s in the office are friendly, and genuinely care about your eye health. Then there is Tai…he knows his stuff about hooking you up with the right frames and lenses for all your needs and knowing how to use your insurance benefits to the max. Overall a great experience! Well done to everyone that works in this clinic, Advanced Eye Care!
- Feb. 01, 2023
I took my teenage daughter to Advanced Eye Care to get prescription eye glasses. Both the manager, T... ai Hua and the front desk receptionist were very friendly and warm. Tai helped us. He was professional and knowledgeable. My daughter took her time to pick out two glasses. Tai was patient in helping her pick out the right ones. It was Friday and almost closing time and he did not rush us at all. I really appreciate how well we were treated. We will definitely be back for eye exams and glasses. Thank you for the positive experience!
- Jan. 31, 2023
Went in for some sun glasses and Tai was very helpful with helping me find which one fit and how the... y looked on me! He really hooked me up!!

View All 76 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Fisher's Landing East

Our optometry practice in Fisher's Landing East

Photograph of David  King
Hours
  • Monday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Spectera
  • Eyemed Vision Care
  • Blue Cross
  • VSP Premier Edge
  • VSP Individual Vision Plans
  • Pacific Source

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(360) 256-0203