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.

Donโ€™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 Eyetique - Shadyside today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Shadyside

Our optometry practice in Shadyside

Photograph of Ryan Centar
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sunday 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • Anthem
  • National Vision Administration (NVA)
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • VBA
  • University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

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 diseaseโ€“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 Eyetique - Shadyside today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
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257 Reviews
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- Aug. 09, 2023
Great selection of glasses! Great eye doctor! Very friendly and helpful staff! Love the renovations!...
- May. 31, 2023
Loved the atmosphere.
- May. 11, 2023
Very competent and caring physician and staff....easy to be a patient there......
- Apr. 28, 2023
I was genuinely impressed with everyone at eyetique. The staff was super friendly and accommodating.... Dr. Crawford was kind and explained everything very clearly and answered all our questions. The eye exam felt like it was very thorough. And at the end, we didnโ€™t feel pressured to buy our frames from the location. Weโ€™ll definitely be coming back here.
- Apr. 27, 2023
I received the best customer service from Kylie - she is knowledgeable and professional, and very ea... sy to talk to. I have no problem recommending Kylie and the Shadyside store to my family and friends for all of their eye care needs.
- Mar. 29, 2023
kudos to Annette for having a good eye
- Feb. 13, 2023
I know folks'll say this place is pricey but we've never had a bad experience here. From the selecti... on to the friendly and always helpful staff (and the well-stocked candy dish), and most importantly, the quality of eye care, this place has been our go-to for glasses and exams.
- Jan. 20, 2023
Tonya is amazing! She went above and beyond to understand our needs and provide us with great pricin... g. Made our experience there an exceptional one!!
- Jan. 17, 2023
They were extremely nice to me, would definitely go back
- Jan. 02, 2023
Definitely the best experience Iโ€™ve had with an eye exam & getting contacts! Everyone was so kind ... & the process was quick and easy. I highly recommend the Shadyside location.
- Dec. 21, 2022
This place is great! Needed my sunglasses fixed last minute and I was helped right away! Excellent q... uick service and kind people (: thank you!
- Nov. 07, 2022
Wonderful service! Welcoming & professional! ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘
- Oct. 18, 2022
Super friendly and professional
- Sep. 20, 2022
The incredible professionalism of Kylie!
- Jun. 25, 2022
Dr. Valeria is awesome. She taught me about my eyes, their current health status and maintaining hea... lthy eyes. The frame shop is fun! Lots of variety in style and pricing.
- May. 10, 2022
Always fabulous
- Apr. 11, 2022
12 out of 10!! Kylie indeed went above and beyond and helped me so much! I had a shackle broken and ... she explained me all possible options for repair. It is my only pair of glasses and she understood that needed them until I find a better solution and she invested her time and fixed it by herself. Thank you so much again!
- Nov. 01, 2021
Great glasses, great people.
- Jun. 23, 2021
Everyone was incredible knowledgeable and helpful. Loved working with the team in shadyside. Thank... you!!!!
- Jun. 22, 2021
I love the store and especially the staff. Great group of people and services ๐Ÿ™‚

View All 257 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

Donโ€™t let AMD stop you from doing the things you love.

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