senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(904) 471-8750

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 Anastasia 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 Anastasia 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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265 Reviews
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- Sep. 25, 2024
Dr Pearl is outstanding!!!
- Sep. 18, 2024
The staff was very prompt and very helpful.
- Aug. 06, 2024
Clean offices and very friendly staff!
- Jul. 15, 2024
Five stars all the way. This team is professional, caring, And helpful in every way. If you are look... ing for an optometrist or an optician, I recommend Dr. Green and Matt Lee most highly.
- Jun. 27, 2024
First time visit. Dr. Green and staff great! Very thorough and professional. Would recommend them.
- Jun. 19, 2024
While vacationing in beautiful St. Augustine my glasses got stepped on. They were badly bent and I ... was not sure they could even be straightened. Mr. Matt Lee took the challenge, even though the glasses were not made by Anastasia Eye Associates/The Vision Center. He repaired them and sent me on my way, and would not accept payment for his time or service. I am so very happy to recommend them to anyone and everyone! Thanks, Mr. Lee!
- Jun. 11, 2024
Very efficient and friendly.
- Jun. 09, 2024
Recently moved to St A from Maryland and had to find all new doctors. Anastasia Eye was a blessing.... Also purchased a pair of sunglasses from them - their professionalism and guidance was much appreciated .
- Jun. 05, 2024
Great experience. Matt was such a great help!
- May. 18, 2024
I appreciate that Matt is always willing to adjust my glasses and replace the pads at no charge. In ... fact all the staff are very friendly and provide great advice. They also carry a great selection of frames.
- May. 02, 2024
Anastasia Eye Associates are friendly, professional and very accommodating. Made my visit a pleasu... re.
- Apr. 30, 2024
Very good experience. My sight is the best it has been in years. Very professional and friendly.
- Apr. 30, 2024
Dr Greene and staff are excellent. Matt in the optical department is awesome. Goes above and beyon... d. Highly recommend
- Apr. 17, 2024
Dr. Greene has been my eye doctor for four years. Very thorough exams every time. Everyone that work... s there is helpful and professional. A great place to buy your prescription glasses. Thanks
- Apr. 04, 2024
I just had an eye exam with Dr. Greene and his office. From the front desk to his associates, you co... uldn’t ask for a more professional staff.Friendly and nice. It was a really great experience! Highly recommend their services!
- Mar. 20, 2024
Visited Anastasia Eye Associates on A1A this morning to replace the pads on the nose piece on my gla... sses. Optical Manager Matt took great care of me. Replaced the pads at No Charge (wow) and also noticed one the screws on my lens was loose and fixed that too. That was pretty awesome. We r visiting from Wisconsin and he sure helped us out. Highly recommend them!!! Thanks Matt!!! Sue Rheingans
- Mar. 01, 2024
I broke my eyeglasses and I only have the one pair. I found out that my optometrist does not do rep... airs and wouldn't even fit me a new frame. I called Anastsia Eye Associates and the receptionist told me to come in so they could do an assessment. Matt Lee the Optician took over 30 minutes finding a frame to match my lenses as he could not repair my broken frames. He then put my current lenses in the new frames and made sure they fit me properly. I was so impressed! They are now my Optometrist and I have an appointment later this month for a full exam. Thank you so much!
- Feb. 27, 2024
Broke my glasses while traveling, went to this establishment, and he was able to repair them in 10 ... minutes. No charge. A very fine looking business.
- Jan. 30, 2024
Ms. Katie, Thank You for being so kind during my appointment scheduling, you explained everything th... oroughly and returned my calls.
- Jan. 22, 2024
10 years of experience with Dr. Green, Matt and team. They provide seasoned expertise and excellent ... patient/customer care and service.

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in St. Augustine

Our optometry practice in St. Augustine

Photograph of Scott  Pearl
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
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  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(904) 471-8750