senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(412) 825-5300

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 Eyetique - Wilkins 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 Eyetique - Wilkins 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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240 Reviews
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- Sep. 13, 2024
Would give 10 stars if I could! Got me in the next day, the doctor was beyond great but holy cow the... receptionist Jessica (I hope I’m remembering that correctly — worked until closing on 9/12) was amazing!! Definitely coming back in the future just for her. She stayed after closing to help me find the perfect frame, didn’t judge me for how many pair I needed to try on, and made sure I understood the cost breakdown and all that good stuff before leaving. Very happy & can’t wait to rock my new pair of glasses.
- Jul. 18, 2024
The real difference in Eyetique is in their service: (a) I didn't realize that if their glasses don'... t work for you within the first 30 days ... Eyetique replaces them at no charge. (b) The Eyetique eye exams are more accurate and more thorough than others = better seeing experience. And (c) I always allow the sales associate to pick my eyeglass solution for me - after all - they are the 'doctors' in this situation. Eyetique - I find your service amazingly undervalued ... congrats ... you are the greatest!!!
- May. 03, 2024
I love the remodel as well as the staff. They are really friendly with great customer service. I’m... also able to take my younger children there as well which is a great plus. They always make us feel welcome 🤗
- Apr. 09, 2024
Great staff fabulous/ A + product !
- Mar. 12, 2024
The young guy that helped me was awesome!
- Mar. 07, 2024
Sophia is absolutely awesome.
- Feb. 10, 2024
First time coming here. The first time was good, friendly, professional. Help me pick out my frame... s.second time I went to pick up glasses, they were an little stand off. I got an stuck up vibe from them. But other then that it was good.
- Jan. 24, 2024
Extremely welcoming staff. Dr Wooste has excellent bedside manner! 10’s across the board!
- Dec. 19, 2023
The staff at Wilkins is exceptional and spot on with suggestions. They are extremely helpful and c... ourteous, and they make you feel like family. We have been going here for years and have never had a bad experience!
- Nov. 27, 2023
My daughter and I had a great experience at Eyetique! The staff was friendly and efficient. Thank yo... u!
- Nov. 22, 2023
They remodeled since I was in last. Very nice, not cosy but crisp, professional with a stylish flare... . I f my insurance did not cover a healthy chunk for glasses would not be able to afford this place. Good docs and staff, I tell everyone I know who's looking for an eye doc or just glasses, to check this place. Pick your style, they probably have or can get. I'm getting a different color frame than was available in the style I wanted, but the color was available from the manufacturer. So I'm getting the color and shape I want. Simple but it makes me happy. And who doesn't like new glasses for the holidays?
- Oct. 27, 2023
I just went here today and every staff member was great. Never seen people work so well together to... deliver a patient needs. I never had a bad eye doctor visit but this was by far the best one. Thanks again.
- Oct. 19, 2023
My family has been going to this location for over 15 years. Everyone is very personable and patient... . Denise is wonderful and will only recommend frames that fit your face and not based off of the price. I highly recommend!
- Oct. 13, 2023
Polite and professional.
- Jun. 21, 2023
Very experienced, friendly and knowledgeable staff.
- Mar. 13, 2023
The Doctor and Staff are incredibly kind and patient. They took every care to make sure my prescript... ion was right and the frames I picked looked great.
- Dec. 18, 2022
Great customer service from the person who helped me select frames.
- Dec. 11, 2022
The staff is always upbeat, friendly, and they make selecting glasses so easy!
- Dec. 05, 2022
I love my glasses and great service
- Aug. 29, 2022
Dr. Woeste and James are exceptional and the new inventory is amazing! I’ve been to many eye offic... es over the past 25 years, and this is the best in my experience! 🙂

View All 240 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Pittsburgh

Our optometry practice in Pittsburgh

Photograph of Jeffrey  Duncan
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 7:00 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 - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
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  • Eye Med
  • Anthem
  • National Vision Administration (NVA)
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • VBA
  • Aetna
  • University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(412) 825-5300