senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(817) 295-0186

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 Great Eye Doctor of Burleson 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 Great Eye Doctor of Burleson 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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421 Reviews
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- Nov. 01, 2024
My exam was the best I have had in years this was my first time here. Love all of the office staff a... nd Doctor.
- Oct. 17, 2024
This office is the best one I have been to since I started wearing glasses in the 6th grade. I am no... w 65 years old! The staff is very warm, caring, and friendly. The doctor is knowledgeable and explained my diagnosis in detail so that I could understand it. He is kind and caring as well. I will be returning to this office for my future eye exams and care.
- Oct. 14, 2024
Expensive, but worth it , they are really great , it’s definitely worth the price
- Oct. 10, 2024
The best experience ever when it comes from the beginning to the end. The staff from the phone call ... to make the appointment to the eye technician helping complete our services for both my mom & husband! Y’all made them both very comfortable as well as detailed explanations to anything they had to ask regarding the care needed for their eyes. Mom had no insurance & y’all really worked with her to helped stay within her budget too! Doctor was personable & very professional with excellent bed side manners. Yes, that still matters to people these days. We appreciate yall so much & will see you soon to pick up mom’s script. ❤️
- Oct. 07, 2024
Very pleasant and informative experience. Best I've had in many years.
- Sep. 13, 2024
The doctor was so knowledgeable about eyecare, and explained everything to me to where I could under... stand it. If I had any doubts, he would go back and explain it a different way. It was just a very, very good experience. The ladies upfront were very knowledgeable about the eyeglasses, my insurance everything it was just amazing.
- Sep. 12, 2024
Always an easy time, great staff.
- Sep. 12, 2024
Love the staff and Dr. DeJernett was very thorough and positively educational. Highly recommend to a... nyone!
- Jun. 03, 2024
Great place! Lovely staff and atmosphere.
- May. 22, 2024
This was my first time here. The care I received was amazing. The staff is great, and the technology... is impressive.
- Apr. 20, 2024
I was able to my foreign exchange daughter a last-minute appointment! Dr. Bullard was so attentive a... nd so incredibly kind! I will recommend him to everyone i know now!
- Apr. 09, 2024
Fantastic service! I highly recommend! They are organized, reasonable, affordable, knowledgeable, ap... proachable, etc.. only have good things to say.
- Mar. 12, 2024
I went in for eye floaters everybody was nice and everything was done in a very timely manner! My ne... rves were calmed as soon as I got in , I get anxiety thinking something is wrong with me but there wasn’t! Highly recommend , Dr.D is great!
- Nov. 30, 2023
Everyone has eyes. So everyone should come see these great folks!
- Oct. 07, 2023
Everyone in the office is very kind and I’ve never been to a eye doctor that has been so thorough ... in my life.. great dr D 😊
- Sep. 22, 2023
Amazing staff and the eye doctor was awesome. I’m new to this office so I’ll definitely be back.... Excellent service and care.
- Sep. 08, 2023
Very professional place and top of the line equipment to make the ease very smoothly.
- Aug. 23, 2023
Everyone is super nice and friendly; plus, I received great care!
- Aug. 04, 2023
Very caring staff and Doctor! He took all the time I needed to patiently answer all my questions.
- May. 10, 2023
Staff is very welcoming. Dr. Bullard has a great chair-side manner and is very thorough in explainin... g all the different tests, etc. I am very pleased to be a patient of Dr. Bullard and his office.

View All 421 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Burleson

Our optometry practice in Burleson

Photograph of Heath  Bullard
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • United Healthcare
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  • Aetna
  • Medicare Part B
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • EyeMed
  • VSP
  • Humana
  • Tricare
  • UMR
  • Scott & White Healthcare
  • Railroad Medicare Beneficiaries
  • TriWest

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(817) 295-0186