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.

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 Eyes Of The World - City Park West today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in City Park West

Our optometry practice in City Park West

Photograph of Kathryn Lachenman
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross

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 Eyes Of The World - City Park West today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
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314 Reviews
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- Nov. 02, 2023
I’ve been going to Eyes of the World ever since living in Denver. Really excellent care team here!... Dr. Lachenman is a fantastic optometrist: very thorough, considerate, and clear. I have referred several people to her because she provides such comprehensive care, and she understands the insurance side as well; not all optometrists make sure their patients know about medically necessary contacts if their prescriptions qualify, but Dr. Lachenman is great about this. The rest of the staff are very efficient and friendly people. Optician Jesse Vega is extremely knowledgeable about glasses hardware and lenses, and also great with navigating vision insurance benefits. Overall a very positive care experience.
- Oct. 12, 2023
The whole process, through eye testing to the provision of new product was efficient and helpful.
- Sep. 26, 2023
Eyes Of The World was a great experience. I am thrilled I made the decision to come here. My new eye... glasses are satisfying. Thank you all very much.
- Sep. 18, 2023
Great and easy experience! They take pride in making sure you walk away with a wonderful experience ... and the best products!
- Sep. 05, 2023
I felt that everyone cares about hearing you and providing a nice experience
- Aug. 23, 2023
I felt as though I was in good hands Doc was great.
- Aug. 12, 2023
Doctor was very thorough and had good manner.
- Aug. 10, 2023
Amazing experience from start to finish! Booking was simple, checking in was efficient, all staff we... re incredibly kind and helpful. Will happily return for all my exams and lenses in the future, and will be recommending to all my friends/family in the Denver area!
- Jul. 11, 2023
Really excellent customer service. I was confused about my prescription for my contacts order, but t... hey were patient and understanding with me when I realized my mistake. Appreciate their thorough approach to customer service!
- Jun. 28, 2023
The whole staff routinely exceeds my expectations in terms of comfort, understanding and service.
- Jun. 24, 2023
My experience at Eyes of the World Optical was outstanding. From the first greeting through the oppo... rtunity to select new eye wear, every person I dealt with was an absolute professional.
- Jun. 18, 2023
Great people. Parking is difficult sometimes.
- Jun. 14, 2023
Always quick and thorough communication with the City Park office! They get my contact orders placed... so quickly which I greatly appreciate- plus their doctors are great at walking you through each question you have. Love the team!
- Jun. 06, 2023
Dr. Lachenman and Aubrey helped me out today and with previous appointments. Every time has been fan... tastic, highly recommend
- May. 26, 2023
EXCELLENT SERVICE. NIKKI is the professional colleague that every team wishes they had. I purchased... glasses here a will back and the frame broke after several years due to my abuse. She suggested a plan and followed through as promised and now I have my glasses back. THANK YOU NIKKI AND EYES OF THE WORLD! Highly recommended.
- May. 26, 2023
Amazing doctors and staff. Every person at Eyes of the World makes you feel welcome and appreciated.... Top of the line service. 🤗
- Apr. 14, 2023
Very friendly staff members from the support staff up to the docs. Easy process, all questions answe... red, and wow I can see even better than my last pair of glasses at first. Dr. Kamibayashi, Katie, and Aubrie are all intelligent and knowledgeable at their respective roles. Very easy experience.
- Apr. 09, 2023
Great service and great location for me! Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Given as much time as I n... eeded to get my questions answered. I'll be back.
- Mar. 24, 2023
Fantastic experience- knowledgeable and friendly employees, I was in and out quickly with all of my ... questions answered. A++
- Mar. 22, 2023
I’ll be back. I appreciated the friendly and (obviously) qualified staff, personalized attention, ... aesthetic of the office and quick service.

View All 314 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

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

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