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 Northeast Eye Care Of Hugo today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Hugo

Our optometry practice in Hugo

Photograph of Kristi Iverson
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday Closed
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

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 Northeast Eye Care Of Hugo today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
4.6
47 Reviews
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- Sep. 15, 2023
The personnel are so friendly and helpful. I feel I am getting the best care.
- Aug. 17, 2023
Excellent customer service.
- Jul. 19, 2023
Fantastic customer service. Dr. Toler took all the time I needed to answer my questions. Very thor... ough. Every staff member was attentive and kind. I am so happy I went there
- Feb. 24, 2023
Dr Iverson is wonderful, as is Sandy and all the staff.
- Feb. 23, 2023
(Translated by Google) Since I arrived they were very friendly and the rest were very professional, ... which is why I recommend them. (Original) Desde que llegué fueron muy amables y el resto muy profesional, por eso los recomiendo.
- Feb. 22, 2023
Dr Garofola is an excellent eye doctor who takes time with his patients and truly cares for you. He�... ��ll answer and explain every question and you can tell he enjoys his job. It’s hard to find doctors who care for his patients like he does, he is one of a kind!
- Jan. 30, 2023
Very professional, didnt waste any time getting the exams done and helped me pick out some new frame... s.
- Jan. 28, 2023
Fast, friendly, and convenient!
- Jan. 05, 2023
I am handicapped and they did everything possible to make me comfortable
- Dec. 16, 2022
They are very friendly, organized and helpful. Happy to learn that I have worked with some their te... am before.
- Dec. 15, 2022
Excellent staff that took care of us very professionally. Thank you!
- Nov. 08, 2022
Great experience very nice staff from front desk to the Doctor A+++++..They took the time to listen ... and help me. .Would recommend to everyone just took the time to go through everything and you can tell they all cared about helping me thanks A++++++
- Sep. 21, 2022
Dr Garafalo impressed me with his knowledge & skill. He also adeptly answered my questions. Furtherm... ore, he was determined to provide the best vision possible. I am looking forward to seeing through my new script. Will update. Staff was also personable.
- Nov. 20, 2020
I have never given a review before but after my appointment with Dr. Kristi Iverson I felt a review ... with 5 stars was a must. Walking into the office I was impressed with the the number of glasses there were on hand from designer to affordable. My appointment with Dr. Iverson was impressive. She is very kind and professional. I had multiple test done and she explained the tests and shared the results with me so I had a full understanding of what was going on with my eyes, When choosing glasses there are so many to chose from. With the help of her assistant the process of finding a pair was quite easy as she knows glasses and faces. I have never left any doctors office being so impressed, Thanks for the wonderful experience.
- Mar. 05, 2020
Great doctors, very personable, wide variety of frames. I appreciate the time Dr. Iverson took to f... ind me a new contact lens after mine was discontinued after ten years. Way better than any box store eye clinic.
- Jul. 16, 2019
I've been going here for years and I can honestly say that I've only had fantastic experiences. I've... been seen by both Dr. Iverson and Dr. Garofalo and they are wonderful, kind people who are genuinely concerned with your wellbeing and work hard to make sure you can see. Cannot recommend them enough!
- May. 20, 2019
Great people amazing service and though exams they love what they do.... and it shows
- Dec. 12, 2018
Purchased safety glasses with a different style frame then previous year and just could not see corr... ectly out of them. Mandy sent them back to have adjustments made to the lens position and I was still unable to wear them. Staff was very helpful and we decided to try the same style frames that worked last year. I was very happy with the results after all the time put in by everyone. Thank you, Dan s.
- Dec. 10, 2017
Hi Had a recent annual eye exam at NE Eye Clinic. Entire staff is very friendly and professional a... nd took time to answer all my questions. Like the flexibility of the office hours. Would highly recommend this clinic to any eye patients.
- Dec. 01, 2017
First ever visit was today. Great facility and very friendly staff.

View All 47 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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