senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(360) 687-5123

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 Battle Ground Vision Center 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 Battle Ground Vision Center 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
4.1
30 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Nov. 15, 2024
polite and professional, thank you
- Feb. 13, 2024
DeMisha clearly loves what she does and cares about her customers.
- Aug. 05, 2023
I called late on a Friday afternoon, they said walk-ins are welcome. They accepted my daughter’s i... nsurance and worked with us to find a style of glasses that would fit her needs. The ladies explained the process of picking out glass to fit a certain way and why. It was an amazing experience.
- Apr. 29, 2023
Helped in every way.
- Apr. 10, 2023
I did not have my eye exam here, but I did purchase my glasses here because of DeMeishah. She helpe... d me in the past with picking out glasses at another location and I was so impressed with her that when the time came I needed another pair of glasses and was able to find out that she now is working here, I followed her. She knows her stuff. She's very knowledgable about glass frames and lenses, is very patient, sweet, great personality and honest. She will be honest with what does/does not look good on you and what will or will not work well for your prescription. It's important to her that you like how you look in your new glasses and that they are comfortable. She will not steer you in the wrong direction. Once I chose my frames and lens the turnaround time was not long.
- Mar. 13, 2023
This clinic has state of the art equipment. This was the best exam I have ever experienced. From s... tart to finish a great experience. I highly recommend.
- Jul. 18, 2022
Amazing service and knowledge staff. Thanks for the great experience!
- Mar. 16, 2022
Quick appointment. No delay seeing the doctor. Staff was very friendly, efficient, and knowledgeable... regarding my specific needs.
- Jan. 18, 2022
First time was a charm the staff are second to none, friendly professional and very willing to get m... y eye site back to normal the doctor was amazing highly recommended this place of business..
- Dec. 09, 2021
Super happy with this little gem of a shop. Friendly staff, efficient, helpful and they use high te... ch stuff so...no eye dilation!!! Plus, I found cute frames. Very happy with my experience.
- Jun. 02, 2021
Great people and great service...especially Tony. Thank you for the efforts to meet or exceed your ... customer's needs.
- Nov. 16, 2020
Have been going here for years, the staff are extra pleasant and professional. I've always had a go... od experience. Highly recommend this vision center.
- Jul. 22, 2020
I love them. They're friendly, professional, and good at what they do.
- Jun. 20, 2019
We love Battle Ground Vision! As a family that uses glasses and contacts we appreciate their knowled... geable and friendly staff. They’re always willing to help us out and go above and beyond. Plus their selection is amazing!
- Jun. 25, 2018
Very friendly and honest with me.
- Mar. 07, 2018
I originally found BG Vision out of a desire to shop locally and my insurance accepted them. We have... left the area but continue to travel back because the STAFF and Drs. are all together FABULOUS and provide EXCELLENT service...and the selection of frames has always had "the" one. Too bad I can only give 5 stars...
- Jun. 28, 2017
Nice friendly staff, and Doctor. Seemed knowledgeable and helpful at everything to do with my eyes a... nd vision. Stayed late to help me learn how to put in and take out my contacts.
- Jan. 11, 2017
So freindly been goin since i was a kid always got me super complicated prescription right

View All 30 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Battle Ground

Our optometry practice in Battle Ground

Photograph of Timothy  Garner
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Adventist Health
  • Adventist Risk Management Inc.
  • Allegiance
  • American National
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • APWU Health Plan
  • AR Benefits
  • Bankers Life
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Boilermakers National Funds
  • Carpenters
  • Cigna Vision
  • Cowlitz
  • Cypress Benefit
  • Deseret Mutual Benefit Administrators
  • Eyemed Vision Care
  • First Choice Health
  • Group Health Benefit Solutions
  • Guardian
  • Health Net
  • IBEW
  • Life Wise Health Plan of Washington
  • Lions Club
  • Loomis
  • MODA
  • Manhattan Life
  • Medicare
  • Medishare
  • MESO
  • Molina Healthcare
  • Mutual of Omaha
  • Noridian Healthcare Solutions
  • Optum
  • Pacific Source
  • Premera Blue Cross
  • Premera blue cross blue shield of Alaska
  • Principal Financial Group
  • Providence Health Plan
  • Regence
  • Regence Group Administrators
  • Spectera
  • State Farm
  • TransAmerica
  • Tricare for Life
  • TriWest
  • UMR
  • United Healthcare
  • VSP
  • Zenith American Solutions

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(360) 687-5123