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 Trinity Eye Center today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Boerne

Our optometry practice in Boerne

Photograph of Justin Kim
Hours
  • Monday Closed
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am - 1:30 pm
  • Sunday Closed
  • Nov. 24 Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Eye Med
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife

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 Trinity Eye Center today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
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192 Reviews
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- Nov. 16, 2023
Excellent exercise ever time I see Dr Kim and his staff are very professional and lovely II tell all... my friends and family about Doctor Kim Thank You Deanna Servin
- Nov. 01, 2023
Annalyse went above and beyond to make my 6 year old feel special when she got her first pair of gla... sses. Thank you so much!
- Oct. 05, 2023
Dr. Kim researched a potential future eye issue relating to a new medication. He took the time to d... evelop a plan and explain the possible side effects and what to be aware of to identify the problem.
- Sep. 17, 2023
This office is amazing! I was able to make my appointment online and get in the next day! Before my ... appointment the staff (specifically Amy and Jenna) went above and beyond to help me verify my insurance coverage and were super kind to answer any questions I had. I went in for eye allergies and Dr Kim informed me I actually had ocular rosacea. I would have never known and I was very pleased with his professionalism and his thorough diagnosis. I will definitely return and refer my family and friends!
- Sep. 09, 2023
I highly recommend Trinty Eye Center. Very professional and friendly staff.
- Aug. 15, 2023
This is a great place. Professional, friendly, knowledgeable. Doctor took time with an attentive e... xam and explaining of options. The office carries quality eyewear. Staff is very helpful with selection and proper fitting.
- Aug. 09, 2023
Great Staff and Dr Kim is very thorough and explains everything he is doing and why
- Aug. 08, 2023
I'm very happy with Trinity Eye Center. My glasses and contacts are working really well for me. Dr.... Kim and staff take the time necessary to get the prescription right!
- Aug. 04, 2023
A purely professional experience
- Jul. 19, 2023
Professional and friendly doctor and staff. They tend to run very close to scheduled appointment tim... es and also take the time to answer questions and provide excellent service.
- Jul. 07, 2023
Excellent staff and Dr.
- Jun. 16, 2023
I have moved to Boerne 3 years ago. I went to an eye appointment and I was very surprised coming fr... om The Woodlands Tx. This place is very professional. The doctor is very friendly and very informative. The staff, was overly friendly. I am a big fan.
- Jun. 14, 2023
Easy to get an appointment, professional friendly doctor and staff.
- May. 30, 2023
Professional, knowledgeable and great customer service
- May. 12, 2023
Great staff, efficient diagnosis, and overall experience! Thank you, Dr. Kim and Team.
- May. 03, 2023
Very friendly staff. They are so helpful and accommodating. Myn4 year old had his first eye appointm... ent and Dr. Kim and staff were patient and caring with him.
- Apr. 15, 2023
Professional staff, great selection, knowledgeable, helpful. Beautiful facility.
- Mar. 11, 2023
Very efficient and professional. Excellent service all around.
- Mar. 11, 2023
Great customer service and everyone lessoned to my needs and budget and found the best fit for me! ... Will definitely be back!
- Feb. 22, 2023
Dr. Kim is very friendly and knows his stuff. His staff was personable and very helpful.

View All 192 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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