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 Coppell Vision Center today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Coppell

Our optometry practice in Coppell

Photograph of Alycia Green
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
  • Nov. 24 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 Coppell Vision Center today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
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460 Reviews
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- Oct. 29, 2023
Dr. and office staff are kind and helpful. All my questions were patiently answered.
- Oct. 27, 2023
Staff was very friendly and courteous. Dr. Green was amazing. She listened and understood my need fo... r glasses in different situations and suggested the best plan. Kayla was very helpful and patient with my time crunch and provided me the quotes for all my options. I highly recommend this place.
- Sep. 14, 2023
Wonderful experience!!
- Sep. 14, 2023
Dr. Green was good. Her recommendations were good. Kayla as a staff was good and courteous. The fron... t desk staff was good as well.
- Sep. 09, 2023
Friendly with great service. Quick turn around on getting glasses. Good with communications
- Aug. 23, 2023
I was able to quickly see Dr. Green for a medical eye problem despite a very busy day. Thanks for yo... ur help...
- Aug. 20, 2023
Excellent customer service
- Aug. 12, 2023
I have seen Dr. Green and Dr. Pels and they have been knowledgeable and professional. Their staff is... great too.
- Aug. 04, 2023
Sad to see Dr. Sandra Elston go 🙁 Dr. Alycia Green did a great job finding me new contacts and gave... me good suggestions for my dry eyes. Thank you for being my new eye doctor
- Aug. 04, 2023
Always love going to CVC. They make you feel so welcome and always available to help you out.
- Jul. 13, 2023
Dr Pels offers a very comfortable experience!
- Jul. 12, 2023
Good service, good experience. Thank you!
- Jul. 12, 2023
I’ve been seeing Dr. Pels for years and she is just the best. I don’t live close to Coppell but... I’m happy to make the drive because of consistent, top notch care I receive from Dr. Pels. Kalee, the practice manager, is wonderful and always helpful. For the last two pair of glasses I purchased, I received outstanding care from Kayla. She not only suggested beautiful frames that fit my face and coloring perfectly, she is so knowledgeable and couldn’t have made it easier to purchase great pairs of glasses. Before Kayla was there, Christian assisted me with the first pair of glasses I had purchased in years. After many years of having difficulty finding a lens that didn’t make me feel queasy, Christian understood perfectly and knew exactly what I needed to resolve this issue. As a result of my confidence in your employees, I’ve purchased 3 pairs of glasses within a year or so. I’m a satisfied customer.
- Jul. 07, 2023
Doctor and staff were very helpful and in good spirits. Great place to go every time.
- Jun. 21, 2023
Dr. Pels is amazing! This is always the best health experience with a medical professional that I e... ver have every year. Both Dr. Pels and her staff are very nice! I really appreciate the whole team and how they work. Thank you Dr. Pels!
- Jun. 10, 2023
Dr. Alycia Green explained the things about my vision health clearly and the staff there are good ..... Thank you all
- Jun. 05, 2023
Great customer service!
- May. 05, 2023
This office is so easy. Never a long wait, staff is helpful and the doctors are great! Always get ... us what we need.
- Apr. 21, 2023
This is a fun place to be in. The staff are super respectful and efficient. Kayla is a sweet, effici... ent optician. Dr Shanon Lamb’s energy made me feel very comfortable. In fact, I enjoyed my appointment with her. Whatever your are going through, she wont scare you. She cheerfully guides you and makes sure you understand what needs follow up. Kudos to the whole team.
- Mar. 09, 2023
Dr Pels is awesome and the support staff is exceptional.

View All 460 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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