senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(402) 330-4330

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 Malbar Vision - Orchard 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 Malbar Vision - Orchard 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
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166 Reviews
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- Sep. 23, 2024
Excellent! Would recommend!
- Aug. 15, 2024
Staff is friendly, fast and great at what they do! Got myself a new pair and they were able to help ... get it under to where my insurance covered it all! Got transitional, polarized. The whole thing! Been going here for years and they'll always be my suggested choice. Hoping some day they get their own building instead of being off on the corner of one of the busiest streets. But that's alright!
- Apr. 17, 2024
Very professional organization. Definitely recommend this organization for your optical needs.
- Apr. 11, 2024
Dr.Bargell and his staff are extremely helpful and answered any questions that I had! Dr.Bargell is ... very knowledgeable and the eye scan they performed was great to assure that you have great eye health.
- Feb. 12, 2024
Great staff. I had an issue with the first frames I got and they allowed me to change them out at no... cost. Great service!!
- Jan. 31, 2024
I do not use them for my eye exams because of other medical matters and the preference of my primary... care doctor to use in network. I have gotten my frames and lenses there though. Not one problem.
- Jan. 12, 2024
Kind and friendly staff! Doctor was knowledgeable and kind. Clean environment. When it was time to p... ay and get info about my glasses everything went so smoothly. Love everything💖
- Nov. 09, 2023
Very nice experience, but expensive glasses for the first tier. That was disappoiting.
- Oct. 25, 2023
Excellent eye care team at Malbar 132& Center
- Feb. 02, 2023
Staff is friendly and helpful
- Feb. 01, 2023
Always top notch. Friendly, professional service!
- Jan. 23, 2023
Good Office Great Staff
- Dec. 09, 2022
I have been going to Malbar for years, and everyone is always so nice !!
- Aug. 08, 2022
Outstanding experience start to finish!
- Dec. 30, 2021
Malbar Vision Center is AMAZING!!! I have been going there for over 30 years and this year had to s... ee a new doctor since the one I had always seen is now retired. I was nervous to have someone new 'messing' with my eyes. However, Dr. Brian Cain made me quickly at ease and reassured me that it would all go well. I picked up my new glasses just this week and I can't believe how PERFECT he got the prescription for my progressive glasses! Thank you Malbar and here's to 30 more years!
- Dec. 28, 2021
Everyone is great.
- Nov. 15, 2021
very nice and helpful. Worth the money. Script is right on the money
- Apr. 24, 2021
Been going there for over 20 years. I wholeheartedly recommend Malbar to everyone.
- Mar. 18, 2021
I came here on the recommendation of a friend. The staff was friendly and helpful. The Dr was profes... sional, knowledgeable, and funny. He explained everything, answered all my questions, gave me my options, and off I went. I'm happy to finally have a eye doctor I can trust. **Update the original doctor the above is in reference to has now retired. There are two doctors here now that work different days, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting them both. They are both incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. There’s been some other staff changes as well but everything is still amazing 🥰
- Jan. 15, 2021
Been coming here for years, they are always great. Dr. Larry is awesome!!

View All 166 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in South-West Omaha

Our optometry practice in South-West Omaha

Photograph of Brian  Cain
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • Uhc Community Plan

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(402) 330-4330