Vision Care Services
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Macular Degeneration
Slow the progression of a silent thief of sight.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in adults over 50.
There's no cure for AMD, but treatment can slow it down, which is why early detection matters so much.
What is macular degeneration?
AMD is a disease of the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. The macula, a small area at its center, gives you sharp central vision. In AMD the macula gradually loses its ability to sense light, which can make reading, driving, using a computer or recognizing faces difficult.
It usually causes no symptoms until vision starts to fade, so regular exams after 50 are the best way to catch it early.
Dry and wet AMD
Dry AMDThe most common form. It progresses slowly and is managed with monitoring, nutritional supplements and lifestyle changes.
Wet AMDLess common but more severe, and it can progress quickly. Medications or laser therapy may help slow vision loss.
Who is at risk?
Age is the biggest risk factor, followed by a family history of AMD. Risk is also higher if you:
- Are white or have light-colored eyes
- Are female
- Smoke or used to smoke
- Have had a lot of sun exposure over the years
How we detect it early
Optomap® retinal imagingA wide, detailed image of the retina, including the edges where early signs often appear. The scan takes less than a second and is completely noninvasive.
Lowering your risk
- Regular eye exams to monitor your retinas
- Eye vitamins, when your doctor recommends them
- Not smoking, staying active and keeping a healthy weight
- Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol
- Sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays
“My first visit with Beyond 20/20 and now I understand the "Beyond" part, because that is what I received the minute I walked through the door! I received the most thorough and enlightening exam from Dr.Tumolo I have ever had. I learned a lot because he explained everything.”Karla M. · Odessa, Google review