senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(931) 296-1990

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 River Valley Eye Clinic 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 River Valley Eye Clinic 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
4.9
198 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Oct. 08, 2024
Great experience! The office worked in me the same day as a brand new patient for a problem I was ha... ving.
- Sep. 12, 2024
Fantastic service!
- Sep. 05, 2024
Very nice people; very professional. I have NO complaints.
- Aug. 14, 2024
Best one around!!
- Jul. 20, 2024
Great service
- Jul. 12, 2024
Dr. Emma Scott is wonderful! Very knowledgeable and personable! She takes the time to answer all que... stions and concerns I may have! All of the staff are very friendly and helpful as well! And the best part is that they are located very close to my home!
- Jun. 27, 2024
Very professional , excellent service
- Jun. 01, 2024
Friendly and efficient staff. Dr Mathis was great! Would highly recommend this office for anyone nee... ding an eye exam.
- May. 01, 2024
They are very very kind
- Apr. 26, 2024
Doctor Emma Scott really cares about her patients and goes above.And beyond her call of duty to help... . Also Nikki is awesome.They have personalities that will not Quit. Come see doctor emma scott and nikki. I will say I had one time meeting with doctor patterson, Very Critical.attitude,did not like her. and unless it's Dr Emma it's nobody.
- Apr. 22, 2024
Everyone was extremely friendly and professional. Will definitely be back.
- Apr. 13, 2024
If you want excellent service for your eyes, go to River Valley Eye Clinic in Waverly, Tennessee.
- Apr. 01, 2024
Dr Scott is great. She genuinely cares about your vision and eye health. Staff is personable and kin... d!
- Mar. 30, 2024
Extremely kind and friendly staff!
- Mar. 04, 2024
Every time I go there I receive the best care possible Every one is extremely nice and considerate
- Mar. 02, 2024
Great experience. Fast service and everyone had a great attitude!
- Feb. 26, 2024
Dr Scott and staff were wonderful!
- Feb. 16, 2024
Dr. Scott is the best, professional and personable! Her staff are friendly and proficient and Alliso... n always has a kind word when I visit! I only wish my other doctors and clinics were this great!!!
- Feb. 01, 2024
All the ladies here are absolutely wonderful, beautiful, clean, comfortable building, and Dr Melanie... is absolutely a breath of fresh air!
- Jan. 30, 2024
I love them they always do a good job on my son he love going to river valley

View All 198 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Waverly

Our optometry practice in Waverly

Photograph of Emma  Scott
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(931) 296-1990