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 Bainbridge Vision today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Bainbridge Island

Our optometry practice in Bainbridge Island

Photograph of Sherri Egashira
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • Aetna
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • 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 Bainbridge Vision today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
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48 Reviews
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- Nov. 20, 2023
Great local optometrist. Friendly and helpful staff. Was really well treated and felt like they ca... red about my well being and vision.
- Nov. 16, 2023
They are always very thorough and helpful.
- Nov. 13, 2023
Wonderful Professional Team. Excellent service and support.
- Nov. 07, 2023
Both Dr. Egashira and her staff are friendly, caring and accommodating.
- Oct. 21, 2023
Welcoming staff, lovely clinic, and thorough eye exam by Dr. Egashira.
- Oct. 13, 2023
I like the small town folksy atmosphere! Dr. Egashira is a professional. She's thorough, efficient... and subject matter expert current. Also has a good sense of humor !
- Sep. 01, 2023
Kira is exceptional. She’s extremely knowledgeable at fitting eyeglass frames and lenses, she’s ... passionate, and she makes the experience fun! Been going to her for 10+ years.
- Aug. 24, 2023
Friendly. Knowledgeable. Helpful. What else could you want?
- Aug. 18, 2023
Dr. Egashira is outstanding. Been going here for 15 years and have always had great care.
- Aug. 15, 2023
Great place for optometry services. Friendly and highly competent staff and providers.
- Jul. 09, 2023
It's a busy world where it often feels like it's easy to get lost in the crowd. My visit to Bainbrid... ge Vision reminded me of a time when compassion, patience, and professionalism were summits that every business strived to reach. Bainbridge Vision is the peak of the mountain. Dr. Egashira is kind and brilliant and she took time to answer all of my questions. I'm relatively new to eye care so I was a bit apprehensive when I walked into the office! I'm thankful that Dr. Egashira is so skillful at explaining all the intricacies.
- Jul. 01, 2023
Dr. Egashira has been working with my and later my family’s eyes ever since she was a optometry st... udent. I feel so lucky to have benefitted from her intellect and skill - always applied with generosity; she explains everything so well and maintains a lovely sense of humor. (We have had a few optical adventures together.) The entire staff is very helpful and a pleasure to work with. Picking out frames is just plain fun!
- Jun. 30, 2023
I love the positivity and kindness I experience at each visit. The staff is always friendly and welc... oming.
- Jun. 28, 2023
I've been seeing Dr Egashira since 1997. I wouldn't change for anything.
- Apr. 08, 2021
My visit was all these things and more! I was welcomed and listened to as I described what I was loo... king for in eyeglass frames. Lindsay is a great complement and partner to Dr. Steele. My eyes are well cared for - I was seen and heard - great visit!
- Aug. 09, 2020
Everyone was very friendly. From the front desk to the dr and everyone in between, I felt very comfo... rtable asking questions and discussing options.
- Apr. 05, 2020
I had suspected that my old glasses' prescription (acquired while living abroad) was out of date, an... d was causing me headaches, but I didn't realize how bad the old glasses were until I got my new ones from Dr. Egashira. These new glasses are a huge improvement. All the staff I contacted were very helpful--thank you!
- Jun. 14, 2019
All the staff are professional and courteous. Dr. Egashira is one of the most knowledgeable and help... ful Optometrists I have ever encountered. My exam was very thorough. She was especially helpful with fitting me with the correct contact lenes and accurate prescription.
- Sep. 14, 2018
I was impressed with everyone I came in contact with from start to finish. It was very easy to make ... an appointment. Parking was a breeze and the space is very welcoming. I encountered no wait time the day of my appointment and my exam was very thorough. There is a wide variety of frames to choose from and I purchased my favorite pair of glasses to date. The prescription is perfect.
- Jan. 14, 2018
Been going here for year and I always loved the atmosphere but I might a little bias.

View All 48 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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