senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(206) 842-6604

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.


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


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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107 Reviews
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- Nov. 07, 2024
Excellent. Accurate. Competent
- Nov. 07, 2024
I’ve experienced nothing but friendly and professional service in every aspect of my experience wi... th Bainbridge Vision
- Oct. 10, 2024
I love coming here! I always feel welcomed and know that I will be helped quickly and accurately.
- Sep. 26, 2024
Highly recommend.
- Jun. 24, 2024
Comfortable atmosphere, with friendly, knowledgeable, and professional, doctors and assistants. Remi... nders of upcoming appointments with easy checkin and checkout system.
- May. 21, 2024
Great care and good frames.
- May. 09, 2024
Professional front and desk employees. Wonderful selection of glasses. Very knowledgeable about prod... ucts.
- May. 02, 2024
The staff are very friendly and experienced.
- Apr. 14, 2024
I absolutely Love Dr Egashira. I have been her patient for many years. In fact, I moved out of kitsa... p county four years ago, but I still come back for appointments with her because she’s the best eye doctor I’ve found in the Puget Sound area. She is wonderful— smart and clinically amazing, as well as a very kind person. My eyes have bad astigmatism (and a rare condition called kerataconus,) which can make getting a good visual assessment challenging. However Dr Egashira always does a wonderful job. Highly recommend!
- Apr. 14, 2024
Physicians and staff provide the highest quality service.
- Apr. 10, 2024
Competent, efficient and well informed.
- Apr. 04, 2024
The selection of glasses frames is great. The staff members are knowledgeable and super good at thei... r jobs!
- Mar. 21, 2024
I always look forward to my appointments with Dr. Steele. She is whip smart, efficient, and down to... earth. She is the kind of doctor you wish would never retire.
- Feb. 09, 2024
I always appreciate the efficiency and professionalism of this office. Dr. Egashira is friendly, th... orough and explains all facets of your eyes well. The optimap is a great service as it allows the doctor to walk you through the health of your eyes and show you comparisons year over year.
- Feb. 03, 2024
Steele is great! I think the office people are a little snappy
- Dec. 30, 2023
Two of the best optometrists EVER! I moved about 2 hours away and since then I do not feel I have ev... er received as thorough an eye exam as what Drs. Steele and Egashira provide. I am considering scheduling an appointment in 2024 and will make that two hour drive. And they have an amazing staff!
- Dec. 21, 2023
Efficient, caring doctors and staff.
- Dec. 16, 2023
I can't see going to another vision doctor.
- Dec. 05, 2023
Always excellent!
- 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.

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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
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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(206) 842-6604