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 Eyetique - Eton today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Beachwood

Our optometry practice in Beachwood

Photograph of Susan Ross
Hours
  • Monday Closed
  • Tuesday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
  • Nov. 23 Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • Eye Med
  • Anthem
  • National Vision Administration (NVA)
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • VBA
  • Metlife
  • University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

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 Eyetique - Eton today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
4.9
141 Reviews
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- Nov. 05, 2023
Excellent customer service and guidance provided by Johnny Michnay, Licensed Optician. Great selecti... on of frames to choose from. Highly recommended.
- Oct. 10, 2023
I am pleased with all of the pairs I have received from Eyetique. Michele K is the Queen of Optical....
- Oct. 04, 2023
Great Staff. SOOO helpful
- Sep. 16, 2023
Excellent experience. Excellent staff.
- Aug. 18, 2023
Eyetiques sells some of the higher-end frames. The sales staff is great.
- Aug. 08, 2023
Johnny was Awesome!
- Aug. 08, 2023
Johnny did an incredible job of helping me find the perfect pair of glasses. I was dreading this and... Johnny made it so easy.
- Jul. 15, 2023
Dr Roytman, Michelle and John. Have provided the best experience! My exam was outstanding. Michelle ... helped me select the perfect frames. Their care and concern is above and beyond. And I can see perfectly again! Thank you so much đź’—
- Jun. 30, 2023
I had the best experience visiting Dr. Stephanie Roytman and her team at Eyetique at Eton Square thi... s morning. Dr. Roytman is an empathetic doctor who took the time to go through all the necessary steps and assessments for my eye exam, explaining everything along the way. Dr. Roytman cares about her patients and their eye health and it is obvious that she loves her work. Sales staff Michelle and Johnny were also fantastic: they are experts at eyeglasses and how each pair suits different faces. They helped me choose a beautiful pair of glasses from a thoughtful collection of frames, some of which are hard to find here in the US. Go to Eyetique for the kind of service that is rare these days: genuine, friendly, and professional. Thank you so much for the great visit! I'll be recommending Eyetique and Dr. Roytman to everyone I know. ​​
- Jun. 16, 2023
Great selection of unique frames plus wonderful service.
- May. 15, 2023
I was very pleased and satisfied with the care and quality of merchandise
- May. 01, 2023
Amazing experience!
- Apr. 14, 2023
*John provided one of the best guest experiences that I've ever had in an office visit. Dr Ross was ... extremely knowledgeable, informative and ensured I was comfortable during a very comprehensive and thorough examination.
- Mar. 01, 2023
Perhaps one of the best eye appointments and glass selection experiences I’ve ever had!
- Jan. 20, 2023
Johnny was very accommodating and helpful. Customer service was top tier.
- Jan. 07, 2023
I've been going to Michelle for many many years and it's always the best experience. She really has ... an eye for picking out glasses. She's exceptional at her job and a wonderful person. I won't go anywhere else for my glasses needs because of her! And it's a 30 minute drive across town for me...worth it!
- Dec. 29, 2022
I had an excellent experience at Eyetique. The staff was incredibly friendly and customer service or... iented. Michelle did an excellent job in helping me select a new pair of frames. She was incredibly knowledgeable and very helpful!
- Nov. 29, 2022
Johnny provides world class service!
- Nov. 11, 2022
Everyone there was friendly knowledgeable listened to my concerns, I feel confident that the doctor ... understood my concerns and addressed them.
- Oct. 20, 2022
Michelle is absolutely amazing!!! No need to look any further….she is the best in the industry!!!

View All 141 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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