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 Silverbell EyeCare EyeCare today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Tucson

Our optometry practice in Tucson

Photograph of Richard  Baim
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • Avesis
  • Anthem
  • National Vision Administration (NVA)
  • AlwaysCare
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross
  • Well Care Health Plans

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 Silverbell EyeCare EyeCare today. 

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Patient Reviews
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198 Reviews
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- Mar. 17, 2024
Doctor Ben was so nice and helped me with an eye issue. I will not go anywhere else.
- Feb. 26, 2024
I've been a patient of Dr. Baim for over 24 years. He's excellent and so has his staff, including th... is latest appt this Nov and Jan. Great Place!
- Feb. 13, 2024
Prompt, friendly and knowledgeable
- Feb. 05, 2024
Been going here for over 15 years and all I can say is professional, friendly, and educational. I m... ove to Oro Valley and still drive to the west side to see Dr Bain
- Dec. 09, 2023
It's so easy to make an appointment online. The entire staff is welcoming and friendly. The Dr's do ... a great job of explaining everything. The office is clean and visually appealing. It's a wonderful office.
- Nov. 30, 2023
Severely scratched my eye which required immediate attention, Veronica was able to get me in right ... away with Dr. Fuhr, ir was comforting to know that the entire staff (including Racheal) were concerned for my well being. The clean state of the art facilities and optimal care for patience makes going there a no brainer, I will certainly be back but hopefully next time only to pick one of their stylish pair of frames!
- Nov. 18, 2023
Excellent, polite and professional.
- Sep. 19, 2023
Dr. Baim is respectful, patient, provides thorough eye exams, and care about his patients.
- Sep. 17, 2023
The newest optometrist is awesome! I tried another optometrist on Ina that couldn't provide the prop... er prescription for my computer glasses. I need these glasses for my job, so it's important to get this corrected. This place used the new frames and sent the prescription to the lab. After a week of successful wear and being able to see my computer screens clearly, I will always come here for my eye care needs.
- Aug. 27, 2023
All around great service
- May. 31, 2023
Staff was amazing and kind! The appointment went quickly but was thorough!
- May. 19, 2023
Excellent service and very easy. Friendly and professional.
- May. 13, 2023
If you need a Dr. who truly cares about the health of your eyes, make an appointment at Silverbell E... yeCare with Dr. Baim. He is Amazing!!
- Apr. 15, 2023
I have been going there for over 20 years.
- Apr. 13, 2023
Great service, great environment is always clean and smells good. They always in time given you the... service
- Feb. 07, 2023
Great care for my daughter and myself!
- Feb. 01, 2023
Dr, Baim is very competent and has been extremely helpful to me over many years
- Jan. 14, 2023
Efficient knowledgeable staff, clean and spacious facility
- Dec. 14, 2022
Dr. Richard Baim has been my optometrist for many years, he is thorough and answers all my questions... . he is very knowledgably and has years of experience. The staff is friendly and helpful. Silverbell Eyecare meets my needs and I feel confident going there.
- Nov. 12, 2022
We went to Silverbell eye care 8 years ago before we moved to Florida we loved them then now were ba... ck and we still love them they are fantastic.

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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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