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 Ironwood

Our optometry practice in Ironwood

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 and 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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174 Reviews
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- 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
- Mar. 09, 2023
Dr. Baim was very caring and helpful.
- Mar. 02, 2023
Friendly and efficient staff. Great communication.
- 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.
- Oct. 19, 2022
The office staff are all pleasant and helpful. The Halloween decorations this year are really good,... plus there is a pumpkin contest. My exam with Dr Baim was thorough and informative, and I'm very happy to have Silverbell Eyecare for my vision needs.
- Sep. 30, 2022
Wonderful and patient staff! Our 6 yr old son was not having a good day this particular day of his e... ye exam. The entire staff couldn't have been more understanding! I would recommend this place to everyone!
- Sep. 24, 2022
Staff is very kind and Dr. Fuhr is great!
- Aug. 01, 2022
The doctors will take their time to perform the eye exam. I did not feel rush like in another places... .
- Jun. 26, 2022
Awesome service and customer service. Easy fast and recommended.
- May. 31, 2022
Great service. I’ve been seeing Dr Baim for many years and always happy with the whole staff. Than... k you
- Mar. 03, 2022
This is by far one of the best experiences I've had. Everyone that I interacted with was great and ... they took the time to make sure I was satisfied and the doctor answered all my questions, she was amazing.
- Mar. 02, 2022
Very friendly, efficient staff, from front desk to assistant, to doctor. Greeted as soon as I walked... in, helped with filling out forms on tablet as well as explained charges and procedures all the way through the appointment. Will definitely return.
- Feb. 02, 2022
Best eye care center in Tucson! Great doctor & awesome staff.

View All 174 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

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