senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(615) 452-2020

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 Sumner Eyecare - Gallatin 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 Sumner Eyecare - Gallatin 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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- Jan. 23, 2025
Employees are so friendly and nice.
- Jan. 06, 2025
Nice and friendly care Very knowledgeable about eye care and provide the best service and care. I wo... uld recommend this office to anyone
- Jan. 02, 2025
Staff were friendly, quick and efficient. I was in and out within an hour from the start of check-in... to picking out and paying for my new glasses, eye exam, etc.
- Jan. 02, 2025
First time there walked in with an eyeglass prescription and ordered glasses. Everybody was wonderfu... l. I will be using them for my Eye Doctor when I need new glasses very very pleased.
- Dec. 28, 2024
I was able to get an appointment quickly and my new glasses were delivered on time!
- Dec. 10, 2024
Great experience with Dr. Neal and staff at Sumner Eye Care!
- Dec. 09, 2024
The staff were friendly and courteous. Dr. Neal was very thorough in his assessment of my eye condit... ion and provided excellent care. I 100% recommend.
- Nov. 14, 2024
Great people, great service and great price
- Nov. 06, 2024
Dr. Neal and his staff are outstanding. Professional courteous and caring. Highly recommended!
- Oct. 21, 2024
Great! Nice and helpful staff. Dr. Neal was very personable and educational about the health of my e... yes. I will go back and recommend to others.
- Oct. 06, 2024
Everyone was very nice and helpful! I love my new glasses!
- Sep. 28, 2024
Always a pleasure to visit.
- Sep. 22, 2024
I love my glasses
- Sep. 15, 2024
The staff was very friendly. The Dr explained the issues with my eyes very clearly This will defin... itely be my new optometry place
- Sep. 10, 2024
Sumner Eyecare in Gallatin is great. It is easy to make an appointment and they always get you in an... d out in a timely manner. However, it doesn't feel rushed either. I first came here when I was having eye pain and redness. Dr. Neal was very kind and took the time to listen to my concerns. He was able to prescribe something that helped my eyes get back to feeling well again. Now I go there for my contact prescriptions too and I'm really happy I found this practice. Definitely recommend both Dr. Neal and Sumner Eyecare in general.
- Sep. 06, 2024
Dr Neal is prompt kind& professional!
- Sep. 03, 2024
Very professional and accommodating. I came in with my 2 year old and everyone was very understandin... g. They explained everything they were doing and why. I will be happy to go back!
- Sep. 03, 2024
Friendly, professional staff, easy to find location, and quick turn around on both lenses and frames... with lenses.
- Aug. 21, 2024
Dr. Neal is very patient, kind and understanding. I love how educated he is when it comes down to th... e health of my eyes. Always treated with the most respect and care 10/10.
- Aug. 20, 2024
Super friendly and efficient!

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Gallatin

Our optometry practice in Gallatin

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Hours
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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(615) 452-2020