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 Memorial Eye Center - Meyerland today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment

Our optometry practice in Houston

Photograph of Daniel Bui
Hours
  • Monday 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Aetna
  • VSP
  • Spectera
  • United Healthcare
  • Medicare
  • Blue Cross

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 Memorial Eye Center - Meyerland today. 

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Patient Reviews
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113 Reviews
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- Mar. 21, 2023
Professional, helpful, friendly staff.
- Mar. 12, 2023
Dr.Wong is amazing!
- Jan. 18, 2023
Dr Zaibaq is a highly professional, knowledgeable and caring optometrist. With him I feel I am get... ting the best possible care.
- Jan. 13, 2023
Everyone was really friendly and super nice. Dr. Veronica Wong is amazing!
- Dec. 15, 2022
Dr. Wong takes a lot of time to explain to her patients about their eyes and what she thinks you sho... uld do.
- Dec. 15, 2022
I experienced and emergency situation with my left eye. I contacted the office and they immediately... got me scheduled. When I saw Dr. Wong she did a thorough exam and was candid about all her findings and our next steps. She also displayed empathy and answered any questions that I had. I have been going to this office for the past 15 years with Dr. Zaibaq. He and his staff are all very thorough and I appreciate all the preventive eye care!
- Dec. 11, 2022
I have been coming here for many years! Great service and selection
- Oct. 28, 2022
Definitely recommended! The staff is really nice and Dr. Wong is super knowledgeable.
- Oct. 26, 2022
Dr. Wong was great!
- Oct. 23, 2022
very friendly & professional with expertise I can depend on
- Sep. 22, 2022
I visited yesterday for an OCT test. Dr. Wong patiently explained to me the results in details. She ... has been my optometrist for many years and she has been very friendly and considerate. Both doctor and staffs treated me friendly and with respect.
- Aug. 07, 2022
Memorial Eye Center staffs were friendly, helpful.
- Apr. 18, 2022
If I can give them 10 stars, I would. Great service from every single person at that place. Harold, ... Gina, and Dr. Zaibak stand out. Everyone is very willing to help and extremely responsive. The quality of their glasses is great, price are good and the store is very clean and well maintained. I’ll always recommend this place!
- Apr. 10, 2022
My experience has always been great. Dr Zaibaq always takes his time and explains everything in an u... nderstanding manner. I always enjoy talking to him. He has been my Optometrist for 15 years and he is just awesome!
- Jan. 20, 2022
The staff is great, when you need to talk to someone, there is always someone available. Everyone kn... ows their stuff.
- Dec. 20, 2021
Friendly, professional, and fast service!! Dr. Wong is wonderful as is the rest of the staff. I love... my new progressives and my cool, new sunglasses!
- Dec. 17, 2021
Dr. Zaibaq is an extremely thorough and thoughtful Optometrist. I highly recommend him.
- Nov. 18, 2020
Been coming here for years, Dr.Zaibaq has always been very professional and helpful. Especially in C... orona times Dr.Zaibaq came in clutch. I've since gotten checked up with Dr.Wong for the last 3 years and have never been happier with the level of service and prescriptions.
- Oct. 22, 2018
Dr. Wong was very professional and answered all my questions. She was very patient and let me try on... many different brands of contacts until I found one I liked. Any issues I had were immediately fixed. When I told her one eye did not see as clearly as the other, she took me back to the room, ran some tests, and was quickly able to make the adjustment. The lady fitting glasses is very good too. I have a high prescription so the lenses are quite heavy. It took several visits to find a light enough frame and adjust it so that it wouldn't press down on my nose. The lady was very patient and made sure I was comfortable with my glasses. I know some other places the staff would be lazy to adjust the glasses and tell the customer to go somewhere else, but the people here are very responsible, patient, and skillful at adjusting glasses. I was getting both contacts and glasses, but I could only use my insurance for either frames or contacts but not both. Dr. Wong and other staff wrote down all the pricings for me, whether I get monthly or daily contacts, whether I get year supply, half year, 3 months, whether I use my insurance for frames or contacts, how much I pay after insurance and rebates, etc. It was hard to make a decision at first, but Dr. Wong and staff neatly wrote down all the pricings and helped me find the most cost-effective option. Anyways, the people here are very professional and I recommend this place to everyone.
- Nov. 18, 2016
I'm thoroughly satisfied with my service. From the online appointment setup and verification to the ... total eye examination.

View All 113 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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