senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(303) 794-2020

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 Highlands Ranch HD Eye Care 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 Highlands Ranch HD Eye Care 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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129 Reviews
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- Sep. 10, 2024
Over 20 years of excellent service.
- Aug. 14, 2024
Amazing staff that really cares and are super nice!
- Aug. 04, 2024
I have been going to Dr. Jacobs for many years, and he is the best of the best.
- Jul. 07, 2024
The entire staff is very friendly, helpful and knowledgable.
- May. 31, 2024
Awesome Service
- May. 24, 2024
A great practice, nice staff, the latest equipment, and a wide range of eyewear.
- Apr. 11, 2024
Excellent care every time!!!
- Apr. 10, 2024
Dr. Quinton and Jules truly made for a wonderful experience at HD Eye Care. They made me feel comfor... table and listened to my concerns regarding my current prescription. I couldn't have asked for a better experience.
- Mar. 01, 2024
Dr. Quinton is awesome! She is very thorough and explains everything as she is doing the exam. The e... ntire office has great customer service. Always kind and prompt. I have never waited more than a few minutes for my appointment. They have high end equipment which makes the exam that much better. I highly recommend Highlands Ranch HD Eye Care.
- Feb. 04, 2024
We checked out HD eye care because my boyfriend had a really bad experience with his previous eye do... ctor. On the day of his appointment, there was a blizzard. We called and told them we might be late, and they were so pleasant about it. Upon walking in, they were just grateful we got there in one piece. The staff was so friendly, it kind of shocked me because all we have ever had were bad experiences. They also had such an amazing selection of frames. Dr. Quintin was so kind, knowledgeable, and really took the time to get his Rx right. Another thing that we loved was that we only payed for an eye exam; Dr. Quintin let my boyfriend take home a pair of contacts to try before he committed to purchasing a year supply. This meant the world to us being on a fixed income, as his previous eye doctor never got his script right; in the past, he payed for contacts that weren’t even his correct prescription. The fact that she let him take them home to try and make sure they were perfect meant the world to us. I loved Dr. Quintin so much that now I’M switching eye doctors to see her. We look forward to seeing her for years to come.
- Jan. 10, 2024
Always have a good experience there, especially with Dr. Quinn. Been going for years.
- Dec. 26, 2023
Very friendly staff
- Dec. 19, 2023
The Doctors and Staff are professional, friendly and understanding.
- Dec. 03, 2023
Love this entire staff! They always make it such a positive experience each and every time I’m in.... I always recommend them to anyone looking for an amazing optometry group.
- Nov. 27, 2023
VERY PROFESSIONAL EYE CARE DOCTORS AND FRIENDLY STAFF
- Oct. 29, 2023
It's the staff... funny -fun and just delight to interact with.
- Oct. 19, 2023
Everyone there is so nice! I was joking and laughing with them as soon as I walked in. I was given ... excellent service, and best of all, I can see again!! No more eye fatigue, sitting at my desk all day staring at a computer. Super cute glasses, so many to choose from. Hannah was so patient with me as I tried on darn near every pair of glasses until I found the right ones. Highly recommend.
- Oct. 11, 2023
Went to this office for the first time the other day after our previous optometrist closed. The staf... f, technicians, and Dr. Jacobs were all very kind and knowledgeable and I felt very well cared for. While I didn't get glasses from the office, they did seem to have a very big selection. Glad to be going here!
- Sep. 22, 2023
Best eye exam I have ever had with such up to date imaging and so friendly and Dr. Jacobs is incredi... ble !!!!! Jules is just amazing and makes you feel so welcomed and like you are family!
- Sep. 08, 2023
Everyone is always very helpful and pleasant at Highlands Ranch HD Eye Care and Dr. Jacobs is a wond... erful eye doctor! We have consistently had excellent care and our glasses and contacts have been fantastic!

View All 129 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Highlands Ranch

Our optometry practice in Highlands Ranch

Photograph of Lawrence  Jacobs
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Medicaid
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(303) 794-2020