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 Noble Vision Center today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Greensburg Downtown Historic District

Our optometry practice in Greensburg Downtown Historic District

Photograph of Natalie  Noble
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross
  • Aetna

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 Noble Vision Center today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
4.9
197 Reviews
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- May. 25, 2023
Outstanding staff. State of the art office. Excellent, knowledgeable physician.
- Apr. 21, 2023
Very courteous staff. The doctor was thorough and gave me a detailed explanation of my eye photos. ... I highly recommend this group.
- Apr. 18, 2023
Professional and courteous, pleasant surroundings -- all aspects of an eye appointment at Noble Visi... on Center are done well by all staff. State of the art equipment and very knowledgeable personnel.
- Mar. 03, 2023
Highly recommend!
- Jan. 29, 2023
Took me right away after I had scratched my eye
- Jan. 27, 2023
Welcoming and supportive
- Jan. 10, 2023
I was a "walk in" client during the holidays. The exam and eyeglass consultation were exceptional. E... very person I had contact with could not have been more helpful. I received my glasses and they are exactly what I had in mind. Don't waste money and time going to the mall or chains when you can go to Noble and get excellent care and amazing consutation.
- Jan. 06, 2023
The office of Noble eye vision has the best staff. They are polite, friendly and helpful. The eye d... octors are very concerned, thorough and very knowledgeable about different eye problems. I am glad to have been referred to this office.
- Dec. 28, 2022
Very professional and caring. I am a low vision patient and they're always able to help me. I highly... recommend them.
- Sep. 30, 2022
They have advanced testing and treatments for dry eye and other eye conditions. The doctor takes her... time to explain everything and go over the medications and home care plan. I was also impressed by the friendly and helpful staff.
- May. 12, 2022
Dr. Ives best prescription for glasses that I’ve ever had!!! Great staff, and very cool office.
- Apr. 14, 2022
The speed, efficiency, knowledge, and professionalism was impressive. They operate like a well oiled... machine without making you feel like you’re being rushed. They take their time when needed and move seamlessly through each step of the process. There was little to no waiting between each stage of the process. The eye exam was very thorough and everything was explained in detail. I would highly recommend Noble vision center to anyone looking for an eye exam or to purchase a pair of glasses. They have a surprisingly large selection of frames to choose from.
- Mar. 07, 2022
The best eye doctor eye ever went to
- Feb. 25, 2022
Dr Noble has been the only Dr who has been able to get me fitted for medically necessary contact aft... er my corneal transplant and other issues I have had with my vision. She is very thorough, as is the staff, and listens to your concerns and answers all questions. From the moment you enter the office, you are greeted with a smile and can sense the caring, professional attitude of everyone. Highly recommend this office and the staff.
- Feb. 22, 2022
All employees as well as Dr. Noble herself, are knowledgeable, kind and efficient.
- Jan. 28, 2022
They don't waste a lot of people's time with long waits in the waiting room. They are always friend... ly and efficient.
- Jan. 26, 2022
The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and professional.
- Jan. 23, 2022
I always have a positive experience at Dr Nobles. They are kind, caring and professional.
- Oct. 26, 2021
Noble vision is a nice place. They are on time with appointments and the staff is nice. Dr. Noble ... is very personable.
- Oct. 25, 2021
Dr. Noble has been with me since the beginning of my journey with my corneal issues. She has worke... d hand on hand with the ophthalmologist that she recommended and I am now able to wear a medically necessary contact and gained so much usable vision again. I highly recommend Dr. Noble and her team.

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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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