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 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 Noble Vision Center today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
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224 Reviews
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- Mar. 07, 2024
I had an eye emergency and they were able to get me in that day and start a treatment plan.
- Jan. 08, 2024
Originally recommended to me by someone who used to work there, which is always a good sign! I've be... en going there for over a year now and have always had a pleasant experience. Great doctors, great techs, great opticians. If you live anywhere near Greensburg, it's definitely worth the drive.
- Dec. 04, 2023
Great Dr!
- Oct. 19, 2023
I have a difficult vision situation. Noble Vision doctor and staff are thorough, patient, understand... ing and accessible. Highly recommend.
- Oct. 13, 2023
My eyes are a challenge, but they take very good care of me.
- Sep. 06, 2023
I am very pleased with everyone at Noble Vision Center. I went there initially because I had somethi... ng in my eye that needed cleaned out and looked at. I continued to go there because they are so thorough. They are always helpful, even when I walk in for an eyeglass adjustment. I have been referring people ever since and I will continue to do so. And I highly recommend You go there!!
- Aug. 01, 2023
Friendly, Professional, Thorough!
- Jul. 24, 2023
I have had keratoconus for 25 years and have had poor vision. Dr. Noble and the entire staff are ex... tremly knowledgeable and pleasant I never imagined my eye sight could be this good. Other eye clinics just didn't want to be involved. Dr. Noble is amazing !!! She is very thorough. I would highly recommend Noble vision for anyone who wants the best care possible. .
- Jul. 05, 2023
The doctor is working with me to correct a physical issue with my vision. She is the first doctor t... o take active steps to try to reverse the effects of this issue.
- Jun. 04, 2023
State of the art equipment and very professional! The doctors and staff are wonderful and caring !
- 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. 26, 2023
Very efficient service. Very friendly and honest staff. The overall quality of glasses are much high... er than my past experiences at Costco, Lens Crafters, and online Zenni. This is the best place for eyewear in the Greensburg area.
- 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.

View All 224 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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