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 Evanston Eye Wellness today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Evanston

Our optometry practice in Evanston

Photograph of Deana  LaBrosse
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • Tuesday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
  • Nov. 23 Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • Tricare
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Care

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 Evanston Eye Wellness today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
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112 Reviews
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- Sep. 06, 2023
I love Dr. LaBrosse and the staff! Very welcoming. Dr. LaBrosse works hard to ensure all of your vis... ion needs are met.
- Aug. 20, 2023
Personalized care!
- Aug. 12, 2023
Excellent eye care
- Jun. 29, 2023
Very good experience
- Jun. 25, 2023
I really appreciate Dr Deana LaBrosse adjusting her schedule to accommodate my appointment. The staf... f is friendly and professional.
- Jun. 19, 2023
Dr. LaBrosse is smart, trustworthy, and open.
- May. 27, 2023
Recommended by a friend and could not be more pleased. Dr. LeBrosse is thorough in her exam, recomme... ndations, and explanations. She is also personable, caring, and professional. Her staff is responsive, helpful and personable as well
- May. 26, 2023
Friendly, professional, expert care
- May. 18, 2023
Dr LaBosse is a great optometrist. She uses a holistic approach, such as diet and vitamins for spec... ific eye issues. The frame selections is great but most, not all, are pricey. Most are unique styles and colors. I’ve purchased three pairs of eye glasses in the past five years and I’ve received many complements on all of them. The office is bright and well appointed. The staff are friendly and very helpful.
- Mar. 30, 2023
The most knowledgeable, skilled, and caring optometrist I've ever had. Dr. LaBrosse has gone over an... d above to care for me and my family over the years. Her outstanding care plus the professional environment of Evanston Eye Wellness make it easy for me to recommend her. Be aware, this is not the place to go for a quick and cheap upgrade for your glasses or contacts; folks have plenty of options for those services. Evanston Eye Wellness is really more like a medical office that provides full-service care for your eyes... and it also happens to have great frames and a fun, fashion-forward appeal.
- Mar. 08, 2023
An overall good experience with Dr. LaBrosse and staff. Very professional, friendly and thourough. I... would definately recommend and will be returning.
- Feb. 20, 2023
Our whole family goes to Dr LaBrosse and we highly recommend her for routine eye exam for all ages. ... She’s very knowledgeable, caring, and professional.
- Jan. 31, 2023
A small boutique eye doctor that is also friendly, personable and most importantly, places an emphas... is on holistic health. I think this is a rare gem in eye care! I highly recommend Dr LaBrosse!
- Jan. 14, 2023
Dr. LaBrosse is outstanding!! She's knowledgeable, kind, patient and takes the time to explain the ... exam results. The staff are great and the shop has an impressive selection of frames.
- Jan. 11, 2023
Everyone is friendly and polite. Dr. LaBrosse is considerate and thorough in her approach to treatme... nts.
- Dec. 30, 2022
Very kind, very thorough!
- Dec. 23, 2022
Great customer service!
- Dec. 20, 2022
I've recommended Dr Labrosse and Evanston Eye Wellness to friends. Dr LaBrosse is extremely knowled... geable and I would highly recommend her, especially if you have any eye issues. The staff is very helpful and provides great advice. Highly recommended!
- Dec. 08, 2022
Dr. LaBrosse is fantastic. She teaches you about your vision and what is going on with the eye anato... my. Her staff of opticians are so skilled at helping you select the best frames for your field of vision in addition to style selection . I just had a very poor experience with another optometrist . I went from bad to excellent ! I highly recommend Evanston Eye Wellness.
- Dec. 07, 2022
Has been only a positive experience for the last 5 years being seen and fitted for medically necessa... ry contacts which is not always a simple process.

View All 112 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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