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 Crown Vision Center - Oakville today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Oakville

Our optometry practice in Oakville

Photograph of Alaina Altenbernd
Hours
  • Monday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • Anthem
  • Metlife
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • EyeMed
  • 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 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 Crown Vision Center - Oakville today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
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245 Reviews
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- Oct. 16, 2023
Excellent job and care
- Sep. 23, 2023
Excellent, caring management and support staff. I'd recommend this location for all vision service n... eeds.
- Sep. 03, 2023
The staff are amazing!! I truly appreciate their customer service. They made me feel better after br... eaking both pairs of glasses.. no questions asked just straight service and help!
- Aug. 06, 2023
The people at the Oakville Crown Vision are amazing! They make sure that you are a very satisfied cu... stomer, they are very knowledgeable of their job and always greet you with a smile
- Jun. 02, 2023
Great office and staff. Really have enjoyed every interaction I’ve had at this location.
- May. 22, 2023
The lady that helped me with my glasses was very knowledgeable and the sweetest lady ever
- Apr. 29, 2023
friendly, professional and compassionate staff. Dr Altenbernd is great!
- Apr. 23, 2023
Nikki, Emily, and Don were awesome on the frontline of the service! Dr. Wira gets my recommendation ... 100 percent!
- Mar. 30, 2023
Christina is great. Very caring and professional
- Mar. 14, 2023
Very friendly and welcoming. Staff and Dr! Will gladly return!
- Mar. 03, 2023
Awesome customer service and very knowledgeable staff.
- Feb. 10, 2023
Excellent customer service and knowledgeable in their field.
- Jan. 04, 2023
I love going to this vision center. The staff is amazing and understanding. It was clean and organiz... ed as well. I appreciate great costumer service, and recommend all to set their appointments here.
- Dec. 10, 2022
I've been going to Crown Vision since I was in grade school. The staff is always friendly and have a... welcoming atmosphere. I always feel comfortable doing business with them because of their great experience.
- Nov. 10, 2022
The staff have all been helpful and very friendly. Service was quick and timely
- Nov. 05, 2022
Great staff that have gone above and beyond to help me while I was having issues with my eyes.
- Oct. 28, 2022
I have tried two other vision centers and this one is by far the best! The staff is so helpful and ... friendly and I received my new glasses in less than two weeks. I would highly recommend them.
- Oct. 25, 2022
Wonderful staff!
- Oct. 19, 2022
I've been going to Crown (this specific location) since 6th grade (over 25 years now). I've never on... ce had a bad experience. I no longer live very close to the location, but the drive is absolutely worth it. They have always been kind, timely, knowledgeable, work within budgets and have no judgment, welcoming, respectful, and I always feel that I am getting the best and most accurate diagnosis/prescription. I can't see myself ever going anywhere else.
- Sep. 21, 2022
Don, the manager at this location, really goes above and beyond to make purchasing your eyewear easy... , as affordable as possible, and he’s a really nice man! Highly recommend!

View All 245 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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