senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(904) 387-5704

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 Fulghum Optometry 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 Fulghum Optometry 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
4.7
63 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Jul. 11, 2025
Thank you Dr. Nason for your warmth, professionalism and patience. The staff at Fulghum Optometry p... rovided an A+ Service. The location overlooks the Ortega River and the office setting is clean and tastefully decorated with art work, comfy chairs and a selection of eye ware. I'm particularly thankful for Jeff, the optician, for assisting me with the selection of eyewear that was aesthetically pleasing as well as functional.
- Jul. 07, 2025
Great customer service ! Highly recommend
- Jun. 24, 2025
I had an appointment with Dr Mason on 6.23.25, for a second opinion. I have had 3 different types of... glasses made from my current Optomologist and my vision is blurry. Dr Mason's examination was very thorough and extensive. During his testing I could see so clear and it felt so good. I will be coming back to Dr Mason in the future. I was very impressed with his entire office. Dr Mason is very nice and so knowledgeable and thorough.....very impressed. Gabby was awesome as well as Jeff. They were both very kind, knowledgeable and thorough in their areas of expertise. The office is also very nice and the location is in a great fun area.
- Jun. 10, 2025
Great service and people. Highly recommend.
- May. 23, 2025
Needed an eyeglass repair today, so I dropped in. Jeff fixed me up nice and quick--and super courteo... us, as well. Caitlyn was very professional, too. Love doing business with this office.
- May. 20, 2025
Very quick and friendly doctor answered all questions I had
- May. 13, 2025
Amazing optometry practice! I have a very complicated prescription for my lenses and Fulghum optomet... ry is the only one who could get my prism correct. Everyone who works here is so sweet and knowledgeable! I highly recommend this optometry practice, especially if you have complicated vision..
- May. 08, 2025
Eye exam and glasses, like Dr Fulgham, Dr Mason was both personable & thorough. I have a complex eye... history, & his exam covered everything. The optician was also personable & thorough. I am extremely satisfied.
- May. 02, 2025
Quick and easy! Love the staff - super friendly and professional.
- May. 02, 2025
Friendly, efficient and excellent customer service. This is a place that knows how to take care of i... ts customers. Highly professional and deeply committed to giving you a positive experience.
- Apr. 29, 2025
Great customer service. Very attentive to details and helping clients. Staff is all very friendly, p... rofessional and super helpful.
- Apr. 29, 2025
Great service!
- Apr. 28, 2025
My new go-to. Everyone was super nice and knowledgeable. Prices were extremely reasonable too.
- Apr. 25, 2025
Great people and fast service. Good frame selection.
- Apr. 25, 2025
Everyone was friendly, helpful, transparent, and informative. I'll definitely be back for my next an... nual appointment!
- Apr. 21, 2025
This was my first time here and it was wonderful! From the moment I walked until I left, everyone wa... s very nice and extremely welcoming and helpful. If you're looking for a great Optometrist, check them out. You won't regret it!! Thanks everyone!
- Apr. 11, 2025
Fulghum is my new go-to! They were one of the only independent optometrist offices I was able to rea... ch easily. They got me in quickly, the office staff and doctor were kind, and everything was explained to me thoroughly. So glad to have a new eye doctor in Fulghum!
- Apr. 11, 2025
Dr. Nason and his entire staff were very welcoming and super helpful! The office is in a great locat... ion and super warm and cozy! It was a pleasure to meet them and I will definitely be using them in the future and recommending them to anyone who needs an optometrist!
- Apr. 03, 2025
I have been going to Fulghum for about two years, they take eye care seriously and I decided to move... over to having my regular eye exams moved over here from Target. I have a few conditions that can affect the health of my eyes and I feel so much better about my eye health and vision are being handled by them. They are also very professional but friendly and respectful. I highly recommend anyone to go to them for vision or regular eye care.
- Apr. 03, 2025
Modern equipment and thorough exam. They take time with you to make sure you have the best ferment f... or your glasses. I’ve been coming here for years and haven’t had any bad experiences, only top notch service!

View All 63 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Lakeshore

Our optometry practice in Lakeshore

Photograph of Michael  Nason
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(904) 387-5704