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
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18 Reviews
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- Nov. 25, 2024
Super nice and helpful people
- Nov. 13, 2024
Gave me my first contacts.
- Oct. 29, 2024
Love the Maui Jims! Service is excellent and they really care about their customers.
- Mar. 10, 2024
Dr. Fulgham has taken wonderful care of me for a very long time. Very personable and funny. I always... enjoy my visits with him.
- Jan. 18, 2024
My first visit was awesome! I found the perfect, more personal, convenient optometry office. I final... l decided to opt out of the larger, chained optometry offices. The front staff were welcoming and friendly. Dr. Fulghum totally AWESOME!!! He made my day with his humorous and charming personality!
- Oct. 18, 2023
Dr. Fulghum and his staff have taken care of our family's vision needs for many, many years and has ... always provided us with the very best care. Always concerned about our vision needs as the years went by. His referrals have also been top notch whenever additional specialty treatments were needed. We have always felt that our care and treatments have been the very best available. Most medical appointments are not the friendliest experiences we have, but this is not the case here. Always greeted with a smile and pleasant atmosphere. Thanks for all your hard work!
- Aug. 25, 2023
He is a very good person and a caring man. He always makes the visits fun and he shows an interest i... n you and your family. Okay Paul I wrote what you asked me to now when do I get paid? I’m just kidding on the last part but I told him I was going to put that in when I wrote his review to keep him humble. All kidding aside he’s a great doctor and an even better man.
- May. 03, 2023
I've been seeing Dr. Fulghum for over 30 years, starting with my recovery from major eye trauma and ... surgery. For over 3 decades Dr. Fulghum and his office have been excellent in their service and friendly in every interaction with me. Dr. Fulghum genuinely cares about his patients and their vision. I cannot recommend him more highly to anyone who is looking for an optometrist. He is a great optometrist!
- Jul. 27, 2022
I have been very pleased. Dr. Fulghum listens to your concerns, asks about your vision needs, and ta... kes the time individually with each patient. Very small office, only the one doctor and a few staff, but very accommodating.
- Oct. 18, 2021
Great staff and service, would highly recommend.
- Aug. 17, 2018
Nice Christian doctor. Very friendly staff; Paula was awesome in helping me find frames😀.
- Dec. 19, 2017
Wife and I needed glasses and went here because of the reviews. I was extremely happy I did as the ... Dr and all his staff are amazing, professional and courteous. They did an incredible job with my progressive lenses and everything fit perfect the first time.
- Jul. 15, 2016
I needed to get a piece of metal removed from my eye. The Dr. did an excellent job. My normal ophtha... lmologist was not in on Friday and he took me in as a new patient. I had a very pleasant visit.
- Jun. 17, 2016
Lovely staff! Great relaxing place. Dr. Fulghum is awesome. Scheduled a visit in under 24 hours, had... little to no wait. Very comfortable place. Is now my go to for all eye care.
- May. 29, 2016
I liked the experience I had at this doctors office one to two years ago. I had purchased my first p... air of bi-focal lenses and boy were they much needed. I do not wear glasses often so I must say I've worn these maybe 20 times since I've owned them. The only problem I have is the left side of the frame broke loose at the hinge. I am very careful with my glasses and always keep them in a case when not in use. This should never have broken. I tried to solder the two parts together but no luck.

View All 18 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Lakeshore

Our optometry practice in Lakeshore

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 Closed
  • 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