senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(610) 623-0039

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 Olympus Vision 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 Olympus Vision 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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186 Reviews
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- Oct. 05, 2024
Everyone here is friendly, professional, and knowledgeable. I trust the care of my eyes from Dr. B.
- Oct. 02, 2024
I selected Olympus because they are listed as an authorized reseller of Wliey-X protective glasses. ... I ride a motorcycle and do not wear a full-face shield helmet, so I always need a good pair of riding goggles. I also like to go target shooting, and these lenses are also rated for that. Furthermore, while I do not require corrective vision to operate a motor vehicle, I use glasses to assist with reading and distance vision. My experience with Olympus was quite pleasant. Upon arriving at the location in Upper Darby, I was able to try on a variety of frames. Upon choosing a frame, I simply provided my most recent prescription and my insurance information. The quote was reasonable, and I got a $800 pair of glasses for around $250.00. There was a slight delay in receiving the new glasses. Unfortunately, there was some mixup at the lab, and something had to be redone. However, it was about a week after the expected delivery date, and the glasses were there at their Upper Darby location. 10/10 will work with them again when it is time to renew the lenses or the frames.
- Sep. 29, 2024
This place is the best kept secret for Eyewear in the area. Greatest customer service 👌 and faste... st delivery of glasses. Thanks!!!
- Sep. 10, 2024
I visited the facility and from the door I felt good from the level of professionalism shown by the ... front desk, to the doctor and the staff who help me select my glasses. Great job Olympus
- Aug. 13, 2024
Everyone at Olympus vision are very nice and professional especially Dr. Biletsky they really act li... ke they really care about your health I would recommend making an appointment if you are having eye trouble
- Aug. 11, 2024
Great doctor and the staff is excellent. My glasses came back in less than a week.
- Jul. 27, 2024
The service center is very efficient and effective with modern technology. Great staff and quality s... ervices from start to finish.
- Jul. 16, 2024
Everyone from the front desk to the doctor was so nice. I haven't wore contacts in a while & decide ... to make an appointment to get some. Dr. Biletsky explained everything to me & made it simple for me to understand. I would recommended Olympus to everyone
- Jun. 24, 2024
Great exam, friendly staff
- Jun. 13, 2024
I just want to say I really enjoy coming to this office the staff and the Doctor are really friendly... I really recommend it to everyone!!!🥰
- Apr. 18, 2024
Such a pleasurable experience!!
- Apr. 18, 2024
Awesome Eye Doctor! Was very attentive and explained everything in detail!! Love my new glasses.
- Apr. 12, 2024
Olympus Vision provided us with Excellent service from beginning to end!
- Mar. 15, 2024
Excellent customer service! Jasmine is awesome! She is patient and detailed oriented. I love this pl... ace. I will definitely be returning!
- Feb. 20, 2024
I brought my eyeglasses prescription over to Olympus Vision today. OMG, what a great visit I had ! I... had never come over to Olympus before. Hannah helped me. She's fantastic, and very nice and knowledgeable and helpful. I picked out several frames, and I asked her to help me choose the best one for me, size and measurement-wise. I appreciated her patience ! Also, Jasmine was helpful. I am so glad I came to Olympus Vision. It is an absolute GEM ! Whenever you need glasses, come right on over here. You won't be sorry, and you'll look forward to all future appointments !
- Feb. 13, 2024
A very thorough and efficient examination with excellent personnel. great customer
- Feb. 08, 2024
AWESOME EXPERIENCE friendly considerate staff. Great after school and after work hours. This place i... s the best keep secret. I will return again
- Jan. 02, 2024
Dr. B was the best and he is very knowledgeable. He was able to point out something that another doc... tor had missed. Hanna was very patient and helpful.
- Dec. 30, 2023
I love the eye doctors at Olympus Vision. The service at the front is so pleasant. They work with a ... smile and take their time when servicing you at the desk. I always felt like family when I am at the office. I won’t change doctors for a long time :-). I love it here.
- Dec. 22, 2023
Everyone is so helpful and friendly! They always explain things to you as well. I always take my son... here and he loves it! Just the absolute best place to get an eye exam. The doctor and staff are great! So glad we finally found our eye place!

View All 186 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Upper Darby

Our optometry practice in Upper Darby

Photograph of Nestor Biletsky
Hours
  • Monday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wednesday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(610) 623-0039