senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(843) 903-6262

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 Carolina Forest Family Eyecare 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 Carolina Forest Family Eyecare 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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238 Reviews
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- Nov. 05, 2024
Thomas and crew do a wonderful job taking care our our eyes. I would invite you to give them a call ... for an appointment today. God bless
- Nov. 02, 2024
Dr. Lane and her staff were wonderful. They were very thorough and made me feel comfortable and care... d for throughout my eye exam. I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone in the Myrtle Beach area looking for and eye doctor.
- Oct. 27, 2024
Dr. Alavi is wonderful. Love this practice.
- Oct. 22, 2024
Receive great care
- Sep. 29, 2024
Dr Tom is great
- Sep. 29, 2024
Appointments are always on schedule with no waiting. Staff is friendly and efficient!
- Sep. 12, 2024
The waiting room is large and airy. It’s clean, neat and staffed by at least two people. The staff... was friendly, informative and familiar with all the state of the art equipment they used for my exam. I had called earlier in the day with what I felt was an emergency and they fit me right in which I was very pleased with. I have another follow up and I trust that what I’m told needs to be done will be the correct path to follow. Happy I found this Optometrist.
- Jul. 29, 2024
Very helpful, great selection of eyewear
- Jul. 27, 2024
Dr. Weshefsky is a talented provider.
- Jul. 26, 2024
Friendly staff .
- Jul. 24, 2024
Best place at Carolina Forest area!
- Jul. 23, 2024
Carolina Forest Eyecare care about the overall health of your eye from normal eyes to eyes with conc... erns such as cateracts. I have had dry eyes for 10+ years and they have a means to attack the problem vs using drops.
- Jul. 19, 2024
GREAT STAFF AND FAMILY ORIENTED! ALWAYS UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST EQUIPMENT !!! A STEP AHEAD ... OF THE REST !
- Jul. 11, 2024
They fixed my glasses for free! They kept sliding off my face and they bent them back for me. It's a... small thing but if you have glasses you understand it. Thank you all so much!
- Jul. 09, 2024
The only Dr. Helping me with my dry eyes
- Jun. 25, 2024
The knowledge and calmness of Dr Hannah is enough reason to visit this location. The staff were jus... t the icing on the cupcake. I felt comfortable, heard, respected, and valued. It was a great experience!
- Jun. 14, 2024
Carolina Forest Family Eyecare has the lowest cash price for a visit I have found. They have top of ... the line tech, good hours, and are understanding of cancellations and reschedules. The doctors have also helped me manage how my other health issues effect my eyes and have been helpful finding solutions. They make sure to explain everything and the images they take very well. I am very happy going there and recommended them to my whole family.
- Jun. 14, 2024
This office, and staff, are always on time and very friendly! Dr Lane was wonderful! Very kind and ... understanding.
- Jun. 13, 2024
Dr. Hannah Lane and the entire staff at Carolina Forest Family Eyecare were very thorough, efficient... , and friendly. Dr. Lane has even referred me to her colleague for an upcoming appt. that he specializes in. I am very happy my aunt referred me to your facility.
- Jun. 11, 2024
there is always room for improvement, but everyone was awesome.

View All 238 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Myrtle Beach

Our optometry practice in Myrtle Beach

Photograph of Thomas  Weshefsky
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(843) 903-6262