senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(919) 386-2020

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 Family 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 Carolina Family 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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- Nov. 16, 2024
Very thorough eye exam, very knowledgeable doctor and staff. Large selection of frames to choose fro... m. Quick turnaround for delivery of glasses.
- Nov. 05, 2024
We just moved into the area, we decided to try this office because of the options of Name brand glas... ses and the office looked very nice and clean. To our surprise, it was by far our best experience in an eyeglass store in years. We were able to work with Kassidy Jones and she was such a sweet young lady with so much knowledge of glasses and all the information she provided was so useful in our decisions. She not only was informative but, so polite, kind, sweet and thoughtful in helping us make our decisions. She helped my husband, and I pick out glasses, and I would absolutely recommend her and this establishment to anyone who need eyecare. She was a sweetheart, and I can tell the staff is happy to have her also. Thank you for being so sweet and remembering me when I came to pick up our glasses. Have a wonderful day, we will be back again. The Fairchilds.
- Sep. 30, 2024
Update: Thank you not just for fixing the problem, thanks for reaching out, trying to understand and... being reasonable. — Everything goes somehow smooth once we visit as family year round schedules. Last visit was not okay because we got charged over $300 bucks for lens training without signing a documentation instead of ‘I told you so’! I am not buying something at speedy-checkout, I am paying a good amount here and I have to be properly informed about what is coming as next. It is not okay and it is unprofessional. I wish I could revert the process because it was not supposed to be this way.
- Jul. 28, 2024
We have an out-of-state situation for my son's contact lens. Chantal Archie worked very hard to reso... lve our issue. Highly recommended!
- Jul. 05, 2024
I always love coming here! Shouts out to Dr. Sawyer - but a bigger shoutout to the front desk girl w... ith the gorgeous purple nails who was working July 5th. She is the real MVP! Protect her at all costs
- Mar. 11, 2024
Dr. Nima Naik is absolutely the best. I highly recommend this business. I tried a few other places a... nd none had the kind of customer service I have rec’d from Carolina Family Vision.
- Nov. 17, 2023
I had a great experience with Dr. Ruvina Ravasignhe, O.D. . She took the time to answer all my quest... ions regarding my vision changes. Nicole at the front desk is just fabulous and was able to answer all my questions about insurance as well as assisting with setting up my daughter's appointment. I am so happy I switched to this providers.
- Nov. 14, 2023
Dr Sawyer is kind, helpful and thoughtful. He is thorough and takes time to educate you. Highly reco... mmend if you suffer from dry eye or Sjogrens. The staff is always super sweet, too.
- Oct. 13, 2023
I cannot say enough wonderful things about my experience at Carolina Family Vision today! After hav... ing a difficult experience at another optometrist I needed a second opinion. A friend recommended Carolina Family Vision. I got in the same day and was greeted by the front desk with awesome friendly help and did not have to wait at all. Dr. Naik and office manager Denise Jones went the extra mile to make sure I was comfortable in my new contacts. I have found my new vision center home.
- Sep. 20, 2023
I hadn't been to an optometrist in quite a few years and needed a new prescription. Everyone on the ... team was friendly, and I felt like they all took the time to listen.
- Apr. 13, 2023
Love the gals over at Carolina Vision! Súper increíble service, personable and efficient! I love... Dr. Naik, Shaun, Denise & Cass….great customer service!!
- Apr. 07, 2023
Just had my annual exam there today. Dr. Naik was amazing!!!! Loved their selection of glasses and a... ll the help from Denise. Thank you!!!!
- Mar. 31, 2023
Excellent service no surprises been going for years whole family goes never a bad experience
- Mar. 30, 2023
Great new doc, this year. Friendly, informative, and knowledgeable! Front house staff also amazing a... nd helpful and friendly!
- Mar. 29, 2023
Excellent prompt service from a professional staff. A very pleasant experience.
- Mar. 28, 2023
Great experience, very knowledgeable & explained everything. Great staff!
- Mar. 14, 2023
I appreciate the staff working me in to their schedule today to check out my eye that I was having i... ssues with. Everyone was friendly and professional! I was in and out quickly and had answers and a solution to help my eye get better! Thanks to everyone at Carolina Family Vision !
- Mar. 13, 2023
Fast. Thorough. Polite. Great selection of frames.
- Mar. 08, 2023
The doctors and staff at Carolina Family Vision are awesome! They listen to you and do their very be... st to make your experience with them pleasurable and beneficial. They go above and beyond for their patients! I am. Denise Jones, the office manager, deserves kudos for the way she bends over backwards for patients!
- Mar. 02, 2023
Doctor and staff very professional and patient. They explain each step as they go making your visit... go smoothly. Absolutely recommend them.

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Holly Springs

Our optometry practice in Holly Springs

Photograph of Ruvina Rangsinghe
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(919) 386-2020