senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(763) 784-3997

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 Fridley Optical 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 Fridley Optical 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
4.5
157 Reviews
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- Nov. 25, 2024
Very professional and courteous
- Nov. 13, 2024
Very friendly, great service the doctor and staff are very thorough to make sure you get what you... need and are 100 percent satisfied! Would recommend to anyone! Thank you Fridley optical!
- Oct. 20, 2024
Great home town personal service. Staff & Dr always professional, friendly & knowledgeable. Eyewear... reasonably priced.
- Oct. 07, 2024
Amazing staff, Super friendly
- Sep. 30, 2024
Always helpful and professional in every aspect! Been a patient/customer since 1991 and wouldn't go ... anywhere else!
- Sep. 13, 2024
Got me into a pair of glasses quickly and within my budget.
- Aug. 26, 2024
Been coming here for years,their so helpful and honest.
- Aug. 19, 2024
I have had two eye exams completed there along with two sets of glasses. Service has always impresse... d me.
- Aug. 12, 2024
Good selection for insurance frames.
- Aug. 02, 2024
I love Fridley Optical. I switched to them as my provider one year ago. I just had this year's exam ... today. I also feel in good hands with Dr. Petronack very thorough and just a nice person. The rest of the staff did an awesome job. My insurance paperwork, helping me with new frames, etc. I am proud of how they have continued on without Brad. Everyone loved Brad. I feel they have recovered well. Any business has obstacles when there is change with staff or new computer systems. But doesn't appear actual eye care and dedication from staff has changed. I definitely recommend...it is also a very calming environment.
- Jun. 17, 2024
I've been going here for years and can promise that they are the best!!
- May. 10, 2024
Excellent service, the staff super friendly.
- May. 09, 2024
Helpful and friendly. Helped me stay within budget
- May. 06, 2024
I was so impressed with the personalized care by the optometrist as well as all the staff. I will de... finitely be going back!
- Apr. 19, 2024
We’ve been getting our eye exams by Dr Petronack at Fridley Optical for years. He gives a very com... prehensive exam and is always so kind. Fridley Optical has a large selection of glasses in all price ranges. The turn around for glasses is pretty quick and usually less than the timeframe they quote me. I’m a very satisfied customer!
- Apr. 17, 2024
Very nice place to get some glasses and the staff is so friendly and helpful
- Apr. 13, 2024
Great Dr and staff!
- Apr. 13, 2024
Love Dr. P, staff are great & my kids absolutely love going to Fridley Optical. Employee’s are ver... y knowledgeable about the products they carry. Helped me find the best glasses & sunglasses for myself & children. Reasonably priced, very helpful in explain everything from the start of the appointment until the end. Would highly recommend to anyone & everyone!
- Apr. 05, 2024
I have been other places but have never had better results than Fridley Optical. Seeing is believing... !!
- Mar. 31, 2024
Great service Highly recommended

View All 157 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Fridley

Our optometry practice in Fridley

Photograph of Michael  Petronack
Hours
  • Monday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Friday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • Blue Cross

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(763) 784-3997