senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(407) 656-3755

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 Macali Eye Clinic 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 Macali Eye Clinic 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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214 Reviews
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- Sep. 06, 2024
I cannot say enough good things about my experience today, the front desk staff & eye glass associat... es were kind and professional, the technician Kirk was so nice, personable, professional and knowledgeable. I can say all the same for Dr. Pickering, her love and knowledge of her career was very evident. Together the staff was able to quickly address and resolve my concerns.
- Jul. 11, 2024
First Eye 👁️👁️ Exam Review: The registration staff was very welcoming and helped me to ge... t check in on an iPad. The technician executed a series of tests for depth perception, color blindness, eye density, and a full scan of my vision. She was very thorough and explained everything she was doing. The doctor was very personable and intelligently explained the process to establish the necessary correction to my vision. After staring at a computer every day of my life for over a decade, I was expecting the worse, but to my surprise he told me the correction would be minimal and I didn’t need glasses. The salesman had incredible patience as I tried on nearly every pair of glasses in the showroom several times. I found a few pairs of sunglasses and very happy with the quality. The exam was painless and I’ll be returning for an annual checkup to this establishment.
- Jun. 05, 2024
All the time I need a new fresh look I always look for Macali Eye Clinic and Carlos is my Eye glasse... s Stylist, he always fit me with the best fashion glasses!thank you so much Carlos
- May. 11, 2024
Dr. Macali and the team at Macali Eye Clinic have been helping our family for over 7 years. The appo... intment always runs smooth and they are great about communicating every step of the way through your appointment. Our kids tend to be indecisive when it comes to picking glasses. Their team does an amazing job of understanding what the kids like and patiently helping them choose the right pair. Their warranty process is also a huge plus for any accidents that may happen with our frame. Be sure check the out if you need glasses or contact lenses.
- Apr. 23, 2024
Every time I come Macali Eye Clinic, it’s always a pleasurable experience. Technicians Sebastian, ... Charles and Kyle are very fast, efficient and kind when doing my work up to see Dr. Holderby. She’s very knowledgeable, patient and kind and answers all my questions and concerns. Every staff I encounter are extremely nice down to the sales technicians. Very great experience, highly recommended !
- Mar. 13, 2024
Excellent experience, very helpful staff specially optician Mohammad, he is knowledgeable, helpful a... nd a very fun guy. Certainly recommend it
- Mar. 06, 2024
Great experience at the Macali Eye Clinic. Very thorough exam. Dr was absolutely the best that I ev... er had. I’m so thankful to receive such great service from such a friendly staff! I recommend 100%
- Nov. 20, 2023
Discovered this place on the fly, and found that the staffs were very friendly and helpful. I needed... a nose pad repair on one of my branded sunglasses, and they were able to find the right pieces to repair immediately. Highly satisfied with the service and recommend this place!
- Nov. 08, 2023
Dr Macali is absolutely amazing. I went the entire weekend with excruciating pain in my left eye. I ... called the office Monday morning for a emergency appointment, I was scheduled for that afternoon and by that evening my pain was gone! Thank you doctor Macali. You’re the best!!!
- Oct. 12, 2023
Exceptional customer service sets this eye care store miles apart from any others I've visited! A h... uge shoutout to Manager Andy, who has not only demonstrated an high level of kindness and helpfulness, but has also gone above and beyond to rectify a small mishap with an old pair of frames. The dedication and outstanding treatment I received from him and his team have not only resolved the issue, but have also secured them a customer for life!
- Oct. 07, 2023
Really nice place, I was helped immediately after arriving, Andy who went above and beyond to help m... e out with a specific request and had a smile the entire time. I will recommend this place to all my friends and family.
- Jul. 12, 2023
Highly recommend!!! This was the best experience I have ever had in eye care. I came in with a not e... asy situation and Andy and Maray were beyond patient, helpful, and informative. They were recommended by a friend and they have now gained a new costumer today. I will continue to recommend them to everyone I know. This is the best customer service I have received in a very long time and cannot wait to pick up my new glasses!
- Jun. 21, 2023
Special thanks to Maray and Carlos🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
- May. 04, 2023
Great location, place opens at 830am not 9am
- Mar. 31, 2023
I recommend the Macali Eye office; all staff was very kind and attentive. Excellent Service!
- Jan. 04, 2023
Robert rocks!!!! He totally fixed my glasses!!!!!!!
- Oct. 28, 2022
Friendly staff, extensive eye exam with options to do extra screening if you would like to pay and t... he building is always clean and neat.
- Aug. 30, 2022
This place is amazing. The staff is wonderful, if you’re looking for great place for your Eyecare ... needs, you have to check out Macali Eye Clinic.
- Aug. 29, 2022
The staff are very friendly and helpful. I really appreciate how the doctor explained things to me a... nd helped me understand some important facts about my eyes. Great experience and highly recommend.
- Aug. 19, 2022
My glasses had become loose and I couldn't read anything. They adjusted them for me with a smile an... d a thank you. Bless you all. I needed my eyes this weekend to work in a hospital in Jax. Thanks again

View All 214 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Winter Garden

Our optometry practice in Winter Garden

Photograph of Neil  Macali
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 7:30 am - 12:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(407) 656-3755