senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

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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 Shawnee Optical - Lima today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Lima

Our optometry practice in Lima

Photograph of Tyler Speelman
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 2:30 pm
  • Sunday Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • Anthem
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife
  • Aetna

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 Shawnee Optical - Lima today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
4.7
114 Reviews
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- Nov. 11, 2023
Great environment. Friendly staff. Efficient and thorough exam.
- Oct. 07, 2023
Great customer care!
- Oct. 02, 2023
The entire staff made it a pleasant experience. Dr. Wagner is excellent, very professional and expla... ined everything she did so you understood just what she was doing. Big Thank You.
- Sep. 17, 2023
Customer service was exceptional and Dr. Clara was very knowledgeable and professional. I am well pl... eased and satisfied with my experience at Shawnee Optical Eye Care.
- Sep. 05, 2023
The best staff.
- Aug. 15, 2023
Been going for 2 years and have never had a negative experience. Some of the kindest and helpful sta... ff you'll ever meet.
- Jun. 30, 2023
This store, is AMAZING. I’m a single mom of a special needs son, he was struggling while I was fil... ling out paperwork and while I was looking at frames, the ladies at the desk got his attention and kept him occupied while I managed to get everything else done ❤️ I will forever be grateful for the caring and compassionate staff here!
- Jun. 22, 2023
I just saw Dr. Wagner for the first time today and she was wonderful, as were all the staff. Dr. Wa... gner's overall approach was caring and delightful. I highly recommend her. You won't be disappointed.
- Jun. 14, 2023
Very satisfied
- Jun. 13, 2023
Excellent Service, all the staff was polite and pleasant. Dr. Wagnor is top notch and extremely prof... essional and caring. Her attention to detail and ensuring that I understood the results of my exam was both refreshing and enlighten. The young man that help me pick out my glasses (standard and safety) was well verse and able to answer all my questions and concerns. His professionalism was also top notch. Shawnee Optical was the only eye exam/care facility that had available appointments within a reasonable amount of time from when I placed it. The extensive eye wear show room is filled with different designs and styles, enough to find exactly what I was looking for. Many thanks to the staff and Doctor that helped me to see better again.
- May. 18, 2023
They were extremely nice and very helpful...5 stars
- May. 02, 2023
Great eye doctor. Terrific staff!!
- Apr. 26, 2023
There's a new Sheriff (Eye Care Business) in town!Revamped building, friendly and competent Staff an... d an endless inventory of Eye Wear. Dr. Wagner did a thorough examination resulting in a near perfect prescription for my glasses. But, there is one person I must separate from ALL the others and her name is Davina. She is the lady at the front desk who you see first when visiting Shawnee Optical, so she is your first impression of the Business. She is Friendly, she is World Class Competent and she just makes you pleased that you are there.She is an invaluable asset to Shawnee Optical and should be recognized as such.
- Apr. 18, 2023
The staff here is excellent! The eye doctor, I believe his name is Omar, is just simply wonderful wh... en dealing with my elderly mother who has severe PTSD and cataracts. He talked her through each step and gave her time for her eyes to focus while doing her eye tests.They are so patient and understanding and most of all CARING. The staff and Dr. are some of the best I have had the pleasure of dealing with. Definitely 5 stars in my book!
- Feb. 20, 2023
(Translated by Google) You are the best!! I recommend them to everyone... very professional... fair ... prices... they helped me and answered all my questions, a first class service!! All very nice!! (Original) Ustedes son lo mejor!! Los recomiendo a todo El mundo.. muy profesionales.. precios justos... me ayudaron y contestaron todas mis preguntas un servicio de primera!! Todos muy simpaticos!!
- Dec. 05, 2022
Always the best service and experience. Doc Sweidan and the staff are wonderful and I have no compla... ints. Anything I ever need, they assist me fully. Thanks everyone! They always provide me great eye health and a laugh 🙂
- Nov. 29, 2022
I’ve always had the best experience going to Shawnee Optical compared to any other eye Dr. Friendl... y staff and Doctors. They have the largest selection of glasses and I’ve never had a problem with any of the contacts or frames I’ve gotten there. I highly recommend their doctors!
- Sep. 23, 2022
Very pleasant experience. All of the staff was friendly and professional. Never had better customer ... service.
- May. 09, 2022
Awesome experience, why go anywhere else.
- May. 06, 2022
I was not due for my exam but I had changes in my site and they were able to get me in sooner than e... xpected. Great team of people!

View All 114 Reviews

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.


senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

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