senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(972) 424-5811

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 EyeCare Texas 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 EyeCare Texas 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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66 Reviews
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- May. 19, 2023
I've been a patient of Dr Wilhelmus for about 20 years. This is the best eyecare on the planet. It ... doesn't get any better, trust me. I wear Gas Permiable lens due to astigmatism. My sight is always clear. I absolutely love Dr Wilhelmus and his staff. Thank you for taking care of my eyes.
- Feb. 23, 2023
This was my second time to visit "EyeCare Texas" and like the first time the staff was friendly and ... gave first class care and service. Dr. Wilhelmus is amazing. He takes the time to explain things and he is professional and extremely knowledgeable. You can tell he cares for his patients and enjoys doing what he does. I can't remember the young lady's name that help me pick out my glasses, but she was awesome. I would recommend anyone to try "EyeCare Texas".
- Dec. 05, 2022
As always, Dr Lu is excellent. Great and caring MD
- Oct. 31, 2022
Walk-in in the morning, staff are all nice, did not wait long to got to the doctor. Dr. Don was so n... ice and sweet, he gave me a big relieve from my eyeball scartch from my bunny(i know....), he explained to me very patiently and was very professional, told me this is no big deal my eye should heal it itself in 2 days. I already feel better after visting him😊 Such a great experience!
- Sep. 26, 2022
Dr. Lee was thorough, great listener, asked great questions, provided the drops and prescription tha... t addressed my issue, very professional. Also I had an excellent experience with the front desk as well.
- Jul. 10, 2022
If you know, you know… Dr. Wilhelmus is so great! He gets to know his patients and is always so po... sitive. I hope he never retires. He has a front desk agent that has been there forever and also the frame fitting guy has been there since the old location. Just goes to show… if you’re doing something right, why fix it?! Love Eye Care Texas and will forever be a Dr. Wihelmus fan. -Matthew Pickett’s daughter, Caroline
- May. 27, 2022
I have been in several times and I wanted to rave about Lindsey. She is so patient, helpful and know... ledgeable. Truly a treasure and so much fun to work with. She has a keen sense of what works for your face. The staff is wonderful and helps maximize your benefits.
- May. 22, 2022
Excellent service! So appreciative of the contacts for my daughter:)
- Mar. 02, 2022
I met with Dr. Wilhelmus for a basic eye checkup and he was extremely friendly and knowledgeable thr... oughout. He answered all of my questions and I couldn't have asked for a better doctor.
- Feb. 17, 2022
Dr. Wilhelmus is hands down the best eye doctor we’ve ever seen. Whole office is friendly, helpful... , prompt and patient. They even did great with my young preschooler getting checked out with my husband and I. Very thorough, knowledgeable and all around great care. Def recommend!
- Feb. 01, 2022
Excellent, same day glasses. Bart is awesome.
- Dec. 03, 2021
I love wearing my contacts Don Wilhelmus is a good eye doctor he is patient and efficient and the st... aff is great also
- Aug. 17, 2021
Dr. Wilhelmus is professional, friendly and great doctor. I've been a patient for 20 plus years. ... Never had an issue and staff is amazing and it is not a revolving door.
- May. 31, 2021
Dr. David Lu Is an excellent eye doctor. He takes the time to listen and explains everything. I high... ly recommend him. My whole family sees him.
- Mar. 07, 2021
I've been a patient of Dr Wilhelmus for 30 years. I have followed his practice from Garland to two d... ifferent offices in Plano while myself living in 5 different cities. I have always come back to him because I trust him that much. He's an excellent, caring doctor!
- Feb. 13, 2021
Dr. Wilhelmus is one of the nicest doctors you could ever meet. His daughter at the front desk is ve... ry nice and personable as well. The other front staff although I do not deal with them much are always happy to great you when you come in. The lady that helps you with the glasses, is always super nice and helpful. I would recommend this practice to anyone.
- Jan. 16, 2021
Dr Lu was Awesome.It is very refreshing to have a Doctor to take time to explain exam and answer my ... questions . Dr Lu shows he cares and staff was pleasant
- Jan. 09, 2021
Dr. David Lu is great. He is treating me for an adverse reaction to medication that has affected my ... left eye. I’ll keep this updated on the outcome.
- Sep. 06, 2020
I have been a long time patient of Dr.Wilhelmus. His knowledge, expertise and character is impeccabl... e. I have severe low vision as many of his patients. His staff has remained consistent year after year. You know if a business can retain their staff members they are doing something right. Bart & Brenda are experts in their fields. I ask a lot of questions and they never seem irritated or short with me. The office is usually busy with good reason. These people offer top self service.
- Jun. 25, 2020
Excellent ophthalmologist, commitment , professional, good staff, takes time for patient.

View All 66 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in North Plano

Our optometry practice in North Plano

Photograph of Don  Wilhelmus
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday Closed
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
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  • Medicare
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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(972) 424-5811