If you or someone you love is starting to notice blurry vision, trouble recognizing faces, or needing brighter lights to read, it may be more than just aging. These symptoms are common signs of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that affects the part of the eye responsible for sharp, central vision.
AMD doesn’t cause complete blindness, but it can make everyday tasks harder. Things like reading, driving, and even watching TV can become difficult as the disease progresses. For many people, this leads to a loss of independence and confidence, and that’s not something anyone should have to go through alone.
At Commerce Family Eyecare, we’re committed to providing thorough, compassionate care for patients with AMD and other vision-threatening conditions. We use advanced diagnostic tools to catch the earliest signs of the disease and offer personalized treatment plans based on your unique needs.
What Is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration happens when the macula, the part of the retina that helps you see fine details, begins to wear down. The two main types of AMD are wet and dry.
Dry AMD is the most common and accounts for nearly 90% of cases. It occurs gradually as the macula thins with age, and patients often notice slow changes in vision over time.
Wet AMD is less common but more serious. This form progresses quickly and is caused by abnormal blood vessels leaking fluid or blood into the retina. Without treatment, it can lead to more rapid vision loss.
While the dry form progresses slowly, it can still have a major impact on quality of life. The wet form is a medical emergency and requires immediate care to prevent severe vision loss.
Symptoms of Macular Degeneration
Symptoms usually start subtly, which is why many people don’t realize anything is wrong until the disease has progressed. If you’re over 50 and have blurry or fuzzy vision, trouble seeing in low light, or start noticing that straight lines appear wavy, it’s time to get checked out. Some people see a dark spot in the center of their vision or have difficulty recognizing faces. Needing brighter light to read or do close work is another common sign.
These symptoms may come and go, or stay and get worse. Either way, don’t ignore them. AMD is easiest to manage when caught early.
What Increases the Risk?
Age is the biggest risk factor, especially after 60, but it's not the only one. Smoking, family history, high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity can all raise your risk. So can poor diet and too much sun exposure without eye protection.
Because many of these factors are lifestyle-related, we always take time to talk with patients about realistic ways to support their long-term eye health.
How Macular Degeneration Is Diagnosed
Detecting macular degeneration early gives us the best chance to slow its progress. At Commerce Family Eyecare, we begin with a comprehensive eye exam. During the exam, we’ll look closely at the macula using advanced imaging tools that allow us to spot early changes in the retina, even before you notice symptoms.
One of the most effective tools we use is optical coherence tomography (OCT), which takes detailed cross-section images of the retina. We may also use a special dye test to examine the blood vessels in your eye, especially if we suspect wet AMD.
These technologies help us not only detect AMD, but also determine which type it is and how far it has progressed. This allows us to create a care plan tailored to you and your specific needs.
Can Macular Degeneration Be Treated?
While there’s currently no cure for macular degeneration, there are several ways we can manage it and help protect your vision, especially when it’s caught early.
For dry AMD, the most common approach is regular monitoring, lifestyle adjustments, and in some cases, nutritional supplements. The AREDS2 formula, which includes a mix of vitamins C and E, zinc, copper, lutein, and zeaxanthin, has been shown to slow the progression in certain patients. We’ll talk with you about whether these supplements are right for you and monitor any changes to your vision over time.
Wet macular degeneration requires a more aggressive approach. This type of AMD can progress quickly, so treatment needs to start right away. The most common treatment involves injecting medication into the eye to stop the growth of abnormal blood vessels. While it may sound intimidating, these injections are quick, and most patients tolerate them well. The goal is to prevent further damage and, in many cases, improve vision over time.
Why Local, Ongoing Eye Care Matters
Macular degeneration is a lifelong condition that needs regular check-ins, and we believe patients shouldn’t have to travel far to get the care they need. That’s why Commerce Family Eyecare is proud to provide ongoing AMD management right here in Commerce, Georgia.
Because we’re the only IALVS provider in the state fitting this many low vision telescopes, we’re uniquely equipped to help patients experiencing significant vision loss.
Our eye care team works closely with a visiting ophthalmologist who consults twice a month right in our office, so you can access advanced care without leaving your hometown.
We also offer in-house optical services, which means you can often get your updated glasses the same day. This is especially helpful for AMD patients who rely on clear central vision for reading and daily tasks.
Compassionate Low Vision Care in Commerce
diagnosis of macular degeneration can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to mean the end of your independence. Many of our patients continue driving, working, and enjoying their favorite hobbies for years with the right low vision aids and devices.
If you or a loved one is concerned about changes in central vision, we’re here to help. Our compassionate team is experienced in guiding patients through diagnosis, treatment options, and long-term management.
We know that strong, local care makes all the difference, and at Commerce Family Eyecare, we’re committed to being your long-term partner in eye health.