Macular Degeneration Diagnosis & Treatment in Chicago, IL
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of central vision loss in adults over 50 in the United States — and worldwide, nearly 50 million people are affected. At Ideal Family Eye Care, our experienced optometrists monitor patients for early signs of AMD at every comprehensive eye exam, and offer personalized management strategies to help protect your central vision for as long as possible.
request an appointmentWhat Is Macular Degeneration?
The macula is the small, highly specialized central region of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed central vision — the vision you use for reading, driving, recognizing faces, and seeing fine details. Age-related macular degeneration occurs when the macula progressively deteriorates, causing a gradual loss of central vision. While AMD does not typically cause complete blindness, it can rob patients of their functional central vision, making everyday tasks extremely difficult.
AMD affects approximately 5–10% of adults between the ages of 65 and 75, and 20–30% of those over 75. It is more prevalent in women, those with a family history of the disease, and individuals of white/European descent.
Types of Macular Degeneration
There are two main forms of age-related macular degeneration:
- Dry AMD (atrophic): The most common form, accounting for approximately 80–90% of all AMD cases. Dry AMD involves the gradual accumulation of yellow deposits called drusen beneath the macula, which causes the macula to thin and deteriorate over time. Vision loss from dry AMD progresses slowly and is generally less severe, though it can eventually advance to the wet form.
- Wet AMD (neovascular): A more serious and rapidly progressing form in which abnormal new blood vessels grow beneath the macula and leak fluid or blood, causing rapid and significant central vision distortion and loss. Wet AMD can affect younger patients as well and requires prompt treatment to prevent irreversible damage.
Risk Factors for Macular Degeneration
Key risk factors for AMD include:
- Age over 50 (risk increases significantly with each decade)
- Family history of AMD
- Smoking — one of the most significant modifiable risk factors
- Cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure
- Long-term exposure to intense sunlight without UV protection
- Antioxidant deficiency (low levels of vitamins C, E, beta-carotene, selenium, and zinc)
Our holistic eye care approach at Ideal Family Eye Care includes personalized nutritional guidance and evidence-based supplementation recommendations — including our EyePromise® supplement line — specifically targeted at reducing AMD risk and slowing its progression.
Symptoms of Macular Degeneration
Early AMD may have no noticeable symptoms, which is why regular eye exams are essential. As AMD progresses, common symptoms include:
- Straight lines appearing wavy or distorted (a classic early sign of wet AMD)
- Blurry or fuzzy central vision
- Difficulty reading or recognizing faces
- A blank, blurry, or dark spot in the center of vision
- Colors appearing less vibrant or washed out
- Increased difficulty in low-light conditions
Diagnosis & Treatment of AMD at Ideal Family Eye Care
At Ideal Family Eye Care, AMD is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam that includes visual acuity testing, dilated retinal evaluation, OCT retinal scanning, and macular pigment density testing. For dry AMD, treatment focuses on slowing progression through nutritional supplementation, lifestyle modifications, and regular monitoring. For wet AMD, urgent referral for anti-VEGF injections or laser treatment may be required to halt the growth of abnormal blood vessels.
To schedule your AMD screening at Ideal Family Eye Care in Chicago, IL , call us at (773) 774-2200 or book online today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Macular Degeneration
What is age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?
AMD is a progressive eye disease affecting the macula — the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed central vision. It is the leading cause of central vision loss in adults over 50, though it rarely causes complete blindness. Early detection through regular eye exams at Ideal Family Eye Care is the best way to preserve your central vision.
What is the difference between dry and wet AMD?
Dry AMD is the more common form, involving gradual thinning and deterioration of the macula from drusen deposits. Vision loss progresses slowly. Wet AMD is less common but more serious — abnormal blood vessels grow and leak beneath the macula, causing rapid central vision loss that requires prompt treatment.
Can macular degeneration be prevented?
While AMD cannot always be prevented, its risk and progression can be significantly reduced through not smoking, wearing UV-protective sunglasses, eating a diet rich in leafy greens and antioxidants, taking evidence-based eye health supplements such as EyePromise®, and having regular comprehensive eye exams at Ideal Family Eye Care.
What does vision look like with macular degeneration?
AMD affects central vision — patients may notice straight lines appearing wavy or distorted, a blurry or blank spot in the center of vision, difficulty reading or recognizing faces, and faded color perception. Peripheral vision is typically preserved.
How is macular degeneration treated?
For dry AMD, treatment includes nutritional supplementation, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring to slow progression. For wet AMD, anti-VEGF injections or laser treatment are used to halt the growth of abnormal blood vessels. At Ideal Family Eye Care, we provide comprehensive monitoring and coordinate with retinal specialists when advanced treatment is needed.
How is macular degeneration diagnosed?
AMD is diagnosed through a comprehensive dilated eye exam, OCT retinal imaging, macular pigment density testing, and visual acuity evaluation at Ideal Family Eye Care. An Amsler grid test — a simple at-home grid test — can also help patients monitor for early distortion in their central vision between appointments.
How do I schedule a macular degeneration screening at Ideal Family Eye Care?
Call Ideal Family Eye Care at (773) 774-2200 or use our online booking tool to schedule your eye exam. AMD screening is included as part of every comprehensive eye exam at our practice.