senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(281) 997-2015

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 Pearland Professional Vision 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 Pearland Professional Vision 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
4.9
155 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Dec. 04, 2024
This place is incredible! From the initial phone call to our appointment, everyone went above and be... yond for us! We had the pleasure of seeing Dr. Amie, and let me say, she is amazing! She is so passionate, funny, and kind! I wish I had gotten the name of the woman who initially helped us; she was so sweet and helpful, too. Our two-year-old was completely comfortable and was able to do every test with ease; he and his big sister even got to pick out treasures from the treasure box! Good vibes for sure. This place is beautiful and full of wonderful, genuine people who truly seem to love their jobs and their clients. I will happily be making my next eye exam here! Can't wait to go back! I highly recommend it to everyone, especially for little ones! (The pricing was great too!) 👓✨️
- Nov. 02, 2024
My husband and I got 4 sets of glasses here and we love them so much. Felicia helped us and she was ... so wonderful!
- Mar. 30, 2024
Wow! We are so impressed with the doctor and office staff at Pearland Professional Vision. They were... so kind and professional with my daughter and made her feel immediately at ease.
- Mar. 28, 2023
The doctor was so nice and so patient with us! 10/10 I highly recommend!!! We most definitely will ... be coming back!
- Apr. 28, 2022
Very friendly, clean and professional environment. In and out in less than an hour.
- Apr. 28, 2022
I have been going to this practice for several years and it’s because of Dr. Amie Gisbert. I can�... �t say enough good things about Dr.Amie and the great staff at Pearland Professional Vision. If you are looking for excellent medical care for any problems with your eyesight, do yourself a favor and go see Dr. Amie Gisbert.
- Apr. 27, 2022
Dr Amie is so patient and knowledgeable. She is very thorough and an overall nice person. The staff ... is great. The wait time is short. I recommend anyone to Pearland Professional Vision.
- Apr. 23, 2022
Friendly and knowledgeable staff.
- Apr. 19, 2022
I will always recommend Pearland Professional Vision to everyone! Dr. Amie Gisbert is absolutely ama... zing, and I haven’t gone to any other optometrist in the past 10ish years.
- Apr. 14, 2022
Life saver! Amie is amazing I had a piece of me metal in my eye is amazing she was fast and very gen... tle she had removed the metal within 5 minutes of being in her office. She was very informable and an absolute sweetheart. Thank yall very much saved my day!
- Mar. 31, 2022
Love going here, get excited every time I have an eye appointment scheduled. 10/10
- Mar. 21, 2022
Dr. Amie was my eye doctor when I had blue cross blue shield. When I got pregnant I knew I was going... to go see her no matter the cost because I needed glasses because my son broke them and I knew I was going to need them once my baby came. Dr. Amie had told me to see a specialist when I had blue cross because there was something on my retina and she wanted the retina specialist to watch it and decide what he wanted to do. I got scared and neglected the situation bc my insurance was going to finish anways. Fast forward to May 2021, Dr. Amie said I had a retinal detachment and needed to go to er immediately she sent me to Ben Taub because of my insurance situation. She gave me her personal number in case anything happened and they wouldn't see me even though her family was going on VACATION! She has always been so nice and knowledgeable and had I not gone to see her I probably would have lost my vision permenatly in my left eye. I am so grateful for her and her staff,she saved my eyes. 💜
- Mar. 19, 2022
Only place I would ever go! I am a lifer!
- Mar. 17, 2022
Professional staff and doctor. Dr. Gisbert was wonderful. She's very knowledgeable and personable. S... he patiently listened and answered all of my questions. I would definitely recommend her services.
- Mar. 15, 2022
Extremely satisfied for our family
- Feb. 28, 2022
Dr. Amie Gisbert is amazing! She is thorough, knowledgeable, and such a genuine and friendly person!... ! I highly recommend this eye center!! ♥️
- Feb. 26, 2022
Dr Gisbert is amazing and super personable! Highly recommend for any age. Thank you Dr Gisbert and T... eam!
- Feb. 23, 2022
Dr. Amie is always so smooth with my eye exams. She’s the sweetest and really knows what she is do... ing. She treats you as her friend not really a patient. Thank you Dr. Amie for being so attentive and caring.
- Feb. 05, 2022
Went to this business while living in Houston. Had great service. Have since moved to Dallas and sta... rted using an eye doctor there. Not happy with them. Started scheduling a road trip to Houston for eye exams, worth the trip!
- Feb. 03, 2022
If you ever are looking for an eye doctor, Dr. Gisbert is who you should turn to. Her and her staff ... our so professional and so caring!!

View All 155 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Pearland

Our optometry practice in Pearland

Photograph of Amie Gisbert
Hours
  • Monday Closed
  • Tuesday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Superior Vision
  • Spectera
  • AlwaysCare
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(281) 997-2015