senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(360) 455-4425

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 Rouse EyeCare Center 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 Rouse EyeCare Center 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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398 Reviews
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- Nov. 03, 2024
Great staff!
- Oct. 25, 2024
Great experience and professional and helpful staff members.
- Oct. 15, 2024
This place is amazing! Everyone was super friendly and knowledgeable. I actually learned so much and... was educated about things that no other eye doctor has cared to bring up and I’ve been to many. They truly care about your eye health - present and future. The optician I worked with after my appointment was also great and helped me find a pair of glasses that worked well with my budget and contacts as well. I definitely recommend Dr. Rouse and his staff to everyone!
- Oct. 10, 2024
By far the most knowledgeable staff we have ever worked with. Or frame choices were the most informe... d we've ever made.
- Sep. 15, 2024
Good vision care center and Dr Rouse.
- Sep. 10, 2024
I recently moved here from Utah and finding a place for my Vision Care that I can trust and be safe ... with was hard. I had some people recommended Rouse EyeCare Center … AND I FREAKIN’ LOVE IT! I had such an amazing visit at Rouse EyeCare Center. The whole experiences from the start to the end was amazing.I felt safe throughout the whole visit and I have never had so much fun shopping for glasses. Mia is that person who you can go to make you feel and look good! I left the building so happy knowing that this is the place I can go to for my vision care. Dr. Rouse, your staffs are AMAZING! Your people have shown great professionalism, knowledge, patience, diligence, and positivity.
- Aug. 27, 2024
Dr. Rouse is more thorough than other eye drs I've seen. He is an excellent physician and he makes c... ertain that patients will get the best care. My spouse and I highly recommend him.
- Aug. 27, 2024
I can't say enough good things about my experience getting glasses fitted that were perfect the mome... nt I walked out the door. No adjustments or tweaking. For the first time ever, I have progressive glasses with the corrections in the right place that don't dig into my nose bridge. Mia is a wizard at helping me choose and fit the perfect glasses for me! Great, competent service like this is rare. I won't go anywhere else in the future.
- Aug. 24, 2024
This is a great eye care center with a fantastic staff.
- Aug. 23, 2024
Outstanding Customer Service
- Aug. 06, 2024
My husband and I recently moved to Lacey and we found Dr. Rouse Eyecare Center. We were pleased wit... h the service and enjoyed the assistance in picking out glasses that suited our faces from Mia! Mia is professional, cheerful and fun to work with. Thank you Mia. I love my Sun Glasses!!
- Jul. 30, 2024
Even though it was clear that it was a busy morning everyone was pitching in to help one another and... they got everyone in the lobby taken care of very quickly. The staff is very good about spending quality time and ask a lot of questions to make sure you get the right product for you. I was helped by Mia who was very personable, knew her materials, glasses, vendors, and even when things were busy she took the time with myself, and others, to take care of our needs when it was our turn. I can't thank you all enough. You do a great job.
- Jul. 13, 2024
Awesome
- Jun. 26, 2024
A+
- Jun. 20, 2024
Best eye doctor in our region.
- Jun. 15, 2024
We had a tremendous experience! You notice the care with your first exam compared to many of the cha... in stores we went to in the past. He is fantastic with figuring out kids vision issues too!
- Jun. 07, 2024
helpful.
- May. 16, 2024
10/10 experience, Melissa and Mia helped me pick out the perfect glasses! Everyone was so personable... and helpful. Dr. Rouse even came out to see, because the girls had told him how great they would look great! Would definitely recommend rouse eye care to anyone! Thank you! Y’all guys are amazing!
- May. 05, 2024
We have been patients at Dr. Rouse’s clinic for two years. I appreciate how each staff member trea... ts patients efficiently, respectfully, and kindly. Dr. Rouse takes time to give a thorough exam and is so friendly with his patients. If you need new glasses, they have a great selection of frames and will take all the time needed to help you find a frame that fits your style and lenses that meet your needs. We definitely recommend Rouse EyeCare Center in Lacey.
- May. 05, 2024
They really take good care of your needs! Highly recommended!

View All 398 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Lacey

Our optometry practice in Lacey

Photograph of Craig Rouse
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(360) 455-4425