senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(844) 941-3937

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 of Palatine 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 of Palatine 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
4.7
300 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Dec. 01, 2024
Best eyecare services esp in Ortho-K nightwear lense technology, which completely eliminates wearing... glasses during the day by wearing vision correction lenses during sleep time only. My son still using it over almost 14 years and absolutely benefitted from using it and that too without any eye issues or complications during this time. Thanks Dr. Robert Gerowitz for helping and providing top class services for so long in the Chicago region as well as all over the world with dedication, knowledgeand experience! Very grateful! Keep going and best wishes always! Thank you!!!
- Nov. 28, 2024
Always a great experience. The staff is so friendly and helpful. Wouldn’t go anywhere else for my ... eye care
- Oct. 27, 2024
Very caring staff and Dr. Kubicki is patient and thorough with your eye exam.
- Oct. 15, 2024
Great experience on my first visit. Friendly staff. Seen on time. Dr was very nice and very knowledg... eable !
- Sep. 08, 2024
(Translated by Google) Friendly staff, professional Dr. Robert Gerowitz. (Original) Привітн�... �й персонал, професійний доктор Dr. Robert Gerowitz.
- Jun. 28, 2024
I am so grateful to of found this eye doctors office! Every single person that I came in contact wit... h was patient and caring. I have anxiety about going to medical appointments, and they were so caring and understanding. Thank you Dr. Kubicki!
- Jun. 28, 2024
I’ve been their customer for four years. Highly professional staff and experienced doctor. Recomme... nded!
- Feb. 10, 2024
Dr. Kubicki is the best! He is very knowledgeable, explains the test he does slowly to make sure you... understand what is being doing, he takes his time, and I feel very confident with my eye health when I’m with Dr. Kubicki.
- Dec. 11, 2023
Helping continue to see clearly
- Nov. 16, 2023
Amazing experience all around with Dr and staff!! Highly recommended!!!
- Nov. 06, 2023
Very convenient location. Been a patient of Dr. Gerowitz for close to 40 years!
- Aug. 21, 2023
My daughter's first ever eye exam went extremely well because of the patient and friendly staff at t... his location. They took their time and helped her through the eye tests and she really loved the experience. Thank you for being so kind and caring cannot wait to return next year.
- Jun. 12, 2023
Highly recommend!
- May. 03, 2023
Great doctor, very professional and kind staff!
- Apr. 12, 2023
I have done Ortho-K for less than 4 months and my eyesight has been way better than ever!
- Feb. 13, 2023
The staff there is soo friendly, very helpful and courteous. They have the nicest frames for eyeglas... ses. I live in the City and always drive up to them every year for eye exam, personal eye wear and I even get my prescription safety glasses there. I highly recommend!
- Dec. 11, 2022
This is the doctor to go to if you need someone experienced. Gerowitz helped me with my dry eyes aft... er visiting him I no longer feel uncomfortability and irritation in my eye. He was very supportive and professional. Gerowitz saw the issue in my eye that other eye doctors could not spot. Incredibly greatfull for his service!
- Dec. 05, 2022
We got recommended to Dr. Robert Gerowitz due to some special format on my son's cornea. My son is a... n active athetic boy (snowboarding, ice hockey, biking, etc). My son has been using CRT lenses since he is 8 years old, but with the change in the cornea the CRT was not working. Dr. Gerowitz took his case with all attention and care. He was calm in dealing with a challenge situation. it took around 2-3 months of exams until Dr Gerowitz ordered the molds for my son. In a matter of weeks using the new molds my son got 20/20 vision. I am so pleased with Dr. Gerowitz. I strongly recommend him and his staff. Everyone is great! They understand urgency when there is one and work the best way to accommodate our needs. Thank Dr. Gerowitz for everything.
- Nov. 05, 2022
Dr.Kubicki and his staff are awesome. I love how easy and smooth it is to get an appointment and get... seen. Dr Kubicki really takes his time with his patients in getting them examined correctly and making it as most comfortable as possible for children!
- Jul. 15, 2022
My daughter is currently wearing ortho-k. Her eyes of progressively has gone better. During this fir... st week, she already has 20/20 vision which is very surprising. Before the procedure, she thought putting these lenses in your eyes would hurt and be really uncomfortable, but with the right technique it is super easy! Thank you Dr. Robert Gerowitz and the teams for what you do!

View All 300 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Palatine

Our optometry practice in Palatine

Photograph of Leon  Kubicki
Hours
  • Monday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thursday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(844) 941-3937