senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(610) 363-8960

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 Clompus Reto and Halscheid Vision - Exton 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 Clompus Reto and Halscheid Vision - Exton 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
214 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Jan. 31, 2025
The staff is always so nice. Dr. Lehman is very thorough, as well as kind and comforting. Would not ... go anywhere else!
- Jan. 27, 2025
All of the staff, especially Dr. Penny and the optician I worked with are so kind and helpful! Highl... y recommend this practice for sure!
- Jan. 24, 2025
Pleasant staff, ease to schedule and perfect location. .
- Jan. 12, 2025
I highly recommend Dr. Lehman and his staff. They are very friendly, helpful and professional. Dr.... Lehman goes above and beyond to provide the best eye care.
- Jan. 11, 2025
My experience with Dr Lehman and staff (Maya and front desk staff) was very good, and I recommend th... is practice without reservation. They are helpful and knowledgeable.
- Jan. 08, 2025
Excellent experience, Dr Halscheid does excellent job explaining results and listening to concerns.
- Dec. 19, 2024
This is a very professional organization with excellent Doctors and entire staff! Dr Halscheid is gr... eat! Top notch!
- Dec. 12, 2024
Always taken care of at the office. Hard to get an appointment at times bout if it is an emergency t... hey really try to work with you to find a solution.
- Oct. 14, 2024
Dr. Reto saved my vision and got me the help I needed immediately.
- Oct. 06, 2024
Great and courteous staff .
- Oct. 05, 2024
Excellent Doctors and Office Manager Sarah really stepped up to help me resolve prescription issues.... Very grateful.
- Sep. 27, 2024
Great place. Dr. Lehmann is very patient and thorough in examining my son who has special needs. The... staff member who helps with the glasses is also wonderful!
- Sep. 17, 2024
Highly recommended, top notch staff. I've never had such a comprehensive eye exam. I never felt rush... ed and I felt confident in my contact lens fitting and new prescription.
- Aug. 15, 2024
Very professional, thorough and friendly operation.
- Aug. 12, 2024
Kid-friendly and caring staff with top-notch service. I highly recommend this place! Even after movi... ng further away, I still choose to travel 30 minutes just to come here. I’ve tried a couple of other places since the move, but nothing compares to the excellent care and experience my family and I receive here.
- Jul. 16, 2024
The Best
- Jul. 09, 2024
Dr Steven Reto and staff are THE BEST!! I have been seeing him for over 35 years and he and his sta... ff are genuinely invested in my eye care and future. They are friendly and answer all my questions and I would recommend them for anyone's vision needs.
- Jul. 08, 2024
Bought 4 pair or prescription glasses. Perfect
- Jul. 04, 2024
I just did!
- Jun. 20, 2024
Highly recommend! Dr. Penney and staff were excellent!

View All 214 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Exton

Our optometry practice in Exton

Photograph of Courtney  Allen
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Tuesday 12:00 pm - 7:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 6:30 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross
  • Highmark Blueshield
  • Independence Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Medicare
  • Cigna
  • Humana PPO Only
  • Davis Vision
  • Eye Med
  • VSP
  • VBA
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(610) 363-8960