senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

Schedule Eye Exam

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 VisionMakers - Pittsburgh today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Pittsburgh

Our optometry practice in Pittsburgh

Photograph of Emma Thompson
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday Closed
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

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 VisionMakers - Pittsburgh today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
4.6
39 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Jun. 02, 2023
Very professional, great service!
- Sep. 06, 2022
Was there today, the one by Settlers Cabin Park, Jess did a fantastic job taking care of my problem ... with my glasses, Thankyou so very much , Five Stars!!!!!!!!!!!
- Sep. 06, 2022
I will start by saying this is kind of a double sided review. Suzanne was not kind and had a very sn... ooty attitude. She sounds like she has no personality but the other office members were so kind to me about picking out glasses options. Jessica was always my go to, but Jake seems to be a great addition to the office. Not everyone can be perfect, but she really needs to watch her language in front of customers. Suzanne swore a lot and there were children there.
- Sep. 01, 2022
I came in towards the end of the day and Jake was kind enough to take his time and explain what cont... acts I could order. He was very knowledgeable and helped me understand my lens options as well. Keep up the good work!
- Aug. 31, 2022
Always have a great experience at VisionMakers!
- Aug. 23, 2022
The office staff was great. The doctor was thorough and my family was well taken care of. Thank you ... Jess and Jake!
- Jun. 23, 2022
I have been going to VisionMakers for several years now and they are wonderful to deal with! From th... e ease of getting an appointment to the selection of frames, everything is top notch. Dr. Jancaro and his staff are thorough, knowledgeable, and very personable. Definitely recommend them for all your eye care needs.
- Jun. 14, 2022
First time at the Pittsburgh location. Have been a longtime patient at the Kettering location and it... was awesome! Everyone it PIT took great care of me and made me feel like I still had a sense of home here.
- Apr. 13, 2022
Visonmakers makers has been my go to since I moved to Pittsburgh almost 10 years ago. Dr. Jancaro is... knowledgeable, patient, and incredibly approachable. Jess, Sarah, and Susanne are so friendly and great for help with picking the right frames. Ordering and checkout for frames and contacts is a breeze. Go see for yourself!
- Nov. 04, 2021
My husband and I have been going here for many years, and I have recommended many! Always treated we... ll and always satisfied with their service! The doctors have been great there and the current one is friendly, explains any issues in eye exam very well, and I have nothing but good to say about Visionmakers! Jessica has been there a long time and is so personable (as well as all the other front office staff) and is always there to accommodate! They have an excellent warranty/exchange policy which we have had to use. I give them an A++++ Excellent rating!
- Aug. 19, 2021
I am so thankful that I took my son to Visionmakers to get fitted for contacts. Visionmakers class ... for contacts is a must have! Jess was so patient with him. He has anxiety and I wasn't sure if he would be able to do it on his own. Jess was amazing! The eye doctor and staff were very kind and professional.
- Jul. 28, 2021
Wonderful place!! Friendly staff
- Apr. 13, 2021
This place is great! The staff was helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly. Very good attitudes. Profe... ssional. Clean. They have a good selection of frames/sunglasses to choose from. Lots of options. Sarah helped me schedule my appointment. She was very pleasant and helped me decipher my insurance. I left with all questions answered! Will definitely recommend.
- Feb. 07, 2020
I first received care from Visionmakers Pittsburgh a few days after they first opened their doors he... re, in early 2000 something. The fact that I still receive care yearly and sometimes more, is a testament to their high quality of professionalism, staff attitude, patient care and product. I have no other affiliation with any professional group in this area with whom I have remained with entirely because of their high quality of care and attitude. My visual issues are not particularly common, have worn glasses since I was 3 yo and now at age 78 there are several serious visual complication. On these more serious issues they do not provide the direct service but they are affiliated with these other medical groups and have done follow up exams to help tract the procedures performed by the Opthamologists. Then as my lens need changed because of these procedure they are always there to fully assist me. You all r appreciated.
- Aug. 14, 2019
Everyone including the doctor went out of their way to make my hubby, my daughter and myself very co... mfortable. Even fixed the nose pads on my glasses. Very friendly, informative and easy to be with. We are sure to let our friends know as well.
- Aug. 13, 2019
We have been coming to Visionmakers for almost 11 years and recommend every time anyone asks. Staff ... is by far the best!!
- Apr. 05, 2018
My family and I have been using vision-makers since they came to Pgh.We are very happy with the prof... essionalism of the entire staff. They are a 1-stop shop, very good and thorough exam, Dr on staff, the selection of eyewear is impressive they have a large selection of styles, which most are covered by my insurance. there is no pressure to sell upgrades or more expensive glasses, although if you want that they have it. Their Lab is located in Dayton Ohio, and the best part is they are a UNION SHOP.. Patrick McMahon Retired - ATU-Local 85
- Jan. 30, 2018
I’ve been going here for years. Always great service!
- Dec. 26, 2015
Through eye exams , great selection of frames for any activity plus great service.
- Jan. 15, 2015
My husband wanted to change to Visionmakers and I was extremely hesitant leaving my current optometr... ist of 15 years. I was pleasantly surprised! Everyone is professional and thorough. We've been going there for 3 years now and I never thought twice about looking back. I can't say enough good things about this practice. This is probably the second review I've ever written. It's not something I do often, but they deserve praise. They are fantastic and I recommend them highly.

View All 39 Reviews

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.


senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

Schedule Eye Exam