senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(206) 420-7366

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 Urban Optix 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 Urban Optix 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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211 Reviews
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- Dec. 12, 2024
Everyone was very nice and helpful!
- Dec. 06, 2024
Great staff and Dr. Yu was awesome. Also a really nice selection of frames to choose from. I will be... back.
- Nov. 27, 2024
Friendly knowledgeable staff and the latest technology for testing eye health and vision. Highly rec... ommend! Conveniently situated in downtown Seattle, too.
- Nov. 01, 2024
Easy, friendly and helpful. Nice selection of frames. Opticians did a great job of explaining my ins... urance options.
- Oct. 31, 2024
I was blown away by how awesome the folks at Urban Optix were. Dr. Yu and here staff were all friend... ly and knowledgeable and my eye exam was a breeze from beginning to end. As someone who has worn glasses for 30+ years I cannot recommend this place highly enough.
- Oct. 31, 2024
The staff are all very friendly and welcoming. The office is very modern and clean. Dr Lee is very c... ool and down to earth. She makes visiting the eye doctor easy. Have never had issues finding street parking in the area. There are some great neighboring spots to eat and drink.
- Oct. 30, 2024
Friendliest staff!
- Sep. 12, 2024
Everyone in the office was friendly, professional and helpful. I also appreciated that most everyone... was masked, making me feel like they cared about the health of their clients.
- Sep. 10, 2024
Dr. Annie Yu and the staff at Urban Optix were great. Super friendly and knowledgeable. Very easy pa... tient experience with modern technology. Currently, there’s construction outside the building that probably blocked signage, which made it a little confusing for me to find as a first timer. Overall, am very happy I found them and am happy to return here regularly!
- Aug. 30, 2024
I was in town visiting and had a minor emergency and the staff went out of their way to help me out ... on short notice! Was very impressed with how friendly and accommodating everyone was, especially given that I am not a current client. Thank you so much!
- Aug. 02, 2024
Awesome, people.
- Aug. 01, 2024
I am very nearsighted, so I have been going yearly to the eye doctor, but have always also struggled... with extra headaches all the way from school-age. I have tried vision therapy and have seen lots of eye doctors. Dr. Yu was the first doctor to listen to all of my concerns and really narrow down what my problem was. I finally have a prescription that fits my needs. After 25 years I finally know what it is like to use both eyes!
- May. 09, 2024
Wonderful staff. Great office and they make sure you are satisfied with their service.
- Apr. 30, 2024
Warm and friendly staff. Doctors are super patient with you, answer all your questions and also help... you understand your eye exam results.
- Apr. 11, 2024
Love this place. Staff is always so friendly and knowledgeable. Can't recommend enough
- Apr. 04, 2024
I had an appointment to get fitted for contact lenses for the first time and my experience was great... ! Everyone was so nice (Dr. Yu, Anna, and receptionist I didn’t catch the name of). They all took their time explaining everything I needed to know about contacts and were patient and helpful teaching me how to put them in and care for them. Thank you guys!
- Mar. 01, 2024
A great place for eye exams & purchasing frames and lenses. Great experience.
- Feb. 05, 2024
When I left my job, I didn't go to Urban Optix for a couple years. But I couldn't find a place that ... had the same service and vibe. This is such a sweet place. They are quick, fun, and have great taste. And they always ask about my dog/child. lol.
- Feb. 05, 2024
Great !!! Everything
- Jan. 21, 2024
I recently came to Urban Optix as a new patient and had an amazing experience! I scheduled my appoin... tment online, and had my annual exam with Dr. Lee. She is amazing, and so thorough and kind! She took her time to explain everything, and was extremely patient in answering all my questions—no matter how big or small. I love finding great doctors that actually care, and no doubt I’ve found a good one with Dr. Lee. I also wanted to give contacts a try after 10+ years of glasses, so we did it. Anna was training me and she was the kindest, most patient teacher ever. She was giving me love demos with her own contacts, and never once made me feel like a nuisance. It took me an hour to get them in, and after an hour of trying to get them out Dr. Lee had to help, lol. But that’s on me, they were doing nothing but being supportive and cheering me on. I’d also like to note that they are VERY transparent with pricing and what you’re going to be paying before you do anything at all. Not once did I feel like I didn’t know what was going on or what I was being charged for. Kudos to the team for being so thorough with all my insurance info and copays! All this to say, I had an amazing experience and will certainly be coming back as long as Dr. Lee is here!

View All 211 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in South Lake Union

Our optometry practice in South Lake Union

Photograph of Sean  Thoreby
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross
  • First Choice Health

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(206) 420-7366