Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative condition of the macula, which is the portion of the retina responsible for central vision. It is the most common cause of irreversible vision loss in the United States in those 60 or older, and its prevalence increases with age. The exact cause of macular degeneration is still being studied, however several risk factors have been identified including age, family history, smoking, female sex, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, light skin and light-colored eyes.
No one knows the cause of AMD. Causes are likely to be genetically inherited, but environmental factors may also contribute. Macular degeneration often runs in families. Women have a higher risk of developing AMD than men. There may be a wide variety of different genes and proteins associated with dry and wet macular degeneration.
Many risk factors have been found to be associated with AMD. These include age, family history, light-skin, light-colored iris, poor nutrition, obesity, smoking, and exposure to sunlight.
AMD is classified as either wet (neovascular) or dry (non-neovascular). About 10-20% of patients who suffer from macular degeneration have wet AMD. This type occurs when new, abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina. However, the new vessels are very delicate and break easily, causing bleeding and damage to surrounding tissue. The resulting vision loss can be abrupt and rapid.
The dry type is much more common and is characterized by drusen and pigment changes in the retina. This causes a gradual loss of central vision.
Other causes include:
Diagnosis of AMD involves a dilated eye exam by an eye doctor who can look at the retina with special lenses. Your doctor may also recommend ocular coherence tomography (OCT) or fluorescein angiography (FA) to help make this diagnosis.
If you think you have macular degeneration, please contact us. Our doctors have the necessary experience, expertise, and equipment to diagnose and treat macular degeneration.
Dry AMD
Unfortunately, there is no cure for dry AMD. Lifestyle changes can help slow the progression of the disease. These include the use of UV protective sunglasses when outside, a good diet including the use of green leafy vegetables and avoiding smoking. Your doctor may recommend you start taking vitamins meeting the requirements of the AREDS (Age-Related Eye Disease Study). These measures help slow down the progression of the disease.
Wet AMD
Wet AMD is almost always treated with injections of medication into the eye. Rarely, a retinal laser surgery may be recommended. The sooner treatment is initiated, the better chance there is of retaining good vision. These injections help get rid of the abnormal blood vessels that are leaking into the retina but generally repeated long-term treatment is needed. The main goal of the injections is to stabilize the vision, though sometimes vision can be improved after treatment begins.
They are very professional and thorough. The support staff is very helpful. Everyone is friendly.
Everyone I worked with at Denver Eye Surgeons was extremely helpful. Miss Bella did my initial exam, then I met with Dr. Heron G. They were both excellent. I highly recommend this practice. Thank you all!
Miles was awesome to work with. He really went above and beyond helping me with my prescription glasses and made the whole process easy. You just don’t come across this kind of customer service very often anymore. He’s a great guy and definitely a keeper!
The Doctor's and Staff are truly fantastic. They consistently show they care for their patients.
Very nice service by Dr G, techs Ramona, Chi, and front desk Sami G, and Ellis
I was seen by Dr Andrew’s and 2 techs Sarah Jaden Each of these people were extremely helpful to personally tell me they were sorry for the long waiting - and did so in a very personal and caring way even as busy as they were . Leaving me with a relaxed attitude and feeling about being a cared for patient with a comfortable understand of why the appointment took so much of my time.
Great! Thanks!!
Denver Eye Surgeons has always been top-of-the-line as far as I’m concerned, all of the staff are friendly, outgoing, helpful, and very kind, the doctors all seem to be top level as well, I’ve never had any complaints and I’ve been going there for years, I hope I can always go there for my eye needs.
Dr Anthony was great! Extremely thorough and explained everything that was happening and answered all my questions!
Kassidy Compton was amazing. Having never worn contacts and not even able to put drops in my eyes without blinking them in, I walked away being able to put in and take out the contacts. She was super positive and patient. Thank you Kassidy! Brandon
I have been going there since 2007 and have been happy with each appointment I have had.
Kayla was patient and so kind.
I felt well taken care by the doctor and all of the staff.
Dr Jones & his entire team were Gold Standard professional in treating my wet macular degeneration. I highly recommend his practice.
I had a very positive experience at Denver Eye Surgeon’s. They were prompt, efficient and very professional. I left, at the completion of testing, feeling very comfortable that my time had been well spent.
Cassidy was knowledgeable and friendly when evaluating my eyes for contacts. And Dr. Purser was very prompt and thorough in examining my eyes. I've always gone to Denver Eye Surgeons and am always pleased with their technology, doctors, and processes!
Great place great doctors!! Feel comfortable and trust these people.
A very pleasant visit. My technician Monica totally deserves my gratitude for attention to detail. She is a great listener and had answers to my questions. She made me feel comfortable and important; and actually Monica took time with me. I did NOT feel like I was rushed or pushed. Thanks Monica!! Great customer job!!!
Kayla M. did an exceptional job at making me feel comfortable. especially since it was a 1.5 session/ eye exam.
My wife kayleen has had a real positive experience at DW Eye. She appreciates the support she gets from a nurse named Tania. Makes her feel more calm and explains everything to her that’s being done
Tanya was great, she explained the process and I felt very comfortable. Enjoyed meeting Dr.Jones and feel that I am in great hands.
Kayla M. was wonderful - really knows her stuff, friendly, & efficient!
I went today for my annual eye exam. Kayla greeted me and took me for all the preliminary testing. She is very pleasant, explained it all thoroughly and quite professional. They are lucky to have her as an employee.
The waiting area is very nice, big and comfortable. Dr. Andrews and everyone else I dealt with were pleasant and very efficient.
Dr Andrews and his staff are amazing! I got an appointment within 2 days and the whole visit was well organized and very smooth!
What a wonderful place, staff, and location. Dr Crosby was very knowledgeable and professional, truly, top notch. The rest of the staff was just as incredible. I was very pleased with my whole experience. That's coming from a skeptic. I would go back for Dr. Crosby alone, but the rest of the staff were also very helpful. They even tightened my glasses because my 13-month-old decided to bend them a little bit too much 😂. It's that little attention to detail, and the knowledgeable staff like Dr Crosby that made me want to give this place a five star! From the friendly faces at the check-in desk to the delicious coffee machine to the knowledgeable medical staff, and the amazing doctor. All five stars!
Dr. Purser was extremely knowledgeable about patient needs. She was also willing to go above and beyond what I’ve seen most doctors do by helping find a way to reduce drug cost.
Dr Tetrault and his techs were very thorough and although I didn’t get the best news that I was hoping for, my eyes didn’t get any worse. Also, Penny in the optical department was very helpful in getting my glasses!
Kassidy was very thorough, knowledgeable and patient. Certainly an asset to this organization
Great team working togethet to get the job done
To learn more about the retina, the diagnosis of diseases, medical treatments, and surgical treatments for retinal diseases, please request an appointment or contact us for your exam at 303-279-6600.
