In response to recent COVID-19 concerns, we are wanting to assure our patients that we are taking the recommended precautions provided by the CDC. Please use the provided link for more information about our updated procedures. Read More

Close
×

Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Yancey Eye Center

303 Harris Industrial Blvd. Suite 7

Vidalia, GA 30474 US

912-537-4400

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • Patient Info
    • Online Forms
    • Payment Options
  • Services
    • Contact Lens Exams
    • Eye & Vision Exams
    • Hard to Fit Contacts
    • Computer Vision
    • Sunglasses
    • Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Disease
  • Eyeglasses
    • Frame Selection
    • Sunglasses
  • Contacts
  • About Us
    • Meet the Optometrist
    • Meet the Staff
  • Technology
  • Contact Us
  • Vision Plan
  • Community Content
    • Eyeglasses
    • Basic Visual Skills
    • All About Eyes
    • Protecting Your Eyes
    • Visual Rehabilitation
    • Pediatric Vision Issues
    • Glasses
    • Contact Lenses
    • Common Eye Conditions
      • Vision Impairment
      • Eye Lids
      • Changes in Appearance
      • Injury & Irritation
      • Age-Related
      • Cognitive and Acquired
    • Vision Problems
    • Eye Symptoms
    • Eye Diseases
    • A Child's Vision
    • What is Vision Therapy
    • Vision Therapy Programs
    • We Can Help With
      • Cataracts
      • Corneal Disorders
        • Disorders
      • Glaucoma
      • Refractive Disorders
      • Adult Strabismus
      • Retinal Disorders
    • Newsletters
      • Glasses & Frames
      • Contacts
      • Tips for Healthy Eyes
      • Conditions That Affect Vision
      • Kid's Vision
      • Amazing, Interesting Eyes
      • Medical Perspectives
  • COVID-19 Information & Guidelines
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • We Can Help With >
  • Retinal Disorders >
  • Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

  • Created in We Can Help With, Retinal Disorders
woman covering right eye while looking at object

One of the leading causes of vision loss in people who are age 50 or older is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This common eye condition leads to damage of a small spot near the center of the retina called the macula. The macula provides us with the ability to clearly see objects that are straight ahead.

AMD may progress very slowly, with vision loss taking a long time to occur. In some people, though, the disease may advance more quickly. It can affect one or both eyes. Some treatment options are available for later stages of AMD.

Symptoms of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

One of the first symptoms of AMD is a blurry area in the center of your field of vision. Over time, this blurred region may increase in size. You may also develop blank spots near the center of your vision. In addition, objects may not be as bright as they once were.

AMD does not lead to complete loss of vision. However, the central vision that is affected by AMD is needed for many everyday activities, such as being able to read, write, recognize faces of other people, drive a car, cook or fix things around the house.

Risk Factors for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

One of the main risk factors for AMD is being over 60 years old; although, this condition can happen in younger people. Other risk factors for AMD include:

  • Smoking. Smoking tobacco can double your risk of suffering from AMD.
  • Race. Caucasians are more at risk of AMD than Hispanics/Latinos or African-Americans.
  • Family history. If someone else in your family had AMD, you are at greater risk of developing it.
  • Genetics. Almost 20 genes have been linked to an increased risk of AMD.

Certain healthy lifestyle choices may slow the progression of AMD or reduce your risk of developing it, including:

  • Not smoking
  • Eating a well-rounded diet that includes a lot of fish and green, leafy vegetables
  • Keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol at normal levels
  • Doing regular physical activity

Treatments for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

There is no treatment for AMD during the early stages. Many people have no symptoms at this point. If you have early AMD, your eye doctor may suggest a yearly — or more frequent— eye exam to see if your disease is getting worse.

For intermediate- and late-stage AMD, some research has found that high doses of certain vitamins and minerals may slow the advance of this disease. This includes vitamins C and E, zinc, copper and beta-carotene (and perhaps lutein and zeaxanthin).

These will not help you if you have early-stage AMD. They may, though, slow vision loss in the later stages. To find out if nutritional supplements are right for you, check with your ophthalmologist.

  • Eyeglasses
  • Basic Visual Skills
  • All About Eyes
  • Protecting Your Eyes
  • Visual Rehabilitation
  • Pediatric Vision Issues
  • Glasses
  • Contact Lenses
  • Common Eye Conditions
    • Vision Impairment
    • Eye Lids
    • Changes in Appearance
    • Injury & Irritation
    • Age-Related
    • Cognitive and Acquired
  • Vision Problems
  • Eye Symptoms
  • Eye Diseases
  • A Child's Vision
  • What is Vision Therapy
  • Vision Therapy Programs
  • We Can Help With
    • Cataracts
    • Corneal Disorders
      • Disorders
    • Glaucoma
    • Refractive Disorders
    • Adult Strabismus
    • Retinal Disorders
  • Newsletters
    • Glasses & Frames
    • Contacts
    • Tips for Healthy Eyes
    • Conditions That Affect Vision
    • Kid's Vision
    • Amazing, Interesting Eyes
    • Medical Perspectives

New patients receive 15% OFF first visit.

Excludes all vision and insurance plans. Sign-up using the form or call us at (912) 537-4400 to take advantage of this exclusive offer.

Featured Links

Click to find out more

  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients/ learn more about all the services we provide.

    Learn More
  • Make An Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!

    Schedule Now
  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.

    View Forms

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

1:00 pm-4:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonials

Reviews From Our Satisfied Patients

  • "Yancey Eye Center is the best at what they do and make you feel right at home."
    John Doe Vidalia, GA
  • "Dr. Yancey and staff deliver the highest level of professionalism and customer care I have ever seen.We are very fortunate to have such a excellent center for our eye health care needs. Thank you and continue the great work!"
    Philip Sassos

Featured Articles

Read up on informative topics

  • How Sleep Can Affect Your Vision

    Do you have trouble sleeping? Sleep problems may increase your risk of eye diseases and conditions. ...

    Read More
  • The Effects of Smoking on Your Eye Health

    Do you know how smoking can harm your eyes? ...

    Read More
  • Getting Your Child Accustomed to New Glasses

    Is your child struggling to adjust to new glasses? Try a few of these tips. ...

    Read More
  • Daily Habits That May Be Harming Your Eye Health

    Could any of these habits be hurting your eyes? ...

    Read More
  • Cold Weather and Your Eyes

    Are your eyes dry and uncomfortable? The cold weather may be to blame. ...

    Read More
  • The Challenges of Night Driving and Your Vision

    Do you dread driving at night? Trying a few of these tips may make night driving less stressful. ...

    Read More
  • Diagnosing and Using Vision Technology to Help Low Vision

    Are you familiar with the symptoms of low vision? ...

    Read More
  • Are Your Eye Problems Genetic?

    Have you been wondering if your eye problems are genetic? ...

    Read More
  • Common Eye Care Myths

    Do carrots improve your vision? Will sitting too close to the TV damage your eyes? ...

    Read More
  • Common Ocular Emergencies

    Do you know when you should visit the eye doctor if you have eye pain? ...

    Read More

Newsletter Sign Up

  • Copyright © 2020 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map