senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

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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 Bittel Vision Care Center - Caste Village 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 Robert Bittel
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 7:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife
  • Aetna

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 Bittel Vision Care Center - Caste Village today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
4.5
105 Reviews
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- Oct. 29, 2023
The staff was friendly and the doctor was very thorough!
- Oct. 10, 2023
Very good experience. A wide variety to choose from for frames and I am hard to fit
- Aug. 27, 2023
My family has been going to Dr. Bittel for years. He does an excellent job and his staff is professi... onal. Strongly recommend.
- Aug. 06, 2023
Friendly staff. No long waits.
- May. 25, 2023
Professional, thorough and friendly.
- May. 25, 2023
Excellent care from Dr. Robert Bittel and his staff.
- May. 03, 2023
I've been going to Drs Bittel for over a decade, and I couldn't imagine going anywhere else! The st... aff is always extremely friendly and professional, and they have a wide selection of eyewear to choose from. Super excited to go pick up my new glasses today!!!
- Apr. 17, 2023
Great people giving great services and products
- Mar. 11, 2023
We always have a positive experience. The staff is friendly and helpful.
- Feb. 27, 2023
Excellent service and very professional doctor, my 7 years old son was so comfortable during his app... ointment. Very recommended!
- Feb. 25, 2023
Dr Bittel was so kind and professional towards my 90 year old father. Thoroughly examined his eyes a... nd spoke kindly to him.
- Feb. 10, 2023
Dr Bittle diagnosed me with wet macula degeneration and made an appointment for me at Retina Vision ... Services for the next day for treatment.He is responsible for preserving my vision in my left eye and I readily recommend him to everyone .j
- Dec. 27, 2022
I've been going here for many years and I have always been treated very nicely.The staff is very pro... fessional and Doctor Bittel is awesome!
- Dec. 17, 2022
Was at Bittel yesterday for a glasses adjustment. The off-putting slant of my glasses was driving m... e nuts. Carol immediately knew what was wrong and adjusted the glasses so they are perfect now. Thanks Carol for your care and professionalism!
- Oct. 01, 2022
My 90 year old Mother is a patient. There was a problem when she went to pick up her new glasses and... they weren't correct. She was very upset, stuff like that tends to extremely overwhelm her now that she is older. Jen was awesome, put her at ease, solved the problem and got them correctly reordered. She was kind and compassionate and cool which meant a lot to my mother. She couldn't say enough about Jen and how nicely she was treated. Thank you!
- Jul. 14, 2022
I have been a patient of Dr. Bittel’s for many years. I highly recommend him because he is so know... ledgeable, professional and caring. My appointment went so smooth as I had a couple issues, he always takes his time and is so thorough. The staff is awesome too!!!
- Feb. 03, 2022
Great service, excellent staff, and doctors that care about their patients.
- Nov. 11, 2021
Nothing but possitve visits at Bittel Vision Care Center! The Doctor's and staff are so friendly and... professional. Love the assistance I receive when choosing eyeglasses! Top notch all the way!
- Nov. 09, 2021
I have major eye issues including Thyroid Eye Disease. The doctors and nurses are amazing. They ar... e patient and caring. They did not rush me through trying on several brands of contacts to find just the right ones. Highly recommend Bittel Optical!
- Sep. 06, 2021
Dr Bob and Dr Matt are always punctual, professional and compassionate.

View All 105 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.

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