The Cleveland Vision Center

02/27/2026

Here is another patient story to offer information, and hope, to people at all stages of macular degeneration.

From macular degeneration diagnosis, to losing sight, to new ways of living and hope for the future - five patients share their stories, their vulnerabilitie...

02/24/2026

Don’t wait if you notice a sudden change in your vision such as sudden dark spots, blurriness, or straight lines appearing bent or wavy. Call your optometris right away if you suspect the onset of wet macular degeneration.

02/20/2026

Non-controllable Risk Factors for Age-related Macular Degeneration

Some risk factors of AMD are not under anyone’s control.

Age – the risk of developing AMD begins increasing by age 40, and exponentially increases after the age of 75.

Genetics – a family history of macular degeneration.

Light colored irises.

Far-sightedness

Being female – understood to be because women usually live longer than men.

02/17/2026

Controllable Risk Factors for Age-related Macular Degeneration

The causes of AMD are complex, but several risk factors are controllable through lifestyle changes.

Smoking – Smoking doubles the risk of AMD, and recent studies have found that living in an air-polluted environment also increases risk

Diet – a poor diet, high in saturated fats and cholesterol and low in antioxidants, can increase risk for AMD and accelerate its progression

Unchecked cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure

Weight – being overweight overall, but particularly around the abdomen

Sun exposure without eye protection

02/14/2026

02/12/2026

There is no cure for age-related macular degeneration, but early detection, along with lifestyle changes and treatments, can help preserve vision for as long as possible for those at risk of developing AMD.

02/09/2026

AMD, or age-related macular degeneration, is a leading cause of vision loss for Americans age 50 and older. It affects central vision, where sharpest vision occurs, causing difficulty conducting daily tasks such as driving, reading, and recognizing faces.

Impact of vision loss on daily life can include all the obvious things, like not being able to drive, but it’s the accumulation of minor and major things that can rob a person of a sense of well-being and independence.

Things like:
Difficulty with practical reading, such as signs, food labels, receipts, menus, etc.
Difficulty with hobbies that require close detail
Difficulty navigating new environments
Difficulty recognizing faces, even of their own family and friends
Increased isolation
Increased risk of falls and injuries due to balance issues or not being able to detect walking hazards
Lack of access to transportation
Economic burden of treatments
and so much more

02/05/2026

Take a minute to watch a video from patients sharing what its like living with AMD.

In this short documentary, AMD patient advocate Laura Carabello shares her personal story of the benefits of early detection and intervention for wet macular...

02/02/2026

February is Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Month. Check back for more info throughout the month!

12/31/2025

Thank you to all the patients who visited our office this year! We are so grateful you trusted us with your vision. See you next year! 🤓

07/08/2025