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Office Location & Hours

903 William D. Fitch Pkwy
College Station, TX 77845
Phone Number: (979) 779-9000
Fax Number: (979) 690-1510

Get Directions

Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri:
Wednesday:

8am - 5:30pm
9am - 5:30pm

Patient Testimonials

  • Matthew G.

    Absolutely amazing facility! They helped my son and even helped watch him for a minute when my bank gave me trouble. They were very kind and understanding....

  • Rebecca K.

    I went in for vitamins and information. The young lady at recept. Desk did an awesome job with my qqq and handled the vitamin sale with more information needed for my eye condition....

  • Bernadette H.

    Had to find a new eye doctor for my family and I due to insurance changes. I was very pleased with my first experience. Staff and Dr. Dobson are very friendly and professional. Felt comfortable and welcomed to the practice. Would recommend giving...

  • Alexander M.

    I am new to the bryan college station area being a college student. I needed to find a new eye doctor. I am one of those people that, take a long time exsploring my options online. When I first started my search they were the first ones that poped onto my screen. When I looked at there website I intantly felt like this was the one...


    Age-related macular degeneration, often called ARMD or AMD, is the leading cause of vision loss among Americans 65 and older.

    AMD causes damage to the macula, which is the central portion of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. AMD doesn't lead to complete blindness because peripheral vision is still intact, but the loss of central vision can interfere with simple everyday activities such as reading and driving, and it can be very debilitating.

    Types of Macular Degeneration

    There are two types of macular degeneration: Dry AMD and Wet AMD.

    Dry (non-exudative) macular degeneration constitutes approximately 85-90% of all cases of AMD. Dry AMD results from thinning of the macula or the deposition of yellow pigment known as drusen in the macula. There may be gradual loss of central vision with dry AMD, but it is usually not as severe as wet AMD vision loss. However, dry AMD can slowly progress to late-stage geographic atrophy, which can cause severe vision loss.

    Wet (exudative) macular degeneration makes up the remaining 10-15% of cases. Exudative or neovascular refers to the growth of new blood vessels in the macula, where they are not normally present. The wet form usually leads to more serious vision loss than the dry form.

    AMD Risk factors

    • Age is the biggest risk factor. Risk increases with age.
    • Smoking. Research shows that smoking increases your risk.
    • Family history. People with a family history of AMD are at higher risk.
    • Race. AMD is more common in Caucasians than other races, but it exists in every ethnicity.
    • Gender. AMD is more common in women than men.

    Detection of AMD

    There are several tests that are used to detect AMD.

    A dilated eye exam can detect AMD. Once the eyes are dilated, the macula can be viewed by the ophthalmologist or optometrist. The presence of drusen and pigmentary changes can then be detected.

    An Amsler Grid test uses pattern of straight lines that resemble a checkerboard. It can be used to monitor changes in vision. The onset of AMD can cause the lines on the grid to disappear or appear wavy and distorted.

    Fluorescein Angiogram is a test performed in the office. A fluorescent dye is injected into the arm and then a series of pictures are taken as the dye passes through the circulatory system in the back of the eye.

    Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a test based on ultrasound. It is a painless study where high-resolution pictures are taken of the retina.

     

    Article contributed by Jane Pan M.D.

    This blog provides general information and discussion about eye health and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately licensed physician. The content of this blog cannot be reproduced or duplicated without the express written consent of Eye IQ.

    Exceptional Staff

    Exceptional Staff

    You'll be hard-pressed to find a more experienced, caring vision care team in all of Texas!

    Our History

    Our History

    Since its inception in 1983 by Dr. Sue Simpson, O.D., Eye Care Center has always been committed to quality eye wear, top-notch eye exams, and exceptional patient satisfaction.

    Common Patient Questions

    Common Patient Questions

    Odds are that someone else has asked us the very same question you're wondering about. If not, feel free to reach out to us!

    What Sets us Apart

    What Sets us Apart

    From the moment you arrive for your visit, YOU are our number one priority. Our belief is that if we truly get to know our patients and what makes them happy, we can visually accommodate them in every stage of life.

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    Office Location & Hours

    903 William D. Fitch Pkwy
    College Station, TX 77845
    Phone Number: (979) 779-9000
    Fax Number: (979) 690-1510

    Get Directions

    Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri:
    Wednesday:

    8am-5:30pm
    9am-5:30pm

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