senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(636) 639-5004

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 Wentzville Eye Center today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


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 Wentzville Eye Center today. 

Photograph


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.

Patient Reviews
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- Sep. 02, 2024
Amazing staff. Always has a wide selection of frames fast and friendly service.
- Aug. 09, 2024
Friendly, knowledgeable staff
- Aug. 02, 2024
Great service with ease.
- Jul. 05, 2024
Easy wonderful experience
- Jun. 13, 2024
Dr Kilgore is very knowledgeable and pleasant
- Jun. 06, 2024
I have been going here for years and I have never had a negative experience, it’s always been posi... tive Everyone is so nice and answer all my questions The staff is so sweet!!!
- May. 22, 2024
Dr Kilgore was so kind and helpful and addressed all my needs, and listened to all my concerns. The ... rest of the stuff was so friendly and patient! Great experience!
- Apr. 26, 2024
You guys are amazing. So patient and knowledgeable. I really appreciate it 🙂
- Apr. 25, 2024
Really good experience with this provider! The doctor was great and the staff was really helpful.
- Apr. 25, 2024
Nothing but great things to say about Wentzville eye center.
- Apr. 10, 2024
Great people with big hearts. Thank You
- Mar. 11, 2024
Excellent doctors. Friendly staff. Affordable price. And on time with appointments. I highly rec... ommend Wentzville Eye Center.
- Mar. 01, 2024
Great place the ladies are very helpful & the atmosphere is pleasant. The Dr. is compassionate & wil... l get ya seeing straight in no time.
- Feb. 20, 2024
Great staff and products to meet your visual needs. Check them out!
- Feb. 11, 2024
Friendly staff
- Dec. 05, 2023
Very friendly and attentive to my eye care needs. I felt very comfortable and really trusted their o... pinion. Very genuine office. Would most definitely recommend them to my family and friends.
- Nov. 17, 2023
Professional and friendly
- Oct. 29, 2023
Everybody is super great and friendly!
- Oct. 25, 2023
Would highly recommend! Great selection of frames and friendly staff!
- Oct. 25, 2023
Staff was so nice and welcoming.

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Wentzville

Our optometry practice in Wentzville

Photograph of Abby  Kilgore
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:30 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

Don’t let AMD stop you from doing the things you love.

(636) 639-5004