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


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

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
  • Nov. 23 Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Aetna
  • Anthem
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • Medicaid
  • MetLife

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

Patient Reviews
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264 Reviews
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- Aug. 11, 2023
Thanks Doctor Kilgore!!!! I really appreciate your help. I wish I could keep you as my eye doctor.
- Feb. 14, 2023
Wonderful experience! They are so professional, yet so much fun! It's nice walking into a business a... nd the employees are smiling and so helpful! They were so nice and made this a great experience for all the of my kiddos! Thank you to both doctors and all of the ladies working in the front!!!
- Jan. 10, 2023
I really liked the way they treated me, they were concerned about me and they gave me many options t... o improve my condition
- Dec. 12, 2022
Great service
- Dec. 07, 2022
Everyone is extremely friendly and helpful! They also squeezed us in with an emergency, which I am e... xtremely grateful for!
- Nov. 04, 2022
I felt good about my exam after this experience and look forward to this team managing my eye health... .
- Oct. 29, 2022
Never had a bad experience. Staff is great. Always helpful and friendly. My last visit they helped m... e pick out the perfect frames.
- Oct. 17, 2022
Easy to schedule, convenient hours, kind staff
- Sep. 03, 2022
Best customer service you will find! Dr. Kilgore is patient, understanding, and kind. She will keep ... trying until you have the right fit. My whole family has been going there for about 16 years and we are always highly satisfied. Staff is also wonderful and helpful with eye glass and contacts fits and dealing with plan benefits. Highly recommend!
- Aug. 19, 2022
Great visit and examination by friendly and professionals. Caring and kind.
- Aug. 08, 2022
I felt very comfortable with my experience with Wentzville Eye Center. They are competent, provide g... ood service and communication, and did a great job with my eye health exam as well as getting me new lenses with an updated prescription.
- Aug. 04, 2022
I really like Dr. Kilgore, she is friendly and efficient. I'm never having to wait to be seen at th... e time of my appointment. The staff at Wentzville are also super friendly and helpful.
- Jul. 03, 2022
Great experience with hospitable team.
- Jun. 27, 2022
Great doc and staff is great.
- Jun. 20, 2022
Clean facility, good selection of frames, friendly and knowledgeable staff, they have modern equipme... nts for the exam, the Dr was friendly and did a thorough exam. I used to go to Crown Vision and they use the same system so they have my old records which was nice. I would recommend this place.
- May. 28, 2022
Doctor Kilgore and her staff did an amazing job working with me for prescription eyewear. They spen... t time with me answering my questions and working on my specific needs. The end product was exactly what I needed (medium range computer glasses) and I could not be happier. Thank you very much, Dr. Kilgore and team, I will be a return customer.
- Feb. 22, 2022
Excellent pricing on frames. Office is a bit small and cramped, but that doesn't change the service ... you get. We are happy we switched to this office.
- Dec. 14, 2021
Fast Return, quality products and great customer service !!!
- Dec. 05, 2021
The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable and the doctor very kind and trustworthy. The facility ... is clean and seems well stocked. They are open 6 days a week with hours to accommodate all schedules. I would highly recommend them.
- Sep. 11, 2021
Great Doctor very happy with the service!

View All 264 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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