senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

314-533-1898

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 Crown Vision Center - Lindell 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 Crown Vision Center - Lindell 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
4.7
865 Reviews
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- Nov. 09, 2024
Very professional, they seem to effectively manage a high volume business.
- Oct. 22, 2024
Wonderful experience
- Oct. 19, 2024
Friendly, Fast and it didn't take long for my prescription to come.
- Oct. 17, 2024
The staff were friendly, knowledgeable and helpful!
- Oct. 07, 2024
Doctor Fullenwider was super easy to talk to and very professional. Angie helped sort out the insura... nce and payment and was lovely!
- Sep. 10, 2024
The staff greet you with a smile and pleasantz. The office is clean and organized. They get you in a... nd done in a timely matter.
- Sep. 06, 2024
The whole staff is extremely friendly and helpful!
- Aug. 29, 2024
Whole staff is so friendly and helpful also doctor is so polite. He listens everything what I said a... bout problem. It was my first time visit but felt so normal. I haven’t faced any problem.
- Aug. 22, 2024
Excellent customer service!!!
- Jul. 25, 2024
Every time I visit, I walk out feeling like a new person. Especially after picking up my glasses, I ... can see so clear. Great staff and a great doctor too, would recommend!
- Jul. 24, 2024
Great people, very friendly. Visit was quick.
- Jun. 26, 2024
Great staff💕
- Jun. 08, 2024
Kind Friendly Caring, They were very helpful, they care about Customers ☺️☺️
- Jun. 02, 2024
Everyone was great🥰
- May. 29, 2024
Very pleasant experience due to the friendly, helpful and knowledgeable staff.
- May. 21, 2024
They take care of business
- May. 01, 2024
Awesome staff. Treated me like family and got me all fixed up woth everything i needed. I didnt feel... rushed and staff was kind.
- Apr. 30, 2024
I had friendly quick help. The service was rapid and getting glass s was very fast too.
- Apr. 28, 2024
This was my old apartment 2800 Olive St St Louis MO 63130
- Mar. 28, 2024
I'm very satisfied with the eye doctors experience, and the staff as well.

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Central West End

Our optometry practice in Central West End

Photograph of Robert  Fullenwider
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday By Appointment Only
  • Sunday Closed
  • Nov. 28 Closed
  • Nov. 29 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

314-533-1898