senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(573) 346-5951

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 Family Eyecare - Camdenton 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 Family Eyecare - Camdenton 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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398 Reviews
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- Dec. 07, 2024
Best Dr and MOST AMAZING staff. Would recommend them anytime to anyone.
- Nov. 21, 2024
Everyone was very friendly - from the greeting to the "see you later"! The virtual eye exam was a f... irst for me but the process was exactly like what it would have been if the Dr was right there... but they were - who knows where!?
- Nov. 19, 2024
Love everyone there! So friendly and professional.
- Nov. 11, 2024
Quick, polite, friendly and professional
- Nov. 11, 2024
The staff is friendly and professional, there was no wait time. The doctor was very personable and t... horough. When my glasses came in which was very fast, I decided I didn’t like how they looked on me, the manager allowed me to pick a new pair and only charged me the difference in the price of the new pair I chose, now that’s impressive! She was very helpful and nice about it, I left feeling really happy I asked if I could change my glasses.
- Nov. 09, 2024
Great job. Easy, friendly, helpful, and fun.
- Oct. 13, 2024
Very Helpful and Friendly. They know what they are doing.
- Oct. 04, 2024
The family at Family Eyecare was incredibly helpful and knowledgable. They worked with me to get an ... appointment quickly and helped me understand my vision needs. I felt confident leaving and Thank you very much Family Eyecare.
- Oct. 01, 2024
Amazing, kind staff!
- Sep. 17, 2024
Great doctor and staff.
- Sep. 02, 2024
Dr Eveland got me out of bifocal glasses I never should have been put into in the first place and go... t me into specific glasses I needed for working on a computer all day. Now my glasses work perfectly for me and see everything clearly.
- Aug. 28, 2024
Great Dr. and staff.
- Aug. 17, 2024
Terrific doc and staff. They WILL try to sell you new frames when you visit, but hey, that’s their... job. Prices are as reasonable as any medical care provider and the staff works to wrap their discounts around your situation as much as possible.
- Aug. 15, 2024
Called 10+ locations for weeks to find an eye doctor that would see my 3 year old, finally scheduled... with Family EyeCare after a recommendation from my father and they got him in within a week. The entire staff was very kind and accommodating. My son loved going here and looks forward to going back to pick up his glasses!
- Jul. 22, 2024
Friendly and helpful
- Jun. 28, 2024
Dr. Eveland is patient, thorough and professional! Danielle is always helpful, efficient and cheerfu... l! Facility is clean and well organized.
- Jun. 23, 2024
Excellent and friendly customer service!!
- Jun. 23, 2024
Our eyecare provider for over 20 years.
- Jun. 16, 2024
Completely satisfied with Dr Eveland and the staff at Family Eyecare in Camdenton! Susan Bubac
- Jun. 10, 2024
Friendly helpful staff. They patient and kind to my 6 year old daughter and always make her feel spe... cial and important.

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Camdenton

Our optometry practice in Camdenton

Photograph of Brian  Eveland
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(573) 346-5951