senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(314) 423-2010

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 - St. Ann 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 - St. Ann 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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303 Reviews
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- Sep. 15, 2024
Just good service and friendly people! Love my glasses ! 👓
- Aug. 17, 2024
They were very good and patient with my 2 young Autistic children.
- Aug. 16, 2024
The staff is extremely attentive and goes the extra mile to ensure you are satisfied with your purch... ase. They are also patient with kids who are indecisive about making a choice on which glasses to choose. Their service is unmatched.
- Aug. 15, 2024
I always receive excellent customer service by phone and in person at the St. Ann location! Great j... ob!
- Jul. 24, 2024
My experience was very good. I've been other places and they've been terrible. So yeah we'll be comi... ng back🙂
- Jun. 12, 2024
Absolutely love this locating and the staff. They’re all so willing to help and assist as soon as ... you walk in the door. They’re polite when it comes to explaining things and offer a wide array of glasses. They don’t rush your appointment and give you time to get any questions answered. I’ve been for both me and my 4yo and we both were treated gracefully. I will definitely recommend this location to anyone needing an exam or glasses
- May. 26, 2024
Dr. Mark Wade examined both my eyes told me had cataract in both eyes. I had surgery done successful... ly now have heathy vision in both eyes. Thank you Dr. Mark Wade and staff with new sight and glasses.
- May. 08, 2024
Great service! would highly recommend, Everyone was very kind and helpful.Keep up the amazing work c... rown vision team.
- May. 07, 2024
They are very very nice i was able to get my glasses very very fast and very affordable. They have m... any glasses to choose from and they have many affordable and pretty glasses to choose from. 10/10 recommended!!!
- Mar. 18, 2024
Great place with great staff.
- Feb. 19, 2024
I didn’t think they were very good at all until I experienced them. I always thought the other com... pany was more professional, but I was fooled Crown Vision is a very good company to visit. They are very thorough and they know what they’re doing. I would recommend them to anybody
- Feb. 12, 2024
It was so quick and easy. The whole staffs great.
- Dec. 08, 2023
Crown Vision is the place to be! The staff is always friendly and professional!
- Nov. 27, 2023
Cindy Scott was very informative and her customer service skills are impressive.
- Oct. 19, 2023
Love it
- Oct. 17, 2023
Ryanne was great helped me with my broken glasses and got me set up with a eye exam. Thank you very ... nice and polite staff. Answering all my questions.
- Oct. 16, 2023
The service was great!!
- Sep. 24, 2023
Totally satisfied with their professional service and they went above and beyond to help me.👍
- Sep. 09, 2023
Every single thing they do there is 100 percent right so I recommend them to keep it up
- Jul. 07, 2023
Very fast & thorough process. My kid was able to get the glasses she needed quickly & at an affordab... le price.

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in St. Louis

Our optometry practice in St. Louis

Photograph of Mark  Wade
Hours
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  • Tuesday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(314) 423-2010