senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(618) 656-3199

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 Eigenbrodt Vision 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 Eigenbrodt Vision 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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180 Reviews
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- Oct. 01, 2024
Wonderful attentive staff !
- Jun. 30, 2024
Excellent office, professional, knowlegeable, friendly and obviously respect their fellow staff. Dr ... Engelbrodt is amazing, he listens, does a thorough exam and will work with you until you are completely satisfied with vision
- May. 29, 2024
I’ve been a patient of Dr. Eigenbrodt since I was 16. For 30 years he has been kind and caring, t... horough and never made me feel rushed. His office is welcoming, friendly and always tidy and clean.
- Apr. 19, 2024
Dr. Eigenbrodt and his staff are wonderful. I highly recommend Eigenbrodt Vision Center.
- Mar. 25, 2024
Great service. Quick and efficient.
- Mar. 13, 2024
My son had an eye injury at school, and I brought him to Eigenbrodt Vision Center to be evaluated. T... hey were able to see us the same day, and the staff were all amazing and so attentive. The office was lovely, and we received excellent care from Dr. Oliver. She was exceptional and treated my son with such a calm, reassuring manner. We will absolutely return here for any other vision related needs!
- Feb. 20, 2024
Dr and Staff exceptionally friendly, professional and helpful.
- Feb. 12, 2024
Great care by Dr. Eigenbrodt, both in the actual exam; and in listening to and answering my question... s and concerns.
- Feb. 10, 2024
Professional and courteous staff!
- Jan. 15, 2024
I decided to try Eigenbrodt out after negative experiences with Walmart vision center. They were ver... y helpful, kind, informative and affordable. I will be coming back for anything eye related!
- Jan. 15, 2024
Staff and the doctors can't be beat. We moved two hours away several years ago and still make the tr... ip every year. Totally worth it.
- Dec. 13, 2023
Complete eye exam
- Nov. 17, 2023
Excellent service. Newest technologies. Accommodating staff
- Aug. 13, 2023
Thorough eye exam, great selection of frames, friendly staff.
- Jun. 24, 2023
I have always had a great experience. From my glasses to contacts I've always been satisfied
- May. 09, 2023
Dr. Oliver is the best. She’s very personable and truly cares. She’s quick to offer advice and r... ecommend helpful products and provide samples. She makes the experience easy.
- Apr. 18, 2023
Friendly and very helpful staff.
- Mar. 25, 2023
Very thorough.
- Mar. 22, 2023
Every aspect of my visit was high quality.
- Mar. 05, 2023
Easy to get an appointment online plus you can fill out all of your forms online as well. Location i... s great. Staff were professional and quick to get me in. Cost was about what you expect and is dependent on what type of frames and glass type you choose. They can also make sunglasses with prescriptions and they offer contact lenses in many colors. Turn around to get my glasses was 2 weeks. Highly recommend.

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Edwardsville

Our optometry practice in Edwardsville

Photograph of John  Eigenbrodt
Hours
  • Monday 9:30 am - 6:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9:30 am - 6:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(618) 656-3199