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 Eigenbrodt Vision Center today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Edwardsville

Our optometry practice in Edwardsville

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
  • Nov. 23 Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Aetna
  • EyeMed

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

Patient Reviews
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139 Reviews
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- Aug. 13, 2023
Thorough eye exam, great selection of frames, friendly staff.
- 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.
- Feb. 17, 2023
I’ve been dealing with blurry vision and finally know what is really going on. I got diagnose with... Keratoconus. It is a progressive eye diseases that weakens the cornea and turns the cornea in a cone shape. I’m just relieve knowing what I have and excited to fix it and get my vision back or better than usual.
- Dec. 28, 2022
Great service, expert care.
- Dec. 13, 2022
I highly recommend Eigenbrodt Vision Center. Their staff is wonderful and friendly. Hard to find tha... t post Covid. Love Dr Oliver, so caring!
- Nov. 14, 2022
It’s a great and relaxing place
- Oct. 13, 2022
Dr. Oliver and staff were wonderful. I needed my new frames adjusted a few times. They were very pat... ient with me.
- Oct. 13, 2022
Excellent…knowledgeable…on time…friendly. I have been going to Eigenbrodt Vision for over 40 ... years. I’m diabetic so require extra monitoring. I have always trusted Dr Eigenbrodt with all of my vision care needs.
- Oct. 13, 2022
It's always a pleasure and easy process
- Sep. 09, 2022
Very friendly and thorough
- Aug. 27, 2022
Although I moved to St Louis I still drive back to Edwardsville once a year to get my eyes checked a... nd buy new glasses if I need them. Professional staff and great doctor. I would very much recommend Eigenbrodt Vision.
- Aug. 15, 2022
Eigenbrodt Vision Center is outstanding, with friendly staff, fast service, and knowledgeable care.
- Jun. 22, 2022
The staff is always so friendly, as well as the doctors! We had tried another in the area for one ap... pointment, and had such a negative experience with that doctor. Dr. Hutchinson was very kind and upbeat, and this first experience with her wad just wonderful! I've been going to Dr. Eigenbrodt since I was a child, and I will continue to take my child and family here! The most positive experience I've ever had with a doctor's office!!!
- Mar. 11, 2022
A nice hometown feel every time I go for my check-up.
- Feb. 12, 2022
Dr. Eigenbrodt is a great doctor and very patient. With my last prescription change to trifocal cont... acts, he was more than willing to help me adjust the distance in my contacts until they felt perfect. This is not easy when you have a hard time seeing close up and far away at the same time.
- Jan. 20, 2022
This office is always helpful, kind and reliable. Thank you.

View All 139 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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