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 Blue Springs Optical today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Blue Springs

Our optometry practice in Blue Springs

Photograph of Jeffrey Harter
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

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 Blue Springs Optical today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
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413 Reviews
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- Nov. 23, 2023
The entire office crew were awesome. They showed concern and got me in immediately when I described... my eye symptoms. As a new patient, I cannot express how grateful I was to be treated as a high priority to assess my eye condition. THANK YOU!
- Nov. 22, 2023
Excellent eye care from a caring and upbeat staff. Dr. Krause is thorough and easy to talk with.
- Nov. 16, 2023
My experience is very good and I would recommend these guys to anyone to come and get their eyes che... cked 👍
- Nov. 04, 2023
Great place to have your vision checked
- Nov. 01, 2023
Quick easy and nice staff!
- Oct. 22, 2023
Excellent experience with this office!!
- Oct. 18, 2023
Great service! They match my contact price to Costco and had them delivered to me!
- Oct. 14, 2023
The dr and staff were awesome and answered all my questions and concerns honestly
- Oct. 03, 2023
Blue Springs Optical is very efficient and well ran. Eye exam is through and on time with consultati... on for your needs. For Glasses and Frames they have many choices and offer expert consultation for that as well.
- Sep. 27, 2023
Great customer service. Friendly and professional. No wait to be seen. Appreciate the help they prov... ide when selecting glasses as well as adjustments when needed.
- Sep. 07, 2023
Dr. Cheng is fantastic!
- Aug. 31, 2023
Everyone was kind, helpful, and professional.
- Aug. 28, 2023
They were able to get me in the same day and everyone was super friendly and helpful. Very impressed... !
- Aug. 24, 2023
Great staff and eye doctors!!!
- Jul. 27, 2023
Dr. Wilson ROCKS!!! Very friendly and professional staff.
- Jul. 27, 2023
Great place! Been going there for years
- Jul. 24, 2023
Great staff and professional service.
- Jul. 22, 2023
Great experience!!
- Jul. 22, 2023
This office is one that you can trust with kind, courteous care. Dr. Wilson is the best!!
- Jul. 19, 2023
Staff is friendly. I got there went right in. Dr E is very good. Been going there for a few year... s. Give them a try.

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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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