senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(314) 838-7644

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 - Florissant 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 - Florissant 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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426 Reviews
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- Nov. 18, 2024
Thanks for your help
- Nov. 14, 2024
Great eye care Doc.(Ashley Hemphill) awesome... friendly customer service representatives.
- Aug. 30, 2024
Fast, friendly, and professional service.
- Aug. 16, 2024
I was amazed as I walked into the place. I was not afraid of the examination. The staff made me ... feel safe and I had no reason to be afraid.
- Jul. 09, 2024
Today was my first day going to Crown Vision. From the moment I walked in the door I was greeted, an... d the staff was so friendly and helpful. The receptionist even helped my mom fill out her intake form on the iPad while I did mine. My eye exam was easy and thorough and things were explained to me along the way I had the pleasure of seeing Dr. Osborne. She made me feel comfortable, took her time and at the end of my exam, my contacts allowed me to see 20/20! Doctor Osborne explained everything to me. She is very smart and really cared about the questions I had. Finally, the Woman that helped me pick out my glasses was so sweet and kind. She took time to explain all the cost. Needless to say, I had the best experience from the moment I walked in the door until I left. I would definitely recommend them to my family and friends and anyone looking for glasses or contacts. They had a variety of frames to choose from and even some designer frames. I couldn’t be more pleased and plan on going there in the future.
- Jun. 11, 2024
It is a nice place to do business at.
- May. 23, 2024
The office manager is great. My time there was amazing. I’ve been coming to this location for many... years. Just recently found out there’s a new office manager. She was nice & polite. GREAT customer service. She also allowed my daughter who wasn’t being seen color while we waiting for my oldest appointment to be completed. 10/10 I highly RECOMMEND!!!
- May. 19, 2024
Everyone was extremely nice
- May. 07, 2024
The staff extremely friendly. This would be my first time needing glasses in my 45 years of life and... everyone was so knowledgeable, patient and kind. Definitely recommend!!!
- May. 05, 2024
Great place staff was really nice super professional
- Apr. 25, 2024
My experience was great i had a smile on my face the entire time! Natalie and Michael were so helpfu... l, happy to help, and they knew their job like the back of their hands!! 10/10 i would definitely recommend!!!
- Feb. 06, 2024
Very professional at every visit.
- Feb. 05, 2024
Very satisfied with the staff
- Feb. 02, 2024
Dr. Hemphill is very knowledgeable and professional. She really cares about the health of her patie... nts. The team at Crown Vision is very friendly and greets you with a smile. They are always ready and willing to assist rather in person or over the phone. My family and I are very happy to be clients of Crown Vision.
- Jan. 23, 2024
I've been going to Crown Vision for a year now and I ❤️ it
- Jan. 02, 2024
Very professional
- Dec. 28, 2023
Staff and service is Always excellent
- Sep. 12, 2023
Good Service and good deals !
- Aug. 22, 2023
Great friendly and professional staff. Great us as soon as we walked through the door.
- Aug. 13, 2023
very professional very friendly service beautiful glasses selection

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Florissant

Our optometry practice in Florissant

Photograph of Ashley  Hemphill
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(314) 838-7644