senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(816) 353-1872

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 Advanced EyeCare - Raytown 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 Advanced EyeCare - Raytown 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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428 Reviews
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- Sep. 25, 2024
Me and my kids just started going here and I have no complaints! Everyone had smiles and it made me ... feel comfortable. My son is on the spectrum and they handled him with so much grace and care.
- Sep. 10, 2024
I have been going here for several years. The staff is polite and professional. Also, I enjoy my vis... it with Dr. Linderer.
- Jul. 25, 2024
Amazing service and wonderful staff!
- Mar. 26, 2024
Wow!! What an amazing place! Every single person there was so kind, so helpful, and had a positive p... ersonality. BEST experience I have ever had at the eye doctor! I don't often leave reviews, but these guys deserve more than 5 stars!
- Mar. 03, 2024
Very friendly, extremely efficient and knowledgeable!!! I would recommend anyone needing glasses or ... eye exam to check it out. I will be going back!!!
- Nov. 20, 2023
I am visiting from Dallas for the CHIEFS/eagles game and forgot my contact lenses! I had my Rx email... ed to me and they gave me some contacts! Total lifesavers! True compassionate customer service. If I lived in the area…I would definitely use Advanced Eyecare- Raytown. Thank you guys so much for saving me! Go CHIEFS!
- Aug. 31, 2023
I've been going to Advance EyeCare for years, since I was 18. I'm 28 now. Each Doctor has provided e... xceptional care. The Staff has always been friendly and I appreciate how effecient they are while never skimping on their quality of care. I would always recommend.
- Jul. 28, 2023
I recently switched optometrists and couldn’t be happier with advanced eye care in Raytown. Everyo... ne in the office, from Dr. Katie, Ebony, and front desk staff, is so kind, informative, helpful. Truly top notch care. Highly recommend!
- Jun. 14, 2023
Was referred here by my girlfriend and was not disappointed. Everyone was so nice and helpful. Jessi... ca at the front desk was so sweet and Ebony was very helpful and honest helping me pick out a pair of glasses that looked right on my face. Great experience!
- Mar. 06, 2023
I am so in love with this doctor Miss Julie who helped my son 10 years old calm down so we can get e... ye drops he was very nervous she was very accommodating nice and friendly and child friendly and I just love this place and I love her thank you so much advance eyecare
- Jan. 31, 2023
I've been to several different places. This is by FAR the best. The are ALL so informative and they ... make you feel incredibly comfortable. I'll never go to another eyecare while I'm I'm this area!!
- Nov. 10, 2022
Excellent customer service! Everyone is so awesome!!
- Sep. 01, 2022
A great experience! From the time I walked through the door until I left. Each person was so attenti... ve and caring. Dr. Julie in two words. AWESOME and THOROUGH! Love this place.
- Feb. 15, 2022
From the moment I walked in, I felt very comfortable. The Staff is friendly, full of smiles and Grea... t Service. Dr. Julie Absolutely Amazing!!! 💯 This place is "Life Changing" ...... They take the time to make sure your Eyewear is CORRECT! #1, HIGHLY RECOMMEND this place. Thank you So much advance eyecare, it's been years since I have felt so at ease. Recently bought more Eyewear and I TRULY must say Advanced Eyecare has a Customer for Life!! I'll be with them a year in January 🥰❤️🥰
- Nov. 12, 2021
I can never say enough good things about this office! I have been going to the eye doctor for over ... 40 years. Dr. Krause is the bomb! I have never had anyone sit and explain every detail with plastic eyeball parts and pictures and diagrams and internet information like she does. They are consistently courteous! They have gotten me in ASAP when we felt like it was an emergency with my retina history. LOVE it here!!
- Oct. 04, 2021
It had been a while since I went to an eye place with such courtesy, I love the attention I received... and the professionalism.
- Jul. 22, 2021
Hi Rusty, and office staff too. Great place, knowledgeable, professional, but very cordial. Everythi... ng posted about this office is true. Amazing experience, love my glasses too! 🤓
- Jul. 20, 2021
Dr Julie is the bomb! She really cared I left with the right products to fit my needs. Rusty is supe... r lovely- very customer focused, so sweet and very good at communicating everything. FIVE star service all around! Highly recommend!
- Jun. 16, 2021
Dr. Julie is awesome! She was pleasant, personable, thorough, and patient with all of my questions a... nd concerns. She is an exemplary healthcare provider, and I recommend her without reservation.
- Mar. 04, 2021
Excellent service, super nice staff, always takes extra special care and they’re very courteous. V... ery clean and cautious during the pandemic. They wait for you at the door, open the door for you so you don’t have to touch anything, they take your temp and give you antibacterial hand sanitizer before you come in and sit down. And they only scheduled people spread out so there was no more than two people in the waiting room at a time. They cleaned down all of their equipment while I was still there and right after I used it. I've been having a lot of problems with my vision, allergies, dry eyes amongst other things and they were very generous with different samples so I could try some drops and contacts out before they confirmed my prescription or before I would actually have to pay for it. They were waiting at the door when I was done open the door for me so I could walk out without having to touch it as well.

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Raytown

Our optometry practice in Raytown

Photograph of Aaron  Cheng
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
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
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  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(816) 353-1872