senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(816) 322-1872

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 - Raymore 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 - Raymore 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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116 Reviews
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- Mar. 07, 2024
I have been with this clinic for four years. I have been happy with service and atmosphere. Has been... beautiful. They explain to you every step in the process. Thank you all from the receptionist to the optometrist. Thank you.
- May. 05, 2022
Love this place! I usually go to Americas Best but I had my first appointment here today and they ac... tually took their time to get my vision in check, whereas Americas Best did not. Dr. Harter was very patient with me and found the best prescription for my eyes. I literally can see so much better now! Definitely going to keep coming back here.
- Jul. 01, 2021
Everyone was absolutely wonderful. Our optometrist was extremely through & she even got my husband i... nto an ophthalmologist at a different office just so he could be treated quickly. Can't thank her enough!
- Dec. 11, 2020
10 out of 10! Very Friendly and professional staff! The staff was amazing from check in, to doctor v... isit, to picking out glasses! Very helpful and very informative! Totally recommend!
- Mar. 23, 2020
Dr. Pachy was so great and informative. She really helped explain what was going on with me and i wi... ll continue to come here. The other staff were nice and quick with getting me checked in and on my way.
- Feb. 13, 2020
The staff and Dr are extremely professional and welcoming with every visit. I appreciate the care an... d time they take with every client that visits.
- Jan. 24, 2020
I'm very pleased with my visit. They were very helpful and much more reasonably priced than the las... t place I went to.
- Jan. 24, 2020
Dr. Harter is great, The staff is always very friendly and helpful. They also have a good selectio... n of glasses to choose from. I would highly recommend Advanced Eyecare in Raymore.
- Jan. 17, 2020
Great technoligy eye exams; beautiful office facilities; many styles and brands to choose from; Grea... t, friendly customer service. I highly recommend this location for alk you necessary eyecare needs.
- Jan. 10, 2020
Great experience. All staff was very helpful with choosing a pair of frames. Helpful ideas on ways t... o purchase a pair of glasses.
- Jan. 09, 2020
I’ve been going to Advanced Eye Care for 2 yrs.Dr. Harter is so patient and answered any questions... we had, Jill,Erica,and Laura was very professional and helpful when it came to picking out eyeglass frames. Very highly recommend!!!!!!
- Jan. 07, 2020
Dr. Pachy diagnosed me with rare degenerative eye disease, something that could have been devastatin... g and something that others have missed in the past. She explained it so thoroughly and with such compassion, making sure I understood my options and has monitored my progress. And Laura helped me find the cutest frames! Highly recommend!
- Jan. 07, 2020
Easy to work with and good understanding of my eye needs.
- Dec. 28, 2019
Great experience & friendly staff! Very helpful in picking out glasses. Learned about different op... tions for nose pieces we never knew about! Highly recommend!
- Dec. 17, 2019
This office is amazing. Its always clean and the employees are very professional. Best vision office... around by far.
- Dec. 17, 2019
Super nice staff and doctors. They are very patient and very helpful!
- Dec. 11, 2019
My kids felt comfortable, all staff were kind and friendly and Dr. Answered all my questions. I will... definitely recommend them.
- Dec. 07, 2019
Always super kind here and the soccer doctor rocks!!
- Dec. 05, 2019
Professional, courteous and right on time. Examination w/ optional digital imaging provide excellent... baseline & impressive Dr. Lafreniere OD, FAAO explained very understandably, thank you 👁
- Dec. 05, 2019
I really appreciated the help from all the staff at Advanced Eyecare. They were very helpful with g... oing from always wearing contacts to getting fitted for glasses this time.

View All 116 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Raymore

Our optometry practice in Raymore

Photograph of Lauren  Bozsa
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(816) 322-1872