senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(314) 351-4991

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 Chippewa Eye Centre today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

(314) 351-4991


Macular Degeneration Treatment in St. Louis Hills

Our optometry practice in St. Louis Hills

Photograph of Scott  Burks
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • Metlife

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 Chippewa Eye Centre today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
4.3
15 Reviews
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- Sep. 15, 2023
First time coming here and all I can say is everyone was great, Dr was super nice. Recommend to anyo... ne
- Feb. 18, 2023
Do not be fooled by other discounts and gimmicks from other places. This is the real deal; professio... nal and knowledgeable. Shout-out to Sharon! I will be back, and I'm bringing friends and family!
- Apr. 03, 2022
Optometrist was great didn't oversell anything addressed all of my concerns
- Feb. 16, 2022
New patient process was absolutely seamless. Everyone in this office is so nice and personable. They... were great at handling every step of the appointment with no friction, explaining everything as they went. I was able to get my exam, pick out frames, handle costs/insurance questions, and complete extra testing with no hiccups. I highly recommend this office and will continue to visit for any future eye care needs I have!
- Oct. 02, 2020
Always awesome and very friendly staff.
- Jan. 07, 2017
Dr. Bernier is the best. I have seen opthalmologists and optometrists in 5 states: NY, PA, IA, KS an... d MO. Because of a congenital eye condition, I have worn glasses since age 2. I was first examined by Dr. Bernier while he was volunteering at the Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired. In all my years of getting fitted with the proper prescription, I had never had a doctor who made that process seen calm and unhurried. Not only that, but the prescription was significantly better than any I had ever had. I was curious to see if Dr. Bernier would take the same calm unhurried approach while in his own practice. Well, I can assure you that he does. I have been a very satisfied customer for 20+ years and have not been shy about recommending his services to others. Dr. Bernier--and all of his staff-- give customer first care from the moment you enter the door.
- Jan. 30, 2016
He was very efficient. Not only was he knowledgeable with the questions but he was friendly while wo... rking.
- Jan. 16, 2016
I always have a great experience at Chippewa. Dr. Bernier very intelligent and goes above and beyond... for his patients. The staff are all super friendly and knowledgeable about what they are doing. I know I'm always getting a great experience and product here and thats what keeps me coming back!

View All 15 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.

(314) 351-4991