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 Overland Park Eye Center today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Rosana Square Shopping Center

Our optometry practice in Rosana Square Shopping Center

Photograph of Joe  Schwerdtfeger
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Superior Vision
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross

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 Overland Park Eye Center today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
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104 Reviews
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- Feb. 22, 2024
Dr Joe and his staff are very friendly and professional. My eye exam was done right on time, one of... the assistants helped me pick out my glasses & sunglasses, and I was in and out of the office in under an hour. They texted me about a week later when they were ready and I absolutely LOVE both pair of glasses. I will continue to use Dr Joe as my optometrist.
- Feb. 01, 2024
See the Clarity Clearly with Eye Associates Top notch staff and doctors with huge selection of frame... s. Stopped many a time to get adjustments on frames or help with my contacts
- Jan. 29, 2024
Everyone was very friendly and helpful. Dr. Joe gave the right prescription for my new contacts and ... glasses. I will definitely be going back the next time when needing an eye exam highly recommend Overland Park Eye Center.
- Jan. 06, 2024
Everything about Overland Park Eye Center is perfect! I can’t think of anything that they could d... o differently that would increase the value of the services they provide to patients and customers. Over the years I have worked with or interacted with everyone who works there, and they are all friendly, competent, and helpful. They are very responsive to calls, messages, and questions. They have a great selection of eye classes, but do not pressure you to buy your glasses there after an eye exam. Even if they are busy when I go in, I always feel like I get the attention I need, and because their office runs efficiently, I never feel like I’m having my time wasted. Communication is top notice. I love this place!
- Jan. 06, 2024
Great customer svc.
- Dec. 24, 2023
Outstanding doctor and crew
- Dec. 07, 2023
Dr. Joe is absolutely amazing - he is attentive, extremely knowledgeable and has an excellent bedsid... e manner! I have been seeing him for over 20 years and would never go any place else!
- Dec. 04, 2023
I have been a patient here for a number of years. The staff is very professional and very kind!
- Oct. 30, 2023
Great place, great staff! Dr Pierce is very attentive and professional.
- Oct. 22, 2023
Professional, caring and quick turn around on my order. Appreciated the assistance in searching for ... the right frames for my face and improved vision.
- Aug. 25, 2023
I’ve been going to Dr. Joe for nearly 20 years, and will keep going here until he retires.
- Jul. 29, 2023
Kristin converted me back to where my eyes were 40 years ago its a miracle no contacts or glasses an... ymore!
- Jun. 20, 2023
Awesome services
- Jun. 10, 2023
Great staff
- May. 20, 2023
Great experience with Dr. Pierce! Scheduling an appointment online was easy and quick. I was able to... get in very quickly. The staff was friendly and efficient. An all around great experience!
- Jan. 25, 2023
Just the best!
- Jan. 13, 2023
I have a new situation developing with my eyes, and Dr. Pierce took the time to fully explain and an... swer all my questions. Much appreciated.
- Jan. 04, 2023
Dr. Joe and the staff are amazing. They are always so helpful and welcoming. Plus they get you in an... d out in a timely manner.
- Dec. 30, 2022
Dr Joe and Dr Pierce are thoughtful and thorough. I have been coming here for years and they allway... s do a great job getting my prescription right. They are not pushy and everyone is very friendly. Highly recommend. They also added online appt booking which is very convenient
- Dec. 20, 2022
Dr Joe is awesome.

View All 104 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.

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