senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(573) 248-1616

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 International Eyecare Center - Hannibal 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 International Eyecare Center - Hannibal 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
4.7
400 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Nov. 28, 2024
Staff were helpful and explained everything, as well as kind and caring. Dr. Mueller was very friend... ly and open. All in all, a really good experience! It didn't feel like going to the doctor at all!
- Oct. 26, 2024
I love IEC because they treat me like family and are very knowledgeable in their field! Dr. Daack i... s the best!
- Oct. 24, 2024
Hands down best and easiest time I have ever had getting an eye exam. Everyone was super friendly a... nd helpful. Appreciate the fact they were fast and respectful of my time.
- Oct. 16, 2024
The doctor and staff are super friendly and helpful and it is a pleasant experience every time I go ... to the eye doctor.
- Oct. 07, 2024
Great people here.
- Aug. 28, 2024
Excellent eye care faculty. From scheduling an appointment, to picking out frames everyone is very p... rofessional, yet friendly and understanding of each patients different needs. Dr. Daack not only treats you for your eye care needs but truly gets to know you and ask about major life events that are currently happening. This makes you feel as part of their family not just another patient. Highly recommend Dr. Daack and IEC.
- Aug. 23, 2024
Absolutely hands down the best of the best of the best years man!!!! Especially my personal favorite... s Chandra eye tech and of course Dr. Kenneth Mueller. Thanx to y'all for everything u all do. I really appreciate it ALL!!
- Aug. 08, 2024
Great place. Friendly and knowledgeable staff and doctors.! Many test done in office on your first v... isit. Totally compressive care. It's the place to go! Check it out for yourself.
- Aug. 04, 2024
I love international eye care except one receptionist I think her name is renea or Rhonda she's rude... and mean
- Jul. 03, 2024
Very nice staff, great doctor
- Jul. 01, 2024
All staff was wonderful and made me feel comfortable! I would recommend IEC to everyone. We have bee... n going for years.
- Jun. 23, 2024
The staff is friendly and helpful.
- Jun. 21, 2024
excellent and caring staff and Kent Mueller is the best!!
- Jun. 20, 2024
Great experience .. and love my glasses..
- Jun. 17, 2024
they are great place i take my yungest there and my oldest daughter and grandbabies even go it great...
- May. 26, 2024
I was very pleased with the eye exam I received the lady who helped me pick out glasses was very car... ing and making sure that I got the right glasses for me and that I was getting the best price for my glasses
- May. 18, 2024
Getting an appointment is easy. They are friendly, caring, understanding, knowledgeable, all around ... just a very pleasant place and employees.
- May. 14, 2024
Best overall team out there for eye care !!
- May. 06, 2024
Hannibal IEC is Great with children
- Apr. 11, 2024
Dr. Mueller is top notch, cares about his patients, very pleasant.

View All 400 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Hannibal

Our optometry practice in Hannibal

Photograph of Calvin  Daack
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday By appointment only
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Aetna
  • Anthem
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • Medicare
  • Medicaid
  • MetLife
  • Spectera
  • United Healthcare
  • VSP

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(573) 248-1616