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 International Eyecare Center - Centerville today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Centerville

Our optometry practice in Centerville

Photograph of Daniel  Alletto
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 3rd Saturday by appointment only.
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Aetna
  • Anthem
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • Medicaid
  • MetLife
  • National Vision Administration (NVA)

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 - Centerville today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
4.7
154 Reviews
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- Dec. 19, 2023
Wonderful exam and glasses purchasing experience. Would recommend to anyone and will be back in the ... future.
- Dec. 01, 2023
Everyone was very helpful and polite.
- Oct. 07, 2023
I was and done quickly.
- Aug. 14, 2023
Friendly welcoming staff and Dr. Guinn was very thorough and professional. Could use better magazine... s for the short time spent in the waiting room.
- Jun. 15, 2023
Great Doctor, great staff. Very reassuring that my retina was ok. Very friendly, very calming. Expla... ined everything in terms I can understand.
- Jun. 12, 2023
Very Caring Staff and well experienced as well as the Dr. very welcoming and takes care of my eyes a... s good as I can expect. My glasses are very awesome. Thank you IEC for being in Centerville, Iowa
- Jun. 10, 2023
Awesome staff!!
- Jun. 07, 2023
The staff and Dr. Alletto were very helpful and explained the exam and results in a way I could easi... ly understand! Thanks for a great first experience with an eye exam!
- May. 13, 2023
Fast friendly, very professional and detailed evaluation.
- May. 02, 2023
Great doctor, staff and quick exam time in and out under 30 minutes.
- Apr. 11, 2023
They are wonderful!!!
- Apr. 06, 2023
My new glasses that they helped me find in the beginning of new glasses search I so wasn't looking f... or these I was looking for something with smaller frames. But ended up loving these
- Mar. 25, 2023
Great Staff!! Highly recommend!!
- Mar. 22, 2023
Great staff! Very wonderful and friendly place. Would highly recommend to everyone especially if you... want fast appointments and accurate answers
- Mar. 21, 2023
great people
- Feb. 08, 2023
Great experience at IEC in Centerville, IA. Wonderful staff! Very helpful and friendly! Dr Daniel Al... letto is a great well educated doctor! They have state of the art equipment to test your eyes. We love going there!
- Nov. 30, 2022
Great staff friendly and informative.
- Oct. 09, 2022
I love the staff and the doctor. Everyone is very friendly and attentive to any need I may have. I h... ave never had a negative experience in all the years I've been going to IEC.
- Oct. 01, 2022
Friendly professional service
- Sep. 12, 2022
I highly recommend IEC in Centerville, Iowa. Friendly staff & Dr Alletto is a great doctor. I have... beautiful glasses and I can see so much better. Wonderful experience!

View All 154 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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