Macular Degeneration

Dry macular degeneration is a serious condition of the eye that causes vision loss in your direct line of sight. It occurs when your macula starts to thin, which causes the vision issue. Over time, dry macular degeneration can progress to wet macular degeneration, which causes blood vessels to form under the retina and then start to leak. Unfortunately, there is no cure for macular degeneration; however, our team at Karns Vision Center in Knoxville can create a treatment plan to slow the progression of the disease.

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Risk Factors For Macular Degeneration

Certain risk factors can increase your chance of developing this condition. These include:

  • Age: This condition is most common in people over 60.
  • Family history: If a family member has macular degeneration, your chances of getting it increase.
  • Race: Macular degeneration is more common in Caucasians than any other race.
  • Obesity: Studies have shown that macular degeneration is common in people who are obese.
  • Smoking: Being a smoker can increase your risk. The same is true if you are regularly exposed to second-hand smoke.
  • Heart disease: Any disease that affects the blood vessels or heart can increase your risk.

Symptoms of Macular Degeneration

In the early stages, macular degeneration shows no signs or symptoms. As the disease progresses, you may begin to experience the following:

  • Distorted vision, such as seeing straight lines as bent.
  • Needing brighter lights while reading or doing closeup work.
  • Trouble adapting to low-level lights.
  • Reduced central vision.
  • Seeing printed words blurry.
  • Seeing colors less brightly.
  • Trouble recognizing faces.
  • Blurry or blind spots in your central vision.
  • Vision loss

Treating Macular Degeneration

There is no cure for macular degeneration. Our eye doctors can prescribe vitamin supplements that are designed to slow the progression of the disease. We will also suggest that you start eating a healthy diet, and if you are a smoker, you should quit. As your vision loss worsens, our optometrist can provide you with low-vision aids that can help you see better and improve your quality of life.

Eye Care in Knoxville, TN

Because macular degeneration shows no early symptoms, it is essential that you schedule annual visits at Karns Vision Center. Our doctors of optometry can catch the condition early and create a plan to slow the progression of the condition. To schedule an appointment, give us a call today at (865) 247-7715.

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