Eye Disease Diagnosis & Management in Knoxville

Karns Vision

Early Detection is Key to Protecting Your Vision

Routine eye exams are essential for detecting and managing serious eye diseases before they lead to permanent vision loss. At Karns Vision Center, we use advanced diagnostic technology to screen for conditions like glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration. Our comprehensive approach ensures that we catch potential problems early when treatment is most effective.

Many eye diseases develop without noticeable symptoms, making early detection critical. By catching signs of disease early, we can help slow progression and protect your long-term vision. The National Eye Institute emphasizes that regular comprehensive dilated eye examinations are your best defense against serious vision loss, and our experienced eye doctor team is committed to providing the thorough care you need.

📅 Schedule your comprehensive eye exam today!

Diabetic Eye Disease Management

Protecting Your Eyes from Diabetes-Related Vision Loss

People with diabetes are at higher risk for vision-threatening conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema (DME). Both conditions can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the retinal blood vessels
May cause blurred vision, floaters, or dark spots
Can progress silently without symptoms until vision is significantly affected
Advanced stages may involve abnormal new blood vessels that can cause serious vision loss

Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)

A condition where fluid accumulates in the macula, impacting central vision
Affects the ability to read, recognize faces, and drive
Early intervention is crucial to prevent vision loss
Can occur alongside diabetic retinopathy, compounding vision problems

Regular diabetic eye exams help detect early signs of damage and allow for timely treatment to preserve vision. Our complete eye exam includes specialized testing to monitor the health of your blood vessels and detect any changes that might indicate developing problems.

📞 Call us today to schedule your diabetic eye exam!

Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Sight

Understanding & Managing Glaucoma Before It’s Too Late

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that cause optic nerve damage, often due to high intraocular pressure (IOP).

If untreated, glaucoma can lead to irreversible blindness, typically affecting peripheral vision first before progressing to more serious vision loss that can impact central vision as well.

Types of Glaucoma:

Open-Angle Glaucoma: The most common type, caused by fluid buildup, gradually increasing pressure in the eye
Angle-Closure Glaucoma: A medical emergency caused by a sudden blockage of the eye’s drainage system
Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Damage to the optic nerve despite normal eye pressure levels

Glaucoma Risk Factors:

Family history of glaucoma
High intraocular pressure (IOP)
Diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease
Previous eye injuries
Age, particularly over 60

Since glaucoma can develop without noticeable symptoms, regular pressure testing and optic nerve assessments are essential for early detection.

👁️ Concerned about glaucoma? Schedule an eye exam today!

Cataracts: Clouded Vision, Clear Solutions

Recognizing & Treating Cataracts for Improved Vision

Cataracts develop when the eye’s natural lens becomes clouded, leading to blurred or dull vision. While common with aging, cataracts can also result from injury, medications, or diabetes.

Signs of Cataracts:

Cloudy or blurred vision that worsens over time
Increased sensitivity to light and glare
Halos around lights, particularly at night
Difficulty seeing at night or in low-light conditions
Colors appearing faded or yellowed

Treatment Options:

Early Stages: Prescription glasses may help improve vision.
Advanced Cataracts: Cataract surgery is a safe and effective option to restore clarity.

Cataract surgery is highly successful, providing clearer, sharper vision for millions of people each year.

👓 Noticing changes in your vision? Talk to our team about cataract screening!

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Protecting Your Central Vision

Protecting Your Central Vision Through Expert AMD Screening

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. This condition makes tasks like reading, recognizing faces, and driving difficult, significantly impacting quality of life. Regular AMD screening is crucial for early detection and management of this common eye disease.

Types of AMD:

Dry Macular Degeneration: The most common type, caused by thinning macular tissue and gradual vision loss
Wet Macular Degeneration: A more severe form where abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak fluid into the macula

Symptoms of AMD:

Distorted or wavy lines in central vision
Blurred vision or dark spots in the center of vision
Loss of color vibrancy and contrast sensitivity
Difficulty with detailed tasks like reading or sewing

Risk Factors for Developing Macular Degeneration:

Age (most common after 60)
Family history of related macular degeneration AMD
Smoking and cardiovascular disease
High blood pressure and poor circulation
Prolonged sun exposure without protection

While there is no cure for AMD, early detection through comprehensive dilated eye examination and specialized testing like optical coherence tomography can help slow its progression. Our advanced diagnostic equipment allows us to detect even subtle changes in your macula before you notice symptoms.

🛑 Protect your vision with regular AMD screenings – schedule an exam today!

Advanced Diagnostic Technology for Comprehensive Eye Care

State-of-the-Art Testing for Early Disease Detection

At Karns Vision Center, we utilize cutting-edge diagnostic technology to provide thorough eye disease evaluation and management. Our comprehensive approach goes beyond basic vision testing to examine the health of all eye structures, ensuring we detect problems in their earliest stages when treatment is most effective.

Our Advanced Diagnostic Services Include:

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Provides detailed cross-sectional images of the retina, allowing us to detect macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic eye disease changes with remarkable precision
Comprehensive Dilated Eye Examination: Essential for evaluating the optic nerve, blood vessels, and peripheral vision, particularly important for detecting glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy
Digital Retinal Photography: Captures detailed images of your retina to monitor changes over time and detect abnormal blood vessels or other concerning features
Visual Field Testing: Measures your peripheral vision to detect glaucoma-related vision loss and monitor progression

These advanced diagnostic tools allow us to detect eye diseases often years before symptoms develop, giving us the opportunity to begin treatment early and preserve your remaining vision. Regular comprehensive testing is particularly important if you have risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease.

Our dilated eye examination process is comfortable and thorough, providing us with the detailed information needed to develop personalized treatment plans. Whether we’re monitoring existing conditions or screening for new problems, our goal is always to help you maintain the best possible vision throughout your life.

Living with Eye Disease: Vision Rehabilitation and Support

Maximizing Your Remaining Vision and Quality of Life

When eye disease does cause vision changes, our approach extends beyond medical treatment to include vision rehabilitation and practical support. We understand that adjusting to vision changes can be challenging, and we’re committed to helping you maintain your independence and quality of life regardless of your visual limitations.

Our Comprehensive Support Includes:

Low Vision Assessment: Evaluation of your remaining vision to determine the best strategies for daily activities
Adaptive Device Recommendations: Guidance on magnifiers, special lighting, and other tools that can help you continue enjoying reading, hobbies, and daily tasks
Lifestyle Modification Strategies: Practical advice for home safety, lighting improvements, and task modifications
Coordination with Vision Rehabilitation Services: Referrals to specialists who can provide additional training and support

For patients with conditions like wet AMD or advanced glaucoma, we work closely with retinal specialists and other eye care professionals to ensure you receive comprehensive treatment. Our goal is not just to treat the eye disease, but to help you adapt successfully to any vision changes while maintaining your independence and enjoyment of life.

We also provide ongoing education about your condition, helping you understand what to expect and how to monitor for changes that might indicate disease progression. Regular follow-up examinations allow us to adjust treatment plans as needed and ensure you’re receiving the most current and effective care available.

Why Choose Karns Vision Center?

Expert Eye Disease Management in Knoxville

At Karns Vision Center, we use advanced technology and personalized care to diagnose and manage a wide range of eye diseases. Our team is committed to providing comprehensive screenings, early detection, and tailored treatment plans to help preserve your vision.