Macular Degeneration Treatment in Lebanon, MO

Macular degeneration is a very serious condition of the eye that affects people over the age of 50. The condition causes the macula to become thin, which results in vision problems. The symptoms come on very gradually, showing no symptoms at first. This is why annual eye exams with Butler Eyecare are essential.

Who Is At Risk For Macular Degeneration?

Although anyone can develop macular degeneration, certain factors can increase your risk of developing this condition.

• Age: This condition affects people over the age of 50.
• Family history: If you have a family history of macular degeneration, your chances of developing it increases.
• Obesity: According to studies, obesity can cause the condition to progress very quickly.
• Smoking: Smoking can significantly increase your risk of developing this condition.
• Heart disease: Diseases that affect your heart and blood vessels increase your risk of developing macular degeneration.

What Are the Symptoms Of Macular Degeneration?

The symptoms of this condition occur very gradually. As the disease progresses, the symptoms worsen. They include:

• Visual disturbances, such as seeing straight lines as bent lines
• Loss of central vision
• Trouble adapting to low lights
• Needing brighter lights to do closeup work
• Decreased brightness of colors
• Blurriness when reading
• Difficulty recognizing faces

How Is Macular Degeneration Diagnosed?

This condition can be diagnosed during your annual eye exam. During your eye exam, your eye doctor will dilate your eyes to get a good look. If they discover yellow deposits known as drusen under the retina. If there are drusen present, your eye doctor will run further tests.

• Amsler grid test: This test is designed to test for defects in your central vision. If you see the lines in the grid that look broken, distorted, or faded, you could have this condition.
• Fluorescein angiography: During this test, your eye doctor will inject dye into your arm, and take photos of your eye. The dye will show any retinal changes or abnormal blood vessels.
• Optical coherence tomography: This imaging test creates a cross-sectional image of the retina. It will let your eye doctor know if your retina is thinning, thickening, or swelling.

How Is Macular Degeneration Treated?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for macular degeneration. You can take vitamin supplements, eat properly, and quit smoking, but this will only slow the progression of the disease. When you have lost enough vision, and your eyeglasses are no longer effective, your optometrist can suggest low vision aids. These aids can help you see better and function independently.

Call Butler Eyecare in Lebanon Today!

It is essential to the health of your eyes and your vision to schedule annual eye exams with our doctors of optometry at Butler Eyecare in Lebanon. We can diagnose macular degeneration and other diseases of the eye early. When these conditions are diagnosed early, we can create a treatment plan to preserve your vision for as long as possible. To schedule an appointment, give us a call today.