Macular Degeneration Care FAQ's from Our Leawood Optometrist

At Vision Professionals of Leawood, our optometrist offers skilled diagnosis, treatment, and management for any number of eye conditions and diseases—including macular degeneration. This serious eye disease occurs when the center of the retina in one or both eyes (known as the macula) gradually deteriorates over time. If left untreated, this disease can, unfortunately lead to permanent vision loss.

Frequently Asked Questions About Macular Degeneration

For your convenience, our eye care team has taken the time to put together a list of answers to some of our most commonly asked questions about macular degeneration.

What Causes Macular Degeneration?

The deterioration of the macula is usually caused by fatty deposits that form underneath the retinas, though it is not always certain why these deposits form in the first place. Because most of the people who are affected by this eye disease fall into the 41-60 age category, it is believed that age can be a significant risk factor, but not necessarily a direct cause.

What are the Most Common Symptoms of Macular Degeneration?

Specific symptoms can vary from one patient to the next, but blurry vision is one of the most common complaints among those with macular degeneration. Some people may also have odd vision issues, such as perceiving straight lines as being blurry or curved. Others may also experience difficulty seeing in dim light or may see unexplained "spots" in their vision.

How is Macular Degeneration Diagnosed?

If you experience any signs of macular degeneration, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with our eye care team as soon as possible. Macular degeneration is easy to diagnose through the use of a comprehensive eye and vision exam here in our office.

What are the Treatment Options for Macular Degeneration?

Recommended treatments for macular degeneration can vary depending on the severity of the disease, though in some cases, medications (like blood vessel inhibitors) can be effective in preventing the disease from worsening. In more serious cases, laser surgery may be required.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Leawood Optometry Team Today

If you'd like to schedule an appointment with our Leawood optometry team or have additional questions about macular degeneration that weren't answered above, feel free to contact our office at your convenience. You can reach Vision Professionals of Leawood by giving us a call at (918) 239-9446.