Macular Degeneration at Kennedy Vision Health Center

The compassionate team at Kennedy Vision Health Center is here to provide the in-depth care you need to slow the progression of macular degeneration and preserve your sight.

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What Is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is an eye disease that slowly degrades your central vision over time. This disease is caused by damage sustained by your macula, an important structure in the back of your eye. There is no cure for macular degeneration, so regular comprehensive eye exams are important for spotting AMD early, as they allow your doctor to create a detailed plan of action for the disease.

Signs & Progression of Macular Degeneration

During your routine eye exams, we’ll ask if you’re experiencing any vision related symptoms, learn about your lifestyle and health history, and assess any risk factors for AMD. Then, we’ll thoroughly inspect your inner eye and macula using our advanced technology to gather all the information we need to diagnose and monitor your macular degeneration.

Signs of macular degeneration

Signs of Macular Degeneration

During the early stages of its development, you may not notice any signs of AMD, which is why regular eye exams are so important. As the disease advances, you may experience blurry vision, blind spots in the center of your visual field, and distortion that makes straight lines appear wavy.

Man getting an eye exam for Macular Degeneration

Types of Macular Degeneration

There are two types of macular degeneration: dry (atrophic) and wet (neovascular or exudative), and both can threaten your vision. With dry AMD, fat clusters called drusen build up under the macula and cause it to start thinning, which leads to vision loss. Wet AMD occurs when blood vessels develop abnormally under the macula, causing fluid to leak into the retina.

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Risks of Macular Degeneration

While AMD can affect anyone as they age, there are several risk factors that can increase your chance of developing it. If you have a history of smoking, a diet that’s high in sugars and saturated fats, or certain health conditions like heart disease or high blood pressure, you may be at a higher risk for AMD. Always be sure to talk to your family and find out your medical history. This can be an imperative step in taking preventative measures for your eye health if it runs in the family.

Signs of Macular Degeneration

Signs of macular degeneration

Signs of Macular Degeneration

During the early stages of its development, you may not notice any signs of AMD, which is why regular eye exams are so important. As the disease advances, you may experience blurry vision, blind spots in the center of your visual field, and distortion that makes straight lines appear wavy.

Types of Macular Degeneration

Man getting an eye exam for Macular Degeneration

Types of Macular Degeneration

There are two types of macular degeneration: dry (atrophic) and wet (neovascular or exudative), and both can threaten your vision. With dry AMD, fat clusters called drusen build up under the macula and cause it to start thinning, which leads to vision loss. Wet AMD occurs when blood vessels develop abnormally under the macula, causing fluid to leak into the retina.

Risks of Macular Degeneration

Smiling couple

Risks of Macular Degeneration

While AMD can affect anyone as they age, there are several risk factors that can increase your chance of developing it. If you have a history of smoking, a diet that’s high in sugars and saturated fats, or certain health conditions like heart disease or high blood pressure, you may be at a higher risk for AMD.

Why Choose Kennedy Vision Health Center for Macular Degeneration Management?

Our experienced, passionate staff and family-centered approach to eye care is what sets Kennedy Vision Health Center apart from other practices. To diagnose your AMD more precisely, we’ve invested in the latest technology, like the Macular Pigment Optical Density test, which is one of the best ways to test for risk factors of AMD. Our diagnostics equipment allows us to thoroughly check your eyes for conditions like macular degeneration and helps us improve the comfort of your care.

Elderly man getting macular degeneration test

What Our Patients Are Saying

We’re thrilled to share our cherished patients’ positive experiences — read what they have to say about us!

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- Laurie H.

“This is a great place to go for eye care. Dr. Kennedy and the rest of the staff do a very thorough job of examining my eyes. They also offer the option to buy new prescription glasses and provide free eyeglass adjustments, which is very convenient. Everyone there is so nice. I definitely recommend going there.”
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- Brian H.

“I had been getting my eyes checked by Dr. Traverse for several years and have never had any problems. Dr. Traverse goes out of his way to make you feel welcome, and remembers each of his patients, and shows genuine interest. He explains everything so it is easy to understand. I will miss going to Dr. Traverse. The only reason I am leaving is because I moved out of state. I hope I can find an eye doctor as good as Dr. Taverse in my new hometown. Highly recommended!”
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- Erik M.

“I have worn glasses for 24 years and contacts for 15. Over the years I have had many eye doctors but my experience at Kennedy Vision Health Center in Plymouth was the best I have ever had. Dr. Kennedy was outstanding and made changes to my prescription and asked questions no other eye doctor has before and I am seeing better than ever. The staff was extremely helpful in finding me new eye glasses and sunglasses as well. I cannot wait until they come in. Overall great experience and would recommend to anyone.”
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- Bonnie R.

“I have been trusting Dr Kennedy for decades with my eye care. Even when I moved to Baldwin WI, I still travel across the cities to his office in Plymouth, MN. He is well worth the trip every time!”
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- Mary P.

“Dr. Kennedy and his staff are wonderful. They are vey thorough and always explain what tests they are doing and why they are doing them. Not only do they address my current issues but provide information to help me keep my eyes as healthy as possible going forward.”
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- Gordy S.

“Check-in with new insurance was expedient. Allison & Dr. B did a great job on the exam and explaining my results. Thank-you!”