Age-Related Macular Degeneration | FAQs with Dr. Adam Carrera

Baptist Eye Surgeons • March 15, 2021

Recently, Dr. Adam Carrera answered patients’ questions about age-related macular degeneration on an Ask Me Anything session that we premiered on our Facebook page! We’ve written down the answers that he provided to your questions so you can reference them at any time.

What is age-related macular degeneration?

There are two main types of macular degeneration — dry and wet. As the name implies, it involves aage-related macular degeneration treatmentbreakdown or degeneration of the layers in the back of the eye where the retina is, as well as the cells that make that up. It also involves deposits of a protein called “drusen” that collects within the macula.

Dr. Carrera explained that the macula is where you get your central vision . To understand central vision, imagine that you’re looking at the face of a clock. Central vision would be the center of the clock while the numbers and hands would be your peripheral vision. Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD for short, causes central vision loss.

Dry macular degeneration is far and away the most common form of AMD. 80-85% of patients have dry AMD, but severe vision loss doesn’t usually occur until much more advanced stages. Wet AMD , or exudative AMD , is when patients grow blood vessels beneath the retina, resulting in bleeding and scarring. Wet AMD is rarer but associated with more severe vision loss.  

How do I know if I’m at risk for AMD?

There are a lot of risk factors associated with AMD. As the name implies, people further along in life are at higher risk for the disease. People around the age of 75 have a 3x higher risk of developing AMD than someone in their mid-60s. 

Smoking is a big risk factor, but one that you can avoid. It can give you a two-fold risk of worse vision and developing macular degeneration. According to Dr. Carrera, it’s best to quit smoking if you already do or never starting to begin with.

Family history is another important indicator of developing AMD. You are at much greater risk if you have parents, grandparents, or aunts and uncles that have also had age-related macular degeneration.

Other risk factors include:

  • Being female
  • Being caucasian
  • Having high cholesterol
  • Having hypertension/high blood pressure
  • Being obese
  • Being farsighted
  • Having light-colored eyes

What are the treatment options for AMD?

Unfortunately, there currently isn’t a cure for AMD, but treatment options are available. When it comes to treatment options, Dr. Carrera says that it will depend on the type of AMD that you have and how far it’s progressed. Your eye doctor will use these factors to determine which treatment is best for you, which may include:

  • A regimen of antioxidant vitamins
  • Laser therapy
  • Medication
  • Surgery
  • Low-vision aids
  • Retinal translocation

What can you do if you’re genetically more likely to develop AMD?

Based on our current understanding of AMD, there are some genes that have been targeted that have indicated a higher likelihood of developing it. Therapies are being researched that can potentially target patients with a higher risk due to family history. This is still an evolving research field and not a lot is known about what it will involve.

Mutations or genetic predisposition doesn’t necessarily mean you’re guaranteed to develop AMD. However, it does mean that it’s something you should be aware of as you get older. Start following that around the age of 50 with comprehensive eye exams. Your eye doctor will want to follow up every year or two years to keep a lookout for complications due to AMD.

It’s possible to have AMD without realizing it in the early stages. Dr. Carrera says that’s why it’s so important to be getting regular screenings early on to catch 

You can’t help your sex or your race, but you can definitely stop smoking. Some research has shown that smoking cessation decreases your risk and that 10 years of non-smoking reduces your risk to that of the average population.

Work with your primary doctor to control your blood pressure and cholesterol . Make sure to wear sunglasses to protect the back of your eyes from UV damage. It’s also important to eat a diet full of colorful veggies and leafy greens.

I’ve been diagnosed with macular degeneration recently. Besides vitamins, what can help slow its progression? I also have dry eyes and OTCs aren’t much help.

Let’s work our way through that scenario. If your doctor finds you have AMD then they may recommend eye vitamins depending on the stage and severity of the disease. These go by different brand names, but they’re based on the AREDS Studies which found that the right vitamins can slow AMD’s progression.

A lot of patients with dry AMD will be put on this treatment. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for AMD. Your main focus will be on vitamins and reducing risk factors like smoking, controlling blood pressure, lowering your cholesterol, and eating healthier. 

If a patient does develop blood vessels beneath the retina then they’ll need to see a retinal specialist or someone who manages that disease. They’ll administer medication via injection to help the abnormal blood vessels go away. This will resolve bleeding and other complications of wet AMD. Some providers may use a laser.

Dr. Carrera absolutely recommends the vitamins if your doctor has suggested them. He also strongly recommends reducing any factors you can control.

There are a lot of factors that can lead to dry eye . Talk to your healthcare provider first and have them evaluate your condition. There are other options besides over-the-counter treatment like medicated eye drops, so don’t lose hope there.

How much does eye surgery cost?

There are many different eye surgeries so it can be hard to give a specific number. Those numbers are always changing so it’s best to talk to your surgeon and see what they say. 

What are your recommendations for managing AMD?

According to Dr. Carrera, this will depend on the severity of your condition and the type you have. The more severe, the more often you’ll need to see your eye doctor. If you’re in the early stages then you may only need yearly follow-ups. Those with wet AMD will require closer observation, so it depends on a lot of variables. 

The most important thing is to be an advocate for yourself by monitoring your condition on your own time. One of the best things you can use is an Amsler grid. To use an Amsler grid:

  • Cover one eye once per day
  • Look at the grid
  • Look for any changes in your vision

This could be wavy lines, spots missing from the grid, parts of the grid becoming blurred just to name a few. This could indicate progressing from dry to wet AMD or another important change.

Are you concerned that you have ADM? Contact us today to schedule your comprehensive exam!  

Baptist Eye Surgeons is an ophthalmological practice in Knoxville, TN, and Morristown, TN. Give us a call at 865-579-3920 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Dry Eye & Allergies: How to Tell the Two Apart

October 29, 2026
Dry, itchy or watery eyes can make simple day to day activities quite uncomfortable, particularly if the symptoms are affecting your ability to read, work or enjoy time outside. The two most common causes of eye discomfort are dry eye disease and eye allergies. They can present in a very similar way so it's important to be able to differentiate between the two in order to know when you need to see an eye care professional. An eye examination at Baptist Eye Surgeons will help to establish the cause of your symptoms and will allow us to recommend the most appropriate treatment. What is the difference between dry eye and eye allergies? Dry eye disease is essentially the condition where your eyes either aren't producing enough tears or the tears produced are evaporating too quickly to adequately lubricate the surface of the eye. The result is typically irritation, redness, a gritty feeling and sometimes quite the opposite of what you'd expect in the form of excessive tearing. Eye allergies (allergic conjunctivitis) are basically your immune system reacting to an allergen (pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander etc). The result of that reaction is the release of histamine and other mediators which can lead to itching, redness and swelling. As both conditions may result in red, watery and uncomfortable eyes, it's important to be able to recognize the specific symptoms in order to get to the root of the problem and find relief. Dry Eye vs. Allergies: Common Symptoms to Watch For Although there is some overlap between the two conditions there are certain symptoms which may help you to tell them apart. 1. Itchy Eyes vs. Burning and Grittiness One of the most obvious differences is the kind of discomfort you're suffering. Eye allergies are very much associated with intense itching (to the point where you're constantly itching the eyes) and with swelling of the eyelids. Dry eye disease is more likely to cause a burning, stinging sensation (as if something is in your eye) or a gritty feeling. Your eyes will often feel tired and/or irritated, particularly after reading, working at a computer or being in an air conditioned environment. 2. Watery Eyes and Excessive Tearing Both dry eye and allergies can lead to watery eyes, just that the mechanism is different in each case. With dry eye disease, irritation can trigger a reflex which results in an overproduction of watery tears. These tears may well be in fact more of a problem than a solution as they won't provide the sustained lubrication that your eyes require. With allergies you often get watery eyes along with itching, redness and swelling of the eyelids. These can become quite apparent after exposure to pollen, dust and so on. 3. Seasonal Symptoms and Environmental Triggers The timing of your symptoms can be of some use in terms of giving you a clue. Eye allergies are a common problem and tend to be worse at certain times of year (particularly when pollen counts are high). They can also occur year-round if you're exposed to indoor allergens such as dust mites and pet dander. Dry eye symptoms can occur all year round and can be made worse in dry, windy or air conditioned environments. Lengthy screen time, ageing, certain medications and some medical conditions may all contribute to dry eye disease. 4. How Symptoms Affect Both Eyes Allergic conjunctivitis will typically affect both eyes and is very often associated with quite marked itching. Dry eye can also affect both eyes, though the symptoms may be quite different in the two eyes. Neither pattern alone is definitive for determining the cause of eye irritation. How Are Dry Eye and Eye Allergies Diagnosed? An eye exam enables your eye care professional to assess your symptoms, take your medical history and look for any signs of irritation or inflammation. Depending on your symptoms, the testing may look at tear production, tear quality, tear evaporation and the surface of the eye. Your eye care professional may also look at environmental triggers and other conditions which may be playing a part in your symptoms. Accurate diagnosis is important as dry eye and allergies can require different treatments and in some cases both can be present at the same time. How can you find relief from eye irritation? Treatment is dependent on the etiology of your symptoms. Artificial tears may be of some help in the relief of dry eye discomfort, allergy medication or antihistamine eye drops may be of benefit in the management of allergic symptoms. Your eye care professional will be in a position to advise you on the most appropriate options for you. Don't rub your eyes and consider minimizing exposure to any known irritants/allergens. If the symptoms continue, get worse or keep coming back then you should have an eye exam rather than just carrying on treating them without knowing the actual cause. Get prompt medical attention for severe eye pain, sudden change in vision, intense light sensitivity or severe redness. Protecting Your Eye Health Knowing the difference between dry eye and allergies can go a long way to helping you understand your symptoms and get to the root of the problem so that you can take appropriate steps to alleviate them. The issue is that the two conditions can present with such similar symptoms that a proper assessment by a professional is often the only way to work out which one you actually have. If you are experiencing persistent itching, burning, redness, or watery eyes, schedule an appointment with Baptist Eye Surgeons. An eye care professional can help identify the source of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan to support your comfort and long-term eye health. 

What to Expect During Your First Eye Exam: A Step-by-Step Guide

September 22, 2026
A thorough eye exam is an important part of keeping your vision healthy and protecting your eyes. If you are arranging for your first eye examination as an adult, if you are taking a child in for an evaluation, or if you have noticed any changes in your vision, knowing what to expect can help make the experience more comfortable. The eye exams carried out at Baptist Eye Surgeons not only check your vision but also look at your general eye health and spot any possible problems that might call for further investigation. What is the Importance of Eye Examinations? An eye examination does not merely enable one to find out if glasses or contact lenses are required. It lets an eye care professional assess how well your eyes are working and spot the signs of common eye conditions.  Some eye conditions can progress slowly without symptoms. Regular eye checkups can help detect changes earlier and make sure you receive appropriate treatment when needed. Step by step: The Process Involved in Having an Eye Examination Even though the different appointments may vary according to your particular needs, a typical full eye examination will involve a number of significant steps. 1. An Examination of Your Medical & Eye History Your appointment may start with questions about your vision, medical history, medications, any previous eye conditions, and your family history of eye disease. Be sure to report any changes in your vision, eye discomfort, headaches, or other concerns you have noticed. Your eye care professional may also ask about the glasses or contact lenses you currently use and how well they work for you. 2. Checking Your Vision A well-known part of an eye examination is the visual acuity test. You might be asked to read some letters or symbols from a chart at a set distance. This lets doctors assess how clearly you can see and decide whether corrective lenses would help. Further testing could assess your ability to see up close and the way well your eyes work together. 3. The Measurement of Eye Health & Function Your eye care professional might carry out a number of tests in order to assess the health and functioning of your eyes. The tests involved may vary depending on your age, symptoms, and risk factors and could include measuring eye pressure, examining eye movement and coordination, and looking at the structures at the front and back of the eye. They can help spot possible signs of eye disorders. 4. Discussing Your Results Your ophthalmologist will review the results with you after the examination. If your vision has changed, they may suggest new prescription lenses. If they spot an eye condition or another issue, they could recommend further testing, further monitoring, or treatment. It is also a good chance to ask questions regarding your eye health and the recommended follow-up care. What Should You do to Get Ready for your First Eye Examination? Having an eye examination usually involves nothing complicated. It is a good idea to take with you your present glasses or contact lens details and to be ready to give a list of any medications as well as any applicable medical or family history. Additionally, it might be helpful to remember any vision changes or symptoms you have had. Dilation may occur during the examination if certain tests are performed. After dilation has been advised, your vision might be temporarily blurred or more sensitive to light. Supporting Healthy Vision The initial eye examination is a valuable chance to determine a baseline for your eye health and understand your specific vision needs. Regular eye exams help monitor changes over time and support early detection of possible eye conditions. Plan a visit with an eye care professional if you have discovered any changes in your vision or if you're due for a check-up.

Children’s Vision Milestones: What Parents Should Watch For

August 28, 2026
Healthy vision is essential for a child's development, learning, and daily activities. From recognizing faces in infancy to reading, participating in sports, and navigating school, children depend on their eyesight to interpret and relate to their environment. Knowing typical vision milestones helps parents spot possible issues and seek appropriate care when needed. How Does Vision Develop in Children? Vision develops rapidly during the first years of life. Newborns perceive light, shapes, and nearby objects, although their vision remains immature. As children mature, their capacity to focus, track moving objects, recognize details, and coordinate both eyes improves progressively. Due to the gradual nature of visual development, regular eye examinations are essential. Certain childhood vision problems may not be readily apparent, especially when one eye is stronger than the other. Although each child develops at an individual pace, several general vision milestones may guide parental observation. 1. Infants: Birth to 12 Months Within the first year, infants typically develop the ability to focus on faces and objects, visually track moving items, and reach for objects they observe. Caregivers may also observe infants responding to known faces and visually exploring their environment. If an infant does not track objects, exhibits eyes that frequently cross or wander, or fails to respond visually to people or objects, these concerns should be discussed with a pediatrician or eye care professional. 2. Toddlers: Ages 1 to 3 As children become more active, their visual skills continue to develop. Toddlers rely on vision to walk, climb, manipulate small objects, and interact with toys. Over time, they typically improve in identifying familiar people and objects and in coordinating eye and hand movements. Frequent eye rubbing, squinting, sitting close to screens, or difficulty seeing objects could indicate the need for an eye exam. 3. Preschool and School-Age Children By preschool and early elementary school, children utilize vision for detailed activities including coloring, drawing, letter recognition, reading, and participating in games. Effective eye coordination and focusing abilities support learning and classroom performance. Children may not always realize their vision differs from other children’s, so parents should watch for signs such as headaches, avoiding reading, losing their place while reading, holding books unusually close, or struggling to see the board. Signs of Possible Vision Problems Caregivers should monitor for changes in a child's vision or behavior. Potential warning signs include: Frequent squinting or eye rubbing Eyes that cross, wander, or do not move together Complaints of blurry or double vision Frequent headaches Difficulty reading or concentrating Sitting very close to a television or screen Tilting or turning the head to see Covering or closing one eye Difficulty recognizing objects or seeing at a distance Avoiding activities that require close or distance vision If you notice these signs, speak with a pediatrician or eye care professional. The Importance of Children’s Eye Exams Regular eye examinations can identify vision problems before they interfere with learning and development. Eye care professionals assess visual acuity, binocular coordination, and common childhood eye conditions. Early detection matters because some vision problems are easier to address when identified in childhood. Parents must follow their child’s healthcare provider's recommendations for vision screenings and comprehensive eye exams. Helping Protect Your Child’s Vision Caregivers can promote healthy vision by encouraging beneficial habits. These include spending time outdoors, taking regular screen breaks, using appropriate protective eyewear during activities, maintaining a balanced diet, and attending recommended pediatric and eye care appointments. Supporting Healthy Vision at Every Age Knowing children's vision milestones helps caregivers distinguish typical development and spot possible issues early. Throughout infancy and the school years, monitoring how a child sees, focuses, and interacts with their environment is vital for supporting healthy development.  If you notice concerns about a child's eyesight or alterations in vision, consult a healthcare provider or eye care professional. Early attention to vision supports learning, development, confidence, and overall quality of life.