Bolt Eye Group · Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration care, with genetic testing
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the center of your vision. We find it early with retinal imaging, track it closely, and offer genetic testing to understand your risk.
Who is at riskAdults over 50, smokers, family history
We offerGenetic testing for AMD
OfficesAll five locations
What is AMD?
Damage to the macula, the center of your sight.
The macula is the small center of the retina that lets you read, drive and see faces. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. It does not usually cause total blindness, because side vision stays, but losing central vision can make everyday life very hard.
Dry AMD
The most common form. Yellow deposits called drusen build up, and the macula slowly thins over time.
Wet AMD
Less common but more serious. Abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak, which can cause fast vision loss. It needs prompt treatment.
Early signs
Blurry or distorted central vision, straight lines that look wavy, needing more light, or a dark spot in the center.
Risk factors
Who should be checked.
- Age over 50
- A parent, brother or sister with AMD
- Smoking, now or in the past
- Light-colored eyes and long-term sun exposure
- High blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease
- Being overweight
How we watch your macula
Imaging that shows small changes early.
Retinal photos show the macula, and OCT scans show its layers, so we can compare them visit to visit. You see the images too. Every patient gets retinal photos for $39. With an in-office telehealth visit, that $39 also includes two OCT scans, one of the macula and one of the optic nerve.
- Retinal imaging so small changes stand out from visit to visit
- An Amsler grid to check your central vision at home
- Advice on nutrition, sun protection and eye vitamins when they fit your stage of AMD
- Fast referral to a retina specialist for wet AMD treatment
Questions
Macular degeneration questions.
Can AMD be cured?
There is no cure yet. Wet AMD can often be treated with injections from a retina specialist, and the right nutrition and habits may slow dry AMD. Early detection gives you the most options.
Should I take eye vitamins?
Specific eye vitamin formulas can help some people with intermediate or advanced AMD. They are not right for everyone, so ask your doctor before starting.
What should I do if my vision changes suddenly?
Call us the same day. Sudden distortion, a new dark spot or wavy lines can mean wet AMD, which needs quick treatment.
Five offices · Book online any time
Book a macular degeneration exam
Pick your office to book online, or call or text us. Same-day visits are available for red, painful or injured eyes, on the days each office is open.
575 Professional Dr Suite 100
Mon – Thu · 9 – 5
Every other Sat · 9 – 2 (by appointment)
678-993-2020
Book Lawrenceville
131 Upper Riverdale Rd
Thu & Fri · 8 – 5
770-994-9913
Book Riverdale
We accept VSP, EyeMed, Medicare and most major medical plans (BCBS, Aetna, UHC, Cigna, Humana), plus Davis, Spectera and other vision plans. HSA/FSA cards and CareCredit welcome.