Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Detecting early changes to help preserve central vision and protect long-term eye health.
Most insurances accepted
Your Vision Deserves Focused Care
Age-related macular degeneration, AMD, affects the macula, the part of the eye responsible for the sharp central vision you use to read, drive, recognize faces, and see fine details.
Early changes can be easy to miss. We take a close look at the macula, compare what we see from year to year, and watch carefully for changes that need more attention. When something needs a closer look, we help you understand what it means and what should happen next.
What We Watch Over Time
Personal Risk: Age, family history, smoking, diet, and overall health can all influence your risk for macular degeneration.
Early Macular Changes: Small deposits or changes in the macula can appear before vision feels different. We look closely and compare findings year to year.
Signs of Progression: If AMD begins to change, closer monitoring or specialty care may be needed. We watch for those signs carefully and explain what should happen next.
A Closer Look at the Macula
If AMD is suspected or changing, we may use Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), a specialized imaging technology that gives us detailed cross-sectional views of the macula.
OCT helps us:
Detect fluid or leakage beneath the retina
Monitor changes over time
Adjust care plans based on subtle changes
This closer level of monitoring helps guide timely care when intervention may be needed.
When a Closer Look Is Needed
Vision Looks Distorted
Straight lines appearing wavy, faces looking less clear, or a dark spot near the center of vision should be evaluated.
Family History
A family history of macular degeneration can increase risk, especially as the eyes age.
Past Macular Findings
If a previous exam showed early macular changes, monitoring at least once a year helps us see whether those changes are stable or progressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I’m at risk for macular degeneration?
During your annual eye exam, your doctor screens for signs and risk factors that may increase your chance of developing macular degeneration.
Age, family history, smoking, UV exposure, and certain retinal changes can all affect your risk. If we see early signs of macular degeneration, we’ll explain what we found and how closely we recommend monitoring it.
Is there a cure for macular degeneration?
There is no cure for macular degeneration, but there are ways to help protect your vision depending on the type and stage. Some cases are monitored closely. Others may need treatment with a retinal specialist. If that becomes necessary, we’ll guide you to the right next step.
Is there anything I can do to help prevent macular degeneration?
You can’t control every risk factor, but there are meaningful steps you can take. Avoid smoking, wear quality sunglasses, eat plenty of leafy greens, and keep up with your annual eye exams. For some patients, your doctor may also recommend an eye vitamin.
Do you accept insurance for macular degeneration evaluations?
Yes. Macular degeneration screenings are part of your annual eye exam, which is typically billed through vision insurance. If additional medical follow-up is needed, that visit is typically billed through medical insurance. Our team can help review your expected benefits before your visit whenever possible.
Which locations offer macular degeneration evaluations?
Initial screenings are performed during annual eye exams at both our Herndon and Oakton offices. If your doctor recommends additional retinal imaging or medical follow-up, those visits are currently performed at our Herndon location.
We regularly care for patients from Reston, Fairfax, Vienna, Tysons, Chantilly, and surrounding Northern Virginia communities.
Protect Your Vision
AMD can begin quietly. A careful eye exam helps us look for early changes, watch them over time, and guide the right next step when more attention is needed. Schedule your eye exam at Solaire Vision.
Most insurance plans accepted