Macula Risk Genetic Testing

         Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a common eye condition which affects the macula, the part of the eye that provides sharp, central vision. This inherited disease is the leading cause of blindness in those over the age of 50. However there are ways to slow its progression.

          Specially formulated vitamins and routine visits are both keys to managing AMD. However, the most important step in managing this devastating disease is Macula Risk Genetic Testing. The test is a simple swab of the inside of your cheek, which is done in our office. The results show your risk of developing the vision threatening stage of macular degeneration. Our doctors use this information to help you better understand how macular degeneration may affect your future.

         Knowing your risk allows our doctors to develop a plan to manage and monitor your AMD more effectively. It is crucial to catch changes early in the disease in order to preserve your vision. Please feel free to call us at 770-834-0212 with any questions or go online today to schedule your appointment.

August is Children's Vision and Learning Month

      Governor Nathan Deal proclaimed August as Children's Vision & Learning Month in Georgia. It's purpose is to raise awareness of the importance of children's eye exams. As parents and students prepare for a a new school year it is the perfect time to focus on good vision and its connection to learning.

       Early testing for vision problems is important in preventing learning disabilities or, in some cases, significant visual impairment in children. WGEC is partnered with InfantSEE, a program that allows infants to receive a free eye exam between the ages of 6 and 12 months. After their infant eye exam its important to have exams at age 3, 5 and then yearly after that. 

      To support children's vision and learning month West Georgia Eye Care has added additional appointments on Tuesday afternoons through the month of August. We look forward to seeing your family soon

Be Sun-wise With Your Eyes

The same sun rays that lead to skin cancer and premature agging of the skin are just as bad for your eyes. the culprit is Ultraviolet (UV) Rays and because May is National UV Awareness Month, West Georgia Eye care encourages everyone to be "Sun-wise With Your Eyes"

Unprotected exposure to UV radiation can cause sunburn of the eyes marked by painful red eyes and sensitivity to light. Also evidence suggests that long-term exposure to UV rays can lead to macular degeneration, cataracts and serious eye conditions that cause vision impairment or loss.

Use these tips to protect your eyes from serious damage:

• If at all possible, limit your time in the sun.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat
• Wear sunglasses that filter 99% of UV rays

Don't forget the children, according to Dr. Carter. "Children are especially susceptible to eye damage from the sun. The lenses in their eyes do not block as much UV radiation as in adults. Follow the same precautions as you would for an adult, but be sure to choose sunglasses that fit their smaller faces, have impact-resistant lenses, and have lenses large enough to shield the entire eye."


Please feel free to call our office at (770) 834-0212 with any questions.

Dailies Contact Lenses Help with Eye Allergies

One of our best tools in fighting ocular allergies is the Dailies contact lens. These lenses are made to be replaced every day, and during allergy season that makes a big difference.


Soft contact lenses are made to transmit oxygen which is necessary for good eye health. This causes them to be somewhat like sponges and they tend to collect materials from our tear film and need to be cleaned and disposed of as prescribed.

During allergy season, the pollen and other impurities can collect in the contact lens and worsen an allergic reaction. By throwing away the contact lens at the end of the day, you are also throwing away a day's worth of pollen instead of putting it back into your eye. For those with allergy problems, Dailies contacts make a big difference.

Dailies contacts are also some of the safest lenses due to the reduced complications from overwear and improper cleaning. They are also a very convienient way to wear contacts, especially for those who are new to contacts or like to switch between glasses and contacts.

At WGEC we find these lenses very valuable to many of our patients. They are available to correct most contact wearers, even those with astigmatism.


During your next exam, be sure to ask about Dailies contact lenses.

Worst Allergy Season Ever?

Tree pollen is usually scheduled to peak in early April and grass pollen should not even start until early May. Yet both are already showing readings of "Very High" on The Weather Channel. This year is proving to be the worst allergy season so far. Experts are blaming high pollen counts and increased mold sores on the mild winter and early spring.


Dr. Jennifer Carter says, "We are seeing people much earlier this year and with much worse symptoms. So far, this allergy season is gearing up to be a tough one, but we are ready."

Watering, burning, and itching sensations may be allergy related but it is difficult to know if the condition is actually an infection. A diagnosis should be made before any treatment begins.

With the new developments in medicine there is no reason to live with itchy eyes. There are several different prescription drops available to fight ocular allergies.

If you think you may have eye allergies, visit our web-site to request an appointment.

Genetic Testing for Macular Degeneration - by Dr Jennifer Carter

Macular Degeneration

He stood over 6 feet and closely resembled Billy Graham. From the time I entered Optometry school, my grandfather's question to me was "have you found a cure for macular degeneration yet?" As he said this, his eyes appeared to be focused over my shoulder. But in reality, he was using his peripheral vision to see my face. He had learned to compensate for his loss of central vision from age-related macular degeneration (AMD).


If he were still here, he would be amazed at the progress made in diagnosing and treating AMD. At West Georgia Eye Care we are pleased to offer a genetic test which is 99.9% accurate in determining the chances of developing wet AMD. A swab of cells is taken from the cheek to detect certain genetic markers that are known to be indicators for vision loss. These markers are then analyzed along with smoking history to determine the risk of losing your sight.

Early detection and treatment lead to better visual outcomes. The ability to determine levels of risk associated with macular degeneration is invaluable. Macular degeneration cannot be reversed, however vision loss associated with the devastating disease can be delayed if we are aware of your risk.

I sometimes sit back and think what a difference genetic testing would have made for my grandfather. He was nearly blind when he passed away. If he had known his risk years ago and had a personalized program to manage his disease, I believe a more aggressive management would have been chosen. Genetic testing is a small piece of the puzzle, but a very important factor that can help preserve vision. Please call our office at (770) 834-0212 with any questions or concerns regarding genetic testing or age-related macular degeneration.

Protect Your Eyes ... with Vitamins



Click here to see a Video

 Most likely from the time you were old enough to remember, you were told to take your vitamins. Not only do they protect your bones, lower cholesterol, and improve brain development, vitamins also protect your eyes. One of our most recommended vitamins at WGEC is Fortifeye. The family of Fortifeye vitamins includes Complete Plus, Macular Defense, and Super Omega-3 fish oil.


Complete Plus contains Lutein and Zeaxanthin, both proven to be beneficial for the eyes. Macular Defense has the same ingredients as Complete Plus but is three times stronger and was developed initially for macular degeneration patients. It is now recommended for smokers, extreme athletes, and patients taking lots of medications. Super Omega-3 fish oils were designed to aid the dry eye patient. This supplement can be taken alone or in combination with Complete Plus or Complete Macular Defense.

During your visit to our office, we can recommend the most beneficial vitamin for you.