Age-Related Macular Degeneration Could Change the Way You See the World Forever

The inside of your eye is lined by a complex system of tissues called the retina. In the middle of the retina is a small cluster of light-sensitive cells which are responsible for your central vision. This area is called the macula.

Age-related macular degeneration (or AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in Canada. It develops slowly and is initially difficult to detect. We have OCT lasers to scan your retinas for early signs of the disease. We’re happy to answer any questions you have about AMD or any eye related issues. Contact us today to have a chat about eye health.

Eye Exams are the First Step to Combating Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Because early AMD usually doesn’t show any visual symptoms, it’s crucial that you see us for routine eye exams. We’ll assess and can scan your eyes with our OCT lasers for AMD, as well as a number of other eye issues like glaucoma. Book your eye exam with us today.

Treating AMD

The treatment used for age-related macular degeneration depends on the stage to which the disease has progressed.

Early AMD Treatment

There is not currently any treatment for the early stages of AMD. Your eye doctor will, however, most likely recommend some lifestyle changes (like losing weight or quitting smoking) and specific nutrients to help prevent or delay the progression of the disease.

Intermediate AMD & Late Geographic Atrophy Treatment

Research shows that the regular consumption of specific nutrients can help delay the progression of intermediate AMD and late geographic atrophy AMD. These nutrients include:

Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Zinc
Lutein and zeaxanthin
Omega-3 fatty acids
Beta-carotene

Please talk to your eye doctor or general practitioner before starting any vitamin therapy.

Advanced Neovascular AMD Treatment

Although there is no cure for neovascular AMD, there are treatments available to potentially prevent further vision loss. These treatments include injections into the eye to inhibit new irregular blood vessels from growing, using laser surgery to target and destroy the irregular blood vessels, or photodynamic therapy. Today, intraocular injections are by far the most effective treatment and are now the number one treatment of choice by retinal specialists

Stages of AMD

Early AMD

A case of early AMD is categorized by the significant presence of small to medium-sized deposits called drusen. These drusen would be roughly the width of a typical human hair. At this stage, the patient usually does not experience any vision loss, nor any other symptoms. Drusen can be detected during a routine eye exam, allowing your optometrist to help preserve your vision through treatment.

Intermediate AMD

In addition to large drusen, patients with intermediate AMD usually show changes to the pigmented cells under the retina. These signs can appear individually or at the same time, and can both be detected through an eye exam. At the intermediate stage, a patient has most likely experienced some vision loss, however, they most likely won’t have noticed it. There are not usually any other symptoms at this point.

Late AMD

Once AMD reaches the late stage, it falls under one of two classifications.

Geographic Atrophy (Dry AMD) - In cases of geographic atrophy, the macular cells gradually begin to degenerate. This also occurs in the supporting tissues underneath the macula. The ongoing degeneration results in vision loss.
Neovascular (Wet AMD) - The word “neovascular” literally translates to “new vessels”. Neovascular AMD occurs when the body tries to replace old, damaged blood vessels in the retina with new ones. These new blood vessels grow irregularly and tend to leak blood and fluid into the retina. This causes the retina to swell, which can quickly damage the macula and can also result in scar tissue, causing vision loss or blindness.

What are Drusen?

Drusen are deposits of fatty proteins under the retina. Not all types of drusen indicate AMD. Your eye doctor will be able to determine whether or not your drusen are cause for concern through an eye exam.