You may have heard about age-related macular degeneration, also known as AMD, a condition that causes loss of central vision. Many Canadians are currently living with AMD, and the number is expected to grow as our population ages.
Age-related macular degeneration is a principal cause of vision loss for people over the age of 50 in Canada. Understanding what AMD is and scheduling regular eye exams can help you protect your family’s vision for years to come.
A Closer Look at AMD in Canada
Because AMD is so widespread, it’s a significant public health topic. The condition affects your central vision, which is what you use for clear, detailed tasks like reading a text message or recognizing a friend’s face across the room.
Changes in vision due to AMD happen slowly over time. This is why regular check-ups with an eye doctor in Calgary are an important part of your family’s routine health care, especially for those over 50.
What Is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
The Role of Your Macula
AMD affects a tiny part of your eye called the macula. The macula is located in the centre of your retina—the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye—and it gives you the sharp, straight-ahead vision needed for driving, reading, and seeing fine details.
Dry AMD & Wet AMD
There are two forms of AMD. Dry AMD is the most common, affecting about 90% of people with the condition. It develops when the macula thins over time and tiny yellow deposits called drusen form. Vision changes are typically gradual.
Wet AMD is less common, but can cause more rapid changes to your sight. It happens when new, fragile blood vessels grow under the retina and leak fluid or blood. This leakage can damage the macula and lead to scarring, making prompt AMD treatment important.
Risk Factors & Common Signs
While age is the primary risk factor for AMD, some people are more likely to develop it than others. Knowing your family’s health history and understanding the effects of your own lifestyle habits can give you a clearer picture of your risk.
Common Signs to Notice
The first signs of AMD can be subtle. You might notice:
- A blurred or fuzzy spot in the centre of your vision
- Straight lines, like a door frame, that appear wavy
- Dark or blank spots in your sight
- More difficulty reading or seeing in dim light
- Trouble recognizing familiar faces
Factors That Affect Your Risk
Your risk for developing AMD may be higher based on a few key factors:
- Age: It most often affects people over 50.
- Family History: If a close relative has AMD, your own risk increases.
- Smoking: This habit can significantly raise your chances of developing AMD.
- Lifestyle: Your diet and level of physical activity can also play a role in your overall eye health.
How an Eye Doctor Detects & Monitors AMD
Early detection is a key part of managing AMD and protecting your vision. During a comprehensive eye exam, an eye doctor in Olds or an eye doctor in Sundre can get a clear view of your retina and macula to check for any early signs of the condition.
What to Expect During an Exam
Checking for AMD is straightforward and involves a few different steps to get a complete picture of your eye health.
- Amsler Grid: You’ll look at a grid of straight lines to check for any wavy, blurry, or missing spots in your vision.
- Dilated Eye Exam: Eye drops are used to widen your pupils. This gives your eye doctor a much better view of the back of your eye.
- Retinal Imaging: A simple scan called OCT takes detailed, cross-section pictures of your retina, allowing your care team to get a clear view.
Manage AMD & Support Your Vision
While there is no cure for AMD, certain proactive steps can help you manage the condition and slow its progression. A diagnosis doesn’t mean you have to lose your independence—many people adapt and continue to live full lives.
Lifestyle Choices & Treatments
Lifestyle choices, including a focus on eye nutrition, regular exercise, and quitting smoking, can all support your eye health. For some people, a vitamin formula called AREDS2 may help slow the progression of dry AMD.
For wet AMD, a variety of treatments are available to help stop leaky blood vessels.
Adapt to Life with AMD
Since AMD affects central vision, you may need to find new ways to adapt to life with low vision. Peripheral (side) vision usually remains clear, so AMD rarely causes complete blindness.
Support from loved ones—especially for things like transportation to your eye doctor in Carstairs—can make a big difference to your wellbeing. Support services and low-vision aids like magnifiers can also help you make the most of your sight.
Macu Mira AMD Treatment
Photobiomodulation therapy, such as MacuMira, is an emerging approach for managing dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It uses targeted light therapy to support retinal cell function and is being studied for its potential role in supporting retinal health in certain patients. If you’re considering MacuMira as part of your dry AMD care, speaking with our eye doctors can help determine whether this treatment may be appropriate for your individual needs.
Maintain Your Vision
Across our locations in Olds, Sundre, Carstairs, and Southwest Calgary, you can expect an in-depth, personal, and unrushed eye care experience. Our team takes the time to get to know you, answer your questions, and provide detailed information about your eye health. Schedule an appointment for your family today.
