Age Related Macular Degeneration

Optometry Clinic in Wetaskiwin, Alberta

What Is Age Related Macular Degeneration or AMD?

The macula is the central area of the retina. It provides sharp, central vision. The breakdown of the macula is a disease called macular degeneration and it can cause serious central vision loss. Untreated macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of blindness in those over 65 years of age.

While researchers have not yet discovered a cure for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), there are treatment options which slow the disease and may prevent it from progressing to blindness. It is important to have a discussion with your optometrist about the risks and limitations of AMD treatments.

Types of Macular Degeneration

There are 2 basic types of AMD, the wet form and the dry form.

  • Dry macular degeneration is considered the less aggressive form of AMD. It typically progresses much more slowly, and the level of eyesight damage is less severe. Dry AMD is detected during routine eye exams, which is why it is important to have an eye exam every year. Treating Dry AMD involves taking a specific vitamin formulation containing the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin. This formulation has been shown to slow disease progression.

  • Wet macular degeneration is the more severe form of AMD. Wet AMD occurs when there is abnormal blood vessel growth in the macula. These blood vessels leak which causes scar tissue to develop. Treatments include laser surgery and AMD medication injected directly into the eye to inhibit blood vessel growth.

AMD is an age-related eye disease that runs in families and is a leading cause of blindness in our aging population. We offer genetic testing which determines

  • If you have the genes for AMD

  • How aggressively your AMD is likely to progress

  • Which combination of vitamins and minerals will most effectively slow the progress of AMD based on your genotype.

Click here for more information on genetic testing for AMD. to https://arcticdx.com/

There is no cure for this ocular disease, and AMD related vision loss is permanent. There are treatments, and preventative measures that can be taken, if the AMD is detected early, so routine eye exams are essential.

Read more about macular degeneration symptoms and treatment. Here

Eye Disease Management: Glaucoma | Macular Degeneration | Diabetic Retinopathy | Cataracts

Other Eyecare/ Vision Care Services: Comprehensive Eye Exams | Contact Lens Exams | Treatment Of Sore, Red Eyes | Eye Disease Management | Emergency Eye Care Services | Lasik & Refractive Surgery Co-Management | Low Vision | Technology-Advanced Eye Care | Dry Eye Clinic |
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Our Eye Care Clinic serves clients from Wetaskiwin, Millet, Maskwacis, Pigeon Lake, and the surrounding areas.

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