Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD for short, is an eye condition that affects 1.4 million Canadians, making it the leading cause of vision loss in Canada. The disease attacks central vision, leaving patients with their peripheral vision but compromising their ability to perform such everyday tasks as driving, reading, watching television, seeing colours, and recognizing faces. Currently there is no cure for AMD, but both preventative measures and treatmentsare available. For the over 50 population,, a visit to our clinic can make all the difference in managing vision health, whether you are experiencing new difficulties with your sight or already have a diagnosis of AMD.
Our Eye Doctors can provide early detection of eye diseases like AMD
For patients who have spent a lifetime in glasses or contact lenses, changes to vision are sometimes dismissed; is it just the relentless progression of myopia, or perhaps a worsening astigmatism that’s making everything blurry? Accepting changes in vision as we age, without taking action, can be dangerous because vision loss could be symptomatic of a condition like age-related macular degeneration. A visit to Toronto Eye Care can discern the true reasons behind the vision loss. Our experienced eye doctors will perform a variety of diagnostic tests to confirm diagnosis and then recommend a customized treatment plan to reduce your risk of progression.
5 ways a optometrist can assist macular degeneration patients
The ‘dry’ form of macular degeneration has treatment options which include lifestyle changes and evidence based supplements.The more serious form or ‘wet’ AMD – has seen significant advances in new clinical treatments Here are some of the ways your we can help if you have already been diagnosed with AMD.
1. Monitor Disease Progression
Depending on pigment abnormalities in the retina and the number and size of drusen (tiny white spots under the retina) your optometrist can note the progression of the disease and estimate its trajectory, and help you plan for the future.
2. Refer to a Retina Specialist When Necessary
If patients progress to WetAMD then a referral to a retina specialist is necessary to administer eye injections that block the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye . As eye care leaders in downtown Toronto since 1993, we work closely with a network of the best retina specialists located in all the major hospitals.
3. Optimized Eyeglasses Prescription
Patients with AMD can often benefit from stronger prescription eyeglasses, especially for reading fine print.
4. Dry AMD Age Related Eye Disease Study Vitamin Supplements
Studies suggest it may be possible to slow the advancement of the ‘dry’ form of the disease by taking the AREDS 2 formulation (vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, zinc and zeaxanthin). For more information, please book an appointment with one of our doctors.
5. Lifestyle Changes
Studies suggest that following a certain type of diet that includes plenty of dark leafy greens, fish and colorful fruits and vegetables, and not much saturated fat or processed foods is also good for eye health. Other lifestyle adjustments will include lowering cholesterol, maintaining a healthy body weight, protecting the eyes from harmful UV rays, and not smoking.
If you have concerns about your vision and whether you are doing all you can to protect it, please book an appointment with our clinic today.
