Category: Blog

Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye condition that affects the macula, leading to gradual central vision loss. As the most common form of AMD, it typically develops slowly. Early detection and management are crucial for maintaining eye health. Understanding  In dry AMD, the macula thins over time, often accompanied by the formation of…

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of vision loss in older adults. It comes in two forms: dry (atrophic) and wet (neovascular). While dry AMD progresses gradually over time, wet AMD can cause sudden and severe vision loss. A common question among patients and caregivers is whether wet macular degeneration can turn…

How it’s related to dry AMD and who’s the most at risk For those with dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD), there’s always a risk that this condition could develop into geographic atrophy (GA), a condition where retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells start to die off. Research estimates that there are approximately 180,000 new cases of GA…

Fear of blindness is a significant concern for AMD patients, and the uncertainty of disease progression adds to the emotional burden. “The number one fear for people, period, is going blind,” says Dr. Trevor Miranda, an optometrist and owner of Cowichan Eyecare in B.C.  It’s no surprise, then, that to get diagnosed with a potentially…

The factors leading to AMD go beyond age and the more you know, the more you can understand, control and manage your risk. How aging and other risk factors affect your vision As the name suggests, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is largely caused by aging. The disease happens when aging causes damage to the macula,…

Use the Amsler grid for early detection of AMD While it’s common for changes in vision to occur as we age, in addition to regular checkups with your eyecare professional, you can monitor your visual health at home. Using an at-home tool called the Amsler grid, you can detect any changes in your vision as…

How genetics are related to AMD and what you can do to reduce your risk? There are several factors that can contribute to the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), one of which is family history. Recent research has tried to understand this relationship and determine which genes may contribute to the development of the…

Good news for those with AMD: only about 10 per cent of cases progress from the less severe dry form to the more serious wet form, which poses greater risks to vision. Here’s how to reduce your risk… How AMD affects the retina and macula Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye disease wherein the…

Patients who receive a dry AMD diagnosis may fear losing their independence – but with appropriate treatment and management, people living with dry AMD can often continue driving and doing other activities that support an active and independent lifestyle. Can you drive safely with macular degeneration? For many people, driving represents a sense of independence,…

What’s happening in your eyes when you have trouble seeing in the dark? Why night vision matters? When it gets dark, our eyes change to help us see in low light. As we age, this system can start to deteriorate, making it difficult to see at night or in low lighting conditions. This is especially…