If you or someone you care about is facing blurred vision that interferes with daily activities such as reading, driving, or recognizing faces, it may be a sign of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
This eye condition impacts the central region of the retina, leading to gradual vision loss. Early detection is vital. Dry age-related macular degeneration can’t be reversed, but it can be treated, including with new technology such as MacuMira.
If you notice any changes in your vision, we’re here to help!
What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye condition that affects millions of people, especially those over 50. It happens when the macula, the part of the retina that helps us see clearly, starts to thin out. This can make it tough to see fine details, which can impact everyday activities like reading, driving, and recognizing faces.
As you can imagine, many people find this frustrating as it lowers their quality of life. AMD is the leading cause of blindness in North America for adults over 50, but even if it doesn’t cause complete blindness, losing central vision can make it hard to focus on things. This is why regular eye check-ups and early treatment are so important!
AMD can be difficult to recognize as many symptoms can slip beneath your notice. This is especially true for dry AMD, which often causes no pain. When you do notice symptoms, they include:
- Blurred or distorted central vision
- Difficulty seeing in low light
- Straight lines appearing wavy
- Increased sensitivity to glare
- Difficulty distinguishing colours
- Frequent changes in prescription glasses or contact lenses
What is the Difference Between Wet & Dry AMD?
There are 2 main types of age-related macular degeneration (AMD)—dry and wet.
Dry AMD is the more prevalent form, accounting for about 90% of cases, and it progresses slowly over time, often causing gradual vision loss. It typically occurs when the light-sensitive cells in the macula thin out and break down. This can be hard to detect on your own, so it takes a comprehensive eye exam to uncover the early warning signs.
On the other hand, wet AMD, while less common, is significantly more severe. It results from the growth of abnormal blood vessels under the retina, which can leak fluid and blood, leading to rapid and often severe vision loss. This type can cause sudden eye pain, so if you notice this, contact your eye doctor as soon as possible.
How AMD is Diagnosed
Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection of AMD: at least 1 a year for people over 50. These exams allow optometrists to identify signs of macular degeneration before significant vision loss occurs, providing a better chance for effective intervention.
This examination typically includes visual acuity tests to gauge your ability to see at various distances. It also involves dilated eye exams, where eye drops are used to widen the pupils, allowing eye care professionals to closely examine the retina and macula.
Advanced imaging techniques, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), are crucial in this diagnostic process. OCT delivers high-resolution cross-sectional images of the retina, enabling your optometrist to identify subtle changes in the macula that may signal the onset or progression of AMD. Together, these tests help diagnose the disease and monitor its advancement over time, supporting timely interventions to preserve vision.
Managing Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can slow the progression of Dry AMD. This includes:
- Eating a balanced diet and staying active to maintain a healthy weight.
- Quit smoking.
- Add more antioxidant-rich foods to your meals, such as leafy greens, fruits, nuts, and fish.
- Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays by wearing sunglasses.
Although there is currently no definitive cure for macular degeneration, various treatment options exist to help manage the condition. For those with dry macular degeneration, taking nutritional supplements that follow the AREDS2 formula—which includes vitamins C and E, zinc, copper, and beta-carotene—can potentially slow its advancement.
On the other hand, wet macular degeneration requires prompt treatment. Options for this include anti-VEGF injections, which work to block the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina.
However research is always ongoing, and one of the most exciting breakthroughs for AMD treatment is MacuMira.
Introducing MacuMira for Dry AMD
MacuMira is an innovative treatment for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), specifically designed to target and address the underlying causes of this condition.
This therapy utilizes a specially designed headset that directs a gentle electrical microcurrent across the closed eye, stimulating the retinal cells. By enhancing cellular activity, it aims to improve visual function in individuals affected by dry AMD.
What sets MacuMira apart is its non-invasive approach, which not only focuses on alleviating symptoms but also works to halt the progression of AMD. Clinical studies have demonstrated promising results, showing significant improvements in vision among users.
As more people seek effective solutions to combat vision loss, MacuMira stands at the forefront of AMD treatment, offering hope and a renewed quality of life for those living with this condition.
Discover If MacuMira Is Right for You
While dry age-related macular degeneration poses significant challenges, early detection and proper management can make a difference. Regular eye exams, a healthy lifestyle, and exploring new treatments like MacuMira offer hope for those affected.If you’re ready to take the next step toward better vision, contact us at Maple Ridge Eye Care to learn more about MacuMira and see if you’re a candidate for this groundbreaking treatment. Don’t let AMD hold you back from experiencing life to the fullest. Schedule your appointment today and start your journey toward healthy vision with MacuMira!
