Saskatoon, SK / (306) 242-4186
(306) 803-5778
Saskatoon, SK / (306) 242-4186
There is no cure for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), but early detection can make a difference in how much it affects your life. AMD is a factor in 90% of new blindness in Canada and the number one reason for poor vision after 60. Having an annual eye exam could save your sight.
AMD affects central vision. Your peripheral vision will remain the same, but the fine details of objects directly in front of you diminish. Activities like reading and driving become much more difficult. You may even notice blank spots or distortion of things when you look at them straight on. Once you experience symptoms of AMD it may be too late to save the vision you have lost.
The Amsler grid was created by Dr. Marc Amsler, a Swiss ophthalmologist. It is either a black and white or yellow and blue lattice of horizontal and vertical lines with a dot in the middle. An unaffected eye can see these straight lines clearly. A patient with AMD may see distortion, blank spots, or portions of the grid missing altogether.
There are two types of AMD: dry and wet. They are classified by the two different ways they damage the macula, the small area of cells at the back of the eye.
Dry age-related macular degeneration is a very gradual process that happens with age. The macula deteriorates and deposits called drusen accumulate. The central tissue breaks down and your vision is slowly compromised. Proper vitamin supplements can make a difference in the progression of this form of age-related macular degeneration. Ask your optometrist what kind of nutritional supplements might be right for you.
The wet form of this condition is a much more severe and sudden. Abnormal blood vessels beneath your retinal tissue leak. This fluid and blood damage the macula, distorting vision. Wet AMD can quickly create vision loss, immediate attention is important to slow the progression of this form of age-related macular degeneration.
There is no cure for age-related macular degeneration, but there are some treatments that can slow the advancement of vision loss. Ocular injections can stop the formation of new weak blood vessels. Laser therapy can be used in some cases of wet AMD to seal damaged blood vessels. Unfortunately, neither treatment can repair the macula completely.
An annual eye exam gives you a chance to save your eyesight from AMD.
Poor lifestyle can create favourable conditions for developing both wet and dry age-related macular degeneration. Smoking and excessive alcohol use have been shown to be a link to this ocular disease. Conversely, a healthy diet full of vitamins A, C, and E are beneficial in prevention. Several minerals, like zinc and lutein, can help your eyes remain healthy as well. Your optometrist can help you choose a supplement that works best for you.
Come visit us! Our practice is located on the corner of Pinehouse and Primrose, near Lawson Heights Mall and the Lawson Civic Centre.
| Monday: | 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday: | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday: | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Thursday: | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Friday: | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Saturday: | Closed, but we’d be happy to see you at Stonebridge Eyecare, Broadway Eyecare, Brighton Eyecare, or Invision Eyecare |
| Sundays: | Closed |
| Holidays: | Closed |
