Macular Degeneration

WHAT IS AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION?

Macular degeneration is the result of a buildup of metabolic waste material in the most active area of the retina. This area is called the macula, and it is more active than parts of the brain. This waste material collects into spots called drusen, and the size and amount of drusen determine the severity of the disease. It is most helpful to identify in its early stages as Lutein and Zeaxanthin are two antioxidants that have been proven to slow down progression. It is difficult for patients to pick up on initial symptoms, but they may include blurring or dimming of your central vision, objects may look warped and distorted, or there is a blank or blind spot in the center of your field of vision.

 

WHAT CAUSES MACULAR DEGENERATION?

Two types of macular degeneration—wet and dry. The dry form is by far the most common type.

  1. The dry is the most common type and is a gradual process. The dry form is the result of aging – the cells in the macula start to thin and break down, and waste deposits build up in the back of the eye damaging the macula. Central vision can become blurred or distorted slowly and may take several years before it affects your vision. This is the most helpful stage to start taking macular degeneration vitamins.
  2. If the dry form progresses, it can convert into a wet form. Wet macular degeneration happens if the drusen become so large they break the barrier between the retina and the blood vessels. This causes a small bleed in the macula and blocks light from hitting the photoreceptors located there. Because of this vision loss can happen quickly and much more severely as abnormal blood vessels grow in the back of the eye to try to replace blood flow. If this happens, there are specific types of medication that should be introduced to the area to stop bleeding and reduce new blood vessels from growing. This is done by a specialist, and Dr. Louie or Dr. Larson can typically refer you to see a specialist the same day if it is necessary.

 

Currently, there is no cure or way to reverse Macular Degeneration, so our best efforts are aimed at prevention, early diagnosis, and introduction of antioxidants to the diet. These antioxidants have not been shown to prevent the onset, so they are not generally recommended for anyone that does not currently have macular degeneration. Regular eye examination may help you find out if you are at risk and early detection can sometimes delay the loss of vision. Age and genetics are risk factors for macular degeneration that you cannot control but quitting smoking, wearing UV protective glasses, and having a healthy diet can reduce risk. Healthy dark-skinned foods such as kale, spinach, broccoli, berries, and peppers are high in natural antioxidants.

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West Edmonton Vision Clinic

Visit our vision clinic in central West Edmonton for comprehensive eye exams, contact lens fittings, glasses, and more. Louie Eyecare Centre is dedicated to providing the highest quality optometric services and products to our patients. Our team of experienced optometrists is here to help you with all of your eye care needs. Schedule an appointment today!

Clinic Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 9:00-5:00
Wednesday 9:00-5:00
Thursday 9:00-5:00
Friday 9:00-5:00
Saturday 9:00-2:00
Closed Sunday / Holidays

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Frequently Asked Questions

The primary symptom of myopia is difficulty seeing objects at a distance, such as road signs or chalkboards. Other symptoms may include eyestrain, headaches, squinting, and needing to sit closer to screens or books to see clearly.

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is an eye condition where distant objects appear blurry, while close objects can be seen clearly. It occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea’s curvature is too steep, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

The corneal curve is measured using a technique called corneal topography. This non-invasive procedure creates a detailed map of the corneal surface, showing its curvature and any irregularities. During the test, you may be asked to focus on a target, and a specialized instrument captures images of the cornea’s shape. The data obtained from corneal topography aids in assessing tear film stability, identifying areas of potential dryness, and assisting in the diagnosis and management of dry eye.

Yes, the corneal curve can provide insights into the severity of dry eye. An uneven corneal surface can disrupt the tear film, leading to dryness and discomfort. Specialized tests, such as corneal topography, evaluate the curvature of the cornea and its impact on tear distribution. Changes in the corneal curve, along with other clinical assessments, help eye care professionals determine the severity of dry eye and tailor appropriate treatment strategies.

The curve on the front of the eye, known as the cornea, plays a crucial role in dry eye detection. Changes in the corneal surface can affect tear distribution and stability, leading to dry eye symptoms. Optometrists and ophthalmologists use advanced imaging techniques to analyze the corneal curvature and its changes over time. This helps detect dry eye by identifying irregularities that can contribute to tear film instability and ocular discomfort.

The MYAH is a versatile tool that does many things. It measures the length of your eye, checks the shape of your cornea, looks at how your pupil responds to light, and analyzes how light behaves on the front surface of your eye. It can image the meibomian gland structure and tear film height. It’s also helpful for finding the right kind of contact lenses. The MYAH helps keep track of how your eye changes over time, measures your eye’s focusing power, and shows any differences in the shape of your cornea between visits. It can also show how light might be causing some blurriness. So, it’s like a really useful tool for understanding your eye health and helping you get the best lenses if you need them.