As we get older, our bodies change, and our eyes are no exception. One of the most common age-related eye conditions is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). But just how common is it in Canada, and what does it mean for your vision?
Age-related macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of vision loss among Canadians over the age of 50, with more than 2.5 million people affected.
What is Macular Degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that causes the macula to deteriorate over time. The macula is a small but vital part of the retina at the back of the eye. It’s what allows you to see fine details clearly, whether you’re reading a book, recognizing a face, or driving a car.
When the macula is damaged, your central vision can become blurry, distorted, or have dark spots. Your peripheral (side) vision usually remains unaffected, but the loss of central vision can impact daily activities. Because these changes are often gradual and discomfort-free, many people don’t realize they have AMD until their vision is already affected.
AMD in Canada
So, how widespread is this condition? It’s estimated that over 2.5 million Canadians are living with some form of AMD. In fact, AMD is the leading cause of significant vision loss in people over the age of 50 in the Western world.
As Canada’s population continues to age, the number of people affected by AMD is expected to grow. This highlights the increasing importance of regular eye examinations and early detection for maintaining Canadian eye health. While there’s no cure for AMD, early diagnosis and management can help slow its progression and preserve your vision.
Symptoms of AMD
In its early stages, AMD may not cause noticeable discomfort. As it progresses, common symptoms can include:
- Blurred or fuzzy vision
- Dark or empty spots in the center of vision
- Straight lines appearing wavy or distorted
- Difficulty recognizing faces
- Trouble adapting to low light conditions
Because these symptoms can develop gradually, many people don’t realize they have AMD until vision changes begin affecting daily activities.
The Two Types of AMD: Wet & Dry
It’s important to know that AMD isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition. It comes in two main forms: dry and wet.
Dry AMD
Dry AMD is the more common of the two, accounting for about 85-90% of all cases. This form occurs when the cells of the macula slowly break down, leading to the formation of small yellow deposits called drusen. As these drusen accumulate and the macular tissue thins, your central vision gradually becomes dimmer or more distorted.
The progression of dry AMD is typically slow, and the resulting vision loss is often less severe than in the wet form. However, dry AMD can advance and, in some cases, develop into wet AMD.
Wet AMD
Wet AMD is less common but far more serious. It accounts for about 10-15% of cases, but is responsible for many cases of legal blindness caused by AMD.
This form is called “wet” because it involves the growth of abnormal blood vessels underneath the macula. These new vessels are fragile and can leak blood and fluid, which scars the macula and can cause rapid, severe damage to your central vision. If left untreated, wet AMD can lead to significant vision loss in a matter of weeks or months.
How We Diagnose & Monitor AMD
Detecting AMD in its early stages is important for managing the disease and preserving your sight. Typically, eye imaging technology is used to get a detailed view of your retina and macula.
A comprehensive eye examination is the best way to screen for AMD. During your appointment, your optometrist may use several techniques, including:
- Visual acuity test: This standard eye chart test measures how well you see at various distances.
- Amsler grid: You’ll be asked to look at a grid of straight lines. If the lines appear wavy, blurry, or have dark spots, this could be a sign of AMD.
- Dilated eye examination: We use eye drops to widen your pupils, which gives your optometrist a better view of the back of your eye, including the macula.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT): This is a non-invasive imaging test that uses light waves to take cross-section pictures of your retina. It allows us to see each of the retina’s distinct layers and measure their thickness.
These tools allow us to diagnose AMD accurately and monitor any changes over time, helping us create a personalized management plan for your needs.
Take Control of Your Eye Health
Age-related macular degeneration is a common condition, but understanding it is the first step toward proactive care. While getting older is a primary risk factor, regular eye examinations can help detect AMD early, when it’s most manageable.
If you are over 50 or have a family history of macular degeneration, it’s especially important to have your eyes checked regularly. Book your appointment with Westmount Optometrists today to help protect and improve your eye health.
