Macular Degeneration (AMD) Testing & Management
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in Canadians over 50. It affects central vision — the part of your sight used for reading, driving, and recognizing faces — while usually leaving peripheral vision intact.
What is macular degeneration?
AMD is a progressive condition that damages the macula, the small area at the center of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed central vision. There are two types:
-
Dry AMD (most common, ~90% of cases): gradual thinning of the macula.
-
Wet AMD (less common but more severe): abnormal blood vessels leak fluid or blood under the retina, causing rapid vision loss if untreated.
What are the symptoms of macular degeneration?
-
Blurred or distorted central vision (straight lines appearing wavy)
-
Dark or empty areas in the center of your visual field
-
Difficulty recognizing faces
-
Needing brighter light for reading
-
Colors appearing less vivid
What causes macular degeneration?
-
Age (most common in adults over 50)
-
Family history
-
Smoking — one of the strongest modifiable risk factors
-
High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease
-
Prolonged UV exposure
How is macular degeneration diagnosed?
-
Maestro OCT (optical coherence tomography) — cross-sectional retinal imaging that detects fluid, drusen, or thinning of the macula years before symptoms are noticeable
-
California OptoMap ultra-widefield retinal imaging — captures up to 200 degrees of the retina in a single image, often without dilation, giving us a far more complete view of the macula and surrounding retina than traditional photography
-
Amsler grid testing — a simple at-home and in-office test for visual distortion
How is macular degeneration treated?
-
Dry AMD: managed through nutritional supplementation (AREDS2-formula vitamins), lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring
-
Wet AMD: requires prompt referral for anti-VEGF injection therapy with a retinal specialist — early referral significantly improves outcomes
-
Smoking cessation support and UV-protective eyewear recommendations for all patients
Can macular degeneration be prevented?
There's no guaranteed prevention, but risk can be meaningfully reduced by not smoking, wearing UV-blocking sunglasses, eating a diet rich in leafy greens and omega-3s, and having regular dilated eye exams — especially after age 50 or with a family history of AMD.
What technology do you use to detect macular degeneration?
Vespa Vision Centre uses the Maestro OCT to image the layers of the macula in cross-section, revealing fluid or thinning invisible to the naked eye, alongside California OptoMap ultra-widefield imaging to capture a wide, detailed view of the retina in a single scan. This combination allows us to detect early AMD changes and monitor progression with precision at every visit.