Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Preserving Your Central Vision

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that affects the macula, the part of your eye responsible for central vision. If left untreated, it can cause your central vision to become blurry, development of dark spots, or other vision issues. In turn, this can affect your ability to read, drive, and recognize faces.

AMD is the leading cause of blindness in patients over the age of 50 and currently affects approximately 2.5 million Canadians. Like other forms of eye disease, AMD rarely exhibits symptoms until irreversible vision loss has already occurred.

Our team understands how AMD can affect your vision, and we’re here to help. With our technology and experience, we can help make the most of your current vision.

Visit a Cowichan Eyecare location for examination and treatment of AMD.

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What Causes AMD?

Age-related macular degeneration is caused by the deterioration of the macula, which is located on the central portion of the retina. Unfortunately, scientists are still not entirely sure what causes AMD to develop.

AMD has 2 main forms: dry and wet. Dry AMD occurs in the early stages, and can progress into wet AMD if left untreated. Dry AMD occurs when the macula becomes too thin to support the eye’s photoreceptor cells. When this happens, the photoreceptor cells die off, causing vision loss.

Wet AMD is less common, and occurs when the blood vessels under the macula begin to swell and become misshapen, eventually leaking blood and other fluid, which damages delicate photoreceptor cells.

Who’s at Risk?

The prevalent risk factor in developing AMD is age. However, individuals who smoke, have a high rate of UV exposure, high blood pressure, or a family history of AMD may be more likely to develop this condition.

Preventing AMD

There’s no secret to the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Protecting yourself from UV exposure (starting as early as possible), eating a healthy diet full of antioxidants, and refraining from smoking are all important for preventing AMD.

Detecting AMD

Because age-related macular degeneration often does not display symptoms in its beginning stages, the only way to detect it early is to attend annual eye exams.

If your optometrist detects AMD or suspects you are at risk of developing it, they may send you home with a test called the Amsler grid, which you should use every day. If your perception of the grid suddenly changes, and you notice dark spots, wavy lines, or other distortions, let us know so we can assess your eye health.

Living with AMD

Although there is no cure for AMD, there are many different treatments and resources available to help patients living it.

Fortunately, the progression of AMD can be slowed using lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthier diet, quitting smoking, and remembering to wear your sunglasses whenever you are outside.

Wet AMD can sometimes be treated, though not cured, using anti-VEGF treatments.

We Offer Practical & Compassionate Care

If you or somebody you love is at risk for (or has already developed) age-related macular degeneration, we are here to help. We can answer your questions and work to create a treatment plan that suits your needs. Make the most of your vision with Cowichan Eyecare.

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Our Services

Comprehensive Eye Exams

Contact Lens Exams

Vision Therapy

Myopia Control

Visit Our Locations

Langford

& Area

Find us at the corner of Langford Parkway and Jacklin Road. We’re across the parking lot from the White Spot.

2968 Jacklin Rd
Langford, BC V9B 0A3

Our Hours

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

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Duncan

& Area

We’re located next to Thrifty Foods just off Beverly Street. If you have any trouble finding us, please give us a call.

2755 Beverly Street, Unit 2
Duncan, BC V9L 6X2

Our Hours

Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

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Chemainus

& Area

We look forward to helping you achieve your vision goals at our Chemainus location. Find us just off of Maple Lane and Croft Street.

9844 Croft Street, Unit 106
Chemainus, BC V0R 1K0

Our Hours

Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

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Cobble Hill

& Area

Our Cobble Hill location is just off Cowichan Bay Road on the upper level of Valleyview Centre. If you have any trouble finding us, please give us a call.