Oculus Eye

Macular Degeneration

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) effects your central vision and can cause blurriness and difficulties in seeing fine lines.

There are two types of AMD: Dry and Wet

Dry AMD is the most common type of AMD and occurs with age when parts of the macula get thinner.

Wet AMD is less common and much more serious. Wet AMD happens when blood vessels form under the retina which can leak and cause scarring on the macula and possibly loss of vision.

Wet AMD generally progresses faster than Dry AMD.

The most common causes for AMD are:

Age
Lifestyle such as a diet or smoking
Family history of AMD
High blood pressure

Treatments for AMD include laser therapy and/or Anti-VEFG (vascular endothelial growth factor) injections. Your doctor may also recommend vitamins or minerals to slow down the progression of Dry AMD. Early detection is key to successful treatment.

A diagram showing a normal eye next to an eye with retinopathy.

Diabetic Retinopathy & Macular Edema

Many people with diabetes will eventually develop diabetic eye disease. In the early stages, the tiny blood vessels in the back of the eye can start to leak eventually causing the macula to swell. This is called macular edema.

Symptoms for macular edema include:

blurred or wavy central vision
colors appear washed out or different
having difficulty reading

Macular edema is usually detected using an imaging device called an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). This machine takes images of the retina and provides very detailed images of its thickness. This helps your doctor find leakage and measure swelling of the macula.

Treatment for macular edema will vary depending on the cause. Options include: Anti-VEFG (vascular endothelial growth factor) injections, steroids, or laser treatment. Your doctor will determine the best course of action and discuss treatment plans with you.

A diagram showing a healthy eye next to an eye with retinal detachment.

Retinal Tear / Detachment

In the centre of our eyes is a jelly-like substance called the vitreous. Sometimes the vitreous may stick to the retina and cause a tear. Fluid can eventually pass through the tear, causing enough pressure to lift or detach the retina completly from the back of the eye.

Signs and symptoms of a retinal tear or detachment may include sudden stars or flashing lights, a dark curtain or veil covering some of your pheripheral vision, many new floaters all at once.

People most at risk of having a detached retina include:

Family history of retinal detachment
Have had other eye surgeries (for example cataract or glaucoma)
Have had a serious injury to the eye
Have had a retinal detachment in the other eye

Diagnosis for a detached retina is done by taking a photo of the back of the eye called a fundus photo. The doctor will also dilate your pupils to be able to see into the back of your eye using a special lens and light.

Typically surgery is required to treat a detached retina. There are various types of surgeries that may be recommended by your doctor.

Retinal Diseases

Macular Degeneration

Retinal Tear / Detachment

Diabetic Macular Edema

Diabetic Macular Edema

Retinal Tear / Detachment

Diabetic Macular Edema

Retinal Tear / Detachment

Retinal Tear / Detachment

Retinal Tear / Detachment

Macular Degeneration

Diabetic Retinopathy & Macular Edema

Retinal Tear / Detachment