What is macular degeneration?
Macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that affects the health of the back of the eye (retina). This is an aging disease that affects the area of centre vision. The side vision, or peripheral vision, is fortunately not affected by this disease.
This is the most common cause of legal blindness in North America.
There are 2 main types of macular degeneration.
- Dry Macular Degeneration - the area of center vision in the retina slowly degenerates with time. This affects the ability to see peoples faces, read, or see at a computer screen clearly.
- Wet Macular Degeneration - this disease is caused by the growth of abnormal blood vessels under the retina that leak or bleed. This typically makes things appear crooked or distorted, and affects the vision much more quickly than the dry type. The bleeding causes progressive scarring and damage to the retina.
How is macular degeneration diagnosed?
Macular degeneration is diagnosed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist by looking at the back of the eye with specialized equipment, and by using an OCT (ocular coherence tomography). An OCT gives a special “cross sectional” high resolution view of the layers of the retina.
Sometimes another special test called an “angiogram” is needed to look at the blood flow at the back of the eye. This test involves injecting an intravenous dye into the blood, and then taking special pictures at the back of the eye to see how the dye circulates in the blood.
How is macular degeneration treated?
Wet Macular Degeneration
Fortunately there is a treatment for wet macular degeneration. This involves injecting a special medicine into the eye (Avastin, Lucentis, or Eylea) once a month. This medicine stops the bleeding and leakage of fluid, and prevents further damage to the retina. If wet macular degeneration is picked up early, the prognosis can be reasonably good. These medicines are covered for people over the age of 65.
Dry Macular Degeneration
MacuMira Treatment for Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration - MacuMira is a non-invasive, Health Canada–approved medical device designed to help improve visual function in patients with Dry AMD. MacuMira delivers a gentle microcurrent through closed eyelids during in-clinic treatment sessions. This microcurrent is intended to support the health and function of retinal cells, including cellular and mitochondrial activity, which are affected in Dry AMD. MacuMira is designed to be used alongside existing Dry AMD management, not as a replacement for regular monitoring or supplements.
Who Could Benefit From MacuMira Treatment?
MacuMira may be appropriate for individuals with Dry AMD at various stages, particularly those who are looking for additional options to support visual function. The best way to determine whether MacuMira may be suitable is through a consultation with our clinical team.
What to Expect During Your MacuMira Treatment
MacuMira treatments are performed comfortably in our clinic. During each session:
- You will sit in a relaxing treatment chair
- The MacuMira device is placed gently over closed eyelids
- Treatment lasts 32 minutes
- No injections, surgery, or downtime are required
Most patients describe the experience as comfortable and relaxing.
Our care team will guide you through the recommended treatment schedule and answer any questions along the way.
Benefits of MacuMira Treatment for Dry AMD
While individual results vary, patients using MacuMira have reported benefits such as:
- Improved visual function for daily activities
- Better contrast sensitivity, especially in low-light situations
- Increased confidence with tasks affected by central vision changes
Our goal in offering MacuMira is to help patients maintain vision and, in some cases, restore aspects of visual function, rather than simply waiting for further progression.
Is MacuMira Right for You?
MacuMira may be an option worth exploring if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Dry AMD and are interested in learning more about additional treatment approaches.
Our clinicians would be happy to answer your questions and help determine whether MacuMira could be a helpful addition to your Dry AMD care.
