Protecting Your Vision with AMD Testing
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye condition that affects the macula, the part of the eye responsible for detailed central vision. It is one of the leading causes of vision loss for adults over the age of 50.
AMD does not typically cause complete blindness, but it can gradually affect your central vision, making everyday activities like reading, driving, and recognizing faces more difficult.
Because early stages of AMD often develop without noticeable symptoms, regular eye exams are important for detecting changes as soon as possible. While some cases progress slowly, others can develop more quickly and lead to permanent vision loss in one or both eyes.
Book your eye exam today at Vision Care Centre in Scarborough to take a proactive approach to protecting your vision.
How Is AMD Detected?
At Vision Care Centre, AMD screening is included as part of your comprehensive eye exam. Our team evaluates the health of your eyes and looks for early signs of changes affecting your retina and macula. During your exam, we may use:
- Pupil dilation: Eye drops may be used to widen your pupils, allowing a clearer view of the back of your eye.
- Digital retinal imaging: Detailed images of your retina help our team monitor changes over time.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT): Advanced imaging technology provides detailed views of the retinal layers to help identify concerns.
Early detection allows our team to monitor changes and recommend appropriate next steps for your eye health.
Understanding Age-Related Macular Degeneration
AMD affects the macula, the central area of the retina that allows you to see fine details clearly. As AMD progresses, changes to the macula can interfere with your ability to complete tasks that rely on sharp central vision.
There are 2 main types of AMD.
Dry AMD is the most common form of age-related macular degeneration. It occurs when deposits of protein, called drusen, build up in the eye and affect the function of the macula.
As drusen increase over time, they can interfere with central vision and cause gradual changes in how clearly you see.
Wet AMD is less common but more serious. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels begin growing underneath the macula.
These blood vessels can leak fluid or blood into the eye, causing dark spots, distortion, and changes in central vision. Over time, scarring can develop and may lead to permanent vision loss.
Supporting Your Eye Health with AMD Management
There is currently no universal cure for AMD. However, certain lifestyle choices and nutritional support may help slow disease progression and protect your overall eye health. Healthy habits that support your eyes include:
- Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants
- Attending regular comprehensive eye exams
- Exercising regularly
- Protecting your eyes and skin from harmful UV rays
- Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption
Our team can also discuss nutritional recommendations and other strategies to support your individual needs. Book your AMD testing appointment today and take an important step toward protecting your eye health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Early AMD often does not cause noticeable symptoms. As it progresses, some people may experience blurred central vision, difficulty seeing details, distortion, or dark spots in their vision.
AMD is more common in adults over 50, but risk can also be influenced by factors such as family history, genetics, lifestyle habits, and overall eye health.
AMD cannot always be prevented, but regular eye exams, healthy lifestyle habits, UV protection, and proper nutrition can help support long-term eye health.
AMD typically affects central vision rather than peripheral vision. While it can significantly impact daily activities, it does not usually cause complete blindness.
The recommended frequency of eye exams depends on your age, eye health, and risk factors. Our team can help determine the right schedule for your needs.
Services We Offer:
Our Mission and Commitment to You
As a team of dedicated eye doctors and eye care professionals, we work together to “see” beyond your symptoms and transform lives through an individualized approach.
Our eye doctors in Scarborough offer a suite of eye care services, such as comprehensive eye exams, children’s eye exams, contact lens fittings, vision therapy, dry eye treatment, and more.
The Core Values That Guide Our Care
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Come Visit Us in Scarborough
Our clinic is located near the corner of Kingston Rd. and Markham Rd., in the Silver Mile By The Bluffs shopping mall.
Our Address
Contact Information
- Phone: 416-265-8777
- Fax: 416-265-1338
- Email: info@visioncarecentre.ca
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Our Testimonials
My family and I have always been impressed with the friendly yet extremely professional service we have enjoyed over the years. The doctors are knowledgeable and personable, the frame selection is excellent (as is the contingent of wonderful staff who are always available with honest opinions and helpful advice!) and the receptionists are fabulous and friendly. The newly renovated space is lovely as well. Well done, everyone!
Kim
I have seen Dr. Sebastian and he is the only one to have diagnosed my dry eye syndrome and I have seen others before him and did not catch this. As a result of my dry eyes my prescription was not reading accurately. I am grateful for his patience and extra care he has given me.
KoKo
My Vision Care experience was absolutely grand. I greatly value all the wonderful people there who looked after me during my visit. Everyone is extremely friendly and highly professional starting right from the time one enters the beautiful place.
The place itself provides a wonderful experience. I value all the professional advice that is given with the greatest care. For me it is a joy to come in on a regular basis and to know I am in good hands. I greatly value the care and guidance given by Dr. Ramesh.
Ingrid
We want to thank you very much for all your hard work that went into Alicia’s Neuro-Visual Therapy. It has opened Alicia’s ability to do so much more both personally and in school, and what means most to us as her parent, we see how confident Alicia is in herself and in her school work. She was always falling down a lot and she always had her head tilted to one side. Now she is focused to get her tasks done on time and the best part, correctly…
Craig and Nadine P.
When I started the program, I had trouble focusing and sitting and doing my work. Since I started the 36 week program, this has changed. I focused on getting better grades than I did in grade 2 (now in grade 3). I have got A’s in all subjects this year. Now I can sit and do my work, I am able to focus and I am not always looking around the room at other things. I used to need a ruler to read, now I don’t and I can read better and faster than I used to. I am doing great and have learned a lot through this experience.
Hannah
Contact Us
- Phone: 416-265-8777
- Fax: 416-265-1338
- Email: info@visioncarecentre.ca