Eye Disease Diagnosis & Management in North York

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that affects the macula, which is crucial for clear central vision. If AMD is left untreated, it can result in blurred vision or sight loss.

Macular degeneration is a degenerative eye disease that affects the central retina (the macula) and damages the macula’s cells, causing deterioration of central vision.

Risk Factors

-Genetics that could present at a younger age (for example, Stargardt)

-Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) usually occurs in patients over 50 years and increases with aging.

-Smoking.

Symptoms of Macular Degeneration

• Blurred vision
• Distorted vision
• A black patch in the centre of the vision
• Difficulty reading

Diagnosis of Macular Degeneration

• Retinal examination
• Ocular coherence tomography (OCT)
• Genetic Test

Types of Macular Degeneration

Dry Macular Degeneration

Dry macular degeneration usually progresses slowly over time. Unfortunately, there is no proven treatment yet; a new laser, the 2RT laser, has shown promising results, but further studies are needed.

Dry macular degeneration increases the risk of developing wet macular degeneration. Regular monitoring with the Amsler grid is needed.

Wet Macular Degeneration

Wet macular degeneration is more aggressive. It is caused by an abnormal blood vessel that grows into the retina, causing swelling and scarring of the macula and can cause rapid, irreversible loss of central vision. Fortunately, it can be treated with Anti VEGF (anti-vascular endothelial growth factor) agent injection into the eye to reduce the progression.

Prevention of Macular Degeneration

It is possible to reduce the risk of losing sight from macular degeneration by having a regular eye exam and adopting a healthy lifestyle.

A healthy diet rich in green leafy and other brightly coloured vegetables, fish and nuts is recommended.

AREDS and AREDS 2 trials have shown the benefits of antioxidants and other supplements in reducing the rate of deterioration of dry macular degeneration in certain types of moderate to severe dry macular degeneration.

Glaucoma is also known as the silent thief of sight, 

It is a group of conditions that cause the optic disc excavation and results in peripheral vision loss, tunnel vision, or vision loss.

Risk factors for glaucoma

-over 50 years of age:

-Elevated intraocular pressure: The most important risk factor in glaucoma is the elevation of the intraocular pressure (pressure inside the eye). The normal range of pressure is between 10 and 21 mmHg. Most patients with glaucoma have pressure readings greater than 21mmHg. 

-Ethnicity

-Family history

-Other eye conditions, including cataracts, injuries or surgery

– Hyperopia(farsightedness)

– Myopia(nearsightedness)

-Prolonged use of corticosteroids (eye drops, pills, inhalers, creams)

-Conditions that affect or are related to blood flow, including migraine, diabetes, blood pressure

-Corneal thickness less than 500 microns

           Types of glaucoma 

           – Open angle glaucoma

           -Narrow angle glaucoma

           – Closed angel glaucoma

           -Secondary glaucoma

           – Pigmentary glaucoma 

           -Traumatic glaucoma 

           – Congenital glaucoma

           – Uveitic glaucoma 

           -Normal tension glaucoma 

           – Neovascular glaucoma

           -Exfoliative glaucoma 

           Tests for glaucoma 

At Empress Eye Clinic, as part of our advanced routine eye examination, we incorporate cutting-edge technology such as retinal image, screening OCT scan, screening visual field test, biomicroscope, and intraocular pressure test to diagnose and manage glaucoma in its early stage.

 When needed, we use gonioscopy, pachymetry, detailed OCT and Visual Field tests to monitor and manage the condition.

Treatment for glaucoma 

Depending on its type and stage, the treatment of glaucoma could range from different kinds of eye drops, surgery, SLT (Selected Taser Trabeculectomy), Shunt, etc.

A  Cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, limiting the amount of light that can enter and preventing us from seeing clearly.

There is a wide range of options for cataract surgery. If you have a cataract, consider making a consultation appointment with us to discuss your options to make an informed decision and be referred to a specialist. We co-mange cataract surgery with top cataract surgeons in Toronto, ON.