Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) causes significant vision loss in seniors who have it. And there are many of them. This degenerative eye disease affects more than 500,000 Quebecers, about five times more than Alzheimer’s disease, yet it remains little known to the general public.
Nationwide, more than 2.7 million people are affected. AMD is the leading cause of vision loss among Canadians aged 55 and older.
In most cases, the symptoms are mild at first, explains Serge Bourgault, an ophthalmologist specializing in retinal and vitreous surgery. As a result, people often don’t realize that they have the disease.
“If they come in for a consultation because of a slight decline in vision, we are less likely to detect a serious problem. People with wet macular degeneration may not have many symptoms, and a routine exam by their optometrist may detect it. At that point, the optometrist will refer them to an ophthalmologist for treatment.”
Related:
AMD can have a significant impact on people’s lives. “Driving is often the most noticeable impact for patients. It always affects them when their driver’s license has to be revoked because their vision is no longer good enough,” says Bourgault. People also love to read, and this disease can sometimes make reading difficult […] It also affects people’s ability to recognize others, as it affects their central vision. They often say, ‘I can see you, but I can’t see your face clearly.’”
The dry form of the disease is characterized by deposits under the retina. “Over time, the dry form can progress, leading to thinning of the retina. At that point, people will experience a more significant decline in vision, which can even include a very pronounced loss of central vision,” explains Bourgault.
In the wet form, abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina, which can cause fluid to build up inside the retina and bleeding. “At this point, people will experience vision loss and distortion. The wet form progresses more rapidly, but it is treatable,” says Bourgault.
Treatment involves injecting medication into the eye to slow the growth of abnormal blood vessels. The earlier treatment begins, the better the results.
For the dry form, there are currently few interventions, says the specialist. Ophthalmologists will work with patients on risk factors such as smoking and diet. There are two drugs available in the United States, Bourgault said. These are injections into the eye that can slow the progression of the disease.
One of the two drugs is currently being reviewed by Health Canada.
The Association des médecins ophtalmologistes du Québec (AMOQ) is working to demystify AMD in order to better prevent it. Ottawa recognized the importance of raising public awareness of eye diseases in its National Eye Care Strategy Act, which was passed in 2024. Among the initiatives, February has been designated Age-Related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month, which aims to improve public understanding of this eye disease.
—
The Canadian Press’s health coverage is supported by a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. The Canadian Press is solely responsible for this journalistic content.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
