Eye Disease Diagnosis & Management in Sarnia

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that causes deterioration of the macula, the part of the retina responsible for detailed central vision and colour vision. If left untreated, AMD can lead to central vision loss.

There are 2 types of AMD.

Dry AMD

Dry AMD is the most common type of AMD and accounts for 90% of cases. It progresses slowly over time, with symptoms and vision loss occurring gradually. It’s often associated with drusen, yellow fatty protein deposits under the retina.

Wet AMD

Wet AMD is less common than dry AMD, accounting for about 10% of cases but responsible for 90% of AMD-related blindness. Symptoms develop rapidly and occur when weak, abnormal blood vessels break and leak blood and fluid into the macula. Wet AMD is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.

Diabetes can cause significant damage to the eyes, increasing your risk of diabetic eye disease. These diseases include diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damage and block the delicate blood vessels that supply the retina. This damage can weaken the vessels, making them bulge or leak into the retina.

As the disease advances, blood vessels close, causing new ones to grow. These new abnormal blood vessels can lead to a series of complications that impact your ocular health.

Diabetic Macular Edema

Diabetes can lead to swelling in your macula, the part of the retina responsible for detailed central vision. This swelling is called diabetic macular edema and can destroy your sharp vision. It’s a common complication of diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic Eye Disease Testing

Fundus photography is a non-invasive diagnostic test that uses an advanced camera to take high-definition images of the interior surface of the eye. It’s a useful tool for diagnosing problems with the retina, retinal vasculature, optic disc, macula, and fundus.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technology that uses light to take high-definition, cross-sections of the inside of the eye. These images can help us diagnose problems with the retina or optic nerve.

Cataracts are the clouding of the eye’s natural lens. Although they’re common and one of the most treatable eye conditions, they remain the leading cause of blindness in Canada.

Early-stage cataracts don’t generally affect your vision too much, and can be managed with with glasses or contact lenses. However, as they continue to grow, they may start preventing you from performing detailed activities like reading or driving. In this case, your cataracts may require correction through cataract surgery.