Toronto, ON – February 3, 2025 – The Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) is recognizing Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Month by highlighting how the disease affects patients differently, the evolving role of technology in care, and the broader impact of vision loss across Canada.
AMD is a progressive eye disease where damage to the macula causes patients to experience blurry, distorted vision. There are two types of AMD. Dry AMD, which usually progresses slowly and is due to accumulation of yellow deposits in the macula. Wet AMD on the other hand can lead to rapid, severe vision loss due to growth of abnormal blood vessels that leak fluid or blood. The major risk factors include age (being over 50), smoking, high blood pressure, family history.
Many patients with macular degeneration don’t have symptoms until the disease progresses. Therefore, it is important for patients age 50 and over to get regular eye exams, especially if they have the key risk factors. Key red flags that should prompt a visit to the eye doctor include blurry vision, distortions when look at straight lines or problems seeing in low light.
Care for AMD is not one-size-fits-all. Treatment depends on the type and stage of disease, as well as a patient’s individual needs and response to therapy. For some, this may include lifestyle changes, nutritional supplements, or close monitoring, while others may require ongoing medical treatment to slow progression. Early diagnosis and regular follow-up with an eye care professional remain essential to protecting vision.
“AMD looks different from one patient to the next,” said Dr. Varun Chaudhary, Professor and Head of Ophthalmology at McMaster University and Chief of Ophthalmology at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and Hamilton Health Sciences. “Today, we have more tools and treatment options than ever before. We can image the disease in great detail and monitor progression carefully and intervene early to minimize vision loss. When the disease is caught early, we can tailor care to the individual and, in many cases, help patients maintain their vision and independence.”
Advances in new drugs and new technologies are also supporting better AMD care. For wet AMD, we now have new 2nd generation drugs that can provide sustained disease control with less frequent treatments. First of a kind drugs for dry AMD have received approval in the United States and they are currently under review by health regulatory authorities in Canada. In addition, new imaging modalities are providing extensive detail around disease load, early detection, better monitoring and earlier intervention which all supports earlier intervention and more timely treatment.
Beyond its clinical effects, AMD carries a significant personal and societal burden. Vision loss can increase the risk of falls, limit social participation, and affect mental well-being. Factors such as income, geography, and access to eye care services can influence when AMD is diagnosed and how effectively it is treated, highlighting the importance of equitable access to care.
COS encourages Canadians to speak with their eye care professional about their risk for AMD, available treatment options, and how often they should receive a comprehensive eye exam.
Learn more about age-related macular degeneration at https://www.seethepossibilities.ca/eye-health/age-related-macular-degeneration/.
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About the Canadian Ophthalmological Society
The Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) is the national, recognized authority on eye and vision care in Canada. As eye physicians and surgeons, we are committed to assuring the provision of optimal medical and surgical eye care for all Canadians by promoting excellence in ophthalmology and by providing services to support our members in practice. Our membership includes over 900 ophthalmologists and 200 ophthalmology residents. For more information, visit cos-sco.ca.