Eye Disease Diagnosis & Management in New Brunswick

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision. We rely on our central vision for detail-oriented tasks, like driving, reading, or identifying faces.

AMD is often associated with the ageing process and is most common in individuals over 50. There are two types of AMD:

• Dry AMD occurs when the macula deteriorates over time due to ageing. Dry AMD is a progressive disease that leads to the gradual blurring of central vision. It is the more common form of AMD and is associated with the accumulation of drusen, deposits of lipids and proteins under the retina.
• Wet AMD is caused by the abnormal growth of blood vessels in the retina. These can break and leak fluid or blood into the macular, leading to blurry central vision or blind spots. Wet AMD usually starts as dry AMD, but not everyone with dry AMD will develop wet AMD. Early detection and treatment may reduce or recover vision loss.

Regular eye exams are essential to detect, diagnose, and monitor AMD.

Floaters

Floaters are little specks or cobwebs that float around in your field of view. They usually dart away if you try to look directly at them. As we age, the vitreous shrinks, becoming a bit stringy. The shrinking of the vitreous generally causes floaters as we age. These strings can cast shadows on the retina, creating floaters.

Floaters occur naturally as part of the ageing process and are usually harmless. However, they are sometimes associated with more serious issues, like intraocular infection, injury, or retinal detachment.

Flashes

Flashes are bright streaks or pinpricks of light that appear and fade quickly. They’re created by the eye itself when force is put on the retina. You can see flashes when you’re hit in the eye or rub your eyes too hard, but they mostly happen when the vitreous shrinks and pulls at the retina.

Most will see flashes at some point in their lives, and they’re generally harmless. However, if you suddenly start seeing repeated and continuous flashes, this could indicate retinal tear or detachment. If this happens, you should seek emergency medical attention.