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What is AMD?
ADM affects central vision, while peripheral vision remains intact. The macula, the central part of the retina, is responsible for detailed vision used in reading, driving, and recognizing faces. AMD makes daily tasks challenging and impacts overall quality of life. While AMD can take several years to progress, it is the second leading cause of blindness in Canada.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for AMD include, age, genetics, poor diet and obesity, among others.
Symptoms -- No Symptoms
The early stage of AMD often has no symptoms. However, optometrists can detect early AMD during a regular eye examination that includes diagnostic tests and imaging. As AMD progresses, individuals may experience blurry or wavy central vision, difficulty seeing in low light, and color disturbances.
Treating AMD
To mitigate vision loss AMD must be diagnosed and treated early. They type of AMD will determine treatment options:
- Dry AMD: Addressing diet and obesity will help to manage disease progression. There are no other treatments.
- Wet AMD: This is a more severe form of AMD. Without treatment there will be rapid vision loss.
Why Early Detection Matters
Regular comprehensive eye examinations that include diagnostic tests and imaging, including optical coherence tomography (OCT) tests, play a critical role in early detection. Early intervention can prevent severe vision loss, reducing workplace accidents, disability claims, and maintaining productivity.
This February, Don’t Lose Sight of eye health in benefits planning. Talk to clients and your plan members about the importance of vision care benefits. Include a conversation about adding coverage for diagnostic tests and imaging as well as recall exams for those that need them. Then talk to their insurer. Proactive eye health management is not just a healthcare priority; it is a strategic investment in member well-being and benefit cost management.
Since 2000, the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) has been advocating for best practice coverage in group vision care plans through their Don’t Lose Sight campaign. The first Vision Care in Canada survey in 2024 conducted by CAO found that the majority of group vision care plans are out of date. Updating them to meet best practices will add very little to the overall benefits budget but will introduce sight saving benefits for Canadian workers.
Contact the CAO to discuss how you or your clients can modernize vision care with the support of the Canadian Association of Optometrists.
You’ll find more information on prevention, early detection and manage diseases through CAO blogs, podcasts, and webinars. Want to know more? You can find our handbook and blog posts here on the Don’t Lose Sight website or contact the CAO for more information or assistance at info@opto.ca.