Retinal Disorders

Age-related macular degeneration

The macula is a small area in the centre of the retina. When the cells of the macula break down, it affects the ability to see straight ahead. This can lead to difficulties with driving, reading, recognizing faces and looking at fine details.

Age-related macular degeneration is one of the most common causes of poor vision in people over the age of 60. There are two types of age-related macular degeneration:

Dry macular degeneration: the most common type of age-related macular degeneration. 

Loss of vision happens slowly and usually in one eye at a time as the macula breaks down. Dry macular degeneration can become wet macular degeneration as it progresses. 

Wet macular degeneration: the less common type of age-related macular degeneration. 

It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the macula. Loss of vision happens more quickly and is severe.

For more information on age-related macular degeneration visit the Canadian Ophthalmological Society.

Symptoms

Early macular degeneration may not have any symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms include:

• Blurry vision 
• Distorted vision (for example, seeing straight lines as wavy)
• Difficulty recognizing familiar faces 
• A dark, empty area in the centre of your vision

Diagnosis    

An optometrist can detect age-related macular degeneration during a regular eye exam when pupils are dilated. They look for yellow spots on the retina called drusden.

An optometrist will also check your eyesight to see how it has changed over time. They may show you a grid, called an Amsler grid, to assess your vision. You can learn more about the Amsler grid on our diagnostic tests page.

Treatment

There is currently no treatment for dry macular degeneration. Your physician may recommend low-vision rehabilitation, which can help you adapt to your changing vision. 

Wet macular degeneration is sometimes treated with medication called anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drugs. Anti-VEGF drugs are injected into the eye. They slow the growth of new blood vessels and can help preserve your vision. 

Diabetic retinopathy

Over time, high blood sugar levels in those with diabetes can damage blood vessels in the retina. This is referred to as diabetic retinopathy.

For more information on diabetic retinopathy visit the Canadian Ophthalmological Society. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include:

• Blurry vision
• Floating spots
• Blindness

These symptoms may not appear until the disease has progressed. 

Diagnosis

An optometrist can detect diabetic retinopathy during a regular eye exam when pupils are dilated. If the optometrist finds diabetic retinopathy, they will refer you to an ophthalmologist.

Tests such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) or a fluorescein angiogram may be recommended to diagnose and understand your condition.

Treatment

There is currently no treatment for early diabetic retinopathy. 

As the condition worsens, an ophthalmologist may recommend anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drugs. Anti-VEGF drugs are injected into the eye. They slow the growth of new blood vessels and can help preserve your vision. 

Laser treatment or surgery are options in some cases. Our Ophthalmology care team will provide you with more information if laser treatment or surgery are recommended as part of your care plan.

Retinal tears and detachment

Retinal tears occur when the jelly-like substance that fills most of the eyeball (vitreous) shrinks and tugs on the retina, causing it to partially pull away from the back of the eye. 

Retinal detachment occurs if fluid gets behind the retina and causes it to completely pull away from the back of the eye.

For more information on retinal tears and detachment visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Symptoms

Symptoms of retinal tears or detachment may include:

• Floaters (small floating objects) that appear suddenly in vision
• Black spots in vision 
• Blurry or dimmer vision
• Flashes of light in the eyes
• Loss of peripheral vision

Diagnosis

If you have any symptoms of retinal tears or detachment, see an optometrist or ophthalmologist as soon as possible. They will dilate your eyes and look at your retina using a special light. They also may recommend other tests to look at your retina, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) or ultrasounds. 

Treatment

If you have a retinal tear, laser surgery or cryotherapy (freeze treatment) may be recommended. These treatments prevent fluid from getting underneath the retina. If the retina becomes completely detached, you will need emergency surgery. Our Ophthalmology care team will provide you with more information if any of these treatments are recommended as part of your care plan.