Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in Canadians over 50. At Dr. J.C. Mungar Optometry in Oakville, we detect AMD early with OCT imaging, co-manage care with retinal specialists, and guide patients on slowing disease progression and protecting their remaining vision.
The macula is the small, central region of the retina responsible for the sharp, detailed vision you use for reading, driving, and recognizing faces. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive deterioration of the macula that robs patients of this central vision. It does not cause total blindness, but significant central vision loss profoundly affects independence and quality of life.
AMD is the leading cause of severe vision loss in Canadians aged 50 and over. An estimated 2.5 million Canadians have some form of AMD. Early detection allows for interventions that significantly slow progression and preserve the vision you have.
Dry AMD accounts for approximately 85 to 90% of all AMD cases. It progresses through the gradual accumulation of drusen (yellow deposits) under the retina, leading to slow deterioration of the macula over years or decades. Early and intermediate dry AMD may cause minimal symptoms. Advanced dry AMD (geographic atrophy) causes significant central vision loss as retinal cells die. Currently, AREDS2 vitamin supplementation is the most evidence-based approach to slowing progression in intermediate dry AMD.
Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak fluid, causing rapid, severe damage to the macula. It accounts for only 10 to 15% of AMD cases but causes the majority of severe vision loss. Wet AMD can convert from dry AMD and may develop rapidly. Treatment with anti-VEGF injections (Eylea, Lucentis, Avastin) administered by a retinal specialist can stop progression and in many cases improve vision when started promptly. Speed of treatment matters enormously with wet AMD.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) produces detailed cross-sectional images of the retina, allowing Dr. Mungar to detect structural changes in the macula years before they affect your vision. OCT is the most sensitive tool available in primary eye care for AMD monitoring and is performed in-office at our Oakville clinic.
High-resolution retinal photographs document the appearance of your macula, optic disc, and peripheral retina. Baseline photographs allow year-over-year comparison to detect subtle changes in drusen size, number, and distribution.
Dr. Mungar provides AMD patients with an Amsler grid for home monitoring. This simple grid detects distortion or missing areas in central vision that may signal wet AMD conversion. Patients are instructed to test each eye daily and report any changes immediately.
The Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) demonstrated that a specific high-dose antioxidant supplement formula reduces the risk of progression to advanced AMD by approximately 25% in patients with intermediate AMD or advanced AMD in one eye. Dr. Mungar reviews your AMD stage and advises on whether AREDS2 supplementation is appropriate for you.
If Dr. Mungar detects signs of wet AMD conversion, he prioritises urgent referral to a retinal specialist for anti-VEGF injection therapy. The sooner treatment begins, the better the visual outcome. Our established referral relationships in the Halton region support fast access to specialist care.
OCT allows us to detect macular changes years before you notice any vision loss, giving you the maximum time to benefit from lifestyle changes, supplementation, and treatment options.
Long-term monitoring is the cornerstone of AMD management. Dr. Mungar’s 30+ year presence in Oakville means your retinal images are compared year over year by the same physician who knows your complete history.
Wet AMD is a time-sensitive emergency. Our referral relationships with retinal specialists in Halton Region ensure patients who need urgent care receive it quickly, not after weeks on a waiting list.
Currently, there is no cure for AMD. However, progression can be significantly slowed. For dry AMD, AREDS2 supplementation reduces advanced progression risk by 25% in eligible patients. For wet AMD, anti-VEGF injections can stop leakage, stabilize vision, and in many patients improve visual acuity. Research into treatments for geographic atrophy (advanced dry AMD) is advancing rapidly, with several new therapies recently approved or in late-stage trials.
Early AMD often causes no symptoms. As it progresses, patients may notice mild blurring or distortion in their central vision, difficulty reading fine print, colours appearing washed out, or a dark or blurry spot in the centre of their vision. Straight lines appearing wavy or bent (tested on the Amsler grid) is a key early warning sign of wet AMD conversion and requires immediate assessment.
Patients with AMD in one eye have a significantly elevated risk of developing it in the other. Both eyes are monitored closely at every visit. AREDS2 supplementation is typically recommended for patients with AMD in at least one eye, regardless of the other eye’s status, in appropriate cases.
AREDS2 supplementation is recommended for patients with intermediate AMD or advanced AMD in one eye. It is NOT recommended for early AMD or as a preventive measure in patients without AMD, as the high-dose formula has shown no benefit and potential harm in those groups. Dr. Mungar will advise you based on your specific AMD stage.
If you are over 50, have a family history of AMD, or are experiencing any change in your central vision, early assessment is essential. Call our Oakville clinic at (905) 842-3411 or book online today.
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Monday August 3 through Friday August 7
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