Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
The innovative new MacuMira Vision Therapy offers pain-free, effective and easy-to-maintain treatment for patients with dry age-related macular degeneration.
What is AMD and how has it been treated in the past?
Dry AMD is an eye disease in which a part of the retina known as the macula becomes damaged. The macula is responsible for our central vision, most of our colour vision and the fine detail of what we see.1
As such, dry AMD affects the central vision, making it difficult to do activities such as reading, driving and distinguishing faces. The age related macular degeneration can have a devastating impact on quality of life.
Dry AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 55, and currently affects approximately 2.5 million Canadians.2 It’s a progressive disease, which means macular degeneration worsens over time, leading to increasing vision impairment.3
Early symptoms of the macular degeneration disease include slight blurring of the central vision, straight lines appearing slightly blurry and difficulties performing tasks like reading or driving in low light. In its more advanced stages, dry AMD can cause blurred central vision or completely dark central vision. Straight lines become not just blurry but very wavy, and tasks like reading and recognizing faces become difficult.4
What is the MacuMira Vision Therapy?
MacuMira Vision Therapy is an innovative new way of treating dry AMD using non-invasive eyelid surface neurostimulation. The MacuMira device, which delivers a patented microcurrent through patients’ closed eyes, is the first and only treatment for dry AMD in Canada and North America.
The treatment works by stimulating the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells in the eye, which enhances mitochondrial ATP formation. This helps the eyes to clear drusen and lipofuscin, which are waste products that can accumulate in the retina as people age and which can increase the risk of dry AMD.8
In its landmark clinical trial, MacuMira was proven to restore patients’ eyesight. Forty patients participated in the trial, and all experienced improved vision using MacuMira. This improvement in vision was maintained through the duration of the trial. Some improvement is also immediate, right after the first treatment. And optimal results were achieved after only four treatments.
There are two types of AMD:
Dry age-related macular degeneration (Dry AMD) is the more common form (accounting for 85-90 per cent of cases) and is a gradual deterioration of the macula as the retinal cells die off and are not renewed.
For dry AMD, there are no medicines available. Early stages of dry AMD have typically been treated using recommended lifestyle changes, including healthy eating, quitting smoking, and regular exercise, all of which have the potential to slow the advance of dry AMD. Doctors also regularly monitor their patients’ eye health to track any changes in their vision and to monitor the macular degeneration disease’s progression. In the case of more advanced dry AMD, the typical treatment is supplementation with vitamins and minerals, which also may slow the disease’s progression.7
Fortunately, a new, Health Canada-approved treatment has finally reached the market for patients with dry AMD in any stage.
Wet age-related macular degeneration (Wet AMD) is less common but far more serious. It develops from the dry macular degeneration and occurs when new, abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina, causing scarring of the macula.1
Up until now, treatment options for AMD have been minimal, leaving AMD patients – along with their caregivers, loved ones and health care practitioners – with limited hope. While patients with wet AMD have treatments available which may be able to slow or prevent further vision deterioration, including anti-VEGF drugs and photodynamic therapy,2 patients with dry AMD have unfortunately not had such options available to them.
Typical treatment plan
Patients using the MacuMira Vision Therapy can expect short, easy and pain-free treatment sessions. A typical eye macular degeneration treatment plan includes four 32-minute sessions in the first week, followed every two to three months by additional 32-minute sessions. The treatment is delivered right in the clinic of the patient’s eye care specialist using a familiar-looking device.
The technician places two sticker-like electrode pads to each side of the patient’s head, and they’re given a disposable head cap. Afterwards, the technician removes the electrode pads and cleans any residue. The device is fully cleaned and sanitized after each use. Some clinics may be able to play music during the treatment session to make it more relaxing for patients.
Unlike alternative forms of treatment such as vitamins, lifestyle changes or injections, the MacuMira Vision Therapy is pain-free, convenient, comfortable and easy to maintain. Most importantly, it’s safe and effective. The evidence shows that MacuMira Vision Therapy improves vision for those suffering from dry AMD and improves quality of life in just 10 days.
FAQs
Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) cannot be fully reversed as it is a progressive disease. However, the MacuMira Vision Therapy offers a new and innovative treatment that has shown promising results in restoring some vision for patients with dry AMD. In clinical trials, patients experienced improved vision, which was maintained throughout the duration of the trial. The therapy works by stimulating the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells in the eye to help clear waste products that accumulate in the retina, potentially improving eyesight even in advanced stages of the disease.
Currently, there is no complete cure for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Traditional treatments have focused on managing the symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease through lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating, quitting smoking, and regular exercise. For advanced dry AMD, supplementation with vitamins and minerals has been recommended to slow the disease's progression. However, the newly available MacuMira Vision Therapy, approved by Health Canada, offers a significant improvement in vision and quality of life for patients with dry AMD, providing a non-invasive and effective treatment option.
While dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) cannot be completely prevented, certain lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk and slow the progression of the disease. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, quitting smoking, and engaging in regular physical activity are all recommended strategies. Regular eye check-ups are also crucial for monitoring eye health and detecting any early signs of AMD. Additionally, new treatments like the MacuMira Vision Therapy provide hope for managing the condition more effectively, even though they do not offer a complete prevention or cure.
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Disclaimer: Always speak to your primary health care provider and/or eye care provider before making any changes to your lifestyle, activities or diet.