Can macular degeneration be cured?

There is currently no cure for AMD, but it can be managed. Wet AMD is treatable with medications injected by a retinal specialist, and progression of dry AMD may be influenced by nutritional supplementation, smoking cessation, and regular monitoring. Early detection makes a meaningful difference in preserving vision.

How often should I be checked if I have AMD or a family history of it?

Monitoring frequency depends on the stage of AMD and your individual risk factors, including genetic risk where testing has been performed. Dr. Yu will recommend a schedule for you — from annual comprehensive exams for those at risk, to more frequent imaging visits for patients with intermediate or advanced dry AMD.

What is the Amsler grid, and should I use one at home?

An Amsler grid is a simple checkerboard-style chart used at home to monitor central vision between visits. Check each eye separately — if lines appear wavy, broken, or missing, contact our clinic promptly, as this can indicate progression. We provide Amsler grids and instructions to patients being monitored for AMD.

Do AMD supplements work?

Large clinical trials (AREDS and AREDS2) found that specific supplement formulations reduced the risk of progression to advanced AMD in patients with intermediate AMD. Supplements are not recommended for everyone — Dr. Yu can advise whether a formulation is appropriate based on your retinal findings and, if desired, your genetic testing results.

Are my AMD-related visits and scans covered by Alberta Health?

Exams and follow-up visits for a diagnosed condition such as AMD are generally covered by Alberta Health. Diagnostic testing including retinal photography, visual field testing, and OCT is covered once per year.

Is wet AMD an emergency?

New distortion, a sudden blank spot in central vision, or rapid blurring should be assessed promptly — ideally within days. If wet AMD is found, early referral for treatment gives the best chance of preserving vision. Contact us at (587) 349-6986 for urgent assessment.

Macular Degeneration Testing & Care | Primaris Vision Calgary

Q: Is AMD genetic testing covered by Alberta Health?

No. Genetic testing is not covered by Alberta Health. Our team will review the cost with you before any testing is performed.

Age Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of vision loss in Canadians over 50. It affects the macula — the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision like reading, driving, and recognizing faces. Early AMD often has no symptoms, which is why regular eye exams and retinal imaging are important for early detection and monitoring.

At Primaris Vision, Dr. Michael Yu provides comprehensive AMD assessment, monitoring, and management in accordance with current clinical guidelines, with referral to a retinal specialist when treatment is indicated.

AMD Genetic Testing

For patients diagnosed with early or intermediate AMD, we offer genetic testing to provide additional information about individual risk of progression. The test is a simple, non-invasive cheek swab performed in our clinic, with results returned to Dr. Yu within a few weeks.

Genetic testing analyzes a panel of genetic markers associated with AMD. Combined with your clinical examination findings, the results can help:

Estimate your risk of progression to advanced AMD over the coming years
Guide how frequently your eyes should be monitored and imaged
Inform the selection of an eye supplement formulation for your genetic profile

Large clinical studies (AREDS and AREDS2) found that specific vitamin and mineral formulations reduced the risk of progression in patients with intermediate AMD. Research further suggests that response to certain ingredients, including high-dose zinc, may vary with an individual's genetic profile. Genetic testing provides information Dr. Yu can use when discussing which formulation may be appropriate for you.

Genetic testing is not covered by Alberta Health. Our team will review the cost with you before any testing is performed.

Managing AMD: What to Expect

If you have early or intermediate dry AMD, Dr. Yu will establish a monitoring schedule using dilated examination, OCT, and FAF imaging to track any changes — with visit frequency guided by your disease stage and individual risk profile. He will also discuss nutritional and lifestyle measures, including smoking cessation, UV protection, and diet, and review whether a clinically studied supplement formulation is appropriate for you.

If wet AMD is detected or suspected, we arrange prompt referral to a retinal specialist. Wet AMD is treatable, most commonly with anti-VEGF injections, and outcomes are generally better with earlier treatment. Dr. Yu co-manages your ongoing eye care alongside your specialist.

If you're at risk but haven't developed AMD, regular comprehensive eye exams remain the most important step. Baseline retinal imaging gives us a reference point to detect subtle changes at future visits.

Frequently asked questions

Macular Degeneration

AMD Testing at Primaris Vision

Detecting AMD early — and tracking whether it is progressing — depends on careful clinical examination, detailed retinal imaging, and functional testing. Our clinic is equipped to assess and monitor AMD in accordance with current clinical guidelines.

Dilated Fundus Examination AMD assessment begins with a comprehensive dilated eye exam. Dilating drops widen the pupil, allowing Dr. Yu to directly examine the macula and surrounding retina for drusen, pigment changes, and other signs of macular disease.

Retinal OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) OCT provides high-resolution cross-sectional images of the macula, allowing Dr. Yu to measure retinal layers, identify drusen, and detect fluid that may indicate conversion to wet AMD. OCT is a key tool for both diagnosis and ongoing monitoring.

Fundus Autofluorescence (FAF) FAF imaging maps the health of the retinal pigment epithelium — the support layer of the retina affected in AMD. It is particularly useful for identifying and monitoring geographic atrophy, and can reveal changes before they are visible on standard retinal photos.

Visual Field Testing Automated visual field testing assesses central retinal function and helps document how AMD is affecting your day-to-day vision over time.

Amsler Grid Home Monitoring Between visits, we provide patients being monitored for AMD with an Amsler grid — a simple chart used at home to check central vision in each eye. New waviness, distortion, or missing areas on the grid can be an early sign of progression and should be reported to our clinic promptly.

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What Is Macular Degeneration?

AMD develops when the macula is damaged by age-related changes in the retina. Genetics play a significant role — having a parent or sibling with AMD increases your risk — alongside lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet, and UV exposure. There are two forms:

Dry (atrophic) AMD is the more common form. It progresses gradually as deposits called drusen accumulate beneath the retina and the light-sensing cells of the macula slowly thin. In advanced stages, areas of retinal tissue can be lost — a condition called geographic atrophy.

Wet (neovascular) AMD is less common but can progress quickly. Abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and may leak fluid or blood, distorting or damaging central vision. Wet AMD requires prompt referral to a retinal specialist, as treatment is most effective when started early.

Common signs and symptoms

Blurred or dim central vision
Straight lines appearing wavy or distorted
Difficulty reading or seeing fine detail, especially in low light
A dark or blank spot in the centre of your vision

Early AMD frequently causes no noticeable symptoms — changes are often first detected during a comprehensive eye exam.

Risk factors

Age over 50
Family history of AMD
Smoking
Cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure
Lighter eye colour and prolonged UV exposure
Diet low in leafy greens and omega-3 fatty acids