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Rockyview Health Centre, 1011 Glenmore Trail SW Building #1 Suite 423, Calgary, AB T2V 4R6, Canada
587-353-5061 Book Appointment

Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Testing

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Are you at risk of developing Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)? We are pleased to introduce a new way to detect the risk of developing AMD in patients at EyedeologyTM.  If there is a family history of age related macular degeneration be sure to let us know so we can do a quick and easy genetic test called Macula Risk PGx. We can then advise diet, monitoring of the eyes and specific vitamins for individual patients that will prevent the progression of the disease.

AMD is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in people over the age of 50. It is a progressive disease that can destroy central vision, which can affect every day tasks such as reading, driving, or watching television. The incidence rates of AMD increases from 1 in 10 people over the age of 60 to more than 1 in 4 people over the age of 75. The statistics reveal that 1 in 5 dry AMD (early signs of AMD) patients will progress to wet AMD (more advanced stages of AMD), which can have a damaging effect on functional vision. There are a number of factors that increase the risk of developing AMD. The genetic risk is 60%, so having a first degree relative (mother, father, brother, sister) with AMD may significantly increase the risk of developing the disease.

The importance of early detection and treatment is evident when comparing the treatment outcomes of the first eye that converts to wet (a more advanced form) AMD verses the second the eye. Studies found that patients who developed Wet AMD in their second eye maintained near normal vision due to increased monitoring that occurred during treatment of the first eye, leading to earlier treatment.

It is estimated that up to 70% of AMD risk is a attributable to genetic variation. The test ‘Macula Risk PGx’s analyzes 15 AMD associated genetic variants in 12 different genes. These genes are present across four biological pathways known to be involved in AMD pathogenesis: the compliment system (CHF, C3, CF1, C2 and CFB), cholesterol metabolism, extracellular matrix remodeling and oxidative stress. All of the genetic markers in Macular Risk PGx have been validated in at least four independent publications involving tens of thousands of subjects. Macula risk has been shown to have a 10-year predictive accuracy of 89.5%.

Macula Risk PGx is recommended for patients with signs of the disease (drusen- age related changes at the back of the eye, early, intermediate or advanced AMD) in at least one eye. What is involved in this genetic risk test? A simple quick and easy cheek swab, which takes a sample of PGx’s DNA. We then send the results to our lab, and within four weeks we receive the results. Once results are received, we schedule a follow up appointment with the patient, and go through and interpret the results with each patient. We then discuss the patients increased risk of progression and determine if patients benefit from the following:
1. More frequent eye examinations for high risk patients
2. Educate the patient more on AMD and routine Amsler Grid testing
3. Preventative eye vitamin therapy

The genetic testing kit can also provide us with information of vitamin selection called Vita Risk, which is not solely based on high risk AMD patients. This portion of the test is a pharmacogenetic analysis and is available as part of the macula Risk PGx test, which specifically selects appropriate eye vitamin formulations. The patient’s optimal vitamin formulation depends upon the presence and number of AMD risk alleles and genes.

AMD is a disease that involves genetics, lifestyle and environmental factors. Macular Risk PGx is a combined prognostic and phamcogenetic DNA test which determines a patient’s risk of progression to advanced age related macular degeneration and enables us to select appropriate eye vitamin formulation for AMD based on the patients individual genetic risk profile. So drop in the Eyedology Eye clinic today and come and ask our about or new genetic AMD test…Remember early diagnosis and treatment of wet (advanced) AMD can help prevent and save vision loss.

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Supporting Ocular Surface Healing and Comfort

The membrane contains natural growth factors and anti-inflammatory properties. When placed over the cornea, it acts as a protective layer that supports healing and may help reduce inflammation.

Potential Benefits

  • Supports Healing: Helps promote natural healing of the eye’s surface.
  • Reduces Inflammation: Its natural properties may help calm inflammation.
  • Improves Comfort: May help relieve discomfort related to dry eye.
  • Supports Recovery: Helps support the healing of the ocular surface.

Who May Benefit?

Amniotic Membrane Therapy may be suitable for people with moderate to severe dry eye, particularly when conventional treatments have not provided enough relief. An eye care professional can assess your eyes and determine if this treatment is appropriate.

How Does It Work?

The amniotic membrane is the innermost layer of the placenta and contains growth factors and anti-inflammatory properties. During treatment, a specially prepared membrane is placed over the eye’s surface to act as a biological covering and support healing.

What to Expect

Before treatment, your optometrist will examine your eyes and determine whether Amniotic Membrane Therapy is suitable for you.

  • Before Treatment: The eye is numbed with topical anesthetic drops, and the area is prepared.
  • Membrane Placement: The preserved and sterilized membrane is placed over the cornea.
  • After Placement: A special contact lens may be used to hold the membrane in place.
  • Post-Treatment Care: Antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drops may be prescribed when needed.
  • Follow-Up: Regular visits help monitor healing and the membrane’s absorption or integration.
Some patients may experience mild discomfort, a foreign body sensation, or temporary blurred vision after treatment. Improvement in symptoms may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the individual.

Understanding Dry Eye and Your Treatment Options

Dry eye can develop for several reasons, and understanding the underlying cause is an important part of managing symptoms. Our team can assess your eyes and help develop a management plan based on your individual needs.

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye can affect both eyes and may cause different symptoms, including:

  • Stinging or Burning – A burning, stinging, or gritty feeling in the eyes.
  • Eye Redness – Red or irritated eyes.
  • Light Sensitivity – Increased sensitivity to light.
  • Excessive Watering – Eyes that water more than usual.
  • Blurred Vision or Eye Fatigue – Blurry vision or tired, strained eyes.
  • Foreign Body Sensation – A feeling that something is in your eye.

What Causes Dry Eye?

A healthy tear film has several components that work together to keep the surface of the eye comfortable and protected. Dry eye can occur when tear production decreases or when tears evaporate too quickly.

Several factors may contribute to dry eye, including:

  • Aging
  • Allergies
  • Hormonal changes
  • Eyelid problems
  • Gland dysfunction
  • Certain health conditions
  • Living in a dry climate
  • Extended screen time

One common factor is blockage of the Meibomian glands, which produce the lipid layer of the tear film. When these glands are not functioning properly, tear evaporation can increase and contribute to dry eye symptoms.

A Personalized Approach to Dry Eye Management

Managing dry eye involves more than simply using eye drops. Our team can help develop a personalized plan that may include targeted in-office treatments, nutritional guidance, and home care based on your needs. 

Home care may include:

  • Warm Compresses: Used as part of a regular eye-care routine.
  • Lid Hygiene: Keeping the eyelids and surrounding area clean.
  • Artificial Tears: May be recommended to help manage dryness and discomfort.

In-Office Treatment Options

For patients with more severe dry eye symptoms, targeted in-office treatments may be considered. Available options include:

  • Radiofrequency
  • Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL)
  • LipiFlow Therapy

These treatments may be used as part of dry eye management for symptoms such as burning, itching, redness, and irritation. The appropriate approach depends on the underlying factors contributing to your symptoms.

Managing Your Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eye can have several contributing factors, so treatment is not the same for everyone. A thorough assessment can help identify factors affecting your tear film and determine which management options may be appropriate.

If you are experiencing persistent dryness, irritation, redness, light sensitivity, or other symptoms, speak with our eye care team about your dry eye management options.

Deep Cleansing for Healthier Eyelids and Lashes

ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment) is an in-office eyelid cleaning and debridement treatment developed by Zocular®. It is designed to clean the eyelids and lashes while helping address concerns associated with dry eye, blepharitis, and demodex.

The treatment uses a natural, okra-based gel to remove oil, debris, and residue from the eyelid margins and lashes. By improving eyelid hygiene, ZEST can help reduce the buildup that may contribute to irritation and inflammation around the eyes.

What Is ZEST?

ZEST works like a deep cleansing treatment for the eyelids and lashes. During the procedure, the okra-based gel is applied along the eyelid margins and lashes using a cotton swab. The gel is gently worked into a lather using circular motions before being rinsed away with saline solution.
The gel contains a refined extract of okra, an edible green seed pod. According to the provided product information, okra helps lift and clear oil, debris, and residue while being gentle around the eye area.

How Can ZEST Help?

Keeping the eyelids, eyelid margins, and lashes clean is an important part of eye hygiene. Buildup along the eyelid edges can contribute to symptoms such as itching, burning, gritty sensations, redness, and irritation.

ZEST is designed to address this buildup through thorough cleansing and debridement.

  • Removes Debris: Helps clear dirt, oil, and residue from the eyelid margins and lashes.
  • Supports Eyelid Hygiene: Provides a deeper cleansing treatment than routine eyelid cleaning.
    Addresses Demodex: The treatment is designed to help remove demodex mites and associated debris.
  • Helps Reduce Inflammation: Cleansing the eyelid area may help address buildup associated with irritation and inflammation.
  • Supports Dry Eye Care: ZEST may help relieve symptoms associated with dry eye and poor eyelid hygiene.

ZEST for Dry Eye, Blepharitis, and Demodex

Dry eye and blepharitis can be associated with inadequate eyelid hygiene. Debris along the eyelid margins can enter the tear film with blinking, potentially contributing to redness and irritation.

Demodex mites can also be present in the hair follicles around the eyelashes. According to the provided information, they may contribute to inflammation and dry eye symptoms by blocking the oil glands at the base of the eyelashes.

ZEST provides targeted cleansing of the eyelid margins and lashes to help remove this buildup and address demodex-related concerns.

A Simple In-Office Treatment

The ZEST procedure is performed in the office and involves applying the cleansing gel to the eyelid margins and lashes, working it into a lather, and then rinsing the area with saline solution. The treatment is designed to provide thorough eyelid and lash cleansing without requiring a lengthy procedure.

Is ZEST Right for You?

ZEST may be considered for patients experiencing symptoms associated with dry eye, blepharitis, demodex, or eyelid debris. An eye care professional can assess your symptoms and determine whether ZEST is appropriate for your eye care needs.
587-317-2134