Island Eyecare’s Innovative Approach
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that affects your central vision. The macula is the part of your eye that processes what you see directly in front of you. It also helps detect fine details, like text on a page, shades of colours, and distinguishing the differences between faces.
AMD is the leading cause of blindness in North American for adults over 55. While there’s no cure for AMD, there are ways to reduce your risk and help protect your sight.
Island Eyecare combines thorough eye exams and innovative technologies, like MP-Eye and AdaptDx Pro, so we can detect early signs and manage AMD effectively.
Start taking care of your eyes today. Book an eye exam with us.
Book Appointment
What is AMD?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that affects the clarity of your central vision by causing the macula to deteriorate.
In the early stages of AMD, there may be no noticeable symptoms. As AMD progresses, some noticeable symptoms could include:
- Blurred central vision
- Trouble seeing in low light
- Straight lines appearing wavy
- Colours appearing muted
How Can You Lower Your Risk of AMD?
AMD can be hereditary, but you can lower your risk or help slow the progression of AMD by following a healthy lifestyle:
- Exercise regularly
- Quit smoking
- Maintain healthy blood pressure & cholesterol levels
- Protect your eyes from the sun’s UV rays
- Eat a variety of nutritious foods, including fish & leafy greens
With innovative technology like MP-Eye, we can test for risk factors and recommend vitamins or lifestyle changes to help reduce your risk.
It’s important to schedule routine eye exams to detect eye disease early. If you notice any potential symptoms of AMD, please contact us.
Book AppointmentTypes of AMD
There are 2 types of AMD: dry and wet. Dry AMD accounts for 90% of cases, while wet AMD is less common and accounts for the remaining 10% of cases.
Dry AMD
Dry AMD, also referred to as atrophic AMD, occurs when the macula gets thinner due to aging. This type of AMD often progresses slowly over time and can affect one or both eyes. Central vision worsens, making tasks like reading and driving more difficult.
Wet AMD
Wet AMD, also referred to as advanced neovascular AMD, is less common but results in more rapid vision loss. It’s caused when abnormal blood vessels grow in the back of the eye, which can damage the macula.
Detecting & Diagnosing
At Island Eyecare, helping you maintain your overall eye health is our top priority. We use innovative technology to detect and diagnose AMD in order to treat it early. Identifying early signs of AMD helps us create a management plan tailored to your individual needs.
Island Eyecare is the first practice in Atlantic Canada to use the MP-Eye and AdaptDx devices.
MP-Eye is a quick and easy-to-use device that assesses macular pigments in the eye. Pigments in the macula are the eye’s natural defence against blue and violet light, like built-in sunscreen. When levels are low, this lack of defence can affect the retina’s health.
MP-Eye provides a score based on the effectiveness of your macular pigments. Low macular pigment levels indicate a higher risk of developing macular degeneration.
AdaptDx uses innovative technology and artificial intelligence to help measure dark adaptation function, the earliest biomarker for AMD. AdaptDx is usually comfortable and adjustable for patients, and easy-to-follow instructions are presented on the LED screen.
At Island Eyecare, we use AdaptDx as an extra risk factor based test. Our goal is to detect AMD early to delay or prevent blindness.
Genetic testing for AMD can be beneficial because a person’s genetic profile accounts for 70% of the cause of AMD, while the rest can be attributed to environmental and individual factors. Testing can identify certain factors that indicate a higher risk of AMD.
Macula Risk helps recognize those with a higher risk of AMD progression and can determine which vitamins, if applicable, may benefit your eye health based on your genetic profile.
MacuMira: A New Approach to Treating Macular Degeneration
MacuMira is a noninvasive eyelid neurostimulation treatment emerging as a promising option for those with AMD.
MacuMira uses mild electrical pulses applied to the eyelids. Unlike invasive procedures, it avoids surgery or injections, instead stimulating specific nerves near the eye to potentially trigger beneficial changes in the retina.
Studies have shown this approach may improve visual acuity and slow the progression of macular degeneration. Patients typically undergo a series of treatment sessions, which are generally well-tolerated with minimal discomfort or side effects.
Detect & Protect: Book Your Eye Exam Today
Island Eyecare’s mission is to provide patients with thorough and meaningful eye care. By investing in modern technology, we can check for any risks of eye disease, provide treatment, and help you care for your eyes.
We want you to see better, longer. Schedule an eye exam and learn more about the potential risks of AMD.
Book Appointment
Community Award
- Platinum in Administrative Services
- Platinum in Contact Lenses
- Platinum in Eyeglasses
- Platinum in Sunglasses
- Platinum in Opticians
- Platinum in Optometrists
Dry Eye Services & Diagnostics
At Island Eyecare, we work hard to find innovative ways to invest in your eye health and vision. We offer a range of modern technologies and treatment options to help alleviate dry eye and offer you genuine relief.
Our main goal is to get to the root of your symptoms, so you can enjoy longer-lasting relief from red, scratchy eyes.
Rediscover Clearer Vision with MacuMira
Island Eyecare is excited to offer MacuMira, a groundbreaking, noninvasive treatment for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). If you have vision loss caused by dry AMD, MacuMira could be the solution you’ve been waiting for.
This clinically tested technology uses microcurrent stimulation to help nourish and restore your vision, improving your ability to see and experience life with greater clarity. Schedule a consultation with us to learn if MacuMira can help you take the first step toward clearer vision.
Gallery
University Teaching Program
Dr. Shaun MacInnis is thrilled to serve as a Clerkship supervisor at the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry and Vision Science. The Clerkship program offers students invaluable hands-on experience, significantly enhancing their clinical, diagnostic, and management skills.
Our Location in Sydney
Find us in Sydney, Nova Scotia, on the corner of Welton Street and Spruce Street. Our office is down just from the Sydney Memorial Chapel. There is ample free parking next to our building.
Our Address
- 117 Welton Street
- Sydney, NS B1P 5R6
Contact Information
- Phone: 902-539-0800
- Email: [email protected]
Hours of Operations
Our Google Reviews
Our Testimonials
Super friendly services. Cleanliness and sterilization routines were impeccable! You will feel 100% safe and comfortable here. They also have very modern and numerous pieces of equipment to assure that every aspect of your eye care is investigated thoroughly!
Ron D.
Outstanding practice! Dr. Shaun MacInnis has totally re-vamped this facility with the most advanced technologies in eye care and vision needs. Extremely professional, knowledgeable, and courteous staff. I highly recommend Brittany, a tremendous optician, who is sure to provide you with excellent service for all of your eyewear needs! She is superior in her field! Well done Island Eyecare!
Elizabeth M
Professional and courteous staff, took time to explain and answer questions. Very thorough examination and use of the latest technologies to support the doctor.
Alan A.
It’s always a great experience going to Island Eyecare. Shaun and staff are extremely knowledgeable and always a great pleasure to deal with! Shout out to Jessica who made my visit today a little brighter with her awesome personality and helpfulness. 🙂
Deanna H.
Loved my experience. The inside was completely made over, which completely blew me away. The staff were extremely helpful and up to date with the latest trends and technologies. The eye care professional was professional and very thorough.
Roddie M.
