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Macular Degeneration Treatment: What Leading Eye Doctors Recommend in 2025 – Calgary, AB

Macular degeneration impacts nearly 20 million people across North America each year, including thousands in Calgary. As Alberta’s population ages, conditions like dry and wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are becoming more common — especially among those over 50.

In 2025, ophthalmologists across Calgary recommend a personalized approach to AMD based on its type and severity. New medications, gene therapies, and home-monitoring technologies are changing how AMD is managed in Alberta.

Advanced Treatments for Dry AMD in 2025

Dry AMD, particularly in its advanced form known as geographic atrophy (GA), now has multiple treatment options that were unavailable just a few years ago:

Syfovre (pegcetacoplan): This medication targets the C3 complement system to reduce inflammation and slow GA. Clinical trials show a 21% slowdown in lesion growth after one year, with even better results over time.

Izervay (avacincaptad pegol): An alternative that blocks the C5 protein in the complement pathway. Patients treated monthly saw a 27% reduction in GA growth at 12 months.

Valeda Light Delivery System: A form of non-invasive photobiomodulation therapy that stimulates retinal cells using specific wavelengths of light. Over half of treated patients gained five or more letters on the vision chart after 13 months.

Stem Cell Therapy: Emerging therapies involving retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) transplants have shown vision improvements of 15 letters or more in some patients.

ANX007: A neuroprotective agent targeting C1q protein. Patients experienced a 72% lower risk of severe vision loss in early trials. While not yet widely available, this is a promising development.

Note for Calgary patients: Complement inhibitors may increase the risk of developing wet AMD. These treatments should be discussed carefully with a local retina specialist.

Wet AMD Treatment Breakthroughs in 2025

Wet AMD has benefited from more than a decade of effective therapies, but recent advancements have made treatment less frequent and more convenient.

Vabysmo (faricimab): This dual-pathway medication targets VEGF and Ang-2, allowing patients to extend injections to every four months. This significantly reduces clinic visits without compromising effectiveness.

Eylea HD (aflibercept 8mg): A higher-dose formulation approved in 2023 that provides similar extended dosing intervals. It’s gaining popularity among Calgary eye care providers for its reliability.

Susvimo (ranibizumab implant): A refillable ocular implant that delivers medication continuously and only needs to be refilled twice a year. After design improvements, it's back in use and offers convenience for long-term treatment.

Gene Therapy:

ABBV-RGX-314 delivers genes to produce anti-VEGF proteins, with 73% of patients remaining injection-free for at least six months.

Ixo-vec (ixoberogene soroparvovec) achieved similar outcomes, with 69% of patients avoiding injections for up to a year.

These therapies offer new hope to wet AMD patients in Calgary by dramatically reducing the treatment burden.

Future Trends in AMD Care: What's Coming Next?

2025 brings exciting research and clinical developments aimed at earlier intervention and more durable treatments.

GT005 Gene Therapy: Delivers a gene that increases complement factor I (CFI), addressing one of the genetic risk factors for dry AMD. Early studies show promise with good tolerability.

Oral Therapies:

ALK001, a modified vitamin A, is in late-stage trials and may eliminate the need for injections.

Zimura (avacincaptad pegol), initially used for GA, is now also showing potential for wet AMD treatment.

Home Monitoring Technology: Devices like ForeseeHome and portable OCT machines allow patients to monitor vision changes at home. This leads to earlier detection—by an average of four days—which can help preserve more vision when treatment begins.

Combination Therapies: Researchers are combining photobiomodulation, gene therapy, and complement inhibition to develop multifaceted treatment plans that aim for more sustainable outcomes.

Stem Cell Transplants: RPE cells derived from stem cells are being trialed in clinical settings, aiming to restore retinal function instead of just slowing deterioration.

GALLEGO Program: A new medication in development that targets lipid metabolism in the retina, going beyond symptom management to address disease mechanisms.

Calgary Considerations: Eye Care Access and Risk Factors

In Calgary and throughout Alberta:

Many AMD treatments are available through retina specialists in urban centers.

Seniors and eligible patients may receive partial Alberta Health coverage for AMD-related exams and diagnostics. However, recent policy changes require some patients to pay out-of-pocket for non-emergency visits.

Lifestyle factors such as smoking, poor diet, high blood pressure, and sedentary living increase AMD risk. Calgary patients are encouraged to eat leafy greens, exercise, and manage chronic conditions.

People taking GLP-1 medications (such as Ozempic or Mounjaro) should be cautious. New research suggests a possible link between long-term GLP-1 use and a higher risk of developing wet AMD. If you're on these medications, regular eye exams are strongly advised.

Final Thoughts: Managing Macular Degeneration in Calgary

AMD treatment in Calgary is more advanced than ever. With emerging therapies like gene editing, light therapy, and stem cell implants, patients now have access to options that were once only experimental. The key to protecting your vision is early detection and proactive management.

If you're over 50 or have a family history of AMD, schedule regular eye exams and ask your eye care provider about the latest treatments available in Calgary. Keep an open dialogue with your specialist and stay informed — the future of AMD care is already here.

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Register for Eye Care Professionals Network Calgary, AB | MacuMira

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Understanding Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Calgary, AB | ARMD Disease | MacuMira

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Understanding Macular Degeneration: What You Need to Know About the Dry AMD Type

Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of vision loss in adults over the age of 50. This progressive eye condition affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. People with this condition often notice difficulty reading, recognizing faces, and performing tasks that require detailed sight.

There are two primary types of macular degeneration: dry and wet. The dry form is more common, accounting for about 85–90% of all cases. Let’s take a closer look at what it is, how it develops, and what you can do to protect your vision.

What Is Dry Macular Degeneration?

Also known as atrophic age-related macular degeneration (AMD), it occurs when the cells in the macula slowly break down and thin over time. As these light-sensitive cells deteriorate, your central vision gradually becomes blurry or distorted.

Unlike wet macular degeneration, which involves abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina, the dry form progresses more slowly and is considered less severe in its early stages. However, if left unmanaged, it can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.

Common Symptoms of Dry Macular Degeneration

Since this condition progresses gradually, people often don’t realize they have it until their vision is noticeably affected. Early signs to watch for include:

Blurry or fuzzy central vision

Difficulty recognizing faces

A dark or empty spot in the center of your field of vision

Colors appear less bright

Trouble reading or seeing fine details

Symptoms usually affect both eyes, but one eye might be worse than the other. Regular eye exams in MacuMira center Calgary AB can help detect early changes before significant vision loss occurs.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of it isn’t fully understood, but several factors increase the risk of developing it:

Age: Most common in people over 50

Genetics: A family history of AMD raises your risk

Smoking: Significantly increases the chance of macular damage

Diet: Low intake of antioxidants and leafy greens

Sun Exposure: Prolonged UV exposure can damage the retina

Obesity and Heart Disease: These conditions are linked to faster progression

Is There a Cure?

Unfortunately, there’s no cure for dry macular degeneration. However, its progression can often be slowed through lifestyle changes and appropriate treatment. In intermediate and advanced cases, doctors may recommend AREDS2 supplements — a combination of vitamins and minerals shown to reduce the risk of vision loss in some people.

Protecting Your Vision

While you can’t reverse this condition, you can take steps to protect your eyes:

Schedule regular comprehensive eye exams

Stop smoking

Eat a diet rich in leafy greens, fish, and antioxidants

Wear UV-protective sunglasses outdoors

Monitor your vision at home with an Amsler grid

Final Thoughts

Dry macular degeneration is a serious condition in Calgary AB, but early detection and proper care can help preserve your vision for as long as possible. If you notice any changes in your central vision, consult an eye care professional promptly for evaluation and guidance.

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Call 1-844-619-6263. Explore MacuMira’s innovative, clinically proven treatment for Dry AMD (Age-Related Macular Degeneration) in Calgary, AB. Learn how this non-invasive therapy for macular degeneration can improve your vision and enhance your quality of life.

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Call 1-844-619-6263. Learn about MacuMira, the first non-invasive treatment for Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) in Calgary, AB. Discover how this innovative dry macular degeneration treatment helps slow the progression of AMD and improves vision health.

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Call 1-844-619-6263. Learn about ARMD disease, its causes, symptoms, and the latest treatment options. Discover how MacuMira Vision Therapy can help manage and improve your vision health in Calgary, AB.

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Register as a patient to receive detailed information and personalized support for managing Dry AMD with MacuMira. Learn about macular degeneration and treatment, find expert advice, and get support for your vision care journey.

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MacuMira Therapy: Clinically Proven Non-Invasive Treatment for Dry AMD

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Join MacuMira: Eye Care Professionals Network for Dry AMD Treatment

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Clinically Approved Macular Degeneration Treatment for Dry AMD | Macumira

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MacuMira Vision Therapy | Treatment for Dry Age Related Macular Degeneration