If you have heard about MacuMira, you might have questions about what it is and how it can help your vision. This treatment is a different approach to supporting eye health for people with age-related macular degeneration, without the need for injections or surgery.
MacuMira is a noninvasive therapy that uses low-level microcurrent stimulation to support the function of the cells in your macula. Our team at Kennedy Eye Clinic offers this therapy and can help you explore if it is a suitable option for your eye health.
A Simple View of Macular Degeneration
Before you dive into the treatment, it helps to know a little about the condition it addresses. Macular degeneration affects your central vision, which is what you see straight ahead of you. This can make everyday tasks like reading a book or recognizing a friend’s face more difficult.
According to the Canadian Association of Optometrists, it is also the leading cause of blindness in North American adults over the age of 50, making early awareness and monitoring especially important.
What Happens to Your Vision
This condition impacts a small part of your retina called the macula. According to the Canadian Association of Optometrists, when the cells in the macula do not work as they should, your sharp, detailed central vision can become blurry or distorted. You might find that you need more light to see clearly.
Common Signs You Might Notice
- Straight lines that appear wavy or bent
- Blurriness in the centre of your vision
- Trouble with details when you read or look at objects
- Colours that seem less bright than before
The MacuMira System and How It Works
MacuMira treatment for AMD is a therapy designed to support the cells in your macula. It is not a surgery or an injection. Instead, it uses a unique approach to stimulate retinal cells and support their natural function, which can help stabilize vision.
A Gentle Microcurrent Therapy
The treatment uses a very low level of microcurrent stimulation delivered through your closed eyelids. This gentle electrical signal stimulates the retina, including the cells in the macula that are responsible for detailed central vision. The goal is to support the health and function of these cells, which may help stabilize vision in people living with age-related macular degeneration.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
This therapy is often considered for people in the early to intermediate stages of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Our optometrist in Saskatoon can perform a full assessment to determine if this treatment is a suitable option for you.
Your Treatment Session Step-by-Step
Knowing what happens during treatment can make the process feel more comfortable and straightforward. The entire session takes place right in the office and is designed to be a calm experience.
Make sure, when you come to your visit, that you are well hydrated and have had plenty of water that day.
During Your Treatment
We have you lying down in our treatment room in a comfortable reclined bed. While your eyes are closed, ultrasound gel is placed on your eyelids, and then the MacuMira device is placed on top of your head and eyes. The entire treatment lasts around 32 minutes, but expect to be in the office for an hour. It is a gentle process designed for your comfort.
Right After Your Session
Your vision will not be affected after the treatment, and there is no downtime, meaning you can head right back into your normal routine.
Treatment Plan
MacuMira is not a one-time treatment. It involves a series of sessions to achieve the intended results for your vision. Your progress is monitored closely by your eye care team along the way.
For the loading phase, you need 4 treatments in the first 10 days. After this, to maintain results, maintenance treatments are recommended every 10–12 weeks.
The goal is to help stabilize your vision and prevent any further progression of the disease, although some people do report an improvement in their vision when it comes to day-to-day activities like reading.
Support Your Eye Health Between Visits
Beyond professional treatments, there are simple things you can do every day to support your retinal health. These habits can complement the care you receive from your optometrist in Saskatoon and contribute to your overall eye wellness.
Focus on Eye-Friendly Foods
A diet rich in leafy greens, colourful fruits, and fish with omega-3 fatty acids provides your eyes with important nutrients. Some people also explore supplements for eye health as a way to provide healthy fuel for the macula to do its job.
Adopt Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Regular physical activity helps with blood circulation, which is important for your eyes. It is also helpful to manage blood pressure and avoid smoking, as these factors can have an impact on your retinal health.
Protect Your Eyes from the Sun
Always wear sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection when you are outdoors. This simple step helps shield your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays that can damage the retina over time.
We Can Help
If you have questions about macular degeneration or want to learn if MacuMira is a good fit for you, our team at Kennedy Eye Clinic is here to help. Schedule an appointment to discuss a personalized plan for your eye health.
