JASPER AVE 780‑488‑0944 | CAPILANO 780‑469‑2020 | MAYFIELD 780‑486‑2020 | LEDUC 780‑986‑2020 | WESTLOCK 780‑349‑3702
CHANGES TO ALBERTA HEALTH CARE BILLING
We want to keep our patients informed of recent funding cuts to optometry, effective February 1, 2025. Alberta Health Services has not increased any compensation since 2017, despite overall inflation of 21.5% in Alberta in that timeframe. Recently they surprised us with multiple cuts for various procedures and appointments, as high as 32% cut in some cases. They have also restricted the number and types of appointments that they will cover. Since we cannot fully absorb this compensation decrease and maintain the same quality of care you’ve come to expect from Optometrists’ Clinic Inc, we will be instituting balance billing. We are trying our best to minimize the impact to patients, some of whom have been seeing us for decades! We would like to thank you for your support over the years and look forward to taking care of your eyes in the future. If you have concerns about these changes, please consider contacting your local MLA.
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MACULAR
DEGENERATION
Learn more about macular degeneration
Macular Degeneration in Edmonton
Macular degeneration refers to the deterioration of the macula, the small central area of the retina in your eye which controls visual acuity. It is the most common cause of blindness. The early stages of macular degeneration does not affect vision but if the disease progresses, you may experience wavy, blurred or a complete loss of vision.
Behind the retina there is another tissue layer which is partly responsible for feeding the retina. Over time this layer can weaken and develop holes and cracks which starves the portions of the retina directly in front of it. This starved retina eventually loses its sensitivity to light and central vision slowly deteriorates. This is known as the “dry form” of macular degeneration. As time goes on, weak blood vessels grow through these cracks and bleed, causing large areas of scarring in the retina. This is known as the “wet form” of macular degeneration. Genetics, age, nutrition, smoking and exposure to the sun may cause this condition. Connect with Optometrists Clinic Inc in Edmonton for more details.
Types of Macular Degeneration
There are two types of macular degeneration and they are as follows:
Dry Macular Degeneration
The dry type affects almost 80-90 per cent of individuals suffering from age-related macular degeneration. If allowed to progress, this can deteriorate your vision.
Wet Macular Degeneration
Wet macular degeneration affects approximately 10-15 per cent of people, and most cases account for severe vision loss from this disease. The abnormal blood vessels under the retina tend to break and bleed, in turn damaging the macula.
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Symptoms of Macular Degeneration
You are likely to see signs of macular degeneration and some of the symptoms include:
Causes of Macular Degeneration
Age is a common risk factor behind macular degeneration and it may occur during middle age. Other reasons to get this disease include smoking, obesity and high blood pressure.
Contact Us Today
If you are suffering from macular degeneration, get in touch with us and we will assist you.