Enhanced Evaluation for Patients with AMD

We know that peace of mind is important to you when you’re living with an eye disease. At Northern Lights Optometry, we’ve invested in leading diagnostic technology (Zeiss Cirrus 6000 and Optos Monaco Retinal Camera) that allows us to quickly and effectively detect and track eye concerns such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

If you’ve been diagnosed with AMD, we’ll work with you to create a custom treatment plan and a personalized evaluation schedule so we can help manage your visual condition.

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What Is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?

Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD or AMD) is the most common cause of the loss of eyesight among people over 50. AMD primarily affects the central vision of an individual leaving a person’s peripheral vision intact, not causing complete blindness as a result. It really affects the ability to see fine details and can cause someone not to be able to see things directly in front of them depending on the severity. Often in the early stages of AMD there may be no symptoms for a person.

The portion of the back of the eye that allows one to see is called the retina. The retina’s most sensitive portion makes up a person’s central vision and is called the macula. In AMD, the macula becomes damaged. There are two types of AMD, Dry AMD and Wet AMD. The dry form makes up approximately 90% of the cases. It develops when small yellow deposits called drusen begin to form underneath the macula causing thinning and breakdown of the tissue. The wet form of AMD occurs much less commonly, approximately 10% of the time, and is a result of abnormal blood vessel growth under the macula. These blood vessels begin to leak fluids and blood and this form tends to be more severe and can advance more rapidly.

What to Expect in Your AMD Evaluation

Your AMD evaluation goes beyond our standard eye exam to give us additional insight into the health of your eyes. We’ll dilate your eyes with drops and use diagnostic imaging equipment to take detailed photos of the internal structures of your eyes.

Our Optos Monaco retinal camera allows us to capture both an ultra-wide picture of your retina and perform optical coherence tomography to see a cross-section view, too. We’ll also use autofluorescence imaging to give us yet another way to assess the health of your eyes.

This comprehensive approach will allow us to suggest a treatment plan, if necessary, and recommend a schedule for additional follow-up evaluations.

What Are the Symptoms of AMD?

In the early stages of AMD, you typically won’t notice symptoms, which is why eye exams are so important.

As AMD progresses, mild symptoms can include blurriness in your central vision and some trouble seeing in low light.

In late stages, both wet and dry AMD symptoms can include:

Straight lines looking wavy
Blurriness or blank spots at the centre of your vision
Difficulty seeing in low light
Colours seeming less vibrant

How Is AMD Treated?

There’s no cure for AMD, but treatment may be able to preserve your vision and slow progression of the disease.

Treatment may not be necessary during the earliest stages of AMD. Instead, we’ll encourage you to make healthy lifestyle choices, like eating a nutritious diet, exercising, and quitting smoking, to support your visual health.

In later stages, treatment will depend on the type of AMD you have.

Intermediate and advanced dry AMD may be slowed by supplementing your diet with high levels of certain antioxidants and minerals, including vitamins C, E, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, and copper.

Wet AMD can be treated with medication injections and laser treatment.

Visit Us

Our Address

2093 2nd Avenue
Whitehorse, YT
Y1A 1B5

Our Contacts

Phone: 867-668-2020
Fax: 867-667-6526
Email: eyes@northernlightsoptometry.ca

Find us in downtown Whitehorse across from the Yukon Visitor Information Centre, just steps from Main Street and the Yukon River.

For your convenience, we are wheelchair accessible.

Hours of Operation

Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Hours of operation may vary on holidays.

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Our Services

Adult & Senior Eye Exams

Our Brands

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Our Testimonials

We’ve been going to Northern Lights Optometry for 20 years. The service has been always first class. The staff are professional, courteous and knowledgeable about the products they sell. This all lead by Dr. Gorrell who is the consummate professional, always gives professional no BS advice and is always friendly. He is fantastic with kids and helped my son make the transition from glasses to contacts when he was 9. 6 stars for me!!

Marcel B.

Friendly staff and expert advice. We are very fortunate to have this level of service and selection in Whitehorse. They went above and beyond to help me out in a jam! Thanks for the great service and quality care!

Jordan S

Northern Lights Optometry has taken care of my ocular health for the past 30 years. I’ve never had anything but good experiences. Pleasant, knowledgeable staff and kind, professional service are the standard.

Sarah H.

Always a great, professional, and knowledgeable experience for myself and my family, whether it’s a regular eye exam or a diabetic exam. I’ve been a patient at Northern Lights for over 25 years, and I’ve always received the quality customer service I’ve come to expect because that’s what I’ve always received. Great selection of glasses and sunglasses at competitive pricing. I highlight recommend Dr. Gorrell and his staff.

Jill N.

Had been having headaches and fatigue for months when it was suggested I have my eyes checked. Has not had my eyes checked in ten years. I was referred to see Dr. Guy Gorrell by a good friend. Dr. Gorrell was professional and very thorough in his assessment of my eyes and overall vision. In the end Dr. Gorrell was able to diagnose that my eyes did in fact need a prescription lens and my headaches and fatigue were likely due to my straining my eyes to see properly. His friendly and helpful staff assisted me in choosing my frames and in a very short period of time my glasses were available. Since having the prescription glasses my headaches and fatigue have stopped and I am very pleased. I highly recommend Dr. Gorrell and his staff at Northern Lights Optometry.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration Evaluations