Macular Degeneration Exams: Protecting Your Central Vision

Summary

Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of vision loss in older adults—and it can begin with no symptoms at all. At EyeCheck Calgary, we use advanced imaging to detect early signs of this condition, even before your vision is affected. Whether you’re in Fairview, Oakridge, or Willow Park, your Alberta Health–covered senior eye exam includes the tools needed to monitor and manage macular changes. Our team takes the time to explain what we see and whether action is needed. If you’re over 65 and haven’t had an OCT scan or dilation recently, contact EyeCheck Calgary today to book an exam that protects your central vision before it’s too late. 

Why Macular Exams Are So Important for Seniors


Your macula is the part of the retina responsible for the sharp, detailed vision you need for reading, driving, and recognizing faces. But as you age, the macula can begin to deteriorate. The problem? Most people don’t notice until damage is already underway.

That’s why at EyeCheck Calgary, we include macular degeneration screening in every senior eye exam—regardless of symptoms. If you’re over 65, we recommend an annual check that includes dilation and OCT imaging to get a full view of your retinal health.

We’ve seen patients from Southwood, Ogden, and Ranchlands who’ve been getting “routine” exams elsewhere but had never been told their macula was changing. They’d been paying out-of-pocket for tests—or worse, skipping them altogether—because no one explained what was really needed.

We believe that detecting macular degeneration early shouldn’t depend on symptoms—or your wallet. Alberta Health covers senior exams at EyeCheck Calgary, and we never charge co-pays or extra fees for essential imaging. 

What Happens During a Macular Degeneration Screening


We don’t rely on guesswork or outdated techniques to assess the health of your macula. Here’s what you can expect during a comprehensive macular screening:

OCT Imaging

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) gives us a cross-sectional view of your retina, allowing us to see the structure of your macula in detail. We use it to detect thinning, swelling, or the presence of drusen (early signs of degeneration).

Fundus Photography

We take high-resolution images of the back of your eye to monitor changes over time. This helps track subtle developments, even if your vision still feels fine.

Visual Acuity and Contrast Testing

We measure how well you can see small details and subtle differences in shading—functions that are often affected early in macular degeneration.

Dilation and Retinal Evaluation

Dilation lets us see deeper into the eye, revealing changes in the retina that would otherwise go unnoticed. This is especially important in dry AMD cases, where early signs can be subtle.

Discussion of Dry vs. Wet AMD

If we do detect signs of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), we explain the difference between the dry form (slower progressing) and wet form (more urgent). You’ll never leave our clinic unsure of what we found or what it means.

Patients from Acadia, Crestview, and Rosemont often say this was the first time anyone showed them what their retina looked like—and what it meant for their future vision. 

Contact EyeCheck Calgary to Book a Macular Health Exam


From Fairview to Willow Park, seniors across Calgary trust EyeCheck Calgary for clear answers about their eye health. If you’ve never had a macular scan, or you’ve been told your exam doesn’t include imaging unless you pay extra, it’s time for a second opinion. Your central vision matters—and it deserves more than a quick check. Contact us today to book your Alberta Health–covered eye exam and protect your sight for the long term. 

Eye Treatments

Modern Tools. Better Exams. Real Answers.

At Eye Check Calgary, every exam includes hospital-grade tools like 3D OCT scans, fundus photography, and pressure testing, because early detection matters. Whether you're managing a known condition or just want peace of mind, our technology helps us spot problems sooner and treat them more effectively.
If you're experiencing any changes in your vision, don’t wait, contact us today to book your exam.

Your Questions About Macular Degeneration Answered

It’s an age-related condition that affects central vision, often starting with no symptoms. 

You may not. Early macular changes often cause no symptoms, which is why regular screening is important. Contact EyeCheck Calgary today to book an appointment to check your macular health.  

We use OCT imaging, fundus photography, and vision testing to detect and track macular changes. 

Learn More About Macular Degeneration

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