Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye disease and the leading cause of vision loss for adults over 50 in North America. For many years, eye doctors could only treat the more advanced form, Wet AMD. However, an innovative therapy is now available for the early stages of Dry AMD.
Meet MacuMira!
MacuMira is Canada’s first clinically proven and Health Canada-approved treatment for Dry AMD. This non-invasive treatment restores retinal cell function and supports macular health, helping to slow the progression of Dry AMD while improving vision.
MacuMira can blend seamlessly into your treatment plan, strengthening its effectiveness, supporting visual outcomes, and giving you more control over your eye health.
Stoney Creek Eye Care proudly stands out in offering MacuMira. An initial consultation with our team can help determine whether this treatment is right for you.
What is MacuMira?
MacuMira is a new, and Canada’s only clinically proven, advanced treatment for Dry AMD. MacuMira is not only based in Canada, it is currently only available in Canada, but holds patents for the technology worldwide.
Traditional treatments for Dry AMD often involve invasive procedures or pharmaceuticals that focus on slowing down its progression, whereas MacuMira uses microcurrent technology to restore visual acuity in a safe, simple, and pain-free process.
With short and easy treatments, MacuMira focuses on cellular regeneration within the retina–the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, which houses the macula–effectively managing Dry AMD symptoms while improving vision.
MacuMira fits seamlessly into existing AMD management plans, as many optometrists combine this therapy with other approaches, including:
- Vision Essence supplements.
- Rehabilitative visual aids.
- Lifestyle changes, such as wearing UV-protective glasses and managing diet.
It’s worth recognizing that MacuMira is specific to treating Dry AMD, not Wet AMD. Although they both affect the macula, each condition has its own distinct causes and progression.
Dry AMD develops gradually, causing light-sensitive macular cells to deteriorate over time. The buildup of drusen (protein) beneath the retina can further damage the tissue. MacuMira’s microcurrent technology stimulates these areas, directly targeting these concerns.
Meanwhile, Wet AMD is aggressive and sudden, developing when abnormal blood vessels from under the retina leak fluid or blood, rapidly damaging the macula. Therefore, MacuMira cannot effectively target and improve the damage brought on by Wet AMD.
MacuMira Technology: How Does It Work?
MacuMira harnesses the power of a proprietary microcurrent to stimulate the Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) cells in your eyes. This neurostimulation enhances mitochondrial function, boosting ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production in retinal cells.
ATP energy is valuable in clearing waste by-products in the retina, such as drusen and lipofuscin, which are linked to Dry AMD progression. Microcurrent stimulation from MacuMira helps improve macular protein regulation, keeping retinal cells clear and functional without affecting other areas of the eye.
The process is fully non-invasive, meaning no injections, no drugs, and no surgery, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of vision improvement without discomfort or downtime!
The treatment protocol is simple and consists of the following steps:
- Loading Phase: Four 32-minute treatments over 10 days.
- Maintenance Phase: One treatment every 3 months to maintain visual improvements.
MacuMira’s clinical trials involved 60 participants, 40 of whom received treatment while 20 received a placebo. The outcomes were impressive:
- 48% of treatment participants improved by 10 or more letters on an ETDRS vision chart (commonly used during eye exams).
- Average ETDRS improvement of 8.2 letters, equivalent to a 25% increase in visual acuity.
- No adverse side effects were noted across participants.
- Patients in the control group sustained their visual improvements throughout the clinical trial.
- Average results from the placebo group showed a 2% decline in visual acuity.
- 100% of patients in the treatment group showed some level of improved vision.
What Happens During a MacuMira Treatment Session?
A MacuMira session is simple and straightforward, yet knowing what to expect can help you ease any hesitation before your visit. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:
Preparation
Once we’ve established your candidacy for MacuMira, at your first session, we’ll explain each step of the procedure one more time.
You’ll be seated comfortably in a chair to help keep you relaxed during the session, and a disposable head cap is provided as part of our hygiene protocol.
Your optometrist will carefully place electrode pads on either side of your head. These deliver gentle, targeted microcurrents.
Administering the Treatment
Once everything is set, the MacuMira device will apply a gentle microcurrent over your relaxed, closed eyelids.
These microcurrents encourage blood flow to nourish the macula, stimulate cellular activity, and encourage the retina’s natural repair process to manage symptoms and restore visual clarity and sharpness.
You might notice some mild pressure around the targeted areas, but that’s normal. Besides, there are no adverse effects to worry about either.
The session lasts just 32 minutes. All we require from you is to sit back, relax, and enjoy the calming environment. You’re welcome to listen to music or an audiobook, whatever makes the experience more comfortable! Many patients report noticeable visual improvement after the first week of treatment, which regular follow-up sessions help maintain.
Aftercare
After completing the session, we remove the electrodes before reviewing any next steps or questions you have.
With no downtime, side effects, or pharmaceutical dependency, you can resume your daily activities immediately after your appointment!
After the four 32-minute sessions, we’ll schedule you for routine maintenance sessions every 3 months. This helps reduce the progression of symptoms and supports stable vision.
Is MacuMira Right for You?
The benefits of MacuMira are profound, offering promising results for those experiencing Dry AMD at early, intermediate, and advanced stages. Yet, like all medical treatments, a consultation with your optometrist is a must.
MacuMira treatment might be agreeable if:
- You have been diagnosed with Dry AMD
- You wish to explore an effective and non-invasive option to support your visual and long-term eye health.
- You value a holistic Dry AMD management plan (MacuMitra, routine eye exams, supplements, etc.)
At your initial consultation, we will evaluate the stage of Dry AMD, previous treatment history, and overall health status to determine your candidacy for MacuMira.
Protect Your Vision with MacuMira
Investing in your vision and eye health requires comprehensive management. MacuMira offers extra support in the fight against Dry AMD. With the appropriate treatment plan, we can preserve macular health and slow the progression of degenerative eye disease. Healthier vision is well within reach, and at Stoney Creek Eye Care, we’re proud to be one of the few optometry clinics in the area to offer this revolutionary treatment. Contact our Stoney Creek Eye Care team to schedule a MacuMira consultation today.
