A new eye care program in Alberta provides more treatment options for patients suffering from macular degeneration and vision loss, preserving their sight and saving them approximately $300 a year.
Alberta Introduces New Eye Care Program to Prevent Vision Loss
For Albertans who are suffering from vision loss due to macular degeneration or other retinal conditions, there is some good news! The province is now providing more treatment options under the RAPID program.
It now covers the cost for three types of medication to prevent vision loss, including:
- lucentis
- avastin
- eylea
The cost of all three drugs will be covered and there will be NO co-payments. This will save most patients $300 a year. In addition, patients enrolled in the program will be able to receive treatment directly from their eye doctors, simplifying their access to care.
What you need to know about the RAPID program:
- All Albertans with valid Alberta Health Care coverage will be eligible for the pilot project
- Treatment decisions will continue to be made by physicians/eye doctors
- Patients and eye doctors may choose which drug they want to use
- All patients participating in the program, regardless of which drug they select, will be monitored both for safety and effectiveness of their treatment
- Quality assurance requirements for the three drugs are established by the safety and monitoring program
How to Lower Your Risk of Developing Macular Degeneration
Since age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in Canadians 60 years of age and older, it’s important to talk to your eye doctor about which steps to take to lower your risk of developing this condition.
Some of these steps include:
1. Having Regular Eye Exams
It’s of utmost importance to have regular eye examinations, particularly as you age, or if you have any of the risk factors associated with AMD. While there may be no noticeable symptoms, your eye doctor can make an accurate diagnosis through a comprehensive eye exam.
REMEMBER: Early diagnosis and treatment may help control the progression of the disease and stabilize, or even restore, some vision.
2. Quit Smoking
Smoking is a definite risk factor for AMD, as well as other serious diseases. If you do smoke, it’s best to quit, especially if you have signs of AMD, as this will help save your vision.
3. Protect Your Eyes From the Sun
Long-term bright light exposure may be a risk factor for AMD. That’s why many eye doctors recommend the use of sunglasses and/or a hat to protect your vision against potentially harmful, bright sunlight.
4. Follow a Healthy Diet
One of the simplest and most effective ways to maintain your eye health is through a well-balanced diet. In particular, certain antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin are important for lowering your risk of AMD.
Foods that are rich in these nutrients include:
- Spinach/kale/collard greens
- Yellow corn
- Carrots
- Kiwi
- Mangoes
- Melons
- Egg yolks
Vision is one of our most important senses and, regardless of a patient’s age or physical health, it’s important to get regular eye exams. Visiting your eye doctor at least once a year will allow them to:
- Determine your prescription for eyeglasses and/or contact lenses
- Check your eyes for common eye diseases
- Assess how your eyes work together
- Evaluate your eyes as an indicator of your overall health
Visit our NE Calgary Eye Doctors Today
To find out more about the RAPID program and how our eye doctors can help diagnose and manage eye conditions such as AMD and glaucoma, contact our NE Calgary eye clinic at 403-280-7518 or book an eye exam today.
At Sunridge eye clinic, our qualified and experienced eye doctors offer a wide range of vision services including glaucoma testing, contact lens fittings, and eye emergency care to suit all your eye health needs.
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