No injections
MacuMira does not involve needles or injections into the eye.
Dry AMD treatment
MacuMira Treatment for Dry AMD in Edmonton, St. Albert & Morinville
A noninvasive treatment option for people living with dry age-related macular degeneration.
MacuMira is a first-of-its-kind solution authorized by Health Canada to improve visual function in people living with dry age-related macular degeneration, also called dry AMD. It's safe, comfortable, and designed to fit easily into the clinical care experience.
At Capital Vision Care, MacuMira care begins with a detailed retinal assessment. Our optometrists review your diagnosis, symptoms, eye health, imaging and treatment goals to determine whether MacuMira may be appropriate for you.
- Noninvasive dry AMD treatment
- No needles, surgery, lasers or medication
- Designed to support functional vision in dry AMD
- Retinal imaging and macular health assessment
- Personalized treatment and follow-up planning
- Available at all six Edmonton-area clinics
Why it matters
Dry AMD Can Make Everyday Details Harder to See
Dry age-related macular degeneration affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. This is the vision you use for reading, recognizing faces, seeing road signs, watching television, using your phone and noticing fine details.
Dry AMD often develops slowly. In early stages, it may not cause obvious symptoms. As it progresses, central vision can become blurry, distorted, dim or less detailed, while side vision is usually less affected.
For many people, dry AMD has traditionally meant monitoring, lifestyle changes, vitamins when appropriate, and watching how vision changes. MacuMira offers a newer noninvasive option for patients diagnosed with dry AMD who want to explore whether treatment may help support their functional vision.
In short
What Is MacuMira?
MacuMira is a noninvasive treatment for dry age-related macular degeneration. During treatment, a headset rests gently over your closed eyes and delivers low-level microcurrent stimulation through the eyelids. The goal is to stimulate retinal cells and support visual function in people with dry AMD. Results vary, and for appropriate patients it may help improve functional vision.
Watch
See How MacuMira Works
A short look at the MacuMira treatment and what to expect during a session.
Who it is for
Who Should Ask About MacuMira?
You may want to ask about MacuMira if you have been diagnosed with dry age-related macular degeneration and notice changes such as:
- Blurry or fuzzy central vision
- Trouble reading fine print
- Difficulty recognizing faces
- Reduced contrast or dimmer vision
- More difficulty seeing in low light
- Trouble seeing road signs or details while driving
- Straight lines looking wavy or distorted
- A central smudge, shadow or missing area
- Vision that feels less sharp even with updated glasses
- A dry AMD diagnosis and a wish to explore noninvasive options
MacuMira is not for every patient or every type of vision loss. A retinal assessment is needed first to determine whether it is appropriate.
How it works
How MacuMira Works
MacuMira uses gentle microcurrent stimulation. Very low-level electrical energy is delivered through closed eyelids while you relax in the treatment chair.
No surgery
There is no incision, surgical procedure or recovery period.
No laser
MacuMira is not a laser treatment.
No new medication
MacuMira does not replace your eye care, supplements, glasses or medical treatment plan, and it does not require a new medication to complete.
Short in-office visits
Treatment sessions are completed in office, and most patients can return to their normal day afterward.
Ongoing follow-up
MacuMira is usually not a one-time treatment. Your optometrist will explain your recommended schedule and follow-up plan.
Treatment schedule
The MacuMira Treatment Schedule
MacuMira treatment usually happens in two phases: an initial loading phase and an ongoing maintenance phase.
1
4 sessions over the first 10 days Phase 1
Loading Phase
Each MacuMira session takes about 32 minutes. During treatment, you relax while the device delivers gentle microcurrent stimulation through your closed eyelids.
Many patients begin to notice changes during or shortly after this initial phase, although results vary.
2
About every 3 months Phase 2
Maintenance Phase
After the loading phase, maintenance treatments are typically recommended about every 3 months to help maintain the visual gains achieved during the initial phase.
Your optometrist will recommend a schedule based on your dry AMD diagnosis, vision, retinal health, response to treatment and overall care plan. MacuMira is an ongoing treatment rather than a one-time fix, designed to support functional vision over time.
Your exact schedule may vary depending on your eyes and how your vision responds.
Why assessment matters
We Start With a Detailed Retinal and Macular Health Review
Before recommending MacuMira, your optometrist needs to understand your eyes, your diagnosis and your vision goals. Your assessment may include:
The goal is to determine whether your symptoms are consistent with dry AMD and whether MacuMira is a reasonable option for your situation.
- Review of your dry AMD diagnosis
- Medical and eye health history
- Visual acuity testing
- Contrast and functional vision discussion
- Retinal imaging
- OCT imaging of the macula when appropriate
- Review of current glasses or vision aids
- Screening for signs that suggest wet AMD or another condition
- Discussion of AREDS or AREDS2 supplements if appropriate
- Referral coordination if specialist care is needed
What to expect
What Happens During MacuMira Treatment?
- 1We start with a MacuMira consultationYour optometrist reviews your dry AMD diagnosis, vision, retinal imaging, symptoms, health history and treatment goals to determine whether MacuMira may be appropriate.
- 2We complete baseline testingBefore treatment begins, your optometrist may assess visual acuity, macular health, OCT imaging, retinal imaging, contrast concerns and other findings relevant to dry AMD.
- 3We begin the loading phaseIf MacuMira is recommended, the first stage usually includes 4 treatment sessions over the first 10 days. Each session takes about 32 minutes.
- 4You relax during each treatmentA headset is placed over your closed eyes while gentle microcurrent stimulation is delivered through the eyelids. MacuMira does not involve injections, surgery, lasers or medication.
- 5We monitor your responseYour optometrist will track changes in your vision and symptoms after the loading phase.
- 6We plan maintenance treatmentsAfter the initial loading phase, maintenance sessions are typically recommended about every 3 months. Your exact schedule depends on your condition and how your vision responds.
Ready to get started?
MacuMira is available at all six Capital Vision Care clinics across Edmonton, St. Albert and Morinville. Book a consultation and we will confirm whether it is right for you.
Book a MacuMira Consultation
Good to know
Quick Questions
Is MacuMira for wet AMD?
MacuMira is designed for dry age-related macular degeneration. Wet AMD requires urgent retinal assessment and may require specialist treatment such as injections.
Is MacuMira safe?
MacuMira is noninvasive and authorized by Health Canada. There are no needles, surgery or lasers, and most patients find the treatment safe and comfortable.
Do I need an eye exam before MacuMira?
Yes. A retinal and macular health assessment is needed to confirm whether MacuMira is appropriate and to rule out other causes of vision change.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MacuMira?
MacuMira is a noninvasive treatment for dry age-related macular degeneration. It uses gentle microcurrent stimulation through closed eyelids to support retinal function and functional vision.
What is dry AMD?
Dry AMD is a form of age-related macular degeneration that affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. It can make reading, recognizing faces, driving and seeing fine details more difficult.
How is dry AMD different from wet AMD?
Dry AMD usually progresses more gradually. Wet AMD involves abnormal blood vessels that can leak fluid or blood and may cause faster vision changes. Wet AMD requires urgent retinal care.
Who is a good candidate for MacuMira?
MacuMira may be appropriate for patients diagnosed with dry AMD who are experiencing visual impairment and want to explore a noninvasive treatment option. A retinal assessment is required first.
Does MacuMira cure dry AMD?
No. MacuMira is not a cure. It is a noninvasive treatment option that may help improve functional vision in appropriate dry AMD patients.
Is MacuMira painful?
MacuMira is noninvasive. Some patients may feel mild tingling or notice patterns of light during treatment, but many find the session comfortable.
How long is each MacuMira session?
Each MacuMira treatment session is about 32 minutes. Your full appointment may be longer if testing, setup, imaging or consultation time is included.
When might I notice results from MacuMira?
Many patients report noticing vision changes during the first 10 days of treatment, but results vary. Your optometrist will monitor your response and explain what changes are meaningful for your condition.
How many MacuMira treatments do I need?
MacuMira usually starts with a loading phase of 4 treatment sessions over the first 10 days. After that, maintenance treatments are typically recommended about every 3 months.
What is the MacuMira loading phase?
The loading phase is the first stage of treatment, a concentrated schedule of 4 sessions over approximately 10 days, designed to begin stimulating retinal function in patients with dry AMD.
What is the MacuMira maintenance phase?
The maintenance phase begins after the initial loading phase. Maintenance sessions are typically recommended about every 3 months to help maintain visual gains. Your optometrist will recommend the right schedule for your eyes.
Is MacuMira a one-time treatment?
No. MacuMira usually involves an initial loading phase followed by ongoing maintenance treatments to help support functional vision over time.
Can I keep taking AREDS or AREDS2 vitamins?
Your optometrist can advise you based on your AMD stage, health history and current care plan. MacuMira may be discussed alongside supplements, lifestyle changes and regular monitoring.
Is MacuMira covered by insurance?
Coverage can vary. Ask our team about current pricing, private insurance, Health Spending Accounts and whether receipts may be used for medical expense claims.
Is MacuMira available at every Capital Vision Care location?
Yes. MacuMira is available at all six Capital Vision Care clinics across Edmonton, St. Albert and Morinville.
Explore more
Related Services
Ready to Explore MacuMira for Dry AMD?
If you have been diagnosed with dry age-related macular degeneration, MacuMira may offer a noninvasive option for supporting functional vision. Book a consultation at Capital Vision Care to find out whether it is appropriate for you.
Sources
Sources and Further Reading
Background on age-related macular degeneration and this treatment: