Macular degeneration

[sannyrut]

I have been having visual disturbance occassionally.Went to the optician today and I have macular degeneration.This can can be controlled with supplements thank goodness.That actually at the time was a bummer after having fractured my ankle in Gran Canaria 6 weeks ago.Ankle is healing now and I don't need the moon boot any longer.Thank goodness.

[Jacqui Harvey]

I am glad you have caught it early, as you say there is good treatment for it now.  It's a lesson to us all to have regular eye tests.
My late Father was diagnosed with this illness, unfortunately, he left it too long to get treatment.  I read recently that Dame Judy Dench also is a sufferer.
Good luck, I am sure you will do well with the supplements.

[Colwyn]

I have the same condition. I'm told there are two forms: dry deterioration which is untreatable, but not dangerous; and wet deterioration which is dangerous, but is treatable. That sounds a fortunate relationship. I am advised that a good diet is the best way forward - the same as for my heart health, blood pressure, cholesterol, and so on and so forth. Oh, and not to smoke obviously. And drink less. And less often

[KKOB]

I've found that cutting down the amount of vodka or raki I drink seems to have a positive effect on my vision. It also seems to help with my lack of balance.  Can't think what the connection is though.  

[SuzzPuss]

KKOB, I find I can see twice as well after an excess of Raki!

sannyrut, my mother-in-law has the wet kind and they didn't catch it particularly early but they've halted its progress and it's got no worse for over a year now.  Good luck with your treatment.

[Hamlet]

You are fortunate in one way, I suffered a macular rupture in one eye 4 years ago. It is untreatable and now I only have peripheral vision in that eye so effectively I cannot see in 3D as most people can. I have to be a bit careful when walking downstairs, over obstacles etc as I do not get the sense of depth that you get with full vision. But, on the positive side, I still have full vision in the other eye, for now anyway! 

[helenb]

Hi Sannyrut. I was interested to read your post as I am an optometrist and have moved here very recently. Have you been advised to go for regular check ups? At least every six months. And were you given a piece of paper with a grid on it? You need to regularly check for any noticeable increased distortion. Supplements are the best treatment but be careful if you take any prescribed medication. Some foods are high in vitamins that help, esp dark green leafy veg, vine-ripened toms, blueberries and oily fish. Any movement in your vision, as if you are looking through water, get to an ophthalmologist asap. Hope this is useful.


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[SuzzPuss]

Bloody brilliant!!  Love this website.   

[echogirl1]

Would be very glad to hear from Helenb about my eye condition, about two years ago I went for an eye test (after a gap of 5 years) and was referred to the hospital, where I was told I have patterned macular dystrophy, which is apparently genetic, though my 88 year old mother doesn't even need glasses!  I went to the opticians two weeks ago, to be told that I was just a spot away from losing my driving license.  Apparently although there is lots of research going on into AMD, the condition I have is fairly rare, and nobody seems to know much about it.  Armed with three pairs of glasses I am managing well so far, but would love to know if there is any chance at all of regaining some of my eyesight??

[sannyrut]

Thanks for your replies.Thank you Helenb too.I am fortunate that my wife and I are friends with the local pharmacist.She did advise about the dark green vegetables and fruit too.I have also got to wear prescription sunglasses when the UV light is more intense.Not much chance of that here near Glasgow in the winter.LOL.I am glad that it has been caught early but now realise that regular eye tests should be taken.The optician suggests that I should be re-tested at least every year and obviously sooner if visual disturbances re-occur.I have a grid card(a card with squares on it and a central focus point).I  have to look at this several times a day and make sure that the lines of the squares are straight and not wobbly.