Eye test

[Jeannie76]

Hi ,had an eye test on saterday and was told I ha macular degeneration in both eyes also have cateracts ...they don't advise operation for cateracts as it wouldn't do any good ..it was a bit of a shock..

[Rosalyn-helpline Partner]

Hello Jeannie76,

I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis and the impact that it had on you.

You do not mention which type the optometrist diagnosed you with nor your age?

If it is the dry type then optometrists do not generally refer on to an ophthalmologist, however, the wet type requires a fast track referral through to the eye clinic. This is a fax on the day of the appointment straight through to the eye clinic, so that the individual can be seen and treated within 2 weeks. This is the Royal College of Ophthalmology guidelines for the treatment of wet.

The dry type is related to the ageing process and is more common in individuals over the age of 55 years. The deterioration is generally slow and over a period of months and years. However, how fast and how far the condition deteriorates is variable between individuals. There is currently no treatment for it, however, we talk about the importance of lifestyle considerations which can hopefully have a positive impact on eye health and potentially slow down the deterioration a little. Therefore, for instance, exercise is good for general health as well as eye health. It is important to try and maintain a healthy weight, keep blood pressure under control and avoid smoking. Research indicates that being careful with regard to nutrition can potentially have a positive impact on eye health as well as general health and it is important to be careful with regard to protecting your eyes from the harmful effects of the sun.

We do have a free telephone counselling service which can be particularly useful when an individual is initially coming to terms with their diagnosis. Please contact us for further details if this is of interest.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of any further help. Our helpline is open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday on 0300 3030 111.

Kind regards

[Hidden]

Hi jeannie76, just wanted to send you a hug x 

You dont say which type but the shock is something everyone on here understands. This forum is great, has really helped me (now a year into my journey) you are not alone x the mac soc support is fab, check out their website/helpline.

Best wishes going forward.

[DelicateInput]

I went to the optician's a couple of weeks ago for an eye test as I had been taking a drug which is a risk for retina damage.

The optician did one particular test four times.  I had to go back a week after the first two and do them again.  I saw the optician today, but only because I went into the shop.  He had promised to ring me but, despite my two phone calls, did not.

He said that the left eye showed vision loss, confirmed by the tests, but it was not great, and this is macular degeneration caused by age.  He also advised that cataracts had started.  I suspected there was a problem with my vision because my ability to read has been deteriorating over the last few months - but this started before I took the drug.  I only took the drug for three weeks so am not sure that has caused the problem.

I was surprised to be told by the optician that he would write to my GP enquiring whether the GP considered I should be referred to an eye specialist.  I thought the optician could refer himself.  He then said he does not know what the clouding is in my left eye or whether it is connected with the developing cataracts but it does not seem to be.  It all sounds very unsatisfactory and vague to me.  He said the right eye is fine.

My left eye was damaged by measles at the age of 18 months and has always been a problem, particularly as the right eye had better than normal vision.  I suspect it is something related to this rather than macular degeneration.  I very much doubt the GP will refer me - it is almost impossible to get a referral for anything at my surgery.

[Hidden in reply to DelicateInput]

Hi delicateinput, if I were you, and especially if straight lines look wavy or have dips in them, I would go to my casualty dept. Vision loss needs to be checked asap. They will get the oncall eye dr to look at you who will be able to determine whether anything needs to be done and let your gp know. Best wishes.