Worried with my pre- macular findings.

[Tobysmum]

Knowing what I now realise was my grandmothers dry macular, and watching my Mum suddenly losing her sight in one eye to wet macular, (diagnosed), then watching her going blind with dry macular in her remaining eye....has been a background worry for me for a number of years.

So when I had my lady eye test several months ago, I requested that the ophthalmic had training re macular.

I was told that the blood vessels in both my eyes had deteriorated and it was thought that I too had 'pre-macular' eye disease.  A special photo of the back of my eyes was taken, for future comparison, and I was told to go back for another test in a years time.

I'm shocked to learn that in the 20 years since my Mum was diagnosed- that there still is no advancement for the dry form of macular, which with the ever- growing older population...is horrific.

I've made a private appointment with a consultant, because I have some serious questions I need answering, and  because I'm told that until I actually develop macular -  the NHS can't or won't see me.  

I am 67 y.o., and still work part time as an electroligist. I've noticed that I can no longer see Client's fine hairs through my magnifying lamp- unless I now use my reading glasses. 

My questions are.  1).   Am I damaging these blood vessels more quickly by staring through a mag lamp for hours at a time?   2).  Will  straining my eyes by using my Ipad and moblie phone - also damage these blood vessels/ bring on the onset of the macular more quickly?

If the answer to the above is "Yes" - then I will stop work immediately, also massively reduce my time on the iPad/texting on mobile. 

Sadly, I had my only child over 40.  She is not ready to settle down yet, but I'm very worried that I will not be able to see my grandchildren.

Can anyone answer my questions please?

Thank you.

[Rosalyn-helpline Partner]

Dear Tobysmum,

I am sorry to read about your current concerns.

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 usually 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 various lifestyle considerations which can hopefully have a positive impact on eye health and possibly 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. Optometrists do not generally refer individuals to an ophthalmologist for the dry type.

10-15% of people with the dry type go on to develop wet in the same eye. Therefore it is important that if an individual does notice any sudden eye changes, that they either go to the optometrist or to the emergency eye clinic. If the optometrist identifies possible wet, then the Royal College of Ophthalmology guidelines indicate that they must do a fast track referral on the day of the appointment, via fax, straight through to the eye clinic, so that the individual can be seen and treated within 2 weeks.

There is currently research going on in to dry AMD. For instance there are currently trials going on in NHS hospitals concerning an injection called Lampalizumab or anti-factor D. Stem cell work is also generally  producing promising results.

Using your eyes will not cause them to deteriorate faster.

I will research mag lamp use for you.

I hope that this addresses your query.

Please do not hesitate to contact us back if we can be of any further assistance.

Our helpline is open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday on 0300 3030 111.

Kind regards

[Tobysmum in reply to Rosalyn-helpline]

Thank you.  

[Rosalyn-helpline Partner in reply to Tobysmum]

Hello,

Looking back on your initial query, I am now assuming that by a mag lamp, you are referring to a magnifying lamp? I had initially assumed that it was a specialised piece of equipment.

Using a magnifying lamp will not damage your eyes. In fact, low vision suppliers sell lamps with magnifiers incorporated for individuals with a visual impairment.

Please do ring us if you would like to discuss any of the above further.

Kind regards.

[Tobysmum in reply to Rosalyn-helpline]

Thankyou for your fast reply. 

[Davideyejourney]

I have dry AMD and it has stabilized. I take the recommended supplements with lutein in them and also spinach every day, usually liquidized with fruit as a smoothie. You may find this to be a good preventative measure. The Macular Society website is a good source of information.

[Tobysmum in reply to Davideyejourney]

I've nothing to lose by following your regime...and maybe it will help.?  So that's what I shall do...and thank you.