recently diagnosed md

[larfalottie]

Hi, I have a very recent diagnosis of MD (dry). Please can anyone tell me other preventative steps to put in place along with brightly coloured fruit & veg (I just read halibut, salmon and sea bass are good for MD?), avoiding blue light and bright sunlight. I was given a Macushield Gold sample pack to take 3 times daily (almost gone). Is this not generally available on NHS prescription? I am 63 and have a mum of 90 registered blind. Any practical self-help advice if you can please... big thanks.

[Raemar]

Hi Nainis,

Firstly regarding Macushield the normal dose is one per day preferably with food. I don't think taking 3 per day will give you any more benefit. As for advice ring the Macular Society on 0300 3030 111. They will give you all the answers you are looking for. They will explain the diet you mention. If you want to know more about the diet recommendations now, Google AREDS-2. Good luck

[larfalottie in reply to Raemar]

Thank you for helping me get started Raemar. The Optometrist who supplied the Macushield advised taking 3 with food to start off. Taking 1 will be helpful financially as well. I'm grateful for the phone number and Google link you've written down for me it's very thoughtful of you. I hope you are doing okay.

[cormorin]

Hi I was told to take one Macushield daily but when my Consultant advised us all to changs to Macushield Gold the dose was upped to three times a day. Hopefully as I often miss a dose it will not make much difference but do ask whichever proffessional you see next about it.

Good luck!

[larfalottie in reply to cormorin]

Thanks cormorin. Did you look into the AREDS-2 supplement too?

[cormorin in reply to larfalottie]

Hi yes i did check it out but as Macushield Gold has many of the things in the Areds2 formula & having been told by the Consultant I really trust I scrape up the cost every 3 months for Macushield, just go without other things like biscuits to dunk in my tea. One way to lose weight Lol!!

[larfalottie in reply to cormorin]

I've gone along with the same (plus Aldi snacks)

[sindia3b]

hi nainis where are u from

[larfalottie]

north wales coast... you?

[Macular_1]

Hi Nainis,

There are not many things that someone with Dry Macular Degeneration, (MD), can do to slow progress, but the following should help;

1)Eat a balanced diet with a good intake of leafy green vegetables such as Kale, Spinach and Broccoli as often as possible. Consider taking a vitamin supplement; there are a number specifically made for those with dry MD; your Pharmacist, GP or eye care specialist can advise you on diet and supplements. The link below is to our booklet, ‘Nutrition and your Eyes’ which gives more information;

macularsociety.org/sites/de...

It is fairly rare to get a vitamin supplement on prescription from your GP; but you can ask.

2)Do not smoke.

3)Protect your eyes from the sunshine. Wear a good pair of sunglasses which have UV protection, and preferably with blue light protection as well. It is also a good idea to wear a wide brimmed hat on sunny days to cast a shadow over your eyes. If lying in the sun, just closing your eyes does not protect them; the rays of the sun will penetrate your eyelids and cause damage to your macular and retina. The link below is to our booklet; ‘Protecting your Eyes’ which expands on this;

macularsociety.org/sites/de...

4)If you are able, do a little exercise on a regular basis to get your heart pumping; but be careful not to overdo it if you have other health issues! Maintaining a healthy weight is of course beneficial.

Also please see our care guide for dry AMD;

macularsociety.org/sites/de...

If you would like to discuss further, please call our helpline 0300 30 30 111 (9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday).

Finally, you may wish to take advantage of 6 months free membership to the Macular Society? Please see the following link for more details;

macularsociety.org/6months

Best wishes

Macular Society

[larfalottie in reply to Macular_1]

Thank you for replying everything is helpful.

[Hidden]

Read the book by Chris A Knobbe MD

cureamd.org/

[Hidden]

Go to cureamd.org/

[sindia3b]

not much u can do the above is helpful and try to protect your eyes in the sun