Hi, I'm new to the group.
I recently was told that I have md during my eye test. I wasn't given any info & looked you up!
I didn't realise there were different types. I don't know which I have, but do know he told me not to worry. That's exactly all I have done!
Would appreciate ANY advice please.
I have read the advice regarding diet which I will follow. I do have a lot of veg but not so much fish, but that is changing.
Many Thanks.
Regards, ES. X
Hi, Sorry to hear you have just been diagnosed- It would be a good idea just to ask if it is dry or wet MD.
I think it must be dry if they said not to worry but if it is wet it does need urgent treatment.
You can google and download and print to an amsler grid. If you have wet MD some of the line don't look straight when you look at the spot in the middle- just follows the instructions.
I have had dry MD for several years with no problem- it just gets worse very slowly- but if it changes to wet MD you need swift treatment.
Having treatment for different condition just now and the grid is also useful for me
Good luck and let us know how you get on
P S !! See Shazamalama's reply below too- looks good for her
Dear Semple56,
It is important that you establish which type of macular condition you have been diagnosed with. It would be worth ringing your optometrist and establishing this.
Dry AMD is primarily 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 eye health in addition to general 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 also potentially have a positive impact on eye health as well as general health. It is also important to consider protecting the 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 AMD in the same eye. Therefore it is important that if an individual does notice any sudden eye changes, that they act rapidly and go to the optometrist so that they can check behind their eyes. Alternately, they can attend the emergency eye clinic usually located within the hospital. If the optometrist identifies possible wet AMD, then the Royal College of Ophthalmology guidelines indicate that they must do a fast track referral on the day of the appointment, via fax or email, straight through to the eye clinic, so that the individual can be seen and treated by 2 weeks. This therefore indicates the urgency of the situation. Treatment is usually via injection.
Just to make you aware, we are currently offering free 6 month membership. This is a good way to keep up with current developments. Please ring us if you would like to benefit from this, or join via the following link:
Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of any further help. The Macular Society helpline is open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday on 0300 3030 111.
Alternately, you can contact us via:
help@macularsociety.org
Kind regards,
Thank you so much for your' very informative reply, which is much appreciated.
I have just signed up for the free 6 month membership, shortly before I received your' reply.
Regards. ES.
Have you been referred to hospital
Hi, no I wasn't told anything else or referred to the hospital! He said I had Macular degeneration, but not to worry. I didn't even think to ask anything at the time. It wasn't even explained to me!
Not telling you if it is wet or dry AMD is scandalous. Assuming it is dry AMD if nothing else he should at least have warned about the possibilities for developing wet AMD.
Certainly, I would get back to them and ask which version you have. If it was a hospital ask to talk to the Specialist Clinical Nurse. They have ready access to records and are able to go into greater detail.
A good case for changing your consultant.
Hi, I'm also newly diagnosed following a routine eye test. I have been referred to the hospital as the optician thought I was quite young to have it (early 50's). I was given an Amsler chart to check daily and so far the small area of distortion has remained the same.
Like you I started reading and have changed my diet and take Macushield Gold. I also bought a Fitbit! I'm starting to get my head round it all and just hope I feel the same when I have had the hospital appointment.
If my wet MD eye "fails," can someone tell me what to expect? How about the effects on my other eye, if any? 
Worried about Overdue eye injections 
Better than winning the lottery
Referred to Eye Infirmary for wet AMD ......
