I'm new here. I'm British but live in Spain(Madrid)

[Jmcfly]

I've recently been diagnosed with Dry Macular Degeneration. I'm 77 years old. It has been a shock as I thought my gradual loss of vision was due to cataracts and was preparing for the operation. My specialist now thinks I would not get much benefit from a cataract operation.

[Ayayay80]

Hi jmcfly

It is always a shock, I know, to be diagnosed with AMD, dry or wet. It is something we do not think about and often people have not even heard of it.

Whether or not you would benefit from a cataract operation depends on how advanced your dry AMD is. Your specialist will know exactly what your situation is. Be guided by him/her.

Don't worry too much about the cataracts as they only progress very slowly. Do you have an appointment for your next eye test? I suggest strongly that you check your eyes regularly on the Amsler grid. If you notice any sudden changes with your vision, contact the eye clinic immediately or go to A&E. Dry AMD can very suddenly change to wet AMD when you need urgent treatment to avert total central blindness. AMD is certainly a greater worry than cataracts. Best wishes.

[Jmcfly in reply to Ayayay80]

Thanks very much for your reply. I will certainly take your advice.

[RP1944]

Unfortunately there is nothing they can do for dry AMD but they can treat

Wet AMD, which isn't pleasent, but helps.

[Rosalyn-helpline Partner]

Dear Jmcfly,

I am sorry to read of your recent diagnosis.

Just to make you aware, the impact of the diagnosis of any eye condition and indeed any stage in the process is generally compared to experiencing bereavement. Individuals frequently go through very similar feelings and responses and in no set order. I am copying a link to our booklet Emotional impact below:

macularsociety.org/sites/de...

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. In the UK, optometrists do not generally refer individuals to an ophthalmologist for the dry type.

I am also copying links to our booklets on Protecting your eyes and Nutrition:

macularsociety.org/sites/de...

macularsociety.org/sites/de...

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 in the UK, 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. It is wise to check an Amsler grid weekly to help gauge any sudden changes.

This is a link to our Cataracts factsheet:

macularsociety.org/sites/de...

Just to make you aware, we are currently offering free 6 month membership. This is a good way to keep up with current developments:

macularsociety.org/6months

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:

[e-mail]

Kind regards,

[Jayral]

I have myopic cnv and have lost central vision in one eye due to scarring following bleeding despite 7 injections - however, my NHS Scotland macular consultant referred me to an NHS cataract consultant who has agreed to an operation in my bad eye so that my peripheral vision is improved - I currently wear a contact lens in that eye to help balance my vision with my left eye.

I have already had a cataract operation on my left eye and I now have very good distance vision with it (I was fast tracked for that operation to the cataract consultant by my macular consultant.)

Cataract surgery has been a very positive experience for me and I am looking forward to the second op! I hope you manage to at least get a referral to the cataract clinic. Good luck

[Jmcfly]

Thank you very much for your information and support

[Hidden]

Hi jmcfly, sending you a hug x Diagnosis is always a shock no matter what our actual eye condition or our age . This forum is a great place for company who understand what you're going through x

Best wishes to you going forward. Hopefully the dry amd will be very very slow in progression. I understand it usually is. Do check with the amsler grid though as mentioned by others.

[Jmcfly in reply to Hidden]

Thanks so much. It's great to receive so much encouragement and support.

[rosyG]

just to add to what has been said, if your dry AMD does change to wet, and you needed injections, wanted to say that they are less painful than a flu injection- wish I had known before my first injection- didn't sleep at all the night before!!

[Jmcfly in reply to rosyG]

That's good to know because it sounds a bit frightening.x