WMD in left eye, calcium deposits on right

[maritravel]

Just two months after having calcium deposits removed from left eye (not near my home and taking up to a day in travelling for the procedure plus 5 attendances afterwards) WMD was diagnosed in the same eye. I read recently that WMD is also likely to affect the other eye, but the procedure to remove calcium deposits on that eye is in place for next January. Should I cancel this? (It's a different hospital, different consultant) I don't want to have to undergo this and then have to undergo the injections for WMD as well. Anyone got any thoughts on this?

[Rosalyn-helpline Partner]

Dear maritravel,

It would be wise to discuss your concerns with your retinal specialist who deals with your wet AMD. You can contact them via their secretary.

When an individual has developed wet AMD in one eye, then there is a 50% chance of developing it in the second eye within 5 years.

I hope that this addresses your query.

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,

[maritravel in reply to Rosalyn-helpline]

Thank you for that. I shall contact my surgeon's secretary.

[Ayayay80]

Hi maritravel

As I understand it, your two conditions are not really seperate issues. Recent research indicates that AMD starts with tiny calcium deposits. Because they are so tiny they cannot easily be detected at first until they have grown in size. It is now thought that the calcium attracts fat and protein particles which then forms drusen. Until now, it seems, that no one really knew how and why drusen develop. (They only knew what they are and what they do.) The drusen then interfere with adequate nourishment to the retina and will then eventually result in wet AMD. Much research is going on with this new idea and may well lead to different treatments in time.

So maybe this answers your question. You may well have to undergo both procedures, depending on what stage your eyes are at. The two hospitals should discuss the issue with each other rather than working separately on the same eyes. Try the RNiB helpline. I believe they can point you in the right direction and represent you if needed.

Best wishes

[maritravel]

Many thanks for this information - it's invaluable. I am so pleased to have found a source that can give me such advice which I will follow.

[Ayayay80 in reply to maritravel]

Can I just add that the reason for two hospitals being involved in your eye care may possibly that one hospital has more experience in removing calcium deposits.

[maritravel in reply to Ayayay80]

Yes, I know this was the case, and I was happy with the result. It was unfortunate that there wasn't time for the eye to readjust before the WMD started! I don't know whether I should sell my car or not, or just keep hoping that one day I shall drive again: it's six months now since I was last behind the wheel.

[Ayayay80 in reply to maritravel]

Only you can decide that. I suppose it depends on what car it is, its value and whether it is parked outside or in a garage. There is nothing wrong with hoping for better days. You may be able to take your car "off the road" so that you don't have pay tax and insurance, but I don't know too much about the subject. Citizens Advice Bureau may point you in the right direction.

[Hidden in reply to maritravel]

Hi maritravel, has your clinic told you not to drive? Or is your vision such that you are unable?

The dvla rules don't stop you driving just because you have an eye condition. You are allowed to be blind in one eye and still drive if other eye meets certain requirements(with specs if needed). Your clinic can tell you if yours does.

Best wishes to you going forward.