Worried lady

[Boxnox7174]

Have just been diagnosed with macular degeneration

How long can I expect it to degenerate further

months or years or is it a slow steady experience?

I also have cataract in both my eyes

[new2AMD14915]

Hi Boxnox, the quicker you get your condition treated, the better. Basically, the treatment aims to put a stop to the deterioration of your vision, it cannot promise to fix the problem. Some improvement is possible.

[Rosalyn-helpline Partner]

Dear Boxnox7174 ,

Which form of macular degeneration have you been diagnosed with? Wet or dry AMD?

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. It is wise to check an Amsler grid weekly to help gauge any sudden changes.

I am copying a link to our Guide to AMD and cataracts:

macularsociety.org/sites/de...

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. 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:

[e-mail]

Kind regards,

[Hidden]

Hi boxnox, sending you a hug x Diagnosis is always a shock. You need to know which type of md you have. I think the Macular Society has explained the difference and treatment etc. Best wishes to you going forward xxx

[AlinaL]

Hi, I cant add anything about treatment, as the response from the Macular Society says it all.

What I will say is that you're not alone. The diagnosis is shocking. Get all the information you can about your condition and make sure you act quickly if there are sudden changes.

Give yourself time to come to terms with it and be kind to yourself. I found the Macular helpdesk a real help and comfort.

[Eyelet]

Not a fun diagnosis...but very copable with. Join a select band ...welcome .

[TheOpticalone]

Unfortunately amd is a chronic condition which means you will be dealing with it for some time to come. Treating early helps to stop the degeneration but is usually followed up every 5-6 weeks. In some cases people can go years between injections but for the most part they become a regular at the office.