Worried lady

[Boxnox7174]

I am still new at this having only been diagnosed month

ago, still trying to get some timescale if possible on this condition

and the difference on wet and dry AMD. I have dry AMD

I feel I have been told and the left to get on with it. I

Live alone and am quite afraid of the dark. Silly I know.

[Rosalyn-helpline Partner]

Dear Boxnox7174

Please contact us on the Macular Society helpline if you would like to discuss this further. The helpline is open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday on 0300 3030 111.

Kind regards

[Ayayay80]

Hi Boxnox

First of all, take a deep breath and stand back a moment. I know it is always a shock to be diagnosed with AMD. And no, it is not silly to be afraid of the dark. But remember that even with wet AMD you would not be totally in the dark; you would keep your periferal vision.

As for the time scale - it is impossible to predict as we are all different. It is stated that dry AMD takes 5 to 10 years to develop before total loss of central vision may occur. Added to that - not everyone (only 10 to 15%) with dry AMD will go on to develop wet AMD, the more serious condition. But things may not be as bleak as they at first seem.

In simple terms in dry AMD fat and protein deposits settle on the retina and under the macula which will eventually interfere with your central vision. If they grow and deprive the layers of the retina of proper blood supply the eye tries to compensate by growing new bloodvessels. These vessels are very fragile and can break and leak fluid or blood onto the macula and can cause scarring and permanent damage. At this point it is called wet AMD and treatment is necessary. I hope that explains things a little to you without going too much into detail.

I suggest you check your eyes regularly on the Amsler Grid. If the lines become wavy or distorted see your optometrist at the opticians immediately.

Also: try to eat a healthy diet with plenty of greens and take plenty of excercise if you can.

Good Luck and a big hug. x

[Boxnox7174 in reply to Ayayay80]

Thank you so much the most information I have had

Helped so much.

[Sreadhomer]

Hi dear worried lady,

Please do not be afraid. There reall is no viable "timescale" AMD does not typically cause complete blindness. Even wet AMD does not typically cause complete blindness. although wet amd does advance faster to hinder sight. Wet is when dry amd blood vessels begin to bleed or leak fluid. Dry does not always turn into wet so don't fret. Your physician will keep a watchful eye for any changes. There is no cure for wet or dry AMD but they can,hopefully slow it's progress. I am in my 4th year of injections in both eyes. I dread them every time but I dread what will come from NOT receiving the treatment. God Bless. Stay strong. Write questions down amd ask your Dr. They should be your best source of info.

[Boxnox7174 in reply to Sreadhomer]

Thank you too for your help in settling my mind

So grateful to everyone..optiton gave me this website to read

So glad she did.

[cormorin]

Hi I was terrified when I was told I had dry amd. My son went to Mac Soc site & downloaded a lot of information for me to go through. When, a few years later wet amd set in I was terrified again & rang Mac Soc who arranged a Counsellor to ring me every week. This really helped & though I still do get very scared sometimes I know I have Mac Soc & this site with lots of people similarly worried & scared.

So keep in touch & hopefully talking will help a bit. Also do ring Macular Society as they are great at helping all of us. Hugs to make you feel a bit better!