I haven't got any help with this at the hospital -a consultant slapped me down and snapped "that I was lucky I wasn't blind, that taking supplements won't help, the latest trials for dry amd had fallen through and I was going to find it very challenging" as if I didn't know that. I have never seen any posts on here about glare. I have found some American sites helpful for light sensitivity and dry eyes - Axion glasses and moisture chambers.
I wondered if anyone on here had had any experience of sclerical lens. I found an eye hospital in the States where you can get fitted with a Prose device -sclerical lens. Sclerical lens are different to contact lens in that they cover the whole of the eye - and help people with glare. The hospital advised me to try and get some in this country to see how I get on with them first. I have probably got 20 pairs of blueblocker sunglasses (including cocoons), yellow, copper, red filter spectacles and I know that none of them can block glare out completely. I find this time of year when the sun is low in the sky causes so much glare from any reflective surface both indoors and outdoors and from all the scans I have had this is not caused by cataracts but dry amd.
sorry you had such unpleasant remarks!! Glare is a problem and I assumed it was because my cataract is worsening but it might be my AMD. Do let us know how you get on and if anything works
Hi rosyG. i was told by a consultant that cataracts actually shield the retinas to some extend from harmful rays; that is one of the reasons why some doctors like to wait as long as possible before removing them from AMD eyes.
RP1944 - If I could wear ordinary prescription sunglasses almost all the whole year for glare and light sensitivity - I wouldn't be trying to get information on sclerical lenses.
um, you've been misinformed...areds 2 works, as does changing your diet aswellas a good attitude.
At least that's helped me during this 4 year adventure.
I'm in the States but will caution you about assistive glasses unless they are approved by the Department of services for the blind . Our department of services for the blind, here in Washington State (not.D.C.) is so helpful fir MDegeneration, they haven't suggested the glasses you wrote of but have incredible stuff to assist our vision loss.
I've seen many companies..a few tech companies...claiming they have the best thing fir us...only to find failure.
I'd refer you to YouTube on the Internet. Blind Life is a channel I watch for gizmos being developed for vision. The guy who runs the channel tests stuff and reports on them.
Hollyg um, you've been misinformed...areds 2 works, as does changing your diet aswellas a good attitude.
From my own personal experience and "my adventure" has been far more years than yours when your condition worsens and you can't blame yourself for not having an excellent diet, taking all the right supplements, not being overweight and doing exercise everyday - I don't think you should blame yourself when you condition worsens that you don't manage to have a "good attitude"
also light sensitivity is a problem for us...i can endorse the Cocoon over glasses which gave me the ability to drive my car again! They can be costly so I'd suggest trying on a pair and ordering from eBay.com
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 addition to addressing the associated discomfort from glare.
I am copying links to our booklets on Nutrition and Protecting your eyes (please contact us if you would like to receive suppliers details):
Individuals with a macular related condition tend to develop a heightened sensitivity to glare. The glare is produced by the blue light in the spectrum. Ordinary sunglasses protect against the UV but not the blue light. Therefore, individuals can find that they can end up trying to eradicate the discomfort from the glare by wearing ordinary sunglasses which are too dark for the lighting conditions, thereby obscuring their vision. The way to potentially address this is to choose spectacles from the anti-glare protection range, as they both protect against the blue light in the spectrum and the UV, and come in a range of shades. Therefore, an individual can either choose to purchase one shade or various for different lighting conditions.
Anti-glare protection comes in a variety of styles of frames; however, fit-overs are handy when an individual already wears spectacles.
In terms of colour choice, as an indication, e.g. yellow anti-glare fit-overs are generally good for indoor use as they do not reduce the amount of light coming in; reduce glare, increase contrast and definition. They are also suitable for outdoor use on a dull day when glare may still be an issue, but there is not adequate natural light to wear a darker shade. On a brighter day out an orange pair of fit-overs may be advisable, followed by an amber pair on a very bright day out.
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.
I was diagnosed with Dry AMD 4 years ago and, since that time, I have been exercising regularly (I go cycling every week), eating healthily (fresh fruit, vegetables, blueberries every day) and taking Viteyes areds 2 supplements.
I can only speak for myself, but I feel sure that these supplements, diet and exercise have helped greatly, and I also feel that trying to be positive (I feel that I am more fortunate than many others in all sorts of ways) is very important, but sometimes easier said than done!
I do suffer from glare and wear prescription sunglasses and/or a peaked cap, both of which I find to be helpful.
I wish you well, and hope that things go better for you soon.
I am sorry you were treated so dismally by the consultant. I think he is in serious need of an attitude transplant. You should make a formal complaint to your hospital, though that may not solve your eye problem.
All my life I have been sensitive to bright light. Now, with my AMD it is much increased and I have to shield my eyes with my hand even when I am wearing sunglasses. The only protection that works for me is a pair of overglasses which I purchased for £10 from a local "Low Vision Concern" run by charity. I find them really good as they protect my eyes completely, even top, bottom and sides to keep the light out. Are ou in the UK? If so, you should be able to find places like that in your area.
I always have to wear a peaked cap as I find that even when I am wearing wrap-around viento sunglasses I still get glare from the top, sides and back of the sunglasses. sporteyes.com/7eye-by-panop...
I have never been able to find the wide brimmed hats that we are advised to wear I think they must be a summer hat.
I personally do not think it is worth complaining abut how I have been spoken to by some clinicians - because of the state the NHS is in at the moment. There is now this new scandal of women being misdiagnosed as being in the clear when they have cancer. I do wonder whether it is better to answer back to these "experts" or whether to keep quiet and just go home and have a good cry.
My wrap-around sunglasses have top, side and bottom pieces at an angle and sit snug to my skin so that no daylight can get past the edges.
As for complaining, you are probably right. More hassle and more stress is the last thing you want. I must say, I have always been treated in a civil manner even if they were rushed off their feet. For that I am grateful. You are righ too when you say that the state of the health service is becoming a real worry.
I have dry amd, one eye pretty useless, but other stable for years. I don’t drive at all in winter because sun is always low and glares. I find yellow glasses good and always wear s hat indoors and out,. People don’t understand that I can see better with a hat. For example I can hardly recognise faces of people sitting in front of a window without my hat brim. Tv clearer too! Comments please. Ann with the hat
Blimey! A hat indoors! I'd never have thought of that but now I shall put one on straight after I finish here and hope that it may help make my TV viewing the pleasure it once was. I shall look like my granny of course, who was never known to be without her hat and pinny indoors! Thanks for that advice.
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Dry AMD
Wet and dry AMD
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