I'm 33 and have drusen in both eyes!

[Clare85]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone could help.

I went to the opticians last year and the optician said I had drusen in both eyes. She said it had actually shown up on previous eye tests, but they had changed the way in which they were giving patients information, so she was just telling me now! A bit strange! She said it hadn't increased, so it was okay. She gave me an Amsler grid to look at in the house and said to eat more green vegetables and protect my eyes from the sun. She didn't give me anymore information and now researching it online I have become quite concerned. Should I see a specialist? I live in Edinburgh.

Thank you

[Macular_1]

Hello Clare,

Sorry to learn about your drusen.

At your age, I would recommend that you ask either your optician or your GP to refer you to see a hospital ophthalmologist.

Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion in Edinburgh is excellent.

At aged 33, you may have a specific macular condition which will need to be identified.

Are you by any chance 'myopic' (very short sighted)? As this can be a reason.

If you would like to discuss further, please call the helpline of the Macular Society on 0300 30 30 111 (9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday).

Best wishes

Macular Society

[Clare85 in reply to Macular_1]

Thanks for your reply,

I am short sighted in both eyes -1.25 and last year my right I eye changed to -1.50. I have only needed glasses for the past 4 years and felt my sight did change quite suddenly. I'm not sure why they didn't refer me last year. I am due my yearly check up at the end of April, so will ask to be referred then. Would my GP be more likely to refer me?

Thanks

Clare

[Jayral in reply to Clare85]

I live in Scotland too and have found that the optometrist at my opticians has very good links with the eye clinic at the hospital and I believe this is standard practice up here. I would definitely ask the optician as you have a check up soon. Good luck!

[Macular_1 in reply to Clare85]

Hello again Clare,

Your GP may refer you, but he/she may ask for more information from your optometrist at your optician, or may ask that they refer you.

You do have the option of going privately, but if lots of further tests are required then this could be a bit costly?

If you don't have any luck with your GP or optician, please give our helpline a call on 0300 30 30 111 (9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday - we will of course be closed on Friday and Monday over Easter).

Best wishes

Macular Society

[Hidden]

Hi Clare85

There are two types of drusen - the hard type and the soft type, both are fatty deposits and may appear anywhere on the membranes of the retina or the macula. Did the optometrist say which type you have? The hard type are made up of smaller specks and do not necessarily result in MD unless they become numerous. (I am not talking about floaters). Cells break down and renew themselves all the time in normal life but the debris from the cells, if your eyes cannot dissolve it properly, can attach itself to the drusen, especially the soft ones and can cause MD. Strictly speaking, drusen are not the same as dry MD unless they are numerous or are growing, though there seems to be a fine line between the two conditions.

If the drusen have not changed during the last year/s then that is promising. However, if your eyesight is deteriorating then you should really see a specialist at an eye clinic. Some opticians do not have the up-to-date equipment to evaluate your condition properly and some can also be reluctant to refer you unless they see an immediate reason for the referral. I went to my GP with the prescription for my new specs and asked for a referral, and he duly obliged.

With myopia you are more vulnerable to a number of eye problems. You are still so young. So have it checked out.

Good Luck.

[Clare85 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your replies - very kind.

The optometrist didn't say what type of drusen it was, but said it hadn't changed from the first it was spotted, which they didn't make me aware of at the time! They thought it was strange that my right eye had deteriorated from -1.25 to -1.50, but I have no idea if that is a lot or not. They just sent me on my way and told me to eat more green leafy vegetables without any other information. So I will make sure I get more information at my next appointment and ask for a referral.

Clare