Drusen in macula at the age of 21

[cutiepie88]

Hello

I am 21 and I have been told that I have drusen in both eyes. I have no other symptoms except having high myopia(-8.00 L, -10.00R) since young (started wearing glasses when I was 6) I read up about Age-related Macular Degeneration and Myopic Macular Degeneration, know a little bit about the stages and all. I just wanna ask how high is my chance of developing late-stage AMD when i get older? Are there any cases where ppl have drusen since young but their vision is still perfect?(even in their 60s-70s?) Is it for sure that I will have to deal with some macular problem as I grow older? I have dreams to pursue, I don't want to lose my vision.

[Hidden]

Hi,

To have drusen does not automatically mean that they will develop into MD, but since you are still very young the risk of it is higher. Also: myopia can eventually be the cause of several eye conditions. But, please, do not think too far ahead. Follow your dreams and enjoy all the good things in your life. No one knows what the future holds for any of us and there is no point in worrying about it prematurely. In fact, stressing yourself out over it can be harmful; it certainly does no good. Have your eyes tested regularly and be alert to any changes in your vision, when you should seek expert advise.

All the best

[carolineJames]

It’s too difficult to worry about. If you want to make some changes to your diet that may be helpful- eat salmon, brightly coloured vegetables and kale and keep your cholesterol low. Cut out chips and fried foods. All of these are thought to help in the long term and probably the sooner you start the better.

On a positive , medical research is doing lots of good work so hopefully if you can delay the condition with good health practices there maybe better medicine available to help you if you need it.

[Macular_1]

Hello Cutiepie,

Sorry to learn about your drusen.

It is always very difficult to predict the future when drusen is spotted.

Please see our factsheet about Myopic Macular Degeneration in case you haven't seen it;

macularsociety.org/sites/de...

As you will see, if someone is myopic, they can be prone to macular conditions.

If you would like to have a chat with our helpline, please call 0300 30 30 111 (9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday).

Best wishes

Macular Society