17 with macular degeneration?

[AnxiousGrunt]

After going to the optometrist once again (3rd time) a few days ago I was told that my eyes were fine despite seeing wavy/bent lines and other distortions. The optometrist said "at this stage it is okay" and "come back in a year or two" without mentioning any Drusen or something wrong with my macular but they seemed like they were possibly avoidant with the real answer as they new I was anxious 😩. I never really ate greens if that's the cause and I am a skinny bloke... please help

Edit: my vision is 20/20 and I could read the smallest answering all correctly. Despite these problems my vision is better now than it was at a younger age...

[gillmoseley]

Sounds like you may fall into the category of people that should be referred to the hospital immediately. I would either go back and demand a second opinion if they have a senior partner and at least ask for more details. Did the optometrist take an image with digital retinal equipment? Or say you had wet or dry MD?

Alternatively go to your doctor asap. Wavy lines can be sign of wet MD and this can develop quickly which is why NICE guidelines state that you should be seen and treated if appropriate within two weeks.

Good luck! Do give the Helpline of the Macular Society a ring tomorrow morning for advice 0300 30 30 111

[AnxiousGrunt in reply to gillmoseley]

I had every test done possible and more than one person had a look. I was told that my eyes are healthy and even did test multiple times for different angles even though it wasn't necessary but no problems were found.

[Hidden]

Hi there

If your optometrist told you that "at this stage it is alright" then I gather he must have seen something going on in your eye. They often do not tell patients at the early stages of certain eye conditions when nothing can be done at that stage anyway except maybe ensuring you eat a healthy diet.

Although your eyesight seems pretty good at present, go to your GP and ask for a referral to the eye clinic. I was told by my optician that I had dry AMD in both eyes but did not need treatment yet and was not referred, just was told to come back in a year's time. Went to my GP and got an appointment at the clinic two moths later where it was discovered that the dry in one eye had turned to wet.

But please, do not panic. I know it is easier said than done. We have all been there, but do not wait a year or two, as your optician suggests; it is far too long. If you see wavy lines and distortions it needs investigating by a specialist, if only to put your mind at rest.

[AnxiousGrunt in reply to Hidden]

Okay so will I lose my central vision? Or may I be able to stop any more damage? I don't want to lose them.

[Hidden in reply to AnxiousGrunt]

No, don't jump the gun! Don't worry about things that may never happen. Stress can only make matters worse. If you really do get MD or a similar eye condition the treatment with lucentis or eylea injections is usually quite successful and may well halt the process of losing central vision, or at least slow it down. The main thing is to have it checked out by an ophalmologist so that you know for sure there is a problem or not, whatever the case may be instead of imagining the worst scenario. If you get an appointment write down beforehand all the questions you want to ask.

Good luck

[AnxiousGrunt in reply to Hidden]

So today I called the optometrist I went to a few days ago and asked them questions about the tests I had done. They looked at all the tests and said that the oct showed nothing that could indicate dry or wet amd and all other tests are fine as well. I also want to mention that I found the wavy lines after searching up the eye disease because of hypochondria and spent time trying to find them. The distortions are mild and I have visual snow. What do you recommend I do?

[Hidden in reply to AnxiousGrunt]

I agree with eyesright totally. The last thing you want is to sit in front of the computer all day and look for symptoms. your eyesight is good; that is a good start. Self-diagnosis is more often wrong than right. Also: You can actually create psychosomatic symptoms if you dwell on them long enough. Those symptoms are not real, but they seem real to you and make you panic. Try to ease off such searches. Be kind to yourself. Do something you enjoy doing, maybe sport, or reading or go for long walks or whatever you can do safely. My best wishes.

[Hidden]

Hi anxious grunt, you have to decide who you trust to give you the correct answers. If it's not your optometrist you trust then who ever you do trust is who you should speak to next. Your gp?

I'm guessing your gp will be aware of your general anxiety but if not then they should be made aware so they can help you deal with it. They will also be able to refer you as appropriate re your sight.

It's very easy once you hit the web to decide you have all kinds of health issues but symptoms alone do not suffice for a reasoned diagnosis as your medical history and other factors come into play.

You definitely need to have a clear answer re your sight ( given the odd statement "at this stage it is ok"- was the person foreign? Sometimes things get said that aren't exactly as we would understand the words!. Have you asked them why they said it?).

Having said that. 20/20 is perfect and you admit you spent time trying to find distortions ( which would be obvious with the amsler grid) so in my humble, non medical opinion, once the odd comment has been clarified, then it sounds like there is nothing wrong and you are, as your username says, just anxious. Hopefully you trust your gp enough to accept whatever they tell you.

Personally I can recommend cognitive behavioural therapy to help you move past this anxiety. Your gp can arrange it for you. Best wishes going forward, sending you a hug to get you started X