Today in OZ was diagnosed early dry AMD plus cataracts also early. Unsure if both eyes but L yes with them 😢. Advice- have no one here🙏🏼

[LuvmyGodnotAMD]

Hi there,

I’m 65 Aussie female told by my Optometrist without using any drops, that I have early Dry Mac Degeneration.

She didn’t refer me to an eye specialist so I don’t know if it’s her way of telling me I will not lose my sight fast? Anyway, another bombshell was I’ve got cataracts. She said these should’ve got found@last eye test but no . I’m stunned, alone with no family except my close church friends but of course they have their own lives. I felt suicidal as already have C-PTSD from Service in RAAF. I won’t do anything but was shock and fear at just turned 56. Got severe osteo arthritis and so I didn’t need to hear this. Anyone who knows on average the timeline and I am terrified of it becoming WET AMD.

The Optometrist did say we should ALL use dark sunglasses in the daylight. I lived in Middle East as 10-17yr old and didn’t wear good quality as Dad was the worker, me just a kid but we are Aussies so I do wonder if that glare damaged my eyes- maybe a precursor of the cataract and AMD.

Kindly know I respect that we are from different stages. Unify in prayer for a Cure please whatever ur religion. Thanks 🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️❤️ So can anyone help this sunken Aussie who feels like the Titanic fell on her head in one arvo🤔😳🤗🤗😢😢😢😢👍👍🌺🌺🌺

[nanapat112]

Hi, I am older then you. I was worried when I was told a few years ago that I had cataracts but they are very slow to grow. When I did get the first operation I was very scared that I would be able to see what the surgeon was doing. But you can't see or feel anything.The drops completely numb the eye.

It will be a long time until you need it.I have had wet AMD for some time too.

Download an amsler chart. It is to test you eyes for changes so you can watch for changes to your sight. The admin on this site will give you good info. Don't worry it will be alright. xx

[Qashqai-2015_ in reply to nanapat112]

THANKS SO MUCH AS ITS BLOODY TERRIFYING AND I CANT TRAVEL WITHOUT MY CAR AND I DON’T WANT TO GIVE UP DRIVING!!

HOW DO I KNOW WHICH ONE IS CAUSING WHICH PROBLEM AS GOT THE CATARACTS OH AND IM 56 IT WAS A TYPO .....

Xxxx

[Georgie_M]

Praying!

[Qashqai-2015_ in reply to Georgie_M]

PLEASE PRAY FOR ME AS IM SO SCARED AND I THINK IN DENIAL STILL.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR UR KINDNESS XX

[fed13]

I am so sorry luvmygodnotAMD. Do contact the Macular Society. (macularsociety.org). They are a wonderful source of comfort and information. All the best!

[Qashqai-2015_ in reply to fed13]

God Bless you for ur kindness. I’m 56 but did a typo. I just don’t want sight problems early. I’d rather when I’m 80 not 60.....

[Eyeproblems]

Try not to worry too much. Dry doesn't always turn to wet and if it does there are injections you can have which help control it. Cataracts tend to grow slowly and can be removed by surgery, so all is not lost.

The macular society is very good and can give you lots of info.

Best wishes.

[Qashqai-2015_ in reply to Eyeproblems]

Thankyou kindly cx

[Hidden]

Hi, sending you a hug x hope you are feeling a bit better. Good advice from everyone here esp the amsler grid and checking out the macular society - their website has lots of good info and there's email as well as tel helpline. I believe specific dietary supplements are recommended - they have info on that too.

I'm just dealing with a cataract diagnosis too and have lots of questions for my doc - will be posting more after my review tomorrow.

Wishing you all the best going forward.

[RosMacularSociety Partner]

Dear LuvmyGodnotAMD,

As explained in my previous reply to you, 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. Optometrists do not generally refer individuals to an ophthalmologist for the dry type.

Just to make you aware, the impact of the diagnosis of any eye condition and indeed any stage in the process is generally compared to experiencing bereavement. Individuals frequently go through very similar feelings and responses and in no set order. We do have a free telephone counselling service. Please contact us for further details if this is of interest. I am attaching our booklet Emotional impact which references the counselling service:

macularsociety.org/sites/de...

The Macular Society helpline is open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday on 00 44 1264 350559.

Alternately, you can contact us via:

[e-mail]

Kind regards,

[Qashqai-2015_ in reply to RosMacularSociety]

MANY THANKS FOR THE INFORMATION!! YOURE. RIGHT IT IS A GRIEF PROCESS AND I JUST JOKED WHEN SHE GAVE ME MY TEST RESULTS THINKING WE WERE JOKING OR SOMETHING BUT THEN SHE SAID OH NO, YOU DIDN’T KNOW THAT DID YOU?

I REMEMBER DISBELIEF AND PUTTING THE ILLNESS IN THE TOO EASY BASKET. BUT FEELING NOW LIKE ITS GRIPPING ME AND I CANT ESCAPE THE FUTURE., THIS TIME BOMB IM STUCK WITH UNTIL A CURE IS FOUND, JUST LIKE US ALL WHO ARE IN THE SAME BOAT.

[RosMacularSociety Partner in reply to Qashqai-2015_]

Dear Qashqai-2015_,

Please contact us at the Macular Society on the Advice and Information service line; contact details above, if you would like to discuss this further.

Kind regards

[Qashqai-2015_ in reply to RosMacularSociety]

Thankyou I will . Only problem is I’m in Australia . One question is do you leave your reading glasses on or off for the Amsler Chart? My glasses aren’t clear after a few inches and the chart had hold it at arms length ( 13cm ) but my glasses for reading aren’t as good as the short sighted ones. Which gives the best results please?

[Hidden in reply to Qashqai-2015_]

Hi, 13cm isn't arms length, that's more like 30. Typo? My amsler says hold at normal reading distance. So I'd wear reading specs. The important thing is to be consistent so you can compare week to week. I marked my grid in pencil the first time showing the waviness so it was easy to tell any change.