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[Villagelife]

Hi everyone, I haven't been diagnosed with macular degeneration yet but its highly likely that I will develop it. My Dad had both wet & dry, he ended up having to be registered blind. My DNA shows that I have varients that put me at a higher risk of developing it. Yesterday my optician told me the the is a pigmentation change & slight macular change in one eye. Losing my sight has been a worry for me for many years after seeing my Dad struggle. I wanted to join this group to learn of others experiences. I have learnt a lot from my Dad's experience but things have moved on these days. He started when he was around 65 ish I think & gradually got worse throughout the years, he passed away 2 years ago aged 89. I feel that he missed out on so much in life, I want to prepare myself as much as possible and give my self the tools for the future.

[Shimano]

Hi villagelife. I have a similar background. My mum had wet md and was blind for at least 10 years before she died. I have therefor always had ocular scans privately at the opticians. I was diagnosed with dry md about 10 years ago and my left eye went wet three years ago and right eye about a year ago. I now have eylea Injections in both eyes every six weeks. Eyesight still good enough to drive, read etc. And I am 83. Treatment is now available our parents didn’t have. So don’t be too gloomy. Dry macular can go on for a long time and may not turn wet. If it does treatment is available and improvements in treatment are now coming on stream. Keep getting your ocular scans to keep an eye on things and try to stop worrying.

[Villagelife in reply to Shimano]

Thank you so much for that reply its brought tears to my eyes. Its so nice to know that you are still able to drive and read at 83 . It definitely gives me hope. I love to read, exercise etc. My thoughts kept me awake last night I was worried how I was going to do the ironing or washing up lol. My Dad hid or didn't really acknowledge his problems for a long while and by the time we realised how bad his eyes had got and talked him into to doing something about it, it was too late. He was a very independent stubborn person. I'm independent but not stubborn lol. I'll definitely keep up regular eye scans. My Mum has glaucoma so I have to bear that in mind. I make a point of eating lots of vegetables and foods that are beneficial to eyes. During the time when you had only the dry eye did you suffer any loss of vision at all? Do you need brighter lights or larger print or anything else to maintain your lifestyle? I'm going to do all I can to prepare myself and stay positive 😊. Thank you once again for your positive response.

[Shimano in reply to Villagelife]

When I had dry macular I didn’t notice a difference and I have friends with similar experience. Don’t think you can generalise though. Do find bright light helps in reading but don’t yet need large print. New treatments coming on stream called Vabysmo requires fewer injections. Don’t waste your life worrying before you need to. Good luck to you. Find enjoyable things to do.

[Villagelife in reply to Shimano]

Thank you for your reply. I need to live by my Mum's motto 'Dont worry cos you die if you do and you die if you don't 😁. She is completely right and like you said there are new treatments out there. You definitely have to enjoy life we are going on a cruise round the British Isles tomorrow. Thank you for your reassurance.

[Shimano]

Have a wonderful time. All the best.

[Villagelife in reply to Shimano]

Thank you, all the best to you to.