Eye test

[NettRoy]

Hi everyone, I have wet AMD in both eyes and have been having eyelea for eleven months, at this time of year I usually go for my yearly eye test, normally my prescription changes ever so slightly, so l'm wondering if I should still go, and if so, how will the optician be able to give me a prescription now that I have this disease , i'm really worried that I will end up with bulbous lenses, I am very long sighted and have always had quite a strong prescription anyway. Has anyone any thoughts on this, please, or will I look in the mirror and see Mr Magoo looking back at me. Thank you

[Koalajane]

I am in the same position, my optician says I should have eye tests every year and my opthamologist says not to have them whilst having injections. Did you know that they can thin your lenses if they are thick

[tallyho]

I would think you need to ask your othslmologist if everything stable then it should be fine I have had a new prescription since having monthly injections 11 years now not for AMD though also the glasses lens can be thinned I think so you won’t look that character I would think wish u the best

[BlurryArtist]

I decided to have new lenses even though my vision still changes slightly. It’s better than wearing a prescription that is substantially wrong.

[NettRoy]

Thank you very much for your replys I will come back and report on outcome

[RP1944]

I usually go for an eye test when I feel I could do with new glasses. However I have an eye test every time I have a check up or injection at the eye clinic and my consultant sometimes says she thinks I need new glasses. As treatment will probably never be finished for us with wet amd it’s not an option to wait until treatment is finished.

[Rosalyn-helpline Partner]

Dear Nettroy,

It is important that individuals continue see their optician on a regular basis for a routine check, i.e. annually, as an important part of the eye test is looking at the health of the eye.

In terms of spectacles, whilst sight is relatively good, then individuals can generally manage with varifocals or bifocals if preferred. However, if there becomes any noticeable impact to sight, then generally single vision lenses are preferable; separate for close up and distance vision. It is then generally also advisable to avoid transition style lenses and opt for anti-glare spectacles instead. Indeed, these are worth considering from the outset.

As you are having injections, then it is important to check with your ophthalmologist before attending the opticians, to see if your eyes are stable enough to warrant considering changing lenses.

Kind regards,

Macular Society Advice and Information Service

Tel: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

[Catseyes235 in reply to Rosalyn-helpline]

hi I’m just wondering why you advise against transition lenses (like reactolite?) which is what I used to have, pre AMD, combined with Polaroid lenses. I haven’t needed distance glasses for a few years now but think maybe I’m needing to use again but can’t use previous ones as need stronger reading glasses. If you just get anti glare you’d need separate sunglasses?

Thanks

[Rosalyn-helpline Partner in reply to Catseyes235]

Hello Catseyes 235,

Transition lenses can take a time to change, so can be a health and safety hazard. In addition, they don't protect against the blue light that causes the glare and discomfort which many individuals with macular degeneration experience. Anti-glare filters provide the dual function of sunglasses, whilst also protecting against the blue light.

I hope this helps,

Kind regards.