Newly diagnosed

[Tigers88]

hello, I was told by optician last Wednesday there were sign of macular degeneration. No other information other than recommending Macushield which I started taking the next day. There seems good reports of improvement with this so I’m hoping. No further appointments made just see you in a year unless you have problem.

[springcross]

Hi Tigers88 and welcome to the forum. From what you say about your next appointment in a year's time, I assume you have the start of dry macular degeneration. What are your symptoms so far?

[Tigers88 in reply to springcross]

hello, no symptoms and I did the test with the lines and they were straight. It was a shock to me because I eat low fat food, no high blood pressure, don’t smoke but I am approaching 75 so I was told it’s an age thing (again!) Photo taken of back of eye was how she diagnosed it.

[springcross in reply to Tigers88]

Yes, it is a shock when you're first told isn't it but at least you have no symptoms and probably won't for quite some time as dry AMD develops gradually. My hubby was diagnosed with the beginning of it in one of his eyes a year ago but his eye tests are still OK. My brother-in-law has it in both eyes and it took several years before he started to get a problem with it. I have wet AMD in one eye (diagnosed in 2018) and that develops much quicker and needs injections to try to control the fluid. Were you given any info about it by your consultant?

[Tigers88 in reply to springcross]

Absolutely no information what so ever other advising me to get Macroshield as they help.

[springcross in reply to Tigers88]

That's not very good, although as you have no symptoms, they may not have thought it necessary yet especially as it can take years to develop, but if you need to know anything about it, you can check out the Macular Society web site: macularsociety.org/ or there is the RNIB site: media.rnib.org.uk/documents.... There are other sites you can have a look at too. Also, of course, any members on here who have the dry form will probably respond when they see your post. Any questions, just ask. All the best.

[Tigers88 in reply to springcross]

Thank you for your help and information.

[springcross in reply to Tigers88]

You're welcome. 🙂

[horseaddict]

Its a slow progression.i was diagnosed 17 years ago.nobody informed me i could try AREDS2 eye supplements until 4 years ago. I take these as they have other ingredients in for dry macular AMD(THeres dry and wet type).it seems to slow progression.im fully active.drive ride horses can read etc all the normal stuff but i do wear glasses no full time..swot up on it the opticians dont seem to want to discuss it.

[Tigers88 in reply to horseaddict]

Thank you for your help

[Penelopeflower]

Hello Tigers88, it is of course scary when you are first told, as others have said dry AMD does progress very slowly, I have dry in one eye and wet in the other, have had it for some years now, it is good that at least the optician has picked up on it, and with regular eye appointments they will monitor its progress. It is helpful of course to take a tablet such as the one suggested and the Macular Society are of course a great support should you need any more advice. Best wishes.

[Tigers88 in reply to Penelopeflower]

Thank you, I’ve learnt so much through this forum and feel more hopeful .

[Seabob]

Hi i was diagnosed in my 40s with macular degeneration i was extremely upset - i did lots of research and began macushield which appears to have kept it at bay judging by my regular eye checks, i always wear dark glasses outside, i hope this helps 🤗

[Tigers88 in reply to Seabob]

Thank you. I have cataracts too but by wearing a visor it’s now about 12 years and optician said no need for op yet. From what I’ve read Macushield can help with cataracts too as well as macular.

[Seabob in reply to Tigers88]

Hi yes i have a cataract too - the lutein in the macushield helps with eyes - 🤗👍

[roynett]

HelloTiger 88, sorry to hear about your diagnosis, were you told it was the start of wet or dry?, if you are not sure it maybe worth ringing the optician to enquire, just to be certain, if it is dry AMD, then that's a better outcome, however, if it is wet AMD, please don't wait a year, ask for a referral to your eye hospital, the quicker treatment is started the better the outcome, my optician did not even see that I had wet AMD, even after a scan, 2 weeks later my sight wasn't good, I asked to be referred and was started on injections.