I have had stable eyes since childhood correction squints but always needed glasses (Varifical glasses with strong prescription, long sighted with addition for reading). My mother had dry macular and I supported her thru her 80s to 99 yrs watching her slowly loose all vision
I’ve had test last week (I’m just 70) and told my vision has changed, start of Cataracts which is reducing my long sight and start of Dry Macular .
Basically told to get new prescription, decide when I feel I need cataracts seen to (?) Things could progress quickly or slowly with ‘my type’ of Cataracts but let them know and return if any changes.
He did not refer me to Consultant as said no point with Dry. I am so upset at prospect of future (as I have no child to help me and husband older than me) and also although i know about AMD it feels that with Dry there is no help and no prospect of help. Have things not really moved on in UK in the last 15+ years?
I just wait ? I am so distressed.
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I don’t have AMD but know some who have. Theirs has stayed stable for quite a few years. Some take supplements, not sure which, think it is called Areds or something like that.
I have macular oedema which is being treated and have had it for a number of years.
I have read that there is a treatment for AMD in the offing and I know from the macular society that research is being done all the time.
hi,i have had dry amd for a number of years and whilst there is no treatment you can use eye vitamins to slow it down.in particular AREDS2. . Im using them and they are scientifically proven to slow it down.research AREDS2 on your computor..the opticians do not help and point us in the right direction.they dont want to discuss amd with us.very frustrating.At least we have some sort of hope to slow the progression of it by using areds2.im still very active driving,horse riding etc and havent had to have a change in glasses prescription for 5 years.
Thank you, will look up - I am now taking Macushield and eating healthily ( always try to anyway!) but any advice and anything I can do to delay I will try and do. Thank you for taking the time to reply, really appreciated.
areds2 far outway other eye vitamins due to the measured quantities of important contributary ingredients.ive been using twice a day for 4 years.hatdly any change in the macula itself.good luck👍🙂
Mr brother-in-law has had dry AMD for many years now and it's only the last couple of years that it has affected him badly - he was 90 this month. As Koalajane has said, there is research being done all the time and whilst it's easy for me to say, try not to worry too much as you never know when a treatment will become available. Good luck to you.
May be have cataracts treated - it is straightforward - I take Macusave for macular condition. Read all you can from Macular Society and volunteer for research?
I was diagnosed with dry macular at least 15 years ago and did not notice any significant change until I developed wet macular five years ago. Like you, I totally panicked, as my mother was registered blind for many years with eye problems. However, fingers crossed, have been getting injections for the last four years and my sight is ok for driving at the moment. I have also had two ops for cataracts. There have been huge improvements for wet macular treatment and it looks like an injection for dry macular could be on the way. It is very hard not to become anxious if you dwell on the worst case scenario especially if you have no one to talk to. Would strongly suggest you contact the macular society telephone coun selling service. The number is available on this website. A great source of support and of practical advice. I found them really helpful. All the best to you.
I have wet AMD in one eye, which is being treated with injections. However the treatment that restored my sight quite dramatically was having both my cataracts done. I cannot recommend this to highly!
Hi I understand your concerns. I was told I had dry in both eyes last year and started taking Macushield. Left eye now wet and have had three injections so far but can only hope a healthy diet and the Macushield will keep everything stable. I am also 70. Try not to dwell on what might never happen and enjoy life now. Take care.
Yes it’s scary and I realise I have to just try and be positive and do whatever I can , nowadays 70 seems so young so I wasn’t expecting it . Thank you for replying and very best wishes to you too x
The third link posted by Carol is an hour-long video but it's well worth watching as it deals very comprehensively with the issue of Cataracts and AMD, especially the presentation by Gary Misson in the first 30 minutes (it starts at 2:45).
The question you have to ask yourself is are the cataracts affecting my quality of life, such as having to get new glasses (different prescriptions) frequently, finding it difficult to read faint print or in dim light, or finding it more difficult to drive especially at night due the glare of oncoming headlights. If all of these things are affecting you it's likely to be a cataract issue rather than an AMD issue.
There is a simple test that you can use to determine whether cataracts are the most likely problem for you. It works by establishing how well you can read low contrast print. I have posted the information on this forum in a series of four posts. This is the first post:
If you click on my name you'll easily find the three other posts in the series.
Finally, my sister, who is around your age, has had similar sight issues to you since childhood and was now suffering all the symptoms I listed above and was unable to drive. Earlier this year I sent her my test and this established that cataracts were the problem. She has just had the first eye treated and reports that her vision has been miraculously restored. She had been told for years that her cataracts were too insignificant for surgery, but they should have been treated years ago.
Let me know if you have any trouble finding my posts or in using the test.
That is so helpful Paul, thank you very much. I will set some time aside and read through/watch it all carefully. It seems very similar to the comments made by optician in that, ‘you may have to change your prescription frequently’ . Thank you again, so appreciate the replies, it’s very daunting and brings future life choices to the forefront of my mind. Kind regards 🙂
Hello, please try and stay positive, i know it is very difficult, i have wet md in right eye, and did have dry in left, which has now turned to wet. Was having injections in right eye for a few years, but because the injections have worked very well, ceased injections in that eye, as stable, and just being monitored, because left eye now changed to wet, just started injections in that eye.
Cataracts removed in both eyes some years ago, before md diagnosis, and that helped a lot. As others hzve said Macular Society very helpful.
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