Macular Degeneration

[lovekittys]

Good Morning, I have had RA for almost 3 years now, yesterday I was diagnosed with macular degeneration in both eyes. Has anyone experienced this? They also are having me take "Focus Select" which is a vitamin that is suppose to help slow down the progression of this disease. Any info. or advice would be appreciated. Thank you

[helixhelix]

That's a blow, so sorry to hear it. Is it age-related, or dry' macular degeneration? It seems that certain supplements can help, as can stopping smoking, taking exercise and all the other normal healthy body things.

[lovekittys in reply to helixhelix]

Hi, it is dry macular degeneration, just a little scary. I was given good vitamins, and I work out every morning. My husband and I are going to try and quit smoking, so hopefully I can slow it down

[RxMe]

Hi lovekittys! This may be of interest to you. Just saw my opthamology specialist last week for the six-month check-up. As an aside to two doctors in attendance he stated that it was sometimes difficult to differentiate between initial macular changes from plaquenil and those as a result of macular degeneration. In my case, he is continuing to follow me every six months, but cautioned that sudden changes in vision, as in a marked reduction in brightness, should prompt a visit. Hope things work out for you!

[lovekittys in reply to RxMe]

That is interesting, I have been on Plaquenil for almost 3 years now. When they did the OCT test, they pointed out the macular degeneration spots and said none of it was from Plaquenil, but only time will tell. Thank you

[Bookworm55 in reply to lovekittys]

I had a similar experience a month back and posted about it on here. I have been on plaquenil for over 2 years. The ophthalmic doc could see damage to my macular and advised me to stop the drug at once. A month before another doc had said damage definitely NOT due to Plaquenil ! Got another hosp app in August and given same advice as you to contact them at once if any sight problems.

[Spooky]

Hi Lovekitties, so do I by the way lol. I take Lutein everyday, important for keeping the macula healthy. It's found naturally in cabbage and other brassica, but you'd need to eat a fair amount lol, guaranteed dose taking the capsules!

[BonnieT]

I declined plaquenal because of the eye uncertainty. So many meds cause other problems for us. Damned if we do, damned if we don’t. Praying and meditation help us in accepting what we’re dealing with and in moving forward in a positive way. I’m older, it’s easier but it’s harder for those of you who are younger. God bless you with strength to deal with this and that your meds work miracles for you.

[Habbeshaw]

I have macula for lots of years. I am now almost blind. No cure. Also have RA. no cure. Maybe someone will find a cure some day but it's too late for me I am 80 yrs old. Have you notice not many cures since polo?