Glaucoma along with advanced AMD (GA stage)
Hi all,
I am new to this forum and would like an opinion from the experts here. My father has glaucoma in both eyes and unfortunately, by the time it was diagnosed, his vision in right eyes was 30% remaining only. This was almost 12 yrs back. His left eye was the savior for us so many years till 2018 when we got to know he has dry AMD as well (intermediate at that time I believe). 5+ years down the road, his AMD has progressed to advanced stage - GA even though he has been taking the AREDS 2 supplements and eating well - walnuts, berries etc. His glaucoma pressure seems to be in control with the eye drops but vision loss is gradually progressing with 10-15% vision remaining in right eye and left eye is more but now affected by advanced dry AMD. Sadly, I am not getting any treatment options and would like to know if anyone else has a similar case or can guide me on what can be my next steps? He is 74 and looks healthy otherwise so it gives me a heartache to see that he will soon go blind. Appreciate any advice for me to try. Thank you and bless you all.
Warm Regards,
Vik
I have GA like your Dad. I am not qualified to offer any medical advice. Were you aware there is now 2 medications approved to slow the progression of GA? His doctor could tell him if he is a candidate. It can’t restore vision but may help preserve his remaining vision. Here is a link to one of the medications. https://www.brightfocus.org/macular/news/second-geographic-atrophy-treatment-receives-fda-approval. I am glad your dad has family support. Warmly, Sharon Moore patient leader Thanks for your message. Is there anything you do specifically to keep your GA in check? Any specific foods etc or a routine exercise? Thanks for sharing the link to the GA treatment. The doctor told us about it however he didn't recommend as per him, the risks of getting Wet AMD from it outweighs the benefit of slow down. Has your doc recommended you to start the new treatment? he did not recommend Syfovre, the 1st medication approved because of high risk for wet and other side effects. He said a safer medication would soon be approved. I believe Izervay is what he thought would be approved. In the mean time, I faithfully take areds2 & turmeric. I eat a lot of leafy green veggies and other eye healthy foods. I aim for a minimum of 30 minutes exercise 5X weekly. I also try to prepare for the worse case scenario. I stay on top of the latest technology like using Alexa to operate my air fryer with voice commands. I will know in November if he will start me on treatment. I trust my doctor and believe he will start me on treatment at the right time. Regards, Sharon Moore patient leader
Thank Sharon. Really appreciate your sharing. Anything that your doc shared on the stem cells treatment? I keep hearing about it as I research but no real timelines as far as I know on when it can be available. Warm Regards, Vik
my doctor had not mentioned stem cell research but I will ask in November. This is the latest article written by the editorial team. https://maculardegeneration.net/clinical/dry-stem-cell-treatment.
I will keep you posted if I hear anything new. Take care, Sharon Moore patient leader
Thank Sharon
