Just diagnosed with fairly advanced dry MD
I see a lot of shadows flitting across my field if vision, but can still read my iPad pretty easily. With time, will this develop into a big black spot in my center of vision, or will it be just a lot of blurring? Will I be able to load/unload dishwasher, live independently?
Should have ask the dr more info at the appt, but pretty overwhelmed.
I can understand that you would feel overwhelmed at this diagnosis. I'm glad you found our Community. Many of us are diagnosed at a very early stage, so we have more time to get used to the situation. Everyone seems to progress at a different rate, so perhaps even the doctor wouldn't be able to tell you how things will develop in the future. He would probably say that, with dry macular degeneration, you will most likely retain your peripheral vision. Did your doctor mention some of the things you can do, such as eating a Mediterranean-type diet, checking your sight between visits with an Amsler Grid, and the possibility of taking AREDS2 supplements if they're suitanle for you. I can give you a link to any of these if you haven't heard of them. Wendy, Patient Leader. 
its understandable that you would feel overwhelmed at your diagnosis. When do you see your doctor again? In the interim it would be helpful to prepare a list of written questions for your next visit. Take this time to research your diagnosis. You can use the search function at the top left to find topics of interest. We have community members that are legally blind in one or both eyes. They are able to live independently. A low vision clinic has all the aides to assist you if you reach a point you need that help. I am glad you found our community. Please feel free to ask questions. We are here for you. Regards, Sharon Moore patient leader How do you know it's fairly advanced.
Well, on the bright side, he said not everyone my age lives another 5 years. He wasn’t joking, but that one had me on the floor laughing later at home. I'm glad you have a sense of humor! It's a bit like my previous RS. She said, "There will probably be a cure in your lifetime." I didn't ask her how long she thought I had to live 😀 Wendy, Patient Leader.
Many people are seeing well beyond 5 years. Do you know what he found with you. Maybe lots of drusen deposits, RPE changes, etc. Ask him next time you see him and then do research. Maybe not as dire as you think it is.
you are correct. I've been diagnosed ten years now with dry amd in both eyes. My sight is still fine, except in dark conditions. It was found early, though, because I was being regularly checked. We are all different, but I think mine has progressed slowly so far. Wendy, Patient Leader. Thank you for your encouragement! I will have quite a few questions to ask when I see him, but that’s not scheduled until Oct.
