Should I see a specialist?
I was recently diagnosed with early-stage dry AMD (lots and lots of drusen but no visual changes). I'm 52.
My drusen were only found because I told my optometrist that I have a very high genetic risk (CFC CC and ARMS2 TT). He told me to start on AREDS2 supplements, follow the usual dietary advice for AMD, exercise and keep BP and cholesterol down, use my Amsler chart, and he'd take another look at my exam next year.
That's all good, but I've had enough medical issues over the years to know "let's wait and see" isn't always enough. I won't be passive about my vision -- I'm an artist, gamer, avid reader, and I'm still working in a field where my sight is essential.
I know there's no additional treatment for dry AMD, but should I be looking for a specialist? My area is medically understaffed and it can take months to get an appointment. I think I'd rather have a relationship in place before my condition worsens.
I have wet AMD and was not told for 6 years I had drusen, annoying. I too am an artist among other things. One problem I can see is you’re a gamer, avid reader, and artist this sounds like a lot of sitting. I found exercise brilliant you need to get moving. If not already. This gets oxygen up to your eyes and lowers stress. 
not being told you had drusen for 6 years is more than annoying. Not knowing robbed you of the opportunity to make lifestyle changes earlier on. I agree with the importance of exercise. Diet is also important to help slow the progression. Thank you for joining the conversation, Sharon Moore, patient leader. Thanks for your reply! You're right that having exclusively sedentary hobbies would be an issue; I only mentioned those because they require more detailed eyesight than my kayaking, yoga, biking, and swimming. 😀
it is a very good question that you ask. Your optometrist sounds thorough in the advice you have been given. I stayed with my optometrist for a year or two, and went to a Retinal Specialist when the macular degeneration appeared in the other eye as well. No harm came from that, although, looking back, perhaps I should have gone to the specialist sooner. The benefit is that the specialist can establish a base line, and will have your records to look back on over the years. The optometrist sends your scans, etc to the specialist, but sometimes they're not the same quality as the original record of the ones the specialist takes themselves. You can also establish a relationship with the specialist, which aids good communication. Both of my parents had amd, so it is likely that I have a genetic predisposition. If you go earlier to a specialist, you will also have a chance to see if they suit you and take the time to talk to you. You might even have to find another specialist if the first one doesn't suit you. This all takes time. Whatever you decide to do, I wish you all the best. We're happy to have you in the Community. Wendy, Patient Leader. Thank you so much. My optometrist is fantastic but my thinking matches some of your reasoning.
Absolutely. No doubt! 1st thing I was told, if anything changes vision-wise, call immediately. So you need access. Just in case. that is a really good point. If there is a vision change there is always the possibility that dry amd has become wet. Having to start the search for a retinal specialist at that stage would delay treatment. Wendy, Patient Leader.
Yeah. You can look forward to a specialist. That'd do you good, I believe. I encourage you to make up your mind, real quick. I was too, a gamer and a reader, you know. Also a movie enthusiast.
thank you for your input to the Community. Do you have dry or wet macular degeneration, and how are you going with your sight now? Wendy, Patient Leader.
