What next??
I need a bit of advice on what to do next.
In October (23) I noticed a kink in my vision, when I looked at a door frame etc there would be a really really small kink in the line and then it would go back to normal.
So I went to opticians in the UK (Specsavers) and did the OCT Scan etc. They identified a really small abnormality on the scan but said they has the scan from the year before and it was the same, and to not worry and sent me away.
Now for some reason I cant explain I stopped noticing the kink for over 7 months (maybe it was always there but I didn’t notice it) Anyways last week (June (24) I noticed it again and on the Amsler chart it was in the same position as before so I thought things were getting worse so I made yet another appointment with specsavers. They again did the OCT scan and said everything is the same and again to try not to worry. When I presses as to why im seeing this kink he said “ you must just be more susceptible” than most and that’s why im seeing it.
So I went away again and now I cant stop focussing on this Kink, its really getting me down and I am grabbing the amsler chart about 50 times a day…im exhausted with worry.
I am now taking Areds2 and have been for a week, and protecting my eyes from the sun etc.
So my question is should I go see my GP and get referred to a ophthalmologist? As its my understanding that in the very early stages you shouldn’t really expect any kinks in vision, and everything online suggests that only happens in the more advance stages?
I just don’t know what to do?
I have an eye appointment in under 6 months time with specsavers, should I just wait till then and have faith in what ive been told?
Any advice would be welcome.!
I can’t
offer you medical advice but in your place I would want to see an ophthalmologist to relieve the worry. There are conditions other than macular degeneration that can cause distortion in your vision. Keep me posted about your outcome. Sending warm thoughts for your peace of mind, Sharon Moore patient leader
I have been in a similar situation to you. I go to Specsavers, too, in Sydney for my glasses. Sometimes if I notice a change on the Amsler Grid, I pop in to see them. They take an OCT. They nearly always refer me on to my retinal specialist because they say they are not sure about the results of the OCT. They say "they are not sure" about what is happening. I can only surmise that their equipment is possibly not the same as the retinal specialist and we know they don't have medical doctor specialist training. When I then go to the Retinal Specialist, after he does his tests, he is always sure of what is happening. I first went to an ophthalmologist and later changed to a retinal specialist. I didn't even know that all eye specialists weren't the same. I hope this helps you. Best wishes, Wendy, Patient Leader. 
Personally, I would recommend getting a second opinion from a Retina Specialist. Whenever you’re uncomfortable with a diagnosis or question your treatment, that’s a red flag. I went to an Ophthalmologist when I was first diagnosed but switched soon to a retina specialist and felt more confident of my exams and treatment. I didn’t need a referral but I did make sure it was covered under my insurance before I went (most Retina specialist are covered). Good luck and let us know how it went for you - We care! Linda Hoopes, Team Member
So thought id provide an update.
Yesterday I seen the head optometrist at Specsavers as I had complained that I didn’t really get any answers last week. I was given another OCT Scan (week after my last one) and she went through in detail in what she saw.
On one of the scans (the one where you see the big orange ball) sorry im not an expert lol, she showed me my 2020 can, and compared it to this one and she said its almost identical, she said that because that’s the first scan I had, its impossible to tell but I might have had what was showing since birth, she said she has seen 3 year old babies with scans that are worse than what she was seeing.
She then went to the black and white scan and again went back to 2020, this time there was a very slight difference, but she said its not AMD, its just wear and tear and its really nothing to worry about.
I pushed her on this, and she said its not AMD.
So I asked why I had this kink in my vision and she agreed that looking at the results there should be nothing that’s making that happen, I was of course told to monitor it with Amsler chart and report back if anything changes.
I have DR’s appointment tomorrow so I will be pushing to see a retina specialist, but I do feel a little more relaxed as this woman did know her stuff, and she said its not AMD. I have to take some comfort from that right?
Ill report back after I see my GP tomorrow.
thanks for reporting back. I would feel a little more relieved if I were in your situation. You would think the optometrist could tell if there was something seriously wrong, but I would still want to know what was causing the kink in vision. You could ask your GP about supplements like lutein and zeaxanthin which are part of the AREDS2 formula. The full AREDS2 formulation isn't recommended even if you did have early amd. Also, apart from possible cost, there could be no harm in establishing a relationship with an ophthalmologist or retinal specialist in my opinion. Let us know what the GP thinks. Wendy, Patient Leader.
