What’s it like having progress Geographic Atrophy GA
I’ve had wet Macular since 2006/2008. First my left. Then my right within a few months. I still have Lucentis shots. When the first dry macular shot became available my RS said it was time to start working on the Dry Macular. I was surprised. I never understood I had to have had dry macular to get wet. I always considered dry as the lesser since it wasn’t the one bursting in my eye and cause near blindness in my left eye. The first drug caused an allergic reaction. I have just had my first shots of the latest dry injection and will continue with Wet every 7 weeks. I’ve struggled with focusing and seeing but made the best of it. Recently I was given a large info pack on Geographic Atrophy. I recognized right away that is what I’m in. Described as the last stage of Dry Macular I feel I need to empty my drawers and cabinets and get my home better prepared for even less vision. Anyone have experience to share? I’m 71 but have had macular degeneration 17 years. A little frightening.
Hi
. I'm glad you are preparing your house for lack of vision. That is really smart and forward-thinking of you. At the same time, remember that treatment helps slow progression and that you might not ever lose your sight entirely. Every journey is different. I hope others share their experiences with you here and that sharing helps alleviate your fears. Please know we are here for you whenever you need us. Gentle hugs. - Lori (Team Member) 
It IS frightening! I am 82 with recurring wet AMD in my left eye and dry macular degeration in both eyes which has become geographic atrophy. My insurance covers 80% of the cost of injections, but this still leaves narly $500 co-pay on each wet AMD injection (approximately every 6 weeks) and what I've been told will be $3-400 per eye injection cost for the dry AMD, which is recommended monthly. Good Days was helping me with the cost of the wet injections, but funds were no longer available.
My vision seems to be deteriorating quickly. Although the doctors tell me my tests look good, in fact, I cannot see! I can no longer drive due to wavy lines that curve and vehicles that appear and disappear, I have trouble watching news on TV because beoples ears move to the middle of their face, they have two sets of eyes, etc. I can only read large print books and that is becoming more difficult by the day. Menus in restaurants are impossible to read, due to the glare. Ocular migraines occur frequesntly.
I am concerned and taking steps to help myself be aboe to function normally as long as I can. These include using the flashlight on my phone in restaurants to read menus, checking out audiobooks, having transition lenses in my new glasses to automatically darken and cut the glare when I'm outside, adjusting the font size on my phone and my computer, and adjusting the contrast, and a large magnifying glass in the kitchen to help with measurements, reading recipes, ingredients. These have all helped considerably.Hi
. I'm glad to hear you are developing strategies that help you continue to live your life as fully as possible. That's so important. A lot of organizations lost funding for macular degeneration treatments this year. Funding can be hit or miss. I hope you keep applying and that it is soon restored. Gentle hugs. - Lori (Team Member)
