When I Found Out I Had Macular Degeneration
The second-year I went to see an eye doctor when he talked to me about MD ....I did not realize that the first year I saw him he told me that I had MD....so I was dumbfounded when he talked to me the second year.
I didn't know why he was talking to me about MD and had never heard of it. I really didn't think much about it until my third year when another doctor gave me a graph and told me to test my eyes every 2 weeks and if anything seems different on-the-graph go to emergency for needles in my eyeballs or I could be blind within hours....it was shocking news....but I don't use the graph but am using eye vitamins....my eyesight is deteriorating but I will go back to doctor in 6 months this time as that is what doctor told me to do. Have a nice day 😀
thank you for sharing what has been happening with your eyes recently. It is unfortunate that the first doctor didn't make it clear to you what your diagnosis was three years ago. At least you know now, and you have come to the right place for support and information. Don't hesitate to ask us if you have questions. I take eye supplements, too, for my dry AMD. My doctor recommended the AREDS2 supplements, which is possibly what you are taking. That grid the doctor gave you, the Amsler Grid, is to check that your sight hasn't deteriorated between visits. Sometimes dry AMD can change to wet, and it's good to pick that up as soon as possible. I'm pleased to hear that you're going back every six months now for a check-up. Your doctor sounded a little harsh in his explanation - it's a shame they couldn't be a little more compassionate. I guess the main thing is if your doctor is a good doctor and you trust him. Best wishes to you, Wendy, Advocate. hello, I had a similar experience when I was first diagnosed. Had the impression that only my left eye was affected, but then was told both eyes were. At that time the doctor said "it's mild, I've seen worse". But to me my vision didn't feel "mild". I changed doctors then and am glad I did. Now I've found this website too, and am doing okay. Just have to be ready for changes. Thanks for posting your thoughts. 
Sadly, we often need to be our own advocates, especially when we find little comfort, compassion or information from our doctor. There are so many excellent Retina Specialist but there are also some who lack empathy. Keep looking if you run into anyone who is questionable. Linda Hoopes, Advocate maculardegeneration.net
I went for a rotten eye exam and the optometrist said oh by the way you have dry amd . It’s early/moderate. She asked if I smoked had anyone with issues. I said I smoke I have for 30 years and she well I know
igsnhard to quit so toh slow down. I quit 6 days later! (30 years of smoking. And no one tante d know of has had any eye issues the only person I can’t ask is my mom as she is gone. I’m only 45 and I’m scared as hell but I I am hopeful that before any vision changes arise that there will be something to stop the progression. A person can hope right. So I changed my diet (95% of it anyway) I quit smoking and I already exercise 4-5 times a week. Big I’ve added walking everyday now 10-25 min a day. Also I have now have multiple pairs of sunglasses they have said they are 400 uvb or whatever it’s supposed to be at least I hope they are as I’ve offsets genm off Amazon.I’m on macuhealth plus. I have a lot of anxiety around this diagnosis and I’m not sure how to deal with it. I did reach out to the counsellor again just waiting for a response. I wish there was an actual thing that said you won’t progress past this point but there’s not and that’s driving me crazy!!! thanks! I have been doing a lot of reading I regards to progression rate. So i do find comfort knowing that only 10-15% do advance. 
educating yourself about macular degeneration is a good way to manage the condition. This website was very helpful to me when I was first diagnosed. Reach out if you have any questions. Sharon Moore advocate
