Daily Challenges of AMD

By Debbie Havens

2 min read

Myopic macular degeneration (MMD) has a sneaky way of making its presence known. My initial indication was one day, about 3 years ago.

The signs

I had started a walking regimen in the house, circling around my home as the pedometer recorded my steps for the day. I distinctly remember gazing across the room as I made yet another circuit around the house.

I was confused. Why did the door frame seem wavy instead of the solid straight view I knew it was to be?

As it happened, I was also on the phone with a friend. I casually mentioned this phenomenon as I walked to her and her first response was, that is not right. I agreed and, upon finishing that call, made the appointment to get this checked out as soon as possible. It was at this appointment that I received a referral to a retinal specialist, beginning the first of many appointments to come.

Adapting

The following years included many appointments with this specialist and quite a few injections as well. Fortunately, the initial bleed was stopped and no further damage has been done. Unfortunately, the initial bleed did its damage and to this day I have the fuzzy, obscured blob floating across my field of vision.

Learning how to operate with these challenges has had its good points and not-so-good ones as well. Extra lighting, e-Readers and self-restriction on night driving is the basis of where I have adjusted to MMD. Just when you think you have got things figured out, new phenomenons pop up.

Hearing aids

Not only do I have this eye issue to deal with, I have been a hearing aid wearer for 20-plus years.

The upside of the new and improved hearing aids is they are smaller and almost invisible when you wear them. Being able to hear things so much better has been a true game changer for me, bringing the world up close and personal.

The downside

They are so compact and small, the everyday maintenance to keep them at their top performance becomes a real challenge. Keeping the teeny tiny filters clear and unobstructed is no small feat for one with compromised vision. My particular aid has 2 particular pieces that need to be kept up with to ensure proper hearing.

Always pivoting and adjusting

I have discovered that the best way to stay on top of this maintenance is to set myself down at my work station, complete with magnification and LED lighting at the ready. I have also learned that wearing my “computer glasses” keeps everything close up and clear. So this once daunting task of hearing aid maintenance becomes very easy to deal with.

Challenges and opportunities

Each day presents itself with certain challenges and opportunities, my dad used to say. I like to think I have learned how to work with the many resources available and have been successful in doing so. What kind of daily challenges have you discovered?

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Salumgus Member
I truly appreciate your post. I too have Myopic Macular Degeneration and had a similar experience when I first noticed it. I was sitting in a meeting in a room with large windows. I suddenly realized that the window blinds looked like they were stair-stepped and I thought to myself, "How odd". So I looked again, then covered each eye to see if my mind was playing tricks on me - nope, the stair steps were still there. I held down my panic through the meeting and afterward went to see my doctor and was immediately referred to a retina specialist. The rest of my story is like yours - I received shots in both eyes for a few months, then only in my left eye (where the MMD is the worst) and now fortunately I have not had to have a shot for six months and I see my retina specialist every 3-4 months. I hope it doesn't get any worse, but if it does, I know I'll find a way to keep my independence. My vision is not blocked directly in the middle - in both eyes, the block is a little off center and I actually think that too is a blessing, considering how "blessed" I am with MMD. Best to you and thank you for sharing your story - I don't feel quite so alone now, since most of the stories are from people who have AMD.
1. Sharon Moore Moderator
 <inline-mention username="Salumgus" user-id="3109652"/> thanks for taking the time to let Debbie know you found her article helpful and sharing your own experience with MMD. You have such a positive attitude I have no doubt you will remain independent should your vision worsen. To find other articles on MMD, search for myopic macular degeneration using the search function at the top left of the page. Warm wishes, Sharon Moore patient leader 
2. abbyschmidt Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="Salumgus" user-id="3109652"/> Thank you so much for sharing your story with our community - I'm sure it will resonate with someone else as this story did with you. I hope that you continue to only have to see your retina specialist every 3-4 and that your vision holds up the way that it has been! Please keep us posted - we're here for you 😀. Warmly, Abby (Team Member).