Finding Hope and Joy With Geographic Atrophy

By Sharon Moore

3 min read

My name is Sharon Moore, and I am a Community Health Leader for the MacularDegeneration.net Community. I am a moderator and write articles about my life with advanced dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), also called geographic atrophy (GA).

Many community members are managing life with macular degeneration well. Others are struggling with vision loss and other health issues. Recently, a member of the community shared how hard it was to cope with her vision loss and battle cancer at the same time. She shared that my positive attitude was helpful to her and requested I write about what gives me hope and joy.

Keeping a positive attitude

I am glad my articles are uplifting. I do make an effort to keep a positive attitude. You need to know, however, that every day isn’t sunshine and birds singing.

The year 2024 has brought me several challenges. My husband had major back surgery in March. My treatment for GA was missed, causing a lot of anxiety about progression.

Just as my husband was able to resume some activity, I had a bad fall resulting in a fracture and 3 months of pain. After 4 months, I am finally able to resume light activity.

I have had moments of despair wondering if my husband and I were going to be able to continue living independently.

The difference between happiness and joy

At 75, I have learned from past challenges what is necessary to restore my sense of joy and hope in the future.

Some people confuse happiness for joy. For me, happiness is fleeting, while joy endures. Joy is a deeper emotion. I know that whatever life throws my way, I will be okay.

I may not always be happy during trials, but I still feel joy. Joy may come in the form of a beautiful sunrise or a surprise visit from my newest great-granddaughter. It may be a message from a friend asking how I am while assuring me she is praying for me.

A mental list of all my blessings

My faith is the foundation for my positive attitude. One of my favorite Bible verses is the last part of Psalm 30:5: "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." I have found that nothing seems quite as bad after a good night's sleep.

Making a mental list of all my blessings helps me focus less on hardships. Reflecting on past experiences reminds me that my current hardships will soon be in the rearview mirror.

Minimizing what robs me of my joy

I am careful of what I let into my life. Too much time spent listening to the news can bring me down. I stay abreast of current events but try not to dwell on politics and wars around the world. Those things rob me of my peace and, yes, my joy. Instead, I listen to my favorite music or read a book.

I am hopeful about the future in spite of vision loss. I am hopeful the injections for GA will slow my progression. I hope the medications continue to improve as has been the case for wet macular degeneration. New technology using artificial intelligence (AI) could hold great promise for our those of us with low vision.

What brings you hope and joy?

Being a moderator for the Macular Degeneration Community adds to my joy. Everyone needs a sense of purpose, and being a Health Leader allows me the honor of sharing my experiences with others.

What brings you joy? What makes you hopeful about the future?

Treatment results and side effects can vary from person to person. This treatment information is not meant to replace professional medical advice. Talk to your doctor about what to expect before starting and while taking any treatment.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The MacularDegeneration.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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Linda Hoopes Moderator
Thank you, Sharon, for this very thoughtful and positive article comparing Happiness with Joy. I agree wholeheartedly. Joy can be felt in nature, meditating in silence, praying, spiritual reading - just to name a few. There are many forms offering peace, calm and acceptance. For me personally, I find peace each morning as I meditate. Another source of joy for me is the habit of writing at least three things each morning that I’m grateful for - there is always something! I feel incredibly grateful for what I can still see. As you mentioned, not watching much news (it’s almost always doom & gloom) is a priority for holding my peace. I’ll be curious how others find THEIR joy. I feel hopeful when I read about all the research being done for AMD. Thanks for shining a spotlight on the joy available to us, even when we’re most challenged. Linda Hoopes, Team Member 
1. Sharon Moore Moderator
 <inline-mention username="Linda Hoopes" user-id="3120797"/> thank you, glad you enjoyed it. Sharon, patient leader
Blue Lady Member
Thank you <inline-mention username="Sharon Moore" user-id="3129425"/> for sharing your positive message always. I have hope for new advances in vision research and new treatments also. Writing about your personal battles and overcoming those challenges while dealing with the anxiety of G A gives me hope. Keep writing, I find your insights very helpful. 
1. Sharon Moore Moderator
 <inline-mention username="Blue Lady" user-id="8884115"/> thank you so much for your kind thoughts and words. It’s good to know reading about my experiences is helpful to others. Warm regards, Sharon Moore patient leader
Debbie Havens Moderator
I get it <inline-mention username="Sharon Moore" user-id="3129425"/> . My dabblings in art brings me my joy. Always looking!
1. Sharon Moore Moderator
 <inline-mention username="Debbie Havens" user-id="3110438"/> I am had you have a hobby that brings you joy. One by one I have given up hobbies. I am still a voracious reader. Warm wishes, Sharon Moore patient leader
natalie Member
Thank you for sharing, as always. I’m not sure about joy, but most days I do feel a sense of contentment. I have mostly solved the transportation and grocery shopping issues, and I’ve come to just enjoy being at home with my 3 dogs and 3 cats. I take care of them and they take care of me. I also decided to learn grade 2 Braille (I don’t know if they still call it that! I learned it by sight in high school, but it was by sight, and a VERY long time ago.) because while I’m still able to read visually with magnification, the day may come when I’m not able to, and I’m not big on listening — I tend to get distracted or fall asleep. And I know I can learn it by touch, even if I never become a fast reader. I also know I feel better emotionally when I’m learning something. And reading about your journey, coming at about the same time as mine, gives me a sense that we’re on the same path, with a feeling of fellowship, and I find that supportive, too.
1. Sharon Moore Moderator
 <inline-mention username="natalie" user-id="3131154"/> I love that sharing my journey helps you feel supported. Hearing from others on the same journey helps provide a sense of community. Being content is is a form of quiet joy for me. Learning braille sounds like a good fit for you especially since you studies it in school. I can still read on my iPad but I have tried audiobooks. It is easy to become distracted. Wearing earbuds helps. I love reading so much I will do whatever is necessary to enjoy books. Thanks for taking time to leave a comment. Warm thoughts, Sharon Moore patient leader
Faithie80 Member
Thank you Sharon for such an uplifting article. All your articles have been very helpful, I do not feel so alone in my struggles. In fact, sometimes I feel ashamed of my “pity parties”. Thank you for all your articles, I always seem to take away some good advice. Thank you, too, for sharing your uplifting attitude in spite of your struggles with whatever comes your way. God Bless you.
1. Sharon Moore Moderator
 <inline-mention username="Faithie80" user-id="4744385"/> there is no shame in having the occasional pity party. Believe me I have them as well. What I have learned is to not dwell too long on my problems. I am glad you feel uplifted from the article. I appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback. Warm regards, Sharon Moore patient leader