Fine Print

I have been living with myopic macular degeneration (MMD) since March of 2019. The moment I noticed the wavy door frames and blotchy and blurry vision is when this journey began.

Seeing well has always been a challenge for me. This latest malady of myopic macular degeneration was just one more step on my "seeing journey."

Each year brought a stronger glasses prescription

The first pair of glasses for me was back when I was in elementary school, the first grade. I remember being teased about my new glasses and wishing I didn't have to have them.

Those were the first of many glasses over the years. At each year’s eye appointment, there would be an increase in prescription strength. Eventually I had glasses with lenses that were easily comparable to "coke-bottle lenses." All this to say, my vision was bad.

Cataracts in my 40s

I eventually graduated to contact lenses and loved the freedom I felt with them. I had about 20 good years with them; then the cataracts were diagnosed.

I was in my 40s, relatively young. But I had them, had the procedures done, and lived a life of no glasses for about 2 years.

Well, then reading glasses were needed for close-up work. Eventually I got glasses again. These new glasses were so much better than before; no more super-thick lenses for me.

Researching a new diagnosis

Another 20 years went by, and yet one more eye challenge appeared. Myopic macular degeneration: new words in my vocabulary. Very quickly, I researched and scheduled the retina specialist appointment. I learned quickly that eye injections are a good thing (scary at best), and my bleeds have been controlled since the spring of 2021.

Learning along the way

As with most journeys, you learn a lot along the way. With MMD, I have learned that night driving is not a good place for me to be. I know that bright lights are the best to be able to see well. I know that at times I need to tilt my head and adjust my view to really see what is to be seen. I am thankful that only 1 eye is currently affected, making the "good eye" work overtime.

Struggling to read the fine print

I have also discovered a negative outlook on my vision life these days. I am continually annoyed by printed words on colorful paper or print. This combination ensures that I cannot read what is written in this area. I am also deeply bothered by text written in "fine print." I find nothing "fine" about printed text that is so ridiculously small that there is no way it can be read.

I struggle in environments that are dark. With the intent being the "spirit of ambiance," I honestly cannot see well enough to navigate my way around. Establishments that have windows all around are difficult too. The bright outside obscures my view of anyone sitting across a table from me.

Trying to think positively

I think this list could go on and on. I try not to focus on the negatives of my MMD world and try to put a positive spin on all I do.