Myopic Macular Degeneration and Night Driving
My diagnosis of myopic macular degeneration was made in March of 2019. This past March marked the 5 year point for me. An anniversary if you will, one definitely not celebrated, just duly noted.
The damage could not be corrected
The course of this diagnosis began with injections to stop the bleeds to the macula, with follow-up appointments to scrutinize its progression. To eventually the time where no injections were needed, just careful monitoring of the eye, making sure everything is holding its own. The damage that was done could not be corrected but no further damage has occurred, thankfully.
Learning to live with myopic macular degeneration
All this to say, I have learned a few things in these past five years. I have learned that I wa diagnosed with myopic macular degeneration was because of my very myopic eyesight, extreme nearsightedness. The shape of the “normal” eye is rounded, mine is “football” shape. It is the stretching of this football eyeball that caused the bleeds to occur. There was no more stretch available, hence the cracks or bleeds in the macula. This resulted in a weird wavy line of view and blobs of kaleidoscopic color blocking my central vision in one eye. Thankfully only one eye.
Limitations of this condition
I have learned of my limits. I recognize that my field of vision is altered in what I can or cannot see clearly. I need plenty of light to properly navigate certain environments safely. My depth perception is messed up. It is difficult to determine certain steps or stairs.
Nighttime driving
I am limited in my nighttime driving, as in I do not drive at night. My field of vision is very limited at night. I have always hated driving at then, even before this diagnosis. I wonder if this was a foreboding sign of things to come? The bright oncoming headlights are truly blinding, back then and even now.
The dark roads and skies are all encompassing, creating an environment where it is not safe for me to be behind the wheel of a car. An interesting phenomenon has come to mind in relation to this nighttime driving. I am not alone. In my circle of friends it has become apparent to me that this is also a challenge for many others.
Emotions behind limitations
I find myself at the “ripe old age of 64”, feeling a bit frustrated at this self-limitation I have created with the nighttime driving. When I hear others express the same sentiments about it, this night driving, I almost feel vindicated. Knowing that others are also struggling almost creates a feeling of togetherness.
Taking solace in this community
Myopic macular degeneration is a pesky beast in my life, but it is what it is. I will continue to press on, learn what I can about ways to move forward with it and continue to monitor the condition of my eyes and my vision. I will also take solace in the togetherness of friends who no longer consider night driving something they need to do. With this phenomenon of togetherness with friends, we can simply schedule our outings for the daylight hours instead.
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