Supporting My Newly Diagnosed Husband
In the 10 years since I was diagnosed with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), I often wished my husband understood what it’s like for me with AMD. Sadly, he was diagnosed with AMD last month at his annual checkup.
As happens too often, the doctor failed to tell him anything about the diagnosis other than to take Ocuvite. He already has distorted vision from a vitrectomy that left a scar. I hope my experience with macular degeneration can benefit him.
Advice for my newly diagnosed husband
Over the years, I have learned a lot about macular degeneration. MacularDegeneration.net has been an invaluable resource for me. The following are the things I think are most important for him to know.
You won't go blind
Many people think they will go completely blind with AMD. While advanced stages of AMD may lead to loss of central vision, most people retain their peripheral vision. The rate of progression varies by the individual.1
Eat a healthy diet
This won’t be a big change, since I already try to follow the Mediterranean diet. We eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. He isn’t fond of salad, so I incorporate leafy greens into casseroles and quiche.
Protect your eyes from the sun
I bought my husband a pair of Cocoon sunglasses that fit over his prescription glasses. They protect from the sides and top. He wears a wide-brim hat when working in the yard.
Maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure
Both diet and exercise help to meet these goals. He has lost a few pounds since diagnosis, but his blood pressure remains stubbornly high. Often a small weight loss and an increase in activity can help control blood pressure. He is walking on a treadmill every day.
In spite of these changes, it looks like he will need to see his doctor for a change in medication to get it under control.
Use an Amsler grid
The Amsler grid is a tool to help detect progression. Closing 1 eye, you look at the grid with each eye separately. You are looking for distortion or blank spots. Some people mark the areas of distortion on a paper grid.
Doing this daily will help my husband detect changes in his vision. Any change should be reported to your doctor.
Avoid smoking
My husband has never smoked. Several members of our family smoke. We let everyone that visits know that no smoking is allowed in our home. We do permit them to smoke on the deck when we aren’t present.
Minimize stress
My final word of advice is not to worry about future vision loss. Worry leads to stress. Stress causes inflammation and can impact the progression of macular degeneration.2
Rather than worrying, we should enjoy the beauty of each day.
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