Articles

Never could I imagine EVER thinking a diagnosis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) would be GOOD news... until my friend called with this exciting news following an exam by a retina...

One of my favorite mantras in life is, “It is important to finish what I start.” I use that phrase literally and figuratively in all aspects of my life, whether...

They say "timing is everything," but with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), nothing is certain. There are many decisions to make, and it’s difficult to get the timing right. One decision...

"Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them." - The Dalai Lama Lately I have become more...

Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in people over age 55. There are 2 types: wet and dry. The dry form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD)...

Essence Johnson, OD, FAAO, is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and a diplomate of the American Board of Optometry. Inside and outside of the office, Dr. Johnson...

Confession time. I buy and eat processed foods. You know, the easy-to-microwave stuff that puts dinner on the table in 5 minutes. I buy them because I know there will...

Since I began working as an advocate and writer for the Macular Degeneration community, I have blithely written about the progressive nature of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). I say "blithely"...

Essence Johnson, OD, FAAO, is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and a diplomate of the American Board of Optometry. Inside and outside of the office, Dr. Johnson...

When I had my last dogs, we were walking and the coyotes were howling on the hillside. When the coyotes started excitedly barking and yipping, my dogs both did a...

Ask questions — lots of questions. Never be reluctant to share your experiences about age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or to voice your fears and concerns. This lesson was reinforced by...

In 2017, I went to my optometrist for my annual exam. I wasn’t experiencing any symptoms. After peering into my eyes, he said he saw something that didn’t look normal...

"No one ever injured their eyesight by looking at the bright side of things.” - The Celtic Sage Grey Wolf (UK) Macular degeneration is a lot of things. It is...

At a very early age, I knew that I saw things differently than most. I vividly remember going to the school nurse’s office each year to complete the vision test...

Ten years ago, I was diagnosed with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by my optometrist. I was about 60 at the time. At this memorable visit, the optometrist advised me...

It's my 10-year anniversary with macular degeneration! It’s hard to believe it’s been over 10 years since I was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). There have been many highs...

We asked our Health Leaders what they wish someone had told them when they were first diagnosed. After looking back on their journeys, they offered their best advice. My advice...

When I was diagnosed in 2019, the word "lucky" never entered my mind. I am sure my first thoughts were, “Why me” and “Now what”, among other seemingly other doomsday...

Are you interested in starting a support group? Figuring out how to begin may feel daunting. It may take you outside of your comfort zone. But anyone can step in...

I am no stranger to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). When I was diagnosed 8 years ago, my mom and sister remarked how lucky I was to have the dry form...