Adapt, Adapt

I have wet AMD. I have had it for 5 years. I'm 78.

Stability, then more vision loss

I had Avastin injections for 2 years, then 2+ years of stability with no injections. I was on a roll, but then ouch, quick deterioration in one eye.

A difficult treatment journey

I'm allergic to Betadine, agonizing pain. I refuse to have it used. The worst pain I have ever had.

My RS then did laser surgery on the affected eye. It stopped the bleeding and fluid loss. But the damage was done.

I have had to adapt

I have lost my central vision in that eye. So I adapt — I avoid driving at night. Especially on country roads with no lines in the road. Cannot read small print, so I use a magnifying glass... or ask the wife or kids/grandkids for help.

I avoid exposure to the sun. When I do venture outside, I wear sunglasses with UV protection. Even with corrective lenses, I could never pass the driver's license vision test in my left eye.

I will continue to adapt

My right eye can still be corrected to 20/30. That is a blessing for now. I just adapt, as I have no other choice.

I have been retired 25 years. I still enjoy life, and if and when the central vision in my right eye follows the same path as the left, I will adapt. No choice.

I live with the attitude that the glass is half full, not half empty.