Legally Blind?

By Godwin

1 min read

My internationally renowned ophthalmologist told me I would go blind, and there was no cure--but possibly slowing that. My retina specialist was the regional director for Lucentis. He didn't promise anything, but I had seen both of my parents classified as "legally blind" from double wet-AMD. They couldn't read, they couldn't dial menus on phones; they couldn't make out much on TV, etc., etc.

Responding quickly to treatment

I got three injections after I was classified worse than 20/20; and as a fast responder, I was on TV on June 30, 2006 when the FDA approved Lucentis for official treatment for wet-AMD. One of my sons went to an eye specialist after that and mentioned his dad had wet-AMD. The "specialist," commiserated, "There's not much they can do for that." My son said, "Well, yes, there is!"

Avoid generalizations

I guess my point here is to avoid categorical statements whether it says you won't go blind or the degree of blindness. But optimism and hope for invaluable as new discoveries come about all the time. And in my own lifetime, I see well in both eyes and read and see TV and pursue my profession as a professional writer.

That's 16 years after my first injection. Well, I've written reams on my story and served as a "patient information" ambassador to just share anecdotally what I have experienced. So maybe this is enough of my story for now.

When was your last injection appointment?

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Brown Eyed Girl Moderator
<inline-mention username="Godwin" user-id="4550509"/> both of my parents had amd, too. Mum was legally blind with the dry form and Dad had the wet form, and Lucentis injections for over ten years. Luckily Dad's sight held steady enough for him to still be able to drive Mum around until he was 90. It was mobility issues that slowed him down then, more than sight issues. Your point about categorical statements is well taken. My mother's eye specialist said to her at the first visit "You've left it too late to come. There's nothing we can do for you now." That was cruel, because there was little they could actually do for dry macular degeneration anyway. It was great that you went to see that retinal specialist who was regional director for Lucentis. It's pleasing to hear that your sight has remained good enough for you to pursue your chosen profession. We're glad to have you in the community. Best wishes, Wendy, Advocate.
Godwin Member
Each case of age-related macular generation differs. My best counsel is for each person to get the best retina specialist available and get regular checkups. Further, anecdotal postings like mine are just one person's experience. You are unique. Be sure that your eyes get the unique evaluation, diagnosis, and prognosis with best treatment plans. I've done what I just said. And for 16 years I've lived with stable vision but consistent checks and treatments. May you have both good sight and also "vision" to use your sigh in the best stewardship of your life.~Genuinely, Johnnie Godwin / 5.11.22 
1. Sharon Moore Moderator
 <inline-mention username="Godwin" user-id="4550509"/> thanks for sharing from your wealth of knowledge. I hope your stable vision remains stable. Warm regards, Sharon Moore advocate 
2. Godwin Member
 <inline-mention username="Sharon Moore" user-id="3129425"/>
Godwin Member
Well, if all this story was mine, it's all right; but a few factual details vary. Dad died at 78, but Mother did live to 89. However, another person wrote similar things about parents having AMD and other things. The main points are all right. Just sharing.