My Macular Degeneration Road
Hello everyone,
I am now 83 and have had some form of macular degeneration for about 20 years. When first diagnosed my specialist said it was dry and in early stages but said it would probably change over time and to do anything like travel earlier rather than later. Fortunately I was able to travel overseas from Australia quite a few times.
Cataracts and a macular hole
I developed cataracts and had them removed in my 60’s and about 10 years ago I developed a macular hole in one eye and a year later a macular hole in the other. Operations and treatment repaired these and my sight was OK.
Retinal specialist started injections
In 2020 I was diagnosed with wet MD in my left eye and in 2022 I had wet MD in the right also. I began seeing a retinal specialist for Eyelea injections in both eyes. The right eye has responded well but unfortunately the left eye got an infection after one injection and I had to have five days is Sydney Eye hospital for a vitrectomy to clear infection.
Making every day adjustments
My left eye has blurry sight and I can read nothing on the eye chart. Fortunately my right eye is staying well and is probably doing all the work for me. I drive locally in places I know and never at night and can still read with glasses in a good light, although use a magnifier for small print.
What a journey!
Left eye progressing to late stage
I have injections in both eyes every month as the removal of the vitreous from my eyes during my previous operations means the effect of the drugs don’t last as long as for some other people.
The left eye now has some GA, I believe so the future is unknown.
I have taken Macuvision and Luteinvision for years, eat a good diet and wear sunglasses everywhere outside. I am fortunate to have family support and am very thankful for that.
It is certainly an unexpected and rather scary journey.
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