Myopic Macular Degeneration

By Audreyeye

1 min read

I was extremely nearsighted as a child - wore contacts for years. Finally had laser surgery to correct my vision.

Diagnosis

All along, however, my retina was stretched and I was diagnosed with myopic degeneration in my right eye. I had approximately 10 injections over a 2 year period and the bleeding finally stopped. My vision is permanently damaged - I do not drive at night.

Affects of diagnosis

I concentrate on where I put things. I’m nervous about traveling (which I used to do regularly). It has changed my life dramatically & I am struggling with it. I am 67 years old, still working.

Life will never be the same

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Sharon MooreMember
<inline-mention username="Audreyeye" user-id="4497187"/> i am so sorry myopic macular degeneration has had such an impact on your life. Giving up driving is something all of us with macular degeneration fear. I am glad you are still able to work. I have an eye appointment in early January. It always makes me anxious as I always wonder if I am still legal to drive. Best wishes, Sharon Moore advocate
mrsbedbugMember
Hi Audrey, I too have myopic macular degeneration. Diagnosed May 2020. So not that long ago. Anyway, I am 55. I have slowly come to accept this. I made the decision to stop driving at night. Had to rearrange my work schedule. I live in the northeast US so the sun is setting at 4:15 pm right now. Not good! Just set up an Aerogarden to give some afternoon/evening light in my home and already looking forward to Spring! Never liked the short days but now that I can't drive at night it is so much harder. Anyway, I am with you ❤️you.are.not.alone! I guess none of us guess to pick what our lot is, but as one of my sons said, at least it is not something that shortens your life. So, I am focused on gratitude for what I do have and working on acceptance and flexibility. Yes my life has changed a fair bit in the past year and a half but you know what? That is ok. Once I accepted that none of us (including my retina specialist) have a crystal ball, that it is what it is, and I have no control over it, I actually felt a lot better! Let Go and Let God? Maybe, I didn't think of it in so many words. BTW there is literally nothing I can do to slow the progression. I have always maintained a low weight, eat a ton of leafy greens (been vegetarian most of my life), no smoking...so been doing all the "right" things my whole life. And got MD anyway. Whatever. It has been one hell of a couple years between the pandemic and this new problem. But whatever doesn't kill you...makes you stronger? I am at that point! Well thank you for your post. Hope to see you again here!
1. Sharon MooreMember
 <inline-mention username="mrsbedbug" user-id="3117799"/> thank you for sharing not only how myopic macular degeneration has changed your life but also how you are coping with all the changes. Best wishes, Sharon Moore advocate