Myopic Macular Degeneration Diagnosis

By chicita11

1 min read

Hi everyone,

I'm 41 years old and have been diagnosed a month ago with dry myopic macular degeneration in both eyes. One eye already showing symptoms (wavy lines on the Amsler grid and slight facial distortion when looking at people) while the other eye still functions even though the specialist said there is more drusen damage on the unsymptomatic eye.

Not been handling things well psychologically

To make things worse, I have initial stage cataracts in both eyes. The advice was to wait as long as you possibly can before you decide for the cataract surgery. And go live your life. I've not been handling things well at all psychologically, I feel there is no point in anything I do even though I have a supportive husband and a small child who both mean everything to me. Every time I feel things might just with out and be stable at least for a short timeframe, I think of the cataracts as a ticking time bomb.

Seeking information and words of advice

Is there anyone here who'd be willing to share information or words of advice? I got nothing from my Dr other than that everyone's case is different. Which I realize is probably correct.

I've read many posts on this forum over the past few days, I laughed and cried while reading them. I want to say that I admire everyone's perseverance and the support you give each other.

Thank you for any comments you will share with me.

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shelby-comito Community Admin
Hi <inline-mention user-id="3137521" username="chicita11"/> , thank you so much for taking the time to introduce yourself to the community and share your story with us. A myopic macular degeneration diagnosis can be shocking and overwhelming for many and you are certainly not alone in feeling this way. It takes courage to honestly share when we're having a hard time, and I commend you for your transparency and for reaching out to the community for support. One of our advocates, <inline-mention user-id="3123966" username="Andrea Junge"/> , also has myopic macular degeneration and has written many articles about her experience and tips on coping. I thought I'd share a couple of her articles with you in case you haven't already seen them – <a href="https://maculardegeneration.net/living/emotional-health-matters" target="_blank">https://maculardegeneration.net/living/emotional-health-matters</a> <a href="https://maculardegeneration.net/living/mental-health-perspective" target="_blank"><a href='https://maculardegeneration.net/living/mental-health-perspective' target='_blank'>https://maculardegeneration.net/living/mental-health-perspective</a></a> I hope these are helpful and that others will weigh in and share their words of encouragement and advice with you as well. Thank you again for reaching out - this community is here for you and you are not alone!! - Shelby, <a href="https://maculardegeneration.net" target="_blank">https://maculardegeneration.net</a> Team Member
Andrea Junge Moderator
Hi, <inline-mention user-id="3137521" username="chicita11"/> . My heart goes out to you this morning as I'm reading your story. I, too, have dry myopic macular degeneration...diagnosed about 13 years ago at the age of 25. I remember so much of what you're currently feeling. The only advice I have is to give yourself some time to process and educate yourself on not only macular degeneration, but whole body health...including eye health and emotional health. There is no doubt that this diagnosis is a difficult one, but I promise it will get better in time. I say all the time that my life is better now, after being diagnosed, than it was before. The threat of possible central vision loss has really motivated me to get as healthy as can be and to live my best life. I hope that in time, you will find this to be true as well. You're in the right place, and we are so glad you're here with us! Please feel free to reach out to us if we can help you in any way. One day at a time. -Andrea, Team Member
mrsbedbug Member
Hi Chicita, I am 54 and just three months ago was told I have Myopic Macular Degeneration after I had an acute bleed in my central vision in one eye. I had been having trouble driving at night and also seeing faces for probably eight years prior to that. Told back then I had dry eye, used prescription drops that helped a little, then told I have cataracts. Had cataract surgery a year ago. One of the best things I ever did! Loved ditching my thick glasses! Go days without wearing them now. But unfortunately had the bleed maybe 8 months after the surgery. I don’t know if it had anything to do with the surgery. I would still do it again. I feel like it is always something with my eyes! They are my “achilles heel”. We all have something and we don’t, unfortunately, get a pick. Hugs