66-Year-Old Artist Diagnosed with Wet AMD in Both Eyes
In July 2023, I suddenly noticed a gray disk in my right eye, surrounded by a hazy blur. It came on so quickly that I knew something was very wrong. About six years earlier, I had experienced vitreous detachment in both eyes, a few months apart, so I remembered the importance of getting immediate care for sudden vision changes. This time, in a new town, I saw a new doctor, who referred me to a retina specialist. That’s when I received the diagnosis: age-related macular degeneration (AMD). I had never heard of it before, so I researched and found this site.
Beginning treatment
Dr. Baker started treatments with eye injections that very same day, and thanks to his professionalism, they weren’t painful. At my next appointment, we saw dramatic improvement from the Avastin shots. I continued with monthly injections, and as my eye responded well, the doctor spaced them out. Then, in April 2024, my left eye followed the same path. The shots began there too, and once again, the eye responded wonderfully to the treatment. The wet areas of fluid and blood in the macula have calmed down and returned to nearly normal levels. I’ll need to continue these shots for the rest of my life, which I’m okay with. They prevent sudden flare-ups that could cause permanent damage. While there’s always a chance something could still happen, I follow recommended protocols, like taking AREDS vitamins and watching my weight. I’ve never smoked, which helps.
Finding inspiration
As an artist, my eyes are essential for my work. I paint at my 55-and-up community in the Low Country of South Carolina. I’m not a famous artist, but I love what I do. When I was diagnosed, I Googled “famous artists with eye diseases” and was shocked by the results. So many greats—Rembrandt, Monet, Degas, Picasso, Van Gogh, Georgia O'Keeffe—faced eye problems and still achieved incredible things. It almost feels like a prerequisite for artists! Their stories inspire me. I hope you, too, can find a hobby that keeps you engaged and brings you joy.
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