Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Dry Macular Degeneration? (self.Blind)
submitted by alpacas_and_beer
Hello all,
I am a 30 y/o F diagnosed with dry Macular Degeneration. I am in shock, as I was always under the impression that this is an old person disease. At best, nothing may happen, at worst, I'll be legally blind in 10 years or less. I don't want to say I am scared.. but I am. Any one with MD that can offer advice?
I am a 30 y/o F diagnosed with dry Macular Degeneration. I am in shock, as I was always under the impression that this is an old person disease. At best, nothing may happen, at worst, I'll be legally blind in 10 years or less. I don't want to say I am scared.. but I am. Any one with MD that can offer advice?
rainbowbryte1234 2 points 2y ago
hi. big hugs. i don’t have the exact same thing. mine is called myopic degeneration (maybe sometimes myopic macular degeneration). i was diagnosed a month ago after i lost some vision in one eye and i am 37. just wanted to say fear is a valid emotion but only one part of the process. the greek origins of the word courage mean to take heart. for whatever it might be worth to you, i’m very challenged by this new reality and impending reality but trying to stay mindful of self talk. i remain hopeful in potential technological advancements. if loss of loved ones has taught me anything, it’s been to try to focus on gratitude for what i currently have, including the remaining vision, knowing its impermanence. hope that helps. here together ☮️
KillerLag 2 points 2y ago
While it is related to age (the full name is Age-Related Macular Degeneration), it can also occur for younger people.
Have you talked to your eye doctor regarding ocular vitamins? And have you seen a low vision specialist regarding amber sunglasses? Both of those are used to slow down mac degen.
The ocular vitamins are over-the-counter (where I am, at least), but you should still check with your doctor for specific recommendations.
Have you talked to your eye doctor regarding ocular vitamins? And have you seen a low vision specialist regarding amber sunglasses? Both of those are used to slow down mac degen.
The ocular vitamins are over-the-counter (where I am, at least), but you should still check with your doctor for specific recommendations.
Jazzotang 1 points 2y ago
Im 46 and have been recently diagnosed it's a shock to the system to say the very least.i can't imagine how awful it must be for you at such a young age. I now have to wear sunglasses all the time, I'm already sick of everything outside looking a little brown, but I want to keep my sight as long as possible. There has been some success in slowing down the condition with a AREDS2 vitamin regime, they is plenty of information on the internet and they are widely available. I can't take them sadly due to them containing high doses of zinc, which I can't tolerate. I have noticed that my night vision is fading quite fast and I have just given up driving at night with sucks, but generally at the moment im coping. The only advice I would give is read up on the condition as much as possible, keep checking your sight using the Amsler grid and wear your sunglasses.
alpacas_and_beer [OP] 1 points 2y ago
how fast has your vision negatively progressed? I am very distraught as I wasn't planning on having children for at least another 2 to 3 years.. and now what? do I have them and risk not being able to care for them or watch them grown up? do I just ditch the kid plan? I have so many things to think about now that I didn't, just a few days ago.
Jazzotang 1 points 2y ago
I started noticing that I was struggling to read in dim light and certain fonts in December. The difference was slight, but I knew something was wrong. I honestly just thought I needed a new prescription for glasses as I had not been to the opticians in four years. I went to the opticians in June and discovered my prescription hadn't changed, instead I had AMD. Its not progressing quickly in most situations I'm fine at work and life in general. I need bright light to read. I cannot read pastel coloured writing, I need a good contrast. I gave up night driving as I am having a lot of problems with glare and I did not feel I was safe. You will totally still be able to look after any children you have, don't worry. I know when it's a lot to take in when first diagnosed, but please remember you will not go completely blind. There are many things out there that can help as the condition progresses, you will adapt and get on with things I'm sure. If it ever gets to much or you just want to chat you just drop me a pm,
More_Mycologist_4990 1 points 1y ago
Thanks! I’m about to be 46 also with MD mild/moderate stage. I’ve been scared for the last 2 months. How are you doing today with it? Have you progressed more?
whiskeyandtaxes 1 points 2y ago
Take a deep breath. Get an appointment with a retina specialist. While it is usually an older persons disorder it can happen to anyone. The reddit macular degeneration thread is not very active. Try the Facebook sites for Our Macular Degeneration Journey, Macular Degeneration xPlained, and Macular Degeneration Support Group. You’ll find a lot of other people in the same boat who are knowledgeable and supportive. You want the AREDS vitamins which are made by companies such as PreserVision and VitaVite. There’s really nothing else that they can do for dry macular degeneration at this time. Don’t let this own you. It’s always a shock to hear the diagnosis but you really do get used to it after awhile. I think that’s because it’s generally slow to progress. Good luck. We’re here for you.
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