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Any ideas...
Posted: 2008-03-14 11:37:41 By Catherine T
My father has had dry MD in one eye for many years and was just diagnosed with wet MD in the other eye. At this point it is impossible for him to read or do any kind of wood working activities.

What do others do when they are living with this disease? Are there any ways to adjust to this problem and be able to resume normal daily activities which require site?

Re: Any ideas...
Posted: 2008-03-14 13:25:36 By Barbara L
HI! I have been going through a lot too but I would suggest talking with the eye doctor first and maybe get a second opinion. Sorry he has to go through this. I had hemorrhaging around my retina and got avastin 4 shots and am putting up with this air bubble really breaking up; it has been a nightmare; the surgery was fine; but this air bubble has been 4 going on five; it is finally breaking up; i have to take medicine for dizziness. Lots of bubbles in the eye. I hope he can see soon. Always go to the doc; I am only 46 and they caught wet md early and were able to stop it from happening! Hope you have a happy easter and email me anytime. Barbara :)

Re: Any ideas...
Posted: 2008-03-14 15:09:29 By Vince M
Get your Dad to a retina specialist ASAP. I am 77 and was first diagnosed with wet MD in my right eye about 5 years ago. Was treated with cold laser surgery which stopped the progress but left a blind spot in the center of the right eye. Livable because my left eye compensated for it. Then about 3 years ago my left eye went wet. Treated this time with Avastin injections. Had 6 and the progression in the left eye stopped. I stil have some distortion but I am holding about 20/30 and can still drive and read. Several people have reported improved vision after the Avastin or Lucentis injections. In any event get to a retina specialist ASAP.

Re: Re: Any ideas...
Posted: 2008-03-14 15:34:16 By Catherine T
He saw the specialist on Wednesday. I will have to talk to him about what they are planning on doing. He did mention the treatment involved injections into the eye.

Are there some ideas I can give him about reading? He loves to read and has not been able to do that since January.

Re: Re: Re: Any ideas...
Posted: 2008-03-14 19:45:49 By Vince M
In my case I use over the counter reading glasses of 3.25 correction with a magnifying glass handy for really fine print or when I can't quite make it out. The print is a little distorted but legible. If you Dad's problem is not one of focus but rather obscurity then I suggest the retina specialist tretment may help or eliminate that. You might also want to explore some of the low vision aids sites on the web. I think this web site has keys to some of them.
I wish I could help more but tell your Dad to hang in there and think positive. It doesn't cure but it helps.

Re: Re: Any ideas...
Posted: 2008-03-17 15:57:20 By Barbara L
HI Vince; it is me again! Barb. I did get my vision to 20/20; and these bubbles are really getting smaller; i can finally see better; i called my rs today they said they should be all gone this summer; they injected a lot more this time is what happened and i got a bigger bubble in my eye. How are you Vince? Hope you are doing well. I don't want to go through this again; it has been 4 months a nightmare; but i am glad to have my vision; next time i am going to tell them only give a regular dose it is finally getting better; now. Clearing up; I asked about temperature but that does not matter; the bubbles will just keep getting smaller and they are finally! :) Have a great day! Vince :)

Re: Macular Degeneration...
Posted: 2008-03-23 20:01:29 By Martha R
I believe the reason I saw RS so soon was due to my surgery (a hole in the macula). The surgeon then referred me to the RS. The RS said "let's check it again in a couple of months". Finally, the diagnosis was made that I have MD in the left eye. The RS told me about Avastin and all of the risks involved (normal procedure). I received my first injection that day and am scheduled for the second one 4/18. I have noticed a small amount of improvement; certainly enough to be encouraged that there is hope. I have been told Avastin has only been used for MD since 2001. I must admit I am an optimist and truly believe I will not be blind. I do not expect normal vision, but with corrective glasses, I will be OK.

detached retina
Posted: 2008-03-31 09:47:02 By Kathleen L
In February 2008 I noticed flashes and my opthamologist referred me to a retinal specialist for 'emergency' surgery. I have a subclinical detachment in my left eye, a number of tears and loss of vitreous. The retinal specialst performed lazer surgery on my left eye. My right eye shows some lattice degen and some 'preventive' surgery was performed on that eye also. When I look at the list of 'diseases' on this web site I don't know what the cause of my condition is - what disease I have. My father also had retinal detachments in both of his eyes. My doctor has not told me I have MD. Should I follow up with the doctor to understand the cause?

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