Macular Degeneration

My eyesight has never been that good. I remember during my primary school years, I used to occupy the front seat because I could hardly read the lessons written on the blackboard. At first, I was reluctant to have my eyes checked and I just felt uncomfortable wearing eyeglasses. I never realized that it would lead to a more serious condition.
From then on, I had no other choice but to use corrective glasses and contact lenses. I was hopeful that my vision would get better, but the worst happened and now that I'm on my early 40's, I'm even more afraid to lose my sight.
Based on my earlier diagnosis and eye exams, I have a left lazy eye and my right eye suffers from high myopia and high astigmatism. I have visited several eye specialists and they have the same findings. One ophthalmologist even told me that my eyes easily age and that the cause of this condition maybe congenital in nature. I had that scar in my retina upon birth. There is a possibility of retinal detachment if not properly treated. But for now, I think I have this so called macular degeneration.
WHAT IS MACULAR DEGENERATION?
Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is the most common
cause of irreversible vision loss in Americans over the age of 60. It is
estimated that 10 million Americans will experience this age-related visual
impairment during their retirement years.
Macular degeneration is a disorder of the retina, the
light-sensitive inner lining of the back of the eye. The macula is a small,
central portion of the retina which is necessary for sharp, "straight
ahead" vision needed for reading, driving a car or recognizing faces.
There are a number of abnormalities associated with the term
"age-related macular degeneration." They range from mild changes with
no decrease in vision to abnormalities severe enough to result in the loss of
all "straight ahead" vision.
Macular degeneration does not cause total blindness because
the remaining and undamaged parts of the retina around the macula continue to
provide "side" vision.
There are two main types of macular degeneration,
"dry" and "wet," both are discussed in the next section.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Aging causes the cells in the retina to become less
efficient. Ultimately, deposits called drusen appear under the retina and can
be seen during an eye examination and on photographs of the retina . A few
small drusen may cause no decrease in vision (photo 1). However, if too many
large drusen develop, vision will decrease (photo 2). Vision may also be
affected when there are disturbances in the layer of cells below the retina
called the retinal pigment epithelium. These two types of changes are known as
"dry" and "wet" macular degeneration. Dry is the most common form and currently,
there are no known treatments for dry AMD.
I am not yet seeing an ophthalmologist now but I have plans for another series of eye exams and extensive consultation.
Hi Marri! Continue your eye check-ups lang, para updated ka palagi. Of course, mabuti ng maaga maagapan, kesa sa huli pa ma-diagnose, diba? Ingat parati!
ReplyDeleteyup, go get your eyes check the soonest...hirap p naman pag eyes na me problema...
ReplyDeletewhat about lasik? i've heard about it from friends to correct vision...
Make sure to have a regular visit on your opthalmologist. Lucky for me that I have a very clear vision. :) Take care!
ReplyDeleteHello Marri,
ReplyDeleteTristan here. We're in the same boat. Actually, I had undergone corneal transplant since I got corneal ulcer since I was still a baby (due to delivery negligence). I'm still grateful that I can still see clearly although I'm starting to have a bit difficulty reading a few meters...
I also had astigmatism but it was corrected now. Sakit sa ulo nyan :(
ReplyDeletehave your eyes checked from time to time. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure
ReplyDeleteMy eyes are blurry with astigmathism too and I see weird transparent particles. I wonder what they are.
ReplyDeleteHi! Like they said, do have your eyes checked soon and if there's a condition then have it treated...tc!
ReplyDeletei agree with what most of the commenters said, best to have your eyes checked + get the needed medicine or treatment...
ReplyDeletewhich reminds me, i really have to see the doctor to have my own eyes checked, too!
sad.. ;( but we are the same, i also have some eye problems, not really macular degeneration..so i know how it feels ;(
ReplyDelete..i also agree with others who left comment here..coz that's what i also used to do until now..i monitor my eyes' status -- continue visiting my ophthalmologist..
Hi Marri,
ReplyDeleteI think that there are some eye exercises you can do to help heal your eyesight.
eye is an investment also, kailangan now pa lang agapan natin yung health nia dahil dependent tayu sa mata unless we are used and born blind
ReplyDelete