By admin (Admin) on Tuesday, October 10, 2000 - 08:19 am:
Posted by lori johnson on September 10, 2000 at 20:02:39:
I have a friend who has a degenerative eye disease. The doctors don't have a name for it. It has some of the symptoms of retinitus pigmentosa and some of the symptoms of macular degeneration.The vessels are dying off, but there is no pattern like most degenerative diseases - RP dies from the outer edges to the center - Mac.Deg. dies from the center out. My friends vision is more like Swiss cheese vision. Does Dr. Jarding only work with macular degen? Antioxident therapy seemed to help - or was it the power of suggestion? Pycnoginol was the antioxident most recommended.....degeneration and counting - he is borderline legal to drive now. Unfortunately there is no family history to help either. Anyone got any ideas? thanks

By jill plattner on Saturday, December 09, 2000 - 12:55 pm:

Several years ago (15 - 20)an eye doctor noticed something in my eye that at the time he mentioned the possibility of something causing problems when I get older. I don't remember what it was but he mentioned a possibility of blindness. I am now 52 years old and have just noticed that I see a very small black dot when looking at a white wall (with only my right eye). I was wondering if this is the beginning of a form of AMD?

By Anonymous on Sunday, January 28, 2001 - 08:02 pm:

My mother has macular degeneration. I am trying to find table and floor lights that take higher wattage bulbs, like two 200-watt bulbs. Any ideas for suppliers?

By Kathy Reaume on Monday, January 29, 2001 - 03:12 pm:

My brother-in-law who is 52 has recently been diagnoised with Macular Degeneration, he is still playing hockey, can any one tell me if that is a good idea of would a bad hit worsen the situation?

By Anonymous on Monday, January 29, 2001 - 02:29 pm:

When I had my eyes examined several months ago the Dr told me I had Macular Degeneration wadwas surprised that I was able to see as well as I do. He offered nothing that might help. I hav used the grid and find that my right eye is blurry and the lines are wavy. I have problems with sun and my transition lens are not enough help. I would like to find another eye clinic near me in Portland or Seattle that I could go to for an examination. I am 81 years

By Anonymous on Thursday, February 01, 2001 - 01:44 pm:

Here are three places in Seattle or Portland you might contact:

University of Washington
Department of Ophthalmology
University Medical Center
1959 NE Pacific St.
Seattle, WA 98195
Dr. James Kinyoun
Tel. (206) 548-4011

Devers Eye Institute
1040 NW 22ndAve., Suite 200
Portland, OR 97210
Tel. (503) 229-8472

Oregon Health Sciences University Hospital
Casey Eye Institute
3375 SW Terwilliger Blvd.
Portland, OR 97201
Dr. Michael Klein: Tel. (503) 494-3055
Dr. Joe Robertson: Tel. (503) 494-3056
Dr. David J. Wilson: Tel. (503) 494-7881

By Anonymous on Monday, February 05, 2001 - 05:11 pm:

There is an acupuncturist in Arkansas that has had tremendous success in treating macular degeneration as well as other eye disorders. He has a very informative website that can be found at www.microacupuncture.com - it is certainly worth the time to download and see for yourself!!!

By Anonymous on Tuesday, May 15, 2001 - 02:22 pm:

Does anyone know what the best colour would be for sunglasses for someone with macular degeneration?

By jane on Tuesday, May 15, 2001 - 03:53 pm:

I was diagnosed last year with wet m.d., I am in my early thirties, what can i do? I live in Northern Ontario, Dr. told me to come in for a check up once a year. What can I do to slow it down?

By Anonymous on Friday, May 25, 2001 - 12:59 pm:

My mother was diagnosed with this disease a few days ago.She went to a specialist had the dye test in the eyes she is waiting for the results, meanwhile the doc. comes in and said yes you have the disease and you are going to go blind!! He walks out the door,and says by the way come see me in a year!! The bedside manner of his!!!!! Well she is coming from Florida to Minnesota this summer to see me , I want to find a good doc. up here for her could anybody recommend one to me?

By Marty Westfall on Friday, May 25, 2001 - 11:33 pm:

Jane, do not wait one year or even one month. Get to a specialist immediately if you have been diagnosed with this horrible, blinding disease. Read what your doctor should have told you by visiting these web sites: "http://www.eyesight.org" "http://www.visudyne.com" "http://www.mayoclinic.com"

You'll find other links on these sites. Investigate them all.

Don't put this off. I am now blind in one eye because of it and two days ago was told I am going blind in the other eye unless I have immediate Laser surgery. No guarantees there, either, so get busy, girl.

By Robert B. Gordon on Friday, June 15, 2001 - 11:12 am:

My wife has Macular Degeneration of both eyes and has cataracts. We have been to lots of doctors all over and get the same answer. That there is no cure for this. She thinks that if they would remove the cataracts it might let here see a little better. Could you give me an answer to that. The question is: Do you think that removing the cataracts would help at all?

Please give your advise

By Peggy R. Tucker on Thursday, August 02, 2001 - 03:24 pm:

My Dad has dry Macular Degeneration. He is already blind in his left eye and his Dr. told him yesterday that within a year he would probably be blind in the right. Are there any trials going on now? Are there any Dr.s doing anything to possibly help this? Thank you for any information you can give me. Peggy Tucker

By Anonymous on Saturday, August 25, 2001 - 12:12 pm:

My both eyes have recently developed floaters. The quantity of floater becomes increasing. In addition, my left eye has one tiny dark spot. But my eye doctor has checked my eyes and said there was no pathological problem in terms of nerve cells.

I do worry with this. Can anyone introduce me some books and/or journals regarding floaters?

Many Thanks

By Antonia on Monday, September 17, 2001 - 10:36 pm:

I am 28, and was just diagnosed today with MD due to myopia.I have a strong family history of MD, and frankly, I am very scared. I have a four year old daughter, and need to know what will happen to me now. I go to PDT surgery in two days, and I am a bit shaken. My left eye has a 'patch' on the macula, apparently,and I see wavy lines and a gray spot. It's getting worse each week. Am I doing the right thing by having surgery so soon? Will it help? Am I going to lose all my vision?
HELP!!

By Lois Villante on Monday, October 22, 2001 - 02:20 pm:

This is all new to me and I am going to make an appt with a specialist. For quite a while I've had a feeling like something is in my eye. Last week I awoke with a very sharp pain in the eye and a lot of tears from the eye. Went to my eye doctor. Nothing in the eye, but after examining he mentioned MD. Did anyone experience a feeling of something in the eye and pain. He did say the pain would only come in the morning.

By Shannon Whitehill on Wednesday, November 07, 2001 - 10:11 pm:

I went to the doctor for glasses because I took the eye test to get my license renewed and couldn't even see the light in the machine. Since I have been to a retinal specialist several times. He has never told me what exactly is wrong with my eye. With both eyes I couldn't even tell the difference at the time because my vision is so good in the other eye but now I am increasingly noticing a larger spot on that eye, and the right eye is still perfect. I admit I am concerned but that doctor offered no answers, comfort or support. My uncle has MD and is legally blind and the more I read about it the more I know that that is what my problem is with my vision, but there are no more retinal specialists in the Cincinnati/Dayton area. What do I do. Go to an opthmalogist and get a referral back to the same doctor? Anyone with suggestions, please feel free to submit them.

By Tiffany on Sunday, November 11, 2001 - 09:06 pm:

I am 23 years old I have had Macular Degeneration for 3 years now I have undergone numerous laser surgeries and I have also had PDT treatment I have lost over half my vision in both eyes. I go to the John Moran eye clinic at the Univ. of Utah. I want people out there to know that I can overcome my disability as you can. The world has never looked so good to me!!!

By Tiffany on Sunday, November 11, 2001 - 09:17 pm:

Dear Shannon ,
My name is Tiffany. I have MD, the wet form. I have had it now for 3 years. I have had many treatments for the disease which has slowed the disease down. Please do me and you a favor and go to the doctors and find one which will treat it !!!!!! It is so important because it will save sight for a long time and maybe you will be the one that can have it cured!!!

Tiffany

By Anonymous on Tuesday, December 04, 2001 - 08:03 pm:

Hi, I have just had a few episodes of losing vision in one or both of the eyes. I am currently having a work up done for physical problems, but now am hearing about macular degeneration. I have no other problems with my vision other than a couple episodes recently. It gives me a bunch of wavy lines in my eyes going horizontally, rarely vertically. Usually lasts about 15 to 20 minutes. Are these symptoms of MD. Thanks for any info you could give me.

By Robin on Wednesday, December 19, 2001 - 01:18 am:

My mom was just diagnosed with wet macular degeneraton yesterday. She is to undergo the first of 12 visudyne treatments on Friday. Has anyone had this done and what was the outcome? She is 61 and her passion for life is to read books. What will she be able to do within 4 days of this surgery? I don't want her to be down for Christmas next week. Please e-mail me if you have any info that will make my mom and I feel better about her having this done.

By Anonymous on Friday, December 21, 2001 - 11:15 pm:

Is it advisable to have cataract surgery when you are in the early stages of age related macular degeneration? One specialist says there is no problem, the other says it's not advisable.

By Catherine Rivers on Tuesday, December 25, 2001 - 07:31 pm:

My mother has wet amd that has already effected both eyes. Current vision is 20/2 fingers. We have been told that there are aids such as telescopic glasses, a reading maching, etc., but have not had any success in finding out where we can purchase these items. We are in South Carolina and contacted the state agency for the blind in early December but they have not called us back. Money is not an issue as we are able to pay, as well as have health insurance and medicare. Can anyone tell me where these types of visual aids can be purchased in the South Carolina area, we will travel to N.C. and GA if necessary. Thank you.

By Cynthia Fermanich on Friday, March 15, 2002 - 03:31 pm:

I live in Green Bay, WI & I saw an ad on TV about a Dr. at the University of Oregon (I think) who had success with eyedrops to relieve MD. I'm looking for more info on this please for my mother who has MD. Thank you. They said to go to www.macular.org but there is so much info!!! Please advise!

By Julie Cove on Saturday, April 06, 2002 - 01:35 pm:

Hi I am an Australian travelling overseas for a year - and am now in New York City until mid May - anyhow, the centre of my vision has been a blurry or faded patch on and off for the past couple of years - which I put down to extensive computer studies and thought it would wear off, but now it is getting worse and is with me most of the time.

I am shortsighted, have worn glasses since I was 12, I am 37, and my grandmother has MD.
Do I have the symptoms of MD ?

What should I do, where should I go in New York City for a checkup ? I have limited funds.

Any advice is really valued, I am a bit scared now from reading this site.

Julie

By Kym Schulz on Sunday, April 21, 2002 - 06:37 am:

My mother has just been diagnosed with AMD. She is to have more tests this week, but is absolutely terrified of going blind. She is very active, loves gardening, sewing, reading, shopping and is 63 this year. I would be happy to receive any advice or encouraging info about AMD and how to help Mum.

KYM

By Dolores Walburn on Wednesday, April 24, 2002 - 08:20 pm:

Dear Kym:

I know how frightened your mom is. I am 61 and recently diagnosed with MD. I was frantic in the beginning; however, I have settled down now. This is what I did, and suggest you do: Get on the internet - put "macular degeneration" in a search engine and you will have many sources of good information. Become educated.

Phillip Cook, O.D., Tulsa, Oklahoma offers a low vision clinic where he teaches micro stimulation and vitamin therapy. I experienced improvement in my vision in a matter of two weeks. Phillip Cook says we are "intervening" in the disease and hopefully will maintain the improvement I have achieved, and not digress! I purchased the micro-stimulation portable unit - home treatments take Approx. 20 Min a day, 5 days a week (for my specific treatment). The micro-stim treatment is relaxing (almost fun) and can be done while you are visiting, watching TV, etc.

Don't waste time - have your mom start vitamin therapy and electro stimulation treatment immediately, if not sooner.

Best wishes to you and your mom, may she be quickly encouraged, as I am.

Dolores Walburn
Tulsa, Oklahoma

By Shing-Huei Peh on Friday, April 26, 2002 - 03:04 pm:

I am 27 (male) and have been diagnosed with MD caused by high myopia since 1999. My deterioration has been slow but rather consistent. Anyway, I'm really fearful about what the future holds and would really love to talk to people with similar experiences. I have been feeling especially lost and scared lately as a result of two successive hemorrhages. So if you have any advice on lifestyle or treatment, or just want someone to talk to, please post a message.

By Dolores Walburn on Wednesday, May 01, 2002 - 07:06 pm:

May 1, 2002

Dear Shing-Huei Peh,

I am saddened to know that young people like yourself are diagnosed with MD. Have you been on any treatment program at all? Look close into this MD website - which has a wealth of information regarding MD and vitamin therapy. (Don't forget to read the section that describes medications that MD patients should not take).

Please read my previous email to Kym regarding Phillip Cook's treatment for MD. In my particular case the treatment, which includes (self-administered) micro-stimulation, excercise, and vitamin therapy, has been very successful.

Phillip Cook assured me that he would welcome the opportunity to teach you to perform Micro-Stimulation on yourself - plus - you would learn about the special exercises and vitamins/ minerals that can slow the disease (This website has a lot of inofrmation regardng special vitamins).

Please feel free to call Phillip Cook's office at 918-747-1578 for information regarding class schedules and pricing. The class is usually given once a month and takes a full day (Approx. 8:30AM - 5:PM), and you are encouraged to bring a guest. If you were to attend the class, you would go home with special vitamins, minerals, micro-stimulation equipment, and the training to perform your own treatments, as I do.

Best wishes - let me know what you decide.

Dolores Walburn

P.S. You don't say where you live. I know this treatment is taught in California, and I am sure other areas of the country; however, Tulsa is beautiful this time of year!

By Susan Roach on Friday, May 10, 2002 - 03:34 pm:

My father was diagnosed with MD about 4 years ago and elected to forgo the surgery where you must keep the head down and touching the chest for 1-2 weeks post-surgery.

Yesterday he was diagnosed with a detached retina in that same eye. He is 4 weeks out of cataract surgery on that eye, also. He is undergoing surgery right now to repair the eye.

Are there any devices available to help him cope with keeping his head down? I was thinking of something to support his head when he needs to walk and/or to help him when he is in a prone position.

Thanks for any suggestions.

By lois page on Monday, May 27, 2002 - 03:07 pm:

by Pags
to Robert Gordon's 6/15/01 post, did you find a doctor who said "yes" to cataract surgery for your wife with MD? mother needs same surgery.
Thanks

By Christina on Wednesday, May 29, 2002 - 12:11 am:

Hi there-
My Grandmother in law was just diagnosed with Wet MD today and is hemorraging blood from her eye. Dr. Fish in Dallas is suggesting that she take part in some sort of 'experimental therapy'. We are looking into it but do not want to stop there. Can anyone suggest a good retinal specialist in Texas or heard of any successful therapy? Has anyone heard anything of Dr. Fish in Dallas?? Any help would be appreciated!!
Sincerely,
Christina

By Christina on Wednesday, May 29, 2002 - 12:15 am:

Has anyone heard of any issues or successes with Visudyne, Rheo Therapy, Proton Beam Therapy or PKC412??? ANYTHING would be appreciated!! Thanks!!
Christina

By George Ramos on Tuesday, May 14, 2002 - 11:38 pm:

I am a 43-year old male living in New York City. I have myopic degeneration. I lost the vision in my right eye back in '92 and just experienced some central vision loss in my left eye. My new doctor has told me that treatments such as micro-stimulation would have no effect whatsoever on this form of macular degeneration. Essentially he is telling me that there is no hope for this type of degeneration. For several years other doctors were giving me eye-drops that were steroids that actually caused my eyes to form cataracts to make matters worse. Are doctors giving eye-drops and other treatments just to give the patients some hope? Just to fatten their wallets? Is my doctor correct in saying that myopic degeneration has no useful treatment? At the end of the description of myopic degeneration on this website it says that the only treatment for it is surgery to strengthen the scleral wall but my doctor told me that is only done AFTER the retina detaches and that it will not stop the increasing size of the eye. His only advice? To not get "poked" in the eye. Please reply back. Thanks.

By Tammy on Thursday, June 27, 2002 - 12:03 am:

My grandmother was recently diagnosed with MD. Her doctor was less than helpful and did not offer any suggestions for alternative treatment or a referral for a specialist. We live in Southern New Hampshire and I am continuing to search the web for info, but wondered if anyone had any information for treatment or specialists in our area? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

By George Ramos on Thursday, July 04, 2002 - 12:09 am:

I am going to John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland in two weeks. I saw the list that was in a magazine that I believe was newsweek. They have been listed as the number one hospital in the nation for treatment of myopic degeneration and other eye problems ten out of the last twelve years. They were number two the other two years. It is based on the opinion of eye specialists across the nation and they voted for John Hopkins at a rate of 72%.

By Anonymous on Thursday, July 18, 2002 - 06:00 pm:

For a couple of months now, when I wake up in the middle of the night I have noticed identical dark shapes in both my eyes. At first I thought I was dreaming. In the past couple of weeks I have noticed if there is a light source off to the side, such as a light in another room, the shapes are a bright red. When I woke up the other morning, I noticed the shapes and when my husband turned on the bathroom light I flinched when the shapes instantly turned red. I tried to make an appointment with an opthamologist and when he couldn't see me for months I decided to have my eyes examined by an optometrist. He said I have dry macular degeneration in both eyes. I see well in bright light but everything seems to have a yellow tinge to it. After my eyes were dilated by the optometrist I no longer had the yellow tinge until the following day. I now have an appointment with an opthamologist in August but I am still concerned about the red. In none of my reading have I found anything that discusses the red strange shapes. The optometrist suggested I take Ocuvite with a larger dose of lutein which I have started taking. Does this sound like macular degeneration or is it possible something else is going on with my eyes?

Any help would be appreciated.

By Anonymous on Saturday, July 27, 2002 - 11:45 pm:

Is there any connection between Acne Rosacea and Macular Degeneration? If someone has Rosacea and is exposed to a situation such as the sun shining on a computer screen, creating blinding light situation, could this result in the onset of macular degeration? Also, is fluorescent lighting considered good or bad for someone with macular degeneration while working on a computer?

By Taiyi on Thursday, August 22, 2002 - 01:26 pm:

Dear Dolores Walburn,

My mom also suffers from MD. I am very interested in the class and treatments conducted by Dr Phillip Cook.

Do you mind let me know which place this class is hosted in CA? I am living in Bay Area(San Fran.) of CA.

Thanks !

Taiyi

By P Cella on Monday, October 28, 2002 - 05:06 pm:

I just found out that I have MD. What is my best course of action? Worried.

By Billie Piercy on Sunday, January 12, 2003 - 04:57 pm:

My son now 53, has been diagnossed with Stardgardts Disease. His first symptoms appeared at age 11, though at that time the actual cause of his symptoms was not diagnosed as Stargardts.
He experienced nausea, dizzy spells and often headaches when trying to read. He would like to know if others with this condition have had many headaches as part of their symptoms.
Billie Piercy, Arizona

By Gertrud on Monday, June 16, 2003 - 09:46 am:

Hi, I have AMD also. My Doctor told me I should take Ocuvite extra - 2 tabs, and eat cooked kale, collard greens, spinach, broccoli. I also found though the computer Primier formula for Ocular Nutrition.
Gertrud

By Anonymous on Wednesday, July 02, 2003 - 04:46 pm:

Would you like to contribute to the low vision community?
We are currently looking for the best tips & suggestions that help you live and adapt to your vision problems. These tips and suggestions will then be used in a booklet to give to newly diagnosed mac degen patients.
Please email your tips/ideas/suggestions to Dr. O at: lowvisiondoc@doctor.com

By edwina stockstill on Thursday, October 09, 2003 - 12:18 pm:

i am 28 yrs old and have amd i have been legally blind since age 21 i have three girls now anyway my question is does anyone have any information about the devices called micro current stimulators
i found a web site that claims this devise improves your vision (does not cure but helps) it does say that it does not help everyone with amd

By KellyHaven on Saturday, December 13, 2003 - 07:09 am:

My husband is 38 and just diagnosed with MD. We have never heard of it before. We are going to a retina specialist on monday. We are looking for some advice on treatments to stop the progression of this disease. We live in NY and are willing to due whatever it takes to find help. It is all very overwelming. Any suggestions would be a god send.

By Anonymous on Thursday, December 25, 2003 - 03:28 pm:

Has anyone heard of bionutrients? They supposedly repair cells. They may help repair the cells that degenerate in the macula that causes macular degeneration.

By Anonymous on Saturday, February 21, 2004 - 10:03 pm:

Anyone know of any kind of clinical trials for rhuFAB in the New York area?

By Anonymous on Sunday, March 28, 2004 - 10:23 pm:

PLEASE NOTIFY IF THERE IS ANY MEDICAL HELP IN THE AKRON, OHIO AREA

By Jeff Panjwani on Sunday, April 25, 2004 - 05:55 pm:

I am 53 year old male. I was diagnosed with con rod distrophy when I was 42 years old. My vision at the time was 20/60 and now it is 20/200. As usual doctors have told me there is nothing can be done. What I want to know is does microcurrent stimulater helps or not.

By denverdeb1 on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 10:32 am:

My husband is 44 years old and was just diagnosed with dry macular degeneration. He is too young for this according to the doctors and they have never seen it on anyone so young. My question is does anyone else of this age have this? The doctors can't tell us if it will get worse since they have never seen this before. His vision test shows him as legally blind. He can no longer drive which is hard for someone so young. We have children 4 and 6 - who will teach them to drive - guess I will but that is a dad's job. Will he see them get married?

By Pamela Cofer on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 - 10:10 pm:

Hi everyone,
My father, in his 70's, was just recently diagnosed with this Macular Degeneration business...I don't know much about the details, as he is severely depressed about it all and won't talk much about it. I just found out he had surgery/chemo yesterday....as far as I know, he's only got it in the one eye, but the Dr says it's inevitable that he will develop it in the other eye as well....eventually. Does anyone know if this is hereditary? He doesn't know much about his parent's health, so we're not sure if anyone can just "develop it", or if it's something that's "passed down".
Also, any advice or encouragement is welcome...I'm not sure what to do/say to him about it, as he only just got diagnosed last week, and must have been "hiding it" for a while, as his "center vision" is almost totally gone now. Help!
Pam

By Nina Smithback on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 11:58 am:

Does anyone know of research studies which demonstrate a correlation between exposure of unprotected eyes to prolonged bright sunlight and development of Macular Degeneration?

By Kristie Loveall on Friday, May 14, 2004 - 11:03 pm:

I am a 44 yr.old woman who was just diagnosed with macular degeneration in both eyes. I developed a blind spot in my right eye at the age of 23, while in college. Now, this last February I developed 2 small blind spots in the central vision in my left eye. I have been told that I am too young to have this disease. The more I research this eye disorder, the more it seems to be happening to other people my age. Is there anything out there that can keep me from losing what little vision I have left? I would love to see my 14 yr. old graduate from college and get married before I lose my sight altogether. The doctors tell me there is no guarantee and that this condition is a wait and see kind of thing.

By Anonymous on Thursday, June 03, 2004 - 03:54 pm:

My mom (54) noticed a week ago a fuzziness in her vision. She went to her doctor and the doctor said she had DRUSEN. He gave her a chart and told her to monitor her eyesight and if anything changed, call him.

Yesterday, she went to work and lost all sight in her right eye. Today, a little vision is back but still very fuzzy.

Her doctor is out of town and I am trying to get her to go to a specialist.

BTW, she does not have diabetes nor high cholestrol. She does not smoke and is fit.

Is this what drusen does? Any information or would be greatly appreciated.

By Anonymous on Thursday, June 10, 2004 - 10:52 am:

I am newly diagnosed with the "occult" type of wet macular degeneration. Whenever I read the bulletin board no one ever mentions this type. It is not considered classic "wet " but will lead to the loss of central vision. I have no vision in one eye due to an accident. Please let me know if any one out there has this sub type called occult. I will be looking for any information out there.

By s watson on Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 10:34 pm:

I am 56 years old & was diagnosed with myopic macular degeneration 11/2004. I have noticed a gradual decrease in acuity over the last few years. I could read an eye chart and the diagnosis was missed even though I reported that letters were "hazy" in areas. My night vision is decreasing and I have stopped driving at night in rainy weather. I am able to drive only in familiar areas now because of losing the ability to read road signs at any distance. The damage is bilateral. I had angiograms done and was checked by Dr. Elfervig a retinal specialist from Memphis, Tn. He said that there is no good treatment that he would recommend. I have been instructed to watch for an increase in floaters and flashes of light because these are symptoms of retinal tears or detachment. If noted,this would require emergency care to prevent further vision loss. Should avoid activities that could cause excessive jarring or blows to the head due to the fragile condition of the retina in myopic degeneration. I have seen little progression since 11/2004. I was diagnosed as having AMD by 2 Opthamologists before being seen by a retinal specialist. Dr. Elfervig recommended taking a "good" multivitamin and to get as good a fit as possible with glasses. This took a very patient optomotrist because my eye takes time to adjust to each eye chart comparison.

By Carol Haines on Wednesday, October 26, 2005 - 06:33 pm:

I am a 56 year old woman with macular degneration. Lost my left eye totally to this disease 2000. On Oct 11 I began to lose central vision in right eye. I was advised by my Doctor to use the new drug "Avastin" being used off label to help stop the formation of new blood vessels. I was given the flursciene angiogram and and OCT test and it was determined to have the the drug injected directly into the retina. I have been back for two follow up visits and more of the above tests. The eye has responded well, although my vision is still blurry, hazy and objects appear smaller and wavy. Check with your Retina Specialist about this just released drug, Avastin and how it might help you! Be encouraged! I am!

By Kadie England on Saturday, October 29, 2005 - 05:35 pm:

My sister was just diagnosed with MD. She is 24 years old. I have been looking online for information about young people with MD. I haven't been able to find anything, I have found good information for older people, but not young. Does any one have any suggestions, or know of any websites that would help me.
Thanks.

By Shannon on Thursday, January 05, 2006 - 05:54 pm:

In response to Kadie - I am 29 years old and was just diagnosed with MD as well. I have also been searching for good information on "young" people with MD and have found nothing. I'm guessing that the information is the same...no matter your age. I am lucky enough to live in Minnesota and am able to be seen by some of the best Dr's in the world (Mayo Clinic). My doctor basically told me to eat lots of greens (spinich, leafy lettuce) each day and to take Centrum with Lutein daily. Unfortunately, there is not a whole lot that can be done at this point. I have small drusen spots in both my right and left eyes. My Dr. predicted that I would begin to see a change in my eyes in approx. 10 years. He did say there are a lot of studies being done...God willing, there will someday be a cure. Tell your sister to stay positive...it's tough being diagnosed at such a young age. My mom told me "It will be life changing, but not life ending." I am often saddened when I think of my diagnosis, but am grateful that I was not diagnosed when something life threatening...I WILL be around to "see" my 3 young children grow!! For that I feel blessed. Best wishes!

By LLM on Saturday, January 14, 2006 - 09:36 am:

Just another oldie diag. with md (50 years old, not that old). To explain to others what md is like go to www.macular.org/disease.html and download the program in optical diagnostics, then adjust the settings to your degree of problems. Most people just look at you strange when you try to explain what is going on and I find that most people feel as if your telling stories about your vision. As for me I'll take it one day at a time with vitamins and exercise and rest when I feel tired, everything I read says this is the best thing to do for now.

By KGG on Monday, January 16, 2006 - 02:40 pm:

Just logged onto his page in the hope of finding new information? I am in the uk and we don't seem to get the same information as your page does, but I will be asking about Avastin and if it is available in the uk, my wife has had this degenerating retina since she was 32 some 22 years ago and we are still looking for a little hope, new information is always welcome

By Moneta Andrea on Monday, February 13, 2006 - 03:58 pm:

I have my Father in law that is suffering about macular degeneration MD on 1 eye; he is 84 years hold.
I'm writing from Milan in Italy and I apologise for my bad English.

Anyway, please can you reply to these question from yuor great experience:

1) it is possible to treat, with satisfactory resuls, the MD using the drug called AVASTIN ?

2) do you confirm that the Avastin shall be injected into the retina directly ?

3) do you suggest some others kind of medical treatment that are applicable to emprove MD ?

I'm informed that my Father in law was submitted to flursciene angiogram and some other treatment (actually std adopted in Italy) to reduce MD but now, after 1,5 year about, seam that the last think is to use Avastin.

Many thanks for your help and best regards
Moneta Andrea

By Patricia Clouse on Thursday, February 16, 2006 - 03:15 pm:

Moneta,
My name is Patricia I was recently put "under the Macular Degeneration umbrella." I am 41 years old. There is no history of this my family. I just started the Macugen injections in my right eye. My first injection was last week, It was a little scary but I made it through, I am experiencing some dizziness, I have to take antibiotic drops 4x a day for three days following the injection. I can't wear my contacts during the antibiotic treatment.I will be having this injection every 6 wks with a check up 1 week after the injection. I am not seeing any changes yet but am hopeful. If you think this is the problem have this my advice is to seek treatment early.The floroscene test checks for leaking blood vessels. If you can find a retinal specialist that is your best bet. This can progress fast, and you need to take it serious. The macugen is new for the treatment of Wet AMD. Good Luck I wish your Father in Law well.

By Quang Thai on Thursday, April 13, 2006 - 03:21 pm:

hello my name is QUANG I have a line that keeps floating on my left eye one week ago it bothers me alot. I went to doctor for eye exam but he said my eye is ok, I had a floater, and he said it will go away, My question is " Is it true or not, should I have to do surgery or not? if yes are there nay eye floater treatment center in Washingston State, please email me and let me know. Thank you so much

By Renee on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 - 09:57 pm:

Hi. I'm Renee from Buffalo Ny and found out that I have dry amd, around 5 yrs ago when I turned 40. It's in both eyes and it's getting worse. My doctor keeps telling me there is not much he can do for me. I'm wondering if alot of people that have this, have light color eyes? Any info would be great! Thank-you. You can email me

By Maria on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - 08:11 pm:

My mom has AMD and we heard that a drug called Avastin has been used with success in the States. We live in Ontario, Canada. Does anyone know of a clinic in Niagara Falls or Buffalo, New York that provides the injections. Although not approved by the FDA there has been success.