February is Low Vision and Macular Degeneration Awareness month. I’m asking members of our Facebook group – and now YOU – to write a short statement with advice as to how to deal with the diagnosis. I have these so far. I would LOVE to have our other countries represented. You can put your advice in a reply to this page or email it to me at light2sight5153@gmail.com.
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When I was diagnosed with dry AMD, my eye doctor had me look at an Amsler grid, and asked me if the lines looked wavy. They didn’t look wavy to me, but he proceeded to tell me I had early stage AMD in my right eye. He also said it was a slowly progression eye disease and maybe in 20 years there would be more treatments to help me. That was it. Nothing to tell me what to do, how to live with AMD or anything. I have since done a lot of research on my own which has helped me understand AMD better. LH Hot Springs, AR
If you are diagnosed with wet MD, don’t delay, start injections immediately, the slight discomfort and inconvenience are well worth saving your vision! If it’s dry MD, take the eye vitamins your dr. recommends, don’t forget! Do your research. PE Montgomery, Texas
Check your Amsler Grid regularly, it’s often your first indication that something is wrong. JR, Ontario, Canada
Don’t get depressed! Eight years after diagnosis, with the right lighting, I can still do almost everything, I did give up needlepoint, but it was boring. Life is good! JZ, North Carolina
Give yourself time to accept the diagnosis. A punch in the stomach takes your breath away but with time you will be able breathe again for throughout the world there is unbelievable research, support and hope. You are not alone. SH Chicago