Tag: UV

Unfortunately, there are very few things that can be done for dry AMD. My ophthalmologist suggested the AREDS vitamins and sunglasses. These are things that will slow down the progress of the disease but will not cure it.

AREDS stands for Age-Related Eye Disease Study. Several years ago it was discovered that certain combinations of vitamins and minerals will retard the process of deterioration. Today, there are probably a dozen different types of eye vitamins that advertise AREDS formulas. [Lin/Linda: Since we published this in February 2016, we’ve learned more about these supplements.  They aren’t for everyone & they do have risks.  Click here for my page: AREDS/AREDS2: A Guide.]

Taking your vitamins is a wise idea if you’ve got moderate AMD or wet AMD in one eye but not the other.

Wearing your sunglasses is also a wise idea. The research suggests that ultraviolet light, that is blue and purple, is very harmful to your eyes. If anyone in your family has AMD or you have been diagnosed with AMD, it is important to wear sunglasses with UV protection.

Wearing your sunglasses is a wise idea.

I was a good girl. I took my vitamins every day. I also have the most serious, rocking collection of sunglasses you have ever seen. It became a joke. Whatever color I was wearing my sunglasses match. If you were going to be given lemons, you might as well make lemonade, right?

If you were going to be given lemons, you might as well make lemonade, right?

What my sweet, wonderful ophthalmologist did not tell me was how to cure what ails me. In fact, he told me there was no cure–well, ain’t that just dandy? He did tell me that it is a slow-moving process (more on that little mess later) and that my right eye might very well hang in.

Written in February 2016. Updated 2018.

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