Accepting a Bad Diagnosis - Dry Macular Degeneration

by Barbara Meltsner
(New York City)

Nineteen months ago my "prominent ophthalmologist" finally accepted my complaints of being bothered by bright light. At my regular check up before the last, his explanation was that "as we age this happens".

After examining me with the slit lamp he said,"you must see a retinologist immediately", and I will need to see you in 6 months.

Needless to say, I have not returned to him, but am being followed every six months by a retina specialist.

The diagnosis was, fortunately, dry macular degeneration. There has been some progression of the damage despite strict adherence to the eye vitamin and lutein regime.

I am experiencing loss of vision in one eye, and blurring of central vision. Thankfully I can still read, though I find the need for more light. I use the Kindle reader and have purchased stronger reading glasses.

I have been depressed since the macular degeneration diagnosis as I have always been an avid reader; one of those people who read the fine print on the cereal boxes.

This month I joined an impaired vision group at 60 plus of the 92 St Y. My problems seem minor compared to many others and I have been inspired to search for study programs.

This is how I found www.WebRN-MacularDegeneration.com and will be interviewed next week for a program at the Eye and Ear Infirmary in New York City.

Now that I am doing something constructive about this affliction my mood is improving.