Early Onset AMD, Wet Type.

by Bob
(USA)

Hello,

I am a 46 y.o. physician, in otherwise excellent health. I have blue eyes, and I am of Northern European descent. My father and paternal Grandmother have/had AMD. They are of German ancestry.

About 10 years ago, I noticed some blurriness in my central vision, Rt eye, that resolved over the course of a few days.

I saw an ophthalmologist, and had a normal exam. In 2007, I saw another ophthalmologist for a routine visit. He noted some hyperpigmentation changes in both macula. My exam was otherwise normal.

I recently noticed some visual distortion in my right eye, although I am still correctable to 20/20. Text appears slightly washed out in my central vision. When I open and close my right eye rapidly, facing a white wall or blank monitor, I see a central grey area when first opening my eye, that rapidly fades away.

This area corresponds in size and shape to the central vision distortion. Text also appears to dip about 1-2 mm centrally.

My physical/eye exam was said to be similar to 2007. I was referred to a retina specialist. He also noted drusen bilaterally. I had an optical coherence tomography (OCT) that showed some macular atrophy and abnormal fluid on the Rt.

Although not technically AMD, because of my age, that is basically what I have. I had my first intravitreal treatment on Thursday.

Mike, I am not an ophthalmologist, but I don't think Drusen are reversible. I would humbly suggest that you, if you have not done so already, establish a relationship with a retinal specialist, and inquire as the need for a baseline OCT, to better evaluate any future changes. While this may not be relevant for current care regimens, it may be of value for future treatment decisions, as new therapies continue to come on line.

In short, I think I have had my disease/maculopathy for at least 10 years. I still have 20/20 vision, and treatments continue to improve.

Anyone afflicted is fortunate, in the sense that the disease is so common. A tremendous amount of effort and resources are being directed at the problem. I hope this helped someone.