My Macular Degeneration War

by Nancy
(Kansas)

I was diagnosed in May 2011 with dry macular degeneration in one eye and wet macular degeneration in the other eye. Can you imagine my shock? I was only 55 years old and I just thought I needed new glasses.

My vision in the "wet" eye went from 20/20 to 20/200 overnight.

I have had 4 Lucentis injections and my vision has improved to 20/30 and is stable for now.

I have also made major life changes...I was overweight by 100 lbs. I have since lost 50 lbs and am determined to make my goal of losing the entire 100 lbs. And my diet includes plenty of green leafy vegetables. I also take AREDS vitamins daily. And exercise any way I can get it even if it is just parking further away at the mall.

I never wore sunglasses. Too inconvenient. Huge mistake. Now I won't go outside with out them.

AMD can be a very lonely experience. Unless you or a loved one has it, it is very difficult to understand how horribly scary it is. It is very important to take care of your emotional health too. It is far to easy to become depressed by the thought of a future with low vision. So I find joy in every place I can.

I have purchased every book on the subject that I can find and have visited every website I can find. I know that knowledge is power and I don't intend to give up my vision with out a fight.

My new mantra is "I may be losing my sight, but I won't lose my vision!".

Yes, this is war.