My Mother's Life with Wet Macular Degeneration and How I Am Preparing

by Sharon Houston
(Pink Hill, NC, USA)

My mother was 72 when she first experienced the horror of age related macular degeneration (AMD).

At that time, about 15, years ago, treatments involved heavy use of laser. She was left with very little peripheral vision in both eyes, although one was a little better than the other.

We obtained everything that we could learn from the professionals and from research that would help her. We equipped her living space in any way that would help, bought low vision equipment, including an optical enlarger for reading, kitchen and general living accessories that would help, books on tape, visited a low vision expert, etc.

She also took more vitamins especially formulated for vision. It was a terrible experience watching my mother, who had always helped so many people, struggle to maintain her existence with disabling AMD. She was an amazing person and did not give up.

Now, since both my parents had AMD (my father had the dry kind), I at the age of 65 am, and have been, doing everything I can to help prevent this disease.

I take several "eye" vitamins recommended by my doctor, try to eat nutritious foods including lots of greens, have frequent checkups, stay current on information about AMD, use the Amsler grid frequently, etc.

I look forward to the day when a cure will be found for this disease that affects so many, and I am so thankful for the continuing research that will bring about this cure.