Still New - Newly Diagnosed with Macular Degeneration

by JEK

It must run in the family...many members of my family have had or still have macular degeneration. I have just been diagnosed with macular degeneration at 62. After reading some of the comments at this web site, I feel blessed and at the same time, very...emotional.

I have been told that I am in the early stages of the disease. I am taking herbal medicine with lutein, with bilberry in it. Also, I am taking vitamins such as zinc and I'm taking pills and eating and drinking stuff with antioxidants in it, etc.

So I think you can say that I am a sponge, trying to get all the information I can. My sight is blurry sometimes...then it clears up some for awhile. I'm thinking about getting a larger TV as sometimes it is hard to read the guide.

I'm not sure what to do other than take the pills and live my life as best I can.

REPLY

Hi JEK,

I’m glad that you are trying to learn all that you can about macular degeneration (AMD). Yes, indeed it does run in families. There is a strong genetic component to the development of this retinal eye condition.
Is Macular Degeneration Hereditary?

My husband’s father along with several of my husband’s aunts and uncles all had macular degeneration. This puts my husband at high risk for developing AMD. He is taking several eye supplements as well but still working on getting him to follow a more
Anti-inflammatory diet. Also be sure to wear sunglasses whenever you are outside.

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN