The Year That Changed My Life - Wet Macular Degeneration

by Mary Lou Smalley
(Ohio)

This time last year it became clear to me one day that I had very limited sight in one eye. It seemed OK one day and not the next.

An appt. was made for me with an Ophthalmologist. Before the day came, I had lost much of the vision in my other eye. Going for my appt. I was immediately referred to a retina doctor.

Both eyes that had originally been diagnosed years back had advanced to wet-macular degeneration.

I needed help to perform normal everyday duties. I was given an injection of Avastin in one eye - going back in two days for the same in the other eye.

It has been ten months and I have had six eye injections of Avastin. Today, I see well enough in one eye to do most of what is expected to remain independent, other than driving out of town. I need special LED lighting for reading and more light than usual in rooms, but feel fortunate with returning to the Retina Specialist every few weeks, that I can once again function in part.

The Avastin did not kick in for maybe eight weeks as far as clearing up much distortion. Give it time. I have new glasses, use a magnifying glass when needed and continue to educate myself in every way I can think of to continue to live a productive life.