27 yrs old with macular degeneration

by Viviana M
(Phoenix, AZ)

I am only 27 yrs old and the week of my daughters 2nd birthday I had a huge headache. I didn't think anything of it, I thought maybe it was stress from getting the party' planned. Then on the day of her birthday I couldn't take the pain anymore and I noticed when I cover my one eye the color red looked pink?!

I was very scared and made an eye appointment immediately. While at the eye appointment ( the next day!) I lost about 90% of my vision in my one eye. I was shaking as I was getting my exam. I couldn't read anything and I could see the concern in my doctors face. She then began to say what she thought it could be and called the retina specialist and said I would have to be seen today. I drove by myself crying the whole way. Scared & alone & very confused.

As soon as I got there I was seen immediately. After a several eye exam test they specialst told me I had Idiopathic Chorodial neovascularization and I would need to get a injection in my eye to stop the bleeding. She was concerned because she couldn't give a reason as to why a younger person would get this and also how the medicine from the injections will affect me later if I try to have more children.

I left crying and did not get the shot that day. I was freaked out and had no idea what was going on. I did get another opinion the next day and he agreed with the diagnosis so I started the injection process.

It will be a year on April that I have started treatment. I go every 4-6 weeks for an injection (it's still scary to me each time) I have shown improvement. But I live everyday with fear that the bleeding will come back and that I won't be able to see my daughter grow up. I would love some support? Is there anyone else who was diagnosed at such a young age?

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May 19, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Diagnosed at 19
by: Anonymous

I was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration at 19 years old.
My eye leaked clear fluid and I was able to treat it with shots before I lost any vision.

I have wavy lines in one spot of the smaller grid because of scarring, but my vision is otherwise fine.

After going through shots for 2 years, they decided I could stop injections because my eye is okay for the time being.

I’m almost 24 now and I haven’t had a shot in over 2 years. My vision is going strong, however i do have flashes, ocular migraines, and difficulty switching from light to dark rooms.

I may not be able to have kids. I don’t know how long I will be able to see. What I do know is that the injections, as scary as they are, allowed me to keep my eye for this long and for that I am grateful.
Mar 16, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Wet macular degeneration
by: Anonymous

My son was diagnosed with wet macular degeneration 2 years ago. Now he's 22 years old. He will have a laser surgery at the end of March. I'm so scared for this and so upset. I don't know what will be in his future.
Sep 10, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Wet Macular Degeneration at 29
by: Josh (AUS)

I am 29, Diagnosed with Wet-AMD. First injection was last week, Eye injections every 3 weeks then 8 weeks. Right eye vision loss is very noticeable now, started with warped, wavy lines. Now a lot of negative space in central vision and loss of clarity.

I'm hopeful that vision will be restored, I'm fit and healthy, don't drink or smoke. Testimonies out there from people who have had some vision return.

I'm taking herbal tablets twice a day in addition to injections. People have had positive experiences with both and 30-40% returns.
Aug 14, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		22 Years Old and had Surgery for Macular Fusion
by: Mike

When I was around the age of 22 I had severe migraines and couldn't figure out why I was getting them. Went to the neurologist, did sleep testing, MRI, ekg and they thought I was having mini seizures or they just didn't know - but they where all wrong.

Finally I went and got an eye exam at my local eye Dr office thinking it could be my vision is out of whack and I needed glasses. The eye doctor immediately knew something was wrong after my testing. I got a referral to go to an eye specialist which had two practicing Dr's in it. One suggested contacts but I didn't like his answer so I wanted to see the lady. She looked at all my results from my tests and eye exams and found that there is a bigger issue then what she can handle. So I got referred to retina specialist and made an appointment and went in the same week.

When I saw the retina specialist he did all the testing under the sun - photos, ultra sound, vision chart testing, looked in my eye with a bright and big magnifier headset. He told me after all the testing I needed surgery immediately and that I have Macular Fusion. The same week on Friday I went in for surgery. He did what he called "window surgery". It's small incisions around the retina to allow the fluid to escape and allow my retina to lay back down and flat on the wall. After surgery is all done I lost a lot of my vision but only for a few months. It almost all returned and I have to wear minimal correction.

Next 6 1/2 years I continually went every 6 months for check ups until about a year ago its started all over again in the same eye. Now I get an injection every 6 weeks and they suck!!!! Now just the past month my good eye is starting to act up and is starting to separate. I just received my first injection in that eye 2 weeks ago. Its freaking me out!! I'm so scared I could go blind and never see my kids grow up. I have triplets and they're 4 years old. Im 30 years old now and the thought of loosing vision in both eyes scares the living hell out of me. I figured I'd be ok if I still have one good eye but now - no I don't. I'm glad I found this page. Stay strong and positive - you are not alone. Thanks for letting me share my story.
May 30, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		23 years old diagnosed with idiopathic neovascularization of the macula
by: Chloee

I was 23 when straight lines started appearing bent and after a week a black spot appeared in my vision. Eye doctor sent me to the retina specialist the next day and they started Avastin injections. The retina specialist tells me I’m too young for it to be macular degeneration.

I go back tomorrow for a follow up and over the course of a week I have lost all use of my right eye. If I cover my left eye, I can’t see to read, recognize faces, nothing out of my right eye. It’s scary and I worry about my career in the future and that my 3 year old son could possibly face this one day.
Apr 16, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		24 Years Old and Recently Diagnosed
by: Alanna

I had issues with double vision start last fall. I was seen by a specialist who ran all sorts of tests on my eyes and determined that there was nothing wrong. I was also seen by a neurologist for testing at which point I was also told that nothing was wrong.

Fast forward to a routine eye exam on March 30th of this year, I wasn't able to read the chart with my left eye which was odd. The doctor began looking at my eyes and said he saw something, but didn't have the tools needed to make a diagnosis. He sent me to retinal specialist that same day.

I had an area of scarring on my macula, left eye. The specialist said he didn't know why.. that it could be macular degeneration but there was no sign of it in my other eye.

He gave me the grid to check my vision... which I check like 5 times a day. I suffer from migraines and every little pain or weird feeling in my eye makes me freak out. I have two children, 6 and 4 years old and I'm absolutely terrified of losing my vision and thus the ability to care for them.

I'm terrified. I'm only 24.. I can't stop thinking anout the "what if's.."
Mar 22, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Young Diagnosis of Wet Macular Degeneration
by: Anonymous

I am 28 and diagnosed just 4 days ago with wet macular degeneration. I immediately had a shot of Avastin put in my eye. I am kind of scared because I haven't had a chance to have kids yet.

I've always wanted a family, but with the medication it may not be an option. I hate that my vision is affected and I don't like the idea of losing my independence.
Nov 01, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		31 and diagnosed
by: Jessica Hayes

Just found out today. So incredibly humbled.
Oct 30, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Stargardt's
by: James

I am 26. I was recently diagnosed with macular degeneration. The Doctor said it looks like Stargardt's. He told me to get a genetic test done to confirm the diagnosis.
Oct 21, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Age Related Macular Deneration
by: Leanne87

I am also 27 years old and at 26 was told I have age related macular degeneration (wet) in my left eye and there is nothing that can be done to get my sight back as I have all scarring.

So have no central vision in my left eye and never will get it back. I also have 2 young kids and it is upsetting to know you might not get to see them grow up, see how they change in looks over the years, help with homework because you cannot see to help.

They have not told me if i will get it in my right eye but when looking on the internet its an increased risk to effect my right eye my good eye at some point.

It is very upsetting and stressing at any age but at such a young age with children dependent on you is so awful.
May 05, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Praying for You
by: sheila

Just diagnosed at 42 freaked me out... was here looking for answers and came upon your post.

I am sooo sorry for you and hope you get the answers you are looking for. Good luck to you and God bless.

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