It is - or it isn't - Macular Degeneration?

by Sue D
(Richmond, VA, USA)

I’m concerned about Macular Degeneration because my 92-year old mother supposedly has it …. again. I say “again,” because over the last 15-20 years, there has been a debate about whether or not the condition actually exists.

She has been to several ophthalmologists, including a leading eye specialty practice in Washington, D.C., but four doctors have had differences of opinion because she also suffers from epiretinal membrane, and more recently, glaucoma.


But during her last eye exam, some special cameras and other instruments provided a diagnosis of Macular Degeneration that I believe is accurate, because I’ve seen the proof myself.


Although she can still see well enough to read and watch television, it is getting more and more difficult.


Her new ophthalmologist has her taking very expensive eye drops each night and has recommended ARED (age related eye disease) vitamins, which contain about seven times the daily recommended amount of vitamin C, six times the daily dose of beta-carotene, 13 times the daily dose of vitamin E and 5 times the daily dose of zinc.


Taking the eye drops and vitamins won’t cure or reverse the Macular Degeneration, but it may help slow down its progress. And for now, that is all we can hope to happen.


My mother’s mind is still good and she is mentally active, but she is also plagued by physical ailments, including severe arthritis, so getting around is difficult and painful.


I can’t imagine what will happen if she loses her sight, so preserving whatever she has left is a top priority. Her epiretinal membrane makes things look wavy (her retina is “crinkled”) so she certainly has vision challenges.


I also worry about how much of this might be hereditary, and am going to do my best to stave off this problem.


I am considering starting a regimen of ARED vitamins myself, after I check with my doctor.


It does not look like you can prevent Macular Degeneration, since it appears to be a natural result of aging. I am just hoping that we can find ways to manage it successfully.

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