For Bradfordlass72 (I thought I needed new glasses and, as I couldn't afford them, did nothing about my deteriorating eyesight. Many years later, having been diagnosed as diabetic, I was entitled to a free eye test and they discovered I had AMD. (there was and still is no damage from diabetic retinopathy) Since that time I have been having injections of Avastin in my eyes, originally every month, then 2 months and now, after 8 years of regular injections we have come as far as we can. I simply go for checks every 4 months. I would encourage everyone with any sort of eye problem to have a test because had I been aware of AMD, the ophthalmologist may have been able to slow down my AMD at a much earlier stage. I also took part in a trial by Auckland (NZ) University. They were looking for early signs of AMD, and, I believe, found them.
www.auckland.ac.nz/en/about/news-events-and-notices/news/news-2016/03/new-test-for-early-detection-of-eye-disease.html
I do feel there should be much more publicity about catching AMD early. I can no longer read, paint or drive (books and research were my life, painting and carving my passion and of course my car enabled me to go anywhere) but I had 63 years of these treats and created heirlooms over the years. All my treatment has been free so I am not really complaining.)
Answer - I am sorry about your problems and I agree regular eye tests should be encouraged after the age of 40 or if there is a relevant disease such as diabetes. It is probable that your AMD came on later in life (it usually does) but nonetheless, any visual problem should encourage attendance at an optician or eye department to determine its cause.