Family history of macular degeneration

I think my mother died too young to develop AMD, but two sisters were diagnosed. I have dry in both eyes, the left being geographic atrophy which virtually means blindness. Even with a magnifier I can't read newspapers or magazines and a book, the love of my life is a trial.

I gave up driving last year. I wanted to make the decision not have it made for me. Luckily I can shop online as I can no longer read what is on a shelf. Otherwise I manage fine. It does have advantages, I rarely see dust!

Many years ago my DH went to the optometrist that he shared with his father. Both his father and grandmother had MD.
The optician told DH to take an eye vitamin regularly
One which contained lutien , zinc and zeaxanthin. Also dark green or dark red fruit and vegetables. This we have done for nigh on 50 years and his macular are perfect.

I have WMD in one eye and have the injections. They had extended the gap between treatment but have now shortened it and changed the medication. I don't think that is a positive sign

I have dry MD in the other eye.

My optician and then the Consultant suggested taking an appropriate supplement.

Take lutein, it has changed my life. I am -10 so extremely short sighted and terrified of anything related to my eyes. I buy the little vitamins from Amazon or you can buy products such as Macugold/Macushield. I had a slight retinal bleed a few years ago and did a bit of research. Lutein won't alter a prescription but the but it will kerp you eyes healthy. Also my husband (he now takes it too) and I find the clarity of colours is amazing. I don't know why opticians don't recommend it more but as far as I am concerned it's brilliant.

LaCrepescule

Cossy, dark green leafy veg like kale and spinach have high concentrations of vital vitamins for macular health as do oily fish and colourful fruit and veg. Diet is considered a protective factor though won’t prevent it of course. Maybe have an annual OCT scan rather than every 2 years. Let’s not let this fear rule our lives!

Thank you.

Luckily our diet is already pretty full of these things, because we enjoy them so much and yes, annual check ups a fine idea.

I used to volunteer for the Macular Society but my information may now be out of date. Best to look on their website. There used to be only one formulation of vitamins that had undergone a clinical trial. The concensus at that time was that they only helped in you were in deficit of the main ingredients zeothancin and Lutein. Regular eye tests are vital.

Cossy, dark green leafy veg like kale and spinach have high concentrations of vital vitamins for macular health as do oily fish and colourful fruit and veg. Diet is considered a protective factor though won’t prevent it of course. Maybe have an annual OCT scan rather than every 2 years. Let’s not let this fear rule our lives!

Both my mother and her younger sister had/have this condition.

I wear prescription glasses with the built in sunglasses and have the detailed extra eye test every two years.

I’m not sure what more I can do?

Interested to hear how the Med diet might help?

It’s scary!

It was also in my family Dad and his mum but although I have a variety of eye problems, macular degeneration is not one of them, I do however have a hole in my macular but I suppose
I m cool about it all, I rarely think about it and sad to say take no precautions at all. Smack my hand 🤣

My mum also had wet macular, dry in one eye and wet in the other. She had many injections over the years, hers was age related, she was around 80 when it started.
The injections seemed to help in that her condition remained stable until she reached her 90s and had to start again with the treatment, poor luv it was too much for her, and she said no more, she passed away two months later aged 92.
It is something I think about to be honest. I already have poor vision in one eye due to repeated herpes.
I believe there are vitamin tablets you can take for eye health. Maybe someone knows about these ?