Friends

10 August 2015

AMD


I only went for an eye test and look what they told me! Macular Degeneration. The good news was that I had the dry version. AMD stands for age-related macular degeneration so why was I so surprised when told the good news? Nevertheless, I was able to walk away with a new pair of specs... see above. They were the first pair I was shown and I fell in love with them straight away. To hell with the cost, I thought, enjoy them while you can.

I chose a new place to have the test when I became dissatisfied with the old one. I was frustrated with the last pair of spectacles, the eye test, and the service offered by a different optician and a new manager. The previous manager was on the ball where dispensing specs was concerned; he never stopped talking which drove me mad but he knew his job. So off he pops to be a stay-at-home dad and leaves the practice in poor hands. Not his fault, I guess, since he didn’t own the place, nevertheless it caused problems for some customers.

It was only after the event that I discovered there was a difference between opticians and optometrists. One can test the eyes, the other can test the health of the eyes. 2.5 hours I was there, being photographed, measured, talked to, having things explained, learning about the future, getting reassurance. I was given a book in which there is a do-it-yourself test so I can keep an eye on things. Oh wow, is that an appropriate expression or what?


Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that affects the retina situated at the back of the eye – the area known as the macula. It is a painless condition that can lead to distorted vision or blank spots when concentrated at a single object. The condition normally appears later in life and is a common occurrence in those over 50 years of age.

There are two types of macular degeneration, the ‘wet’ and the ‘dry’. This is not a description of how the eye feels but rather what an ophthalmologist can see when inspecting the inside of the eye.

Dry AMD is generally more common but as it isn’t painful and can go unnoticed for some time – hence my wait of thirty years haha. Many people find their vision slowly deteriorates by gradual central blurring and colours fade away like an old photograph. It doesn’t affect the peripheral vision so cannot lead to total blindness.

Well, thank the Lord for that! I don’t mind the ageing process so long as I can see where I’m going. Imagine a life without blogging, watching birds, or chasing squirrels. It doesn’t bear thinking about, does it? I mean there would be no such excitement like there was when goldfinches land on the feeders, or the frantic unwrapping of presents on a birthday, or sitting down to a scrumptious meal. But it is food for thought and it makes me realise how lucky I am to have come this far in reasonable health, a bit doddery but the brain is reasonably good. At least I think so, others may want to differ. So long as I can enlarge the words on the computer screen I’m laughing!

14 comments:

  1. Thanks for the insightful post, and its great that you at least found out even if it took this long. Greetings and best wishes!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Good for you getting this done. Reminds me I need to get my own eyes checked. Glad you got someone you are comfortable with, so important. Your glasses are lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Blogoratti, I thought of this post a reminder to others. It is so easy to overlook things when they're going well.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Denise, I fell for those specs as soon as I saw them. Didn't even try any others.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I soon may need a bigger screen.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Valerie, first, I have to say how much I LOVE your new glasses. They're absolutely beautiful! Excellent taste you have!

    "To hell with the cost, I thought, enjoy them while you can. "

    I totally agree! And I happen to be one of those people who really likes the look of glasses. So if you find a pair that you really enjoy, why not spend the money to get a pair you find stylish?

    Second, I'm glad to hear that you found out about AMD through your examination and that you have the dry version. And you're so right, I can't imagine going through life without the use of my eyes.

    "So long as I can enlarge the words on the computer screen I’m laughing!"

    HA! Yes, don't you love that about computers? I use that feature quite often because I have a hard time seeing up close and reading at times.

    Have a super Monday!

    X to you and Joe

    ReplyDelete
  7. Good morning, Ron. The new frames are nice. I usually have a job finding some I like but this time they were the first I tried on and immediately loved. I am hoping they see me through for a few years.. haha.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Not good but could be much worse so I guess keep on keep on is the solution. My buddy has this affliction so at least I knew the basics of it....

    ReplyDelete
  9. In the States, many opticians push 'eye vitamins' to slow down the MD process. I just wonder if they really work.

    ReplyDelete
  10. TB, I have watched others who have the eye problem and always thought 'it could never happen to me'. Just shows how wrong I can be,

    ReplyDelete
  11. kden, I haven't heard anything about eye vitamins here. I also wonder if they work, since it is often a symptom of ageing years.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Like the new specs and you are right to say the hell with the cost because they are awesome. Excellent work, Val.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Vision problems are scary. I'm glad you were diagnosed.

    I wasn't able yo leave a comment on your other blog, but wondered if the knitted creatures were what we call 'draft dodgers' to place at doors to keep the cold air out?

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi Bijoux, thanks for popping in and I'm sorry you were unable to leave a comment on the other blog. It is a blog for WI (Women's Institute) members and I stopped the comments because of some undesirables. To answer your question about the knitted creatures, yes they are what we are draught excluders. I like your name for them much better.

    ReplyDelete

If you're new to A Mixed Bag you might find something to interest you, a bit of mirth, a story or two, or some pictures. I'm so pleased you popped in, do leave a comment if you have time.