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| Me in my dark glasses |
Today, I learned that they will be sufficient for most times that I'm outside, but I really should NOT go outdoors without dark glasses in full sunlight. We are just now beginning our bright sunlight days here in the Pacific Northwest, and I'll need to be more proactive about protecting my eyes from UV light.
The retina specialist examined my eyes closely and compared the pictures with those from six months ago. There is definitely progression in my AMD (age-related macular degeneration). That is not exactly news, but if I want to continue to protect my eyes, I've got to start wearing wide brimmed-hats as well as dark glasses whenever I'm in sunlight. He said that all UV light will cause damage to my poor eyes. I definitely don't want to lose any more vision, but unfortunately I will. Anything I can do to slow it down is essential. This is what happens with AMD:
Although macular degeneration reduces vision in the central part of the retina, it usually does not affect the peripheral vision. For example, you may be able to see the outline of a clock but not be able to tell what time it is. AMD does not cause total blindness.Well, that's just peachy. (That information was in a handout that the doctor gave me today.) I get a little bit emotional whenever I visit the specialist, because I am reminded once again that my vision may or may not last me for the rest of my life. But then again, I can see well enough right now and will do everything I can to keep the damage to a minimum.
:-{
Just keep following orders and do everything you can to slow that down.
ReplyDeleteYou’ll rock those hats, Jan. You’ll slow down the progression. You’ve got this.
ReplyDeleteGet some hats! A red one maybe!! Especially when you are in your garden. You are doing what you can...take comfort in that.:)
ReplyDeleteMacular degeneration is a challenge physically and mentally. Hang in thee.
ReplyDeleteI am sure that you will follow the specialist's advice. And hope (fervently) you can slow that progression to a crawl.
ReplyDeleteWell, take the advice of your specialist and it is bound to help Djan. I'm sorry you have that condition. I wish we could all be young again to really appreciate what we have. I also have problems with my eyes there days and I know I'm not alone. When I was young it didn't bother me at all to go to the optician for eye tests, but now I fear it more than the dentist. I have the start of cataracts and also a dry eye condition, which is worse in my right eye. Also I've noticed I need more light to read with and even then the words are not as clear as they used to be. You are not alone and I know how brave you are. You've proved that many times before. Keep those glasses on and buy yourself a really pretty hat and keep on trucking!
ReplyDeleteAs we get older we all have to protect what we have. I wear stupid-looking hats for a different reason: to protect what B says is a bald spot on top of my head from getting skin cancer.
ReplyDeleteThey are making advancements everyday so just keep doing what you can and let progress catch up. I use to have transitions lenses and they never got that dark. Guess they have gotten better also. You look good in hats which helps.
ReplyDeleteDJan, I'm curious. Having read something recently about 'blue-violet' light' (as well as ultra violet) being implicated in AMD, I was wondering if your doctor mentioned this. With all the iPhones, tablets, and computer usage, we are around blue light a lot. I read that they are making (or have made?) lens that can filter out this blue light... (as well as UV)
ReplyDeleteGreat pic of you by the tulips!
ReplyDeleteIf anyone can keep AMD at bay, you will. Wonderufl pic of you with the tupilps!
ReplyDeleteI guess it's time for dark sunglasses and sunhats. But you will look awesome in those. :)
ReplyDeleteI don't like to wear hats, but I wear visors when I am out in the sun, except when I'm gardening, when I usually go hatless. Visors help me much more than sunglasses
ReplyDeleteThis is really important advice for me, too.
ReplyDeleteOh ouch! I'm so sorry, DJan. I know it's a bother, but you have to do what you have to do.
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