Friday, October 14, 2016

Macular Degeneration

I've got it.  Macular degeneration, a disease of the retina.  I've known about it for four months.

This past summer, I realized that I was having trouble seeing.  I've worn glasses since junior high, and figured (it had been four years) that I needed a new prescription.  The optometrist found some macular degeneration and sent me to a specialist.  A very good specialist, approved my Milady (who is a very good RN).  He confirmed the diagnosis, put me on a regimen and told me he'd see me in four months.

That was today.  I've halted the degeneration, and actually gained a little bit in my right eye.  The good news is that I haven't lost any ground.  The specialist told me that there are some medicines in the early testing phases that are showing good results on animals.  He said that human trials are several years off, but he holds hope, if not for me, than for future patients.

The very best news is my right eye.  That's my dominant eye, the one that I shoot with.  It's showing better vision than it did four months ago.  The combination of the regimen and a new eyeglass prescription means that I can see the front sight on a pistol, or rifle.  For a life-long shooter, that is very good news.

I'm stoked, and it's Friday.  Y'all have a great weekend.


5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I would hate to be forced to chose one sense to lose. You have good news in there are medicines to improve or delay the degeneration and that they work for you

Deacon

North Texan said...

That's awesome news. I work for a huge eye care leader and MD is something our R&D team is searching for. Please keep us posted!

Old NFO said...

THat is excellent news! Thoughts and prayers!

Well Seasoned Fool said...

Zeaxanthin and Lutein supplements have kept my macular degeneration in suspension since 2005. Right eye. Was dominant, now left eye dominant. Then a pacemaker inserted in left pectoral in 2014. Doctor says no recoil. Since all my long rifles are larger caliper, I'm now just a revolver man.

JayNola said...

WSF,
Unless you've got something else going on you might consult another electrophysiologist.