outlook for macular degeneration

[skimmer]

About 10 years ago an ophthalmologist diagnosed me with early age-related macular degeneration (AMD), but I had no symptoms until about two months ago, and I am not sure if it is due to AMD, or something else.  I noticed then that when I came inside from outdoors, I could not focus my eyes to read newspring for about a half hour.  Then the recovery time incresed to the point where reading newsprint and even street signs, is always unclear and does not improve.  I saw an opphthalmologist last week who said I have macular degeneration, but could not explain why it turned worse in a short time.  In March, I had a mild heart attack, received two stents, and was put on Plavix, Zetia, and Toprol.  Could any of these meds be the cause?  Or could it be due to reduced blood flow from blocked coronary arteries?  My eye doctor was not optimistic about the future and said he could not prescribe lenses to improve my vision.  He wants me to see a "low vision specialist".  Does AMD ever improve spontaneously?  Woulld modifying my medications help?  Is my poor vision likely to get worse?  I would appreciate any answers, even if they are not optimistic.

[Forum-OD-MP]

no, AMD never improves "spontaneously".  in fact, unfortunately it almost never improves at all.  it is likely that your vision will continue to worsen.  this is whats so bad about AMD.  it is unlikely that changing your medications will make any difference.

you need to see a retinal specialist if you havent already, and a low vision consult is a great idea.

[CKS1]

Thank you for the info.My mother (87)  just had an injection of Avastin for macular degeneration. I'm looking for info on options for lens after the wet eye condition is stabalized.
All of your info has been helpful

[skimmer]

I am wondering if your mother, who received Avastin, has the wet type macular degeneration?  I understand (and I could be wrong) that there are some effective treatments for the wet type, but not the dry type, which I have.  It is discouraging that the dry type cannot be treated, but it can progress to the wet type, which then can be treated. I am hoping that someone can suggest an effective treatment for those of us with dry AMD, who for now, can only grin and bear it.  I am hoping that research will find a treatment, such as stem cell implantation.

[jouel]

I also have, just recently, been diagnosed with AMD.  Please try alternative medicine: one product you could try is "Lutein".  There is also a product called "Brite Eyes" eye drops containing "Carnosine" that I would try.  Also, log on to several alternative medicine websites and search for "eye care" - some have blogs.  ...hope this will help.  I have been using alternative medicine products for years and couldn't do without them.