I have RP/cataracts. See wavy lines with left eye.

[lurleene]

I have RP, which is nicely compounded by cataracts in both eyes. I am reading a book on vision rehabilitation, and it had a self-test for macular degeneration - the grids with the black dot in the middle. I do the test just for kicks, and - great, my left eye sees mild waves.

Does this really mean I could have macular degeneration? I mean, god, what are the odds? Or could it just be the cataracts messing with my central vision?

I have not noticed this problem of wavy lines or other distortions before, but I wasn't looking for it. My left eye is not my dominant eye, though, so it could easily be missed. I often squint or even close my left eye when reading, but I always thought it was just the cataracts (which affect my central vision worse in that eye).

Thoughts?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[lurleene]

Thank you very much for your assistance, Doctor. I appreciate your help. I just made an appointment with an opthamologist.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

if you mean RP = retinitis pigmentosa then the wavy line could be due to cataracts. The macula is usually the last to go with RP. However see your ophthalmologist soon and do the Amsler test daily to be sure things don't change.

JCH MD