Re: Macular Degeneration - Laser Caused Loss of Vision

Posted By C Knotts on June 18, 1999 at 21:29:25
My 80 year old mother was diagnosed 2 years ago w/MD of the wet type in one eye...dry in the other.  The surgeon suggested use of the laser on the wet eye.  She immediately lost sight in that eye and has been unable to read, drive, watch tv, etc. due to this treatment.  
She is reluctant to go to the doctor now because of this terrible experience.
Is there any other treatment for the dry eye which seems to  be getting worse.
She was also ripped off by a "low vision" doctor he sent her to who prescribed glasses which cost over $500 and she can't use them either.
Am so depressed because I took her to the doctor to help her....and now her whole life has changed.

[HFHS M.D.-NI]

Posted By HFHS MD - NI on June 18, 1999 at 22:35:16

Macular degeneration is one of the most common causes of vision loss among those over 65 years of age.  As you mentioned, threre are 2 general types of macular degeneration the wet kind and the dry kind.  The wet form is related to the growth of new blood vessels under the retina.  It is fairly difficult to treat.  Prior to laser, we had no treatment.  Laser has been shown to be effective in treating this condition especially if the bleeding is a little away from the area of best vision.  However, sometimes, it can result in immediate reduction of vision.
Laser is still the most common treatment for this condition.  However, in certain cases, new surgical interventions may be appropriate.
The most important thing for dry macular degeneration, especially in someone who has developed the wet kind in the opposite eye is close followup.
Your mother needs to find a retina specialist she trusts and continue to see him on a regular basis.  More individual treatment can be discussed with him.










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