I am only 33 years old, am an artist and work with graphics for a living. I went to an opthamologist about something unrelated and apparently I have 'fine drusen' in my optical field? He said this could be an early sign of macular problems, like macular degeneration, and that it needs to get check out every year. I don't know if he saw this in one or both eyes. My Docotor is with Kaiser- needless to say I can't get much information from him.
I am seriously distressed, I would rather loose one of my limbs than loose my vision. Does this mean I have an early stage of macular degeneration? IF this doesn't mean this, what percentage of people who have drusen develop macular degeneration? How long does it take to develope macular degeneration> At what age (if this isn't considered it yet) would stuff happen to my eyes?
Are there promising medical cures/work on the horizon?
No-one in my family has macular degeneration, including both of my 90+ grandmothers. I am caucasian, and have probably the worst vision in my family (very nearsighted).
If it means I have a chance of developing macular problems, what can I do to prevent it ?
Are there support/informaiton groups in California?
-seriously distressed