Macular degeneration

RN4NICU, LPN, LVN · Jun 23, 2004

Hey everyone... my grandfather was just diagnoed having macular degeneration. I am wondering about the progression.. is the loss of sight slow or fast paced.... from what I have read there is the "wet" and "dry" kind... what one is worse to have?

Dry form is most common (90% of cases) - does not usually cause severe vision loss, but it can progress to the more severe wet form, so regular checkups with an opthamologist are recommended.

Wet form is less common, but can develop from dry form. It is caused by abnormal growth of blood vessels across back of the eye that can leak fluid and blood (thus, "wet"). This form causes significant vision problems, can progress very rapidly and can cause permanent vision loss.

For more information, try this link

http://www.clevelandclinic.org/eye/patient_info/macular_degeneration.asp

sharann, BSN, RN · Jun 23, 2004

My dad was just diagnosed with MD in one eye. He is 74 and in great shape otherwise. He is devastated. He lost 80% vision in one eye but the other is 20/20 with eyeglasses. I will look up the above site, thanks.

happylush · Jun 24, 2004

My dad was just diagnosed with MD in one eye. He is 74 and in great shape otherwise. He is devastated. He lost 80% vision in one eye but the other is 20/20 with eyeglasses. I will look up the above site, thanks.

Thanks for the info.. I guess he is legally blind in one eye, and the other one is "almost"

jenrocks411 · Jun 24, 2004

If someone you know has mac deg. you want to make sure that they are using an "Amsler Grid" everyday. This is a black grid with white lines that can track if the disease is progressing and is a very easy, useful tool. Any optometrist or opthalmologist should have one.

Rnn2003, MSN, RN · Jun 24, 2004

hey everyone... my grandfather was just diagnoed having macular degeneration. i am wondering about the progression.. is the loss of sight slow or fast paced.... from what i have read there is the "wet" and "dry" kind... what one is worse to have?

hi happylush two years ago my dad was dx with md, both eyes. the underwent a pars planta vitrectomy with membrane peeling. one month later he had a phaco with iol implanted he regained 50% of his vision back and is doing very well. it would not be a bad ideal to have your grandfather see a retinal specialist.