Macular Degneration

[jen78]

Is it hereditary in any way? Not sure whether it's wet or dry though or if that matters.

My dad's optician has picked up he has the start of it the other day and want to take any prudent steps I can to avoid it or at least to know what to look out for, and let my brother know.

I seem to have inherited many of their problems, like menieres, gastro problems, low blood pressure, crap eyesight etc... so erring on the side of caution

With the menieres from my mum am not fancying risking ending up blind as well as deaf!

[Lonnie]

Hi jen,
I can appreciate your worries, but as far as mascular degeneration is concerned, I read up on it, and this one doesn't appear to be hereditory.
If you haven't looked it up yet, have a read of this.

http://www.lighthouse.org/medical/eye-disorder s/

[cancross]

Well, unfortunately there is a family connection. Those with a parent with the condition are more likely to develop the condition. Wet macular degeneration is the only form of the disease that is treatable with a relatively new class of drugs.

Good eye health is important for you as well as regular eye examinations. Taking an anti-oxidant vitamin formula specifically formulated for the eyes is thought to be helpful - look for Lutein as well as beta-carotine, zinc, viamin E etc...
Also, watch exposure to UV from the sun. Time is on your side as well as the treatments will only continue to improve.

[jen78]

Thanks for your replies.

That link is really useful Lonnie, thanks, as it gives some addition recommendations for reducing the risk.

I have regular checks as I wear contacts, though my eyes don't seem to be able to tolerate them as well as they used to - the optician said they were very dry and swollen a while back.

Worn contacts for 16 odd years but switched to dailies not long ago so maybe that's it.

Was going to make a checkup appointment soon anyway so will mention it to them and see what they recommend.

Thanks for your help.