Ross' story

Ross

A decade ago I was diagnosed with Drusen, which is an eye condition that can lead to MD. My optometrist gave me a copy of the Amsler Grid and I would regularly check my eyes with it. I am so glad that I knew to check each eye for early changes in my vision because this has saved my sight.

During a business meeting last year I noticed how similar an adjacent building’s window mullions were to the Amsler Grid’s lines. Out of curiosity, I began to check each eye and noticed the mullions appeared as wavy lines with my left eye so I went to the optometrist as soon as I could. I was very concerned and disappointed when I was diagnosed with wet MD in my left eye. Even though I was still young, I knew there was a good chance I could become blind within two years.

A retina specialist advised me about a new treatment and I started it straight away. The vision in my left eye has improved markedly and I’m back to 20/20 vision.

Apparently I was very fortunate. Seeking treatment early meant the abnormal blood vessels that form wet macular degeneration did not have chance to permanently damage my central vision. A few weeks’ delay in seeking treatment could have resulted in a very different outcome.

Recognising macular degeneration’s early warning signs saved my sight.