I was 40 when I discovered I had macular degeneration. I know a lot of elderly people get it but mine was hereditary; both my mother and grandfather had macular degeneration so I knew it was possible that I would get it too.

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.

When the specialist told me I would need an injection in my eye, it just about sent me to the moon! I really didn't like the idea but told myself I'd have to be big and brave about it.

As a person affected by wet Macular Degeneration I would like to share my story. In 2007, at the age of 63, four months after being diagnosed with advanced wet Macular Degeneration in my right eye.

Retired Gisborne cartoonist and graphic designer has spent a lifetime creating fine art work but did not start wearing glasses until the age of 84. After trying on a pair of his late wife's glasses one day he was surprised how much clearer everything was so had his eyes checked. He was in for another surprise, they found a serious defect in his right eye - he had macular degeneration.