Macular Degeneration

[Vanilla]

Does anyone know someone with Macular Degeneration? Has anyone ever heard of someone younger being diagnosed with this?

[dv8grl]

Most I've heard is younger people being diagnosed.

Just read this article this morning about this young man --> http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orange/orl-blindpitcher1208may12,0,4752276.story?track=rss

There is also a SAD SAD SAD movie with Bjork about it called Dancer In The Dark.

[nightrider127]

My Dad, aunt and an uncle had this condition. All were in their 80s when it was diagnosed. I have never heard of a young person having it but that doesn't mean it don't happen. There is a surgical procedure that can be successful for the condition.

[dv8grl]

My Dad, aunt and an uncle had this condition. All were in their 80s when it was diagnosed. Did they have poor eyesight when they were younger?

[nightrider127]

Did they have poor eyesight when they were younger?


My Dad didn't start wearing glasses till he was in his 60s. Aunt Ann and Uncle Al had been wearing them for years. I remember Aunt Ann wearing glasses when I was a child and that was many moons ago. We have also been told that it runs in families.

Just a FYI, smoking worsens the condition, according to what we have been told by the doctors at Cincinnati Eye Institute which is why I am tryng my best to stop smoking.

One person I forgot in my first reply was my Aunt Evelyn also has the condition. She is sister to my Dad and Aunt Ann. She was also in her 80s when it was diagnosed and had also worn glasses for years and years.

[dv8grl]

Thanks for your answers, I'm fascinated about genetics.

[Vanilla]

Thanks everyone for replying. I don't smoke but, have worn glasses for a few years. This does not run in my family and I am still in SHOCK.