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The Eyes You Save May Be Your Own -- A Serious Alert from Buttercup

It's not about the pretty frames
 
I'm a stickler for regular visits to the Ophthalmologist. My mother was diagnosed with glaucoma at age 51 and early detection saved her vision. I've been treated for a dry eye condition for at least ten years and this is one appointment I don't skip. I went for my annual checkup in March and was disconcerted when I had trouble with the eye chart. After several different scans my eye doctor very directly told me that I had wet macular degeneration in my left eye. I was, to put it mildly, stunned. I had no symptoms of a vision issue and no trouble reading. I knew almost nothing about macular degeneration, except that it could cause a loss of vision.

I've done a lot of reading since that day in March. I've learned that macular degeneration affects over three million Americans and is a leading cause of vision loss in people over 50. I've also learned that the condition can be treated. As much as I liked my eye doctor I made the decision to start seeing a retina specialist (retinologist) to treat this condition, and I'm pleased with the decision. My doctor is one of seven physicians who specialize in care of the retina. They all do research and are affiliated with a major medical center. In addition my doctor is kind and thorough. Everyone I have met at this office during my two visits has been thoughtful and caring.

I made my second visit to the retinlogist this morning. They are not quick visits, but I appreciate the testing that takes place. It turns out that I don't have full macular degeneration, but a pre-version that requires monitoring. I was also given three things that may slow the progression of the disease. The first is not to smoke. The second is to eat leafy greens, especially kale, spinach and Swiss chard. I'm not a kale fan, but I have eaten more greens in the last few months than I have in the last ten years. I also take a vitamin high in lutein and zeaxanthin. These two nutrients are helpful to eye health.

This was a good visit and I was thrilled to learn that my eyes are "stable." When my doctor gave me the test results, I told him that many people had been praying for my eyes. His response was "Have them keep praying." It's no wonder that I feel that I am in competent and caring hands.

So, my friends, today's news is a combination of kale, spinach, vitamins and prayer. I want to strongly urge any of you who haven't seen an ophthalmologist recently to make an appointment. Our eyes are precious and the thought of vision loss is one we want to avoid as much as possible. I appreciate all the good wishes and prayer from around the world. Many thanks!

As ever, thanks for visiting and thanks for being good friends. 
 

15 comments

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

That is good news, Carol. I have problems with my sight also and go to my Ophthalmologist twice a year and so far, so good.

Chatty Crone said...

I am glad you caught it EARLY! Why a retina doctor tho? I go to the doctor every year too.

TARYTERRE said...

i'm glad to hear you're getting the care you need. i will continue saying a prayer for you.

Ginny Hartzler said...

I am so glad you had a good outcome! I agree, specialists just know a lot more than general doctors, in any field. So that was such a wise decision.

Laurel Wood said...

I am very thankful for answered prayers for you. You may remember my late mother lost her sight when I was 6 years old and I value my eyesight so very much. Wishing you a very nice day.

Susie said...

Carol, I am so glad you got a good report. I think you do a great job of staying on top of your health. We have too. Oh I do believe in prayer. I have read about the lutein vitamin. I am not a big fan of leafy greens....but can eat salads.Hope that counts. Blessings to you, xoxo, Susie

Lonni said...

Good news, Carol!
It was you who prompted me to schedule my eye exam with an ophthalmologist. I went yesterday and fortunately, my eyes are very healthy. Thank you for calling my attention to this possibility!

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

That is very good news indeed. Yes, we only get one set of eyes and it's very important to take care of our eyes. I don't much care for Kale but I do love spinac and eat it often. I used to hear that carrots too are good for your eyes. I'm going to have to check that one out too. Sounds like you have a good handle on your eyesight, Keep it up!

Mevely317 said...

Good stuff! I had my semi-annual check-up this morning, and was THIS close to canceling before reading your account. In spite of failing my rods-and-cones exercise, he doesn't feel the cataracts' growth merits any action at this time. Yours sounds like a super recipe for good eye health!

Lynda said...

I am a huge believer is seeing the best specialist when it is needed. I don't like all leafy greens but I do like kale - - but usually just fresh from a garden. I am taking Kale capsules. They are by Carlyle. I began those when I got the glaucoma diagnosis. I do eat LOTS of produce but as you said, the eye docs want the green leafy. Hopefully my condition will not progress further since I am being monitored, am on an eye pressure lowing drug, and - - - the big one - - my corticosteroids powder prescription got cut to half strength. One of the side effects of it is it could cause glaucoma.

Oh the things we deal with that we thought would never happen to us!

Theresa said...

My best friend's Mother was diagnosed with that many years ago. Happy that you are getting it taken care of. It is time for my check-up, thanks for the reminder to make my appt. Have a blessed weekend dear friend, HUGS!

Melinda said...

Good news indeed!
Guess I am headed to the eye dr.

M : )

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I'm glad you discovered that condition eat.c ly, Carol, and are taking steps to treat it with a specialist. I think you know I've had a myrid of eye problems the last few years and I am very grateful for my doctor who has been able to treat them all. A few months ago I had laser therapy for glaucoma. My eye drops weren't enough and I had alread had a trabeculectomy surgery done in both eyes. I never take good vision for granted!

Donna said...

This is the best news Carol! So wonderful to hear!

Julie's Creative Lifestyle said...

I am so glad that you have an eye specialist that is taking care of your eyes and it’s treatable what you have. Thanks for the visit to my blog.