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.