Don't Take It For Granted

My daughter and I both had our eyes checked last week. I thought it had only been a couple of years since my last eye exam, but guess how long it had really been? SIX years! I told the Doc that I had basically "lost" 3 to 4 years in there when my Mom was sick and then passed away. Anyway, I was very pleased to find out that my sight had changed very little. In fact, she told me that my nearsighted vision is 20/20! I knew I didn't need my glasses to read or work on the computer, but I didn't know it was perfect vision! I felt pretty darn good coming out of there a 49 year old woman who does NOT need bifocals! LOL

Being so fortunate as to have fairly good vision makes me think of people who aren't as lucky. The mother of one of my very best friends was recently diagnosed with macular degeneration. When my friend told me, it felt like I'd been punched in the stomach, thinking she was definitely going to end up blind. But recently I found a web site that gave me some of the most comprehensive information I've ever read on the subject of macular degeneration. I learned that there are many things one can do to help stabilize and possibly even improve eyesight. Certain nutrients such as omega-3 fish oil and CoQ10 with L-Carnitine may help slow down macular degeneration and preserve vision. I had no idea! This is information I am definitely sending to my friend for her mother!

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Posted by Leigh on August 27, 2007 5:58 PM |

Thoughts from others

My Grandmere and my aunt Daisy both have macular degeneration. I have crummy vision so the fear of going blind is there for me. If I had a choice though, I'd rather be blind than deaf. I need to be able to hear! Of course, if I was blind, I might be able to handle driving with my teenager! LOL!

Posted by: Chunks | August 27, 2007 11:28 PM

My Mom had beginnings of macular degeneration about 20 years ago. Her wise opthomologist didn't recommend an intervention, but told her to always wear the darkest sunglasses she could. The mac degen didn't get any worse - but she was lucky. I took at look at the www.naturaleyecare.com site and their comments on mac degen are, in fact pretty comprehensive.

What also interested me, since I'm a heavy computer user, was the info on glaucoma.

Apparently frequent computer users, especially those who are short-sighted, are more vulnerable to this disease. Here's something from BBC News on the subject.

Posted by: Jennifer | August 28, 2007 5:57 AM

My Mom was diagnosed with this a few years ago. She was basically told there was nothing that could be done. I'm so glad you posted this, I will have her read it too. I know it's not much, but it sure can't hurt to try.

Posted by: Lynne | August 28, 2007 7:56 PM

I shudder to think of how long it's been since my last eye exam. *cough11yearscough*

Posted by: lattegirl | August 29, 2007 6:56 AM

My uncle had macular degeneration as well. I guess it's more prevalent than I thought. Get checked every year!

Posted by: Creechman | September 1, 2007 3:45 AM

Rox -- I don't think I'd be comfy driving with my teenager even if I were blind. LOL I'm so sorry your Grandmere and Aunt are both affected by mascular degeneration. Perhaps some of the info on that web site can be helpful?

Lynne -- I'm so happy to hear that some of that info might be helpful to your mother! You're so right - it can't hurt to try!

Terry -- wow, and I thought I was bad! You need to get your little butt into the eye doctor, girl!

Creech -- you're so right. A yearly exam is so important! I promise I'll do better. :)

Posted by: Leigh | September 3, 2007 7:04 PM

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