When I first showed signs of macular degeneration (MD), I was referred to a retina specialist. At that time, the fix for MD was a laser treatment to cauterize the blood vessels. I had several laser fixes during the first couple of years. Medications were being developed for injections directly into the eyeballs. When the first medication became available (I can’t recall the name), I got those injections when required.

In a few months, a new medication called Eylea became available. I was told it was developed to fight cancer by starving the cancer cells of blood. Some research group thought it might work for MD as well, and they were proven to be correct. I’ve had Eylea injections in both eyes every 6 to 8 weeks for some time now with great success. So far as I know, I’ve had no bleeding at all.

I can never get enough light. It’s always twilight. Dr. London suggested that eyelid surgery would open my eyes enough to improve my vision somewhat. He was correct. The surgery has given me more light and has helped. With the eyelids open further, I’m now prone to dry eyes and must use eye drops. I’ve never used eye drops and am not very good at it. I’ve begun to refer to eye drops as “face wash” as I get the stuff all over me.

There is a part of the eye that hardens as you age and causes a condition known as Geographical Atrophication or GA. A new medication has become available to combat this- Sifovre. It also requires injections in both eyes. Some patients have declared that it has improved their vision. I hope I’ll be able to say the same.

Dave Thomas

7/20/2023