2010/2011 (age 57)
Onset presented as extreme inability to focus at work and do tasks that previously completed numerous times before. Updating a status update powerpoint template that was created, used and modified for years previously became impossible. Looking at screens, or being near screens was uncomfortable and nearly impossible to be able to make sense when reading from. Doctor said it was stress related.
2011
Retired from work as I felt could no longer be effective, and could not do what needed to be done, though I had no explanation as to why.
2012
First big shift – sudden onset while driving and suddenly vision became distorted, all lines became wavy and there were odd shadows and things moving when still. Went to the eye doctor, and they sent to retinologist. Was diagnosed with wet macular degeneration in left eye, and dry in right.
Began Avastin injection in the left eye, and was unable to get control over fluid buildup even after 1-1.5 years of use.
Began Avastin injection in the left eye, and was unable to get control over fluid buildup even after 1-1.5 years of use.
2014
Switched to Eylea – was hoping for longer time between injections as estimates for most people were about 10 weeks – but was only able to control fluid with monthly (every 4 week) injections.
2020
Right eye which was previously diagnosed with dry macular degeneration developed wet macular degeneration as well. Began doing Eylea injections in both eyes.
2021
Stopped driving, and being in car was difficult as things were moving when still, and when adding movement to it, was overstimulating and disorienting.
2021-2022
Shot named Vabysmo became available after FDA approval. Transitioned injection of left eye to Vabysmo, and continued right with Eylea.
During this time Dr suggested adaptive equipment and started doing an assessment of visual field. The numbers were low (left eye 10, right was 15). Short visual field suggested brain damage or stroke.
Dr suggested doing a brow/eye lift to minimize eye hooding, in an attempt to open and increase visual field. Did this surgery in an attempt to open field of vision.
During this time Dr suggested adaptive equipment and started doing an assessment of visual field. The numbers were low (left eye 10, right was 15). Short visual field suggested brain damage or stroke.
Dr suggested doing a brow/eye lift to minimize eye hooding, in an attempt to open and increase visual field. Did this surgery in an attempt to open field of vision.
2022-2023
Retina ruptured in left eye. Reverted back to Eylea injections in both eyes every 4 weeks.
Present (74 yrs old)
Currently both eyes have stabilized allowing injections at 6 weeks. Have noticed a pattern of chaos escalate after the injections for several weeks. The distortions, bubbles, hallucinations then stabilize into a more familiar low vision status.