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THE MACULAR
DEGENERATION COMMUNITY

Hari

Name
Hari

Born
4 Nov 1954

Home
India

Diagnosis
AMD

Eyes Affected
Both

Age at Diagnosis
48

Acuity
Right: CF at 1 metre, Left: CF at 1 ft

Treatment
Laser, IVTA, Avastin, Ayurveda, Surgery for glaucoma and PSC

Prognosis or Current State of Vision
God only knows the prognosis. Current state of vision is excellent - when compared to those born blind or blinded after birth due to medical errors/war/human actions etc.

Family History
Grandfather blind, but not due to medical reasons, in mid-life. Parents died in mid-life: too early for MD to manifest. But diabetes and hypertension runs in the family.

Impact on My Life
It was almost a re-birth. World became funnier. Weaker the sight, greater the insight. Made me more aware of the wonders that are there and things that need to be learned, such as becoming a beggar's beggar while crossing the road. Regret is inability to fully participate in the growing up of a daughter and son in their adolescent years.

Positive Effects
Several: getting to meet so many wonderful persons, learning the kindness of dogs, audio books, learning medical terms such as ideopathy, greater number of amusing incidents, childhood friends turning up after decades to offer support, giving up driving and doing more walking while listening to the natural music of the birds and waterfalls, reviving the childhood habit of pen-friends in the form of keyboard friends, learning the marvels of technology....

Adaptations
Bioptic spectacles, telescopes, optical and electronic magnifiers, jaws, braille watch, home modifications - thanks to MD Supprt, white cane as the guiding beacon and above all mental adaptations when flooded with visual hallucinations, flashes, floaters, socket pains.

Employment
Currently employed as an engineer, but considering early retirement and devoting full time for volunteering work.

More About Me
Dan said it for me: prepare for the worst, hope for the best and live in the present. Smile rather than worry -it burns more calories.



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