Name
Colen Benfield
Born
Oct. 7, 1929
Home
North Carolina, US
Diagnosis
Dry AMD that progressed to Wet AMD.
Eyes Affected
Both.
Eye Color
Hazel
Age at Diagnosis
67
Visual Acuity
No central vision in left eye. Right eye has 20/80-minus corrected
acuity with small blind spot.
Treatment
7 unsuccessful laser surgeries on left eye. Submacular surgery on
right eye.
Prognosis or Current State of
Vision
Right eye has been stable since submacular surgery in October
1998.
Family History
Brother has wet MD.
Impact on My Life
I no longer trust my vision well enough to drive even though my
visual acuity qualifies me for a restricted drivers license. Losing
my independence and learning to depend upon others has been the
most difficult for me.
Positive Effects
Elaine and I joke that the most positive effect is that she will
always be young to me - I can't see her wrinkles.
Adaptations
A 21" monitor has enabled me to continue to enjoy my computer. I
have sunglasses of different colors that actually help me see
better. I have learned to do many things by "feel". And I have
learned that if I use patience and preserverance I can still take
care of almost all the jobs on my "Honey-Do" list.
Working
I was retired at the time of diagnosis so was fortunate that I did
not have to worry about working.
More About Me
I have 3 children: Denyse, Sonya, and Cathy.
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