MD Logo

THE MACULAR
DEGENERATION COMMUNITY

Ellen


 

Name
Ellen Reed

Born
7/15/45

Home
Tucson, Arizona

Diagnosis
WET MD in left eye, Dry MD in right eye

Eyes Affected
Both

Eye Color
Blue

Age at Diagnosis
At age 54 Dry MD was diagnosed in both eyes. Left eye turned to Wet type this past May at age 56.

Visual Acuity
Very myopic -625

Treatment
Had Laser Therapy in May, but bleeding returned. I am going through study group with Anecortave Acetate

Prognosis or Current State of Vision
Central vision in left eye is reduced to only top left letter on eye chart. Colors have become quite distorted also. Vision in right eye is still good, but many floaters constantly cause blurring of vision.

Family History
Maternal Grandmother had cataracts and, I believe, also had ARMD. Mother died at 49, but was very myopic. Father had corneal transplant.

Impact on My Life
Retired in May from high school counselor position. No longer able to drive at night, and having some difficulty with driving during day. Reading is becoming more and more difficult.

Positive Effects
I have looked at what my priorities are more closely and am spending more time with my grandchildren. I do not take for granite the beautiful sunsets, the mountains I live next to, and the faces of my children, grandchildren, family, and friends. I have opened up to a lot more people in accepting what is to be. My family and friends are very special.

Adaptations
Special glasses, computer adaptations, talking cell phone dialing, magnifying glass with light, and asking for help from family and friends.

Working
Still do consulting in counselor role and volunteer at several schools. I also serve on several educational boards.

More About Me
I was born in Tennessee, but have lived most of my life in Tucson. My husband and I have been married for 32 years, and we have a daughter, a son, and two grandchildren. My husband and daughter are pharmacists, and we own a Compounding Pharmacy in Tucson. My son is a Chiropractor in Phoenix, Az. I enjoy volunteering for at-risk kids, walking, swimming, and listening to books on tape.



MD Support Home Page
Back to The Macular Degeneration Community