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Name
Gaynor Hintz
Born
12/18/44
Home
Springfield, Oregon
Diagnosis
Myopic Wet MD
Eyes Affected
Both
Eye Color
Gray
Age at Diagnosis
27
Visual Acuity
20/200 with glasses/contacts in right eye, 20/400 in left with no
correction after cataract surgery removed lens.
Treatment
None posible in left eye after massive hemorrhage. Two
photocoagulations in right. Wait and see after third leakage dead
center, and photocoagulation considered too risky.
Prognosis or Current State of
Vision
Leakage has stopped, leaving me legally blind.
Family History
Mother was diagnosed with MD at one time. Unclear at this time if
diagnosis was correct, as her vision was corrected with cataract
surgery.
Impact on My Life
My life has been considerably circumscribed. I eventally gave up
my job, which demanded very close work with computer and paperwork,
and it was taking me too long to complete with a heavy caseload and
active clientelle. I can no longer drive, so find myself homebound
a good deal of the time.
Positive Effects
As described above, I am far more active than I once was, which
can only benefit me physically. Socially, I am more active with my
square dance club, doing a monthly newsletter, and dancing a great
deal more than I did before. I also do more walking, hiking, and
biking than I did before. So there are some trade-offs. I think I
am more sensitive to others' problems than before, and I realize my
own blessings more.
Adaptations
Bigger computer monitor, CCTV, use of magnifiers, making large
labels for spices, photograph albums.
Working
Was declared legally blind in 1996 and "retired" from my job in
1998, two years later, from the strain physically and emotionally.
I was given lots of adaptive aides, but also needed more human
support than I was given.
More About Me
I love to dance. Square dancing is still something I can do well,
even with poor vision, so I do it as much as I can. I also can hike
trails fairly well, as long as they are not too deeply in shadow or
very rocky, and so I love to do that. I still love to read and find
Talking Books on Tape a very enjoyable substitute for doing my own
reading. Life is good to me.
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