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Gilli
photo

Name
Gillian Rooney (Gilli)

Born
Feb 4, 1954

Home
South Yorkshire, England, UK

Diagnosis
Myopic degeneration

Eyes Affected
Both - NVZ left eye - retinal damage around macular in both eyes, whatever that means.

Eye Color
Hazel (I think)

Age at Diagnosis
47

Visual Acuity
left eye -13.5 right eye -13 for contacts - no conversion available at present.

Treatment
Laser for NVZ - still holding after 5 months.

Prognosis or Current State of Vision
Current vision very good with contacts, small blind spot in left eye below central vision. Prognosis - told very likely vision will gradually deteriorate over coming years, possibly more NVZ's - central vision likely to go eventually.

Family History
None in immediate family, but uncle with severe myopia and aunts on both sides of family with glaucoma. Mother has slight cataract. Mother-in-law with ARMD registered blind.

Impact on My Life
Initially tremendous impact - absolute terror and feeling completely helpless, hopeless and very alone. 6 months down the line more accepting of whatever is to come.

Positive Effects
A realisation that I am very lucky to have reached 47 before any of this happened and that I still am blessed with full sight. A better insight into the effects of vision loss, especially in the case of my mother-in-law and how this has affected her and my father-in-law's lives. And finding all the wonderful people on the MD Support site. Also, realisation that you have to live for today!

Adaptations
Begun a course of supplements, a healthier eating regime and exercise programme. Filter screens for the computers at home and work, better lighting, and eye friendly sunglasses.

Working
Financial director in husband's engineering business for the last 20 years - intend to carry on with this until circumstances force me to stop!

More About Me
I have been married for 31 years to a wonderful man who is very supportive. We have 2 fantastic sons aged 30 and 27 and 2 granddaughters aged 4 and 3 months. I love music, reading, and being with my family as well as my 3 cats. My husband is a member of the local Lions club and I am a member of the WI so we have a great circle of very good friends.



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