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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