Name
Jim Musser
Born
5-6-32
Home
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Diagnosis
Dry Macular Degeneration
Eyes Affected
Only right eye.
Eye Color
Blue
Age at Diagnosis
67
Visual Acuity
20/20 in left eye; 20/40 in right eye with blank spot in center
from laser. Double vision.
Treatment
None.
Prognosis or Current State of
Vision
Small spot in right eye the past couple of years suddenly began
moving and became larger in June 1999; had laser surgery in July
1999 that stopped enlargement but left blind spot near center of
eye and resulted in far sighted vision. This caused seeing double
and difficulty with depth of field. Left eye normal and no signs of
any spots yet.
Family History
Mother and three of her sisters had AMD; her brother is partly
blind, unknown cause. Paternal grandfather was nearly blind at
death, age 99, unknown cause. I am oldest of six children of these
sisters and I am the only one (so far) with MD.
Impact on My Life
I am already retired so no affect on any job. Double vision
affects driving somewhat so letting wife drive most of the time. Am
trying to lead normal life and most people don't know of any vision
problem. Am beginning to make plans for future when the other eye
goes bad.
Positive Effects
Learning more about MD; telling cousins about MD and making sure
they know symptoms. Becoming member of MDlist is a definite positve
effect.
Adaptations
Limited driving. Prism in glasses eliminates most double vision
when doing close work; 1/4 inch label in center of glasses in front
of bad eye eliminates double vision in distances.
Working
Retired.
More About Me
Married since August 1958 to Marge. Have two children, son and
daughter and they each have two children. Enjoy kayaking, biking,
computers, traveling about the country participating in
Elderhostels and Evergreen Bed and Breakfast families. Any
questions on Elderhostels and/or Evergreen B & B get back to me
directly.
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