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THE MACULAR
DEGENERATION COMMUNITY

Jim
photo

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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