|
Name
Lyn
Born
June 13, 1956
Home
St. John's, Newfoundland
Diagnosis
Stargardt disease
Eyes Affected
Both
Eye Color
Blue
Age at Diagnosis
27
Acuity
20/200
Treatment
None
Prognosis or Current State of
Vision
After 23 years, I know the degeneration has progressed somewhat. I read/use a computer with the help of magnification usually at 6x enlargement. It affects both eyes with my left eye being the weakest.
Family History
None that I'm aware of. But apparently there is a fairly high consentration of MD in the area I grew up in (Conception Bay North).
Impact on My Life
The larger the TV the better. Loss of driver's license. Read & use computer with enlarging equipment or talking book. Still love going to the movies, theatres and traveling.
Positive Effects
I make nutrition and exercise a priority; just may help!
Adaptations
I was diagnosed with low vision 23 years ago. Basically, I've come think of my vision as "normal" and everybody else's as extraordinary! I find it best when meeting new people to mention that I have low vision, otherwise they may not be aware of it. Since recognizing people may be difficult, I prefer they know why.
It was extremely difficult giving up my driver's license at 27, since it meant a loss of "freedom" that driving brings. But life goes on, and you quickly learn it's not the end of the world! I also miss seeing facial expressions and making eye contact; but now I "focus" instead on other details when dealing with people.
Reading was something I loved from an early age, and that hasn't changed. With the wonderful talking books and magnification technology available (for computers as well), even that is still possible. And of course I never leave home without my sunglasses!
Employment
Working with the Canadian Federal government for the past 19 years.
More About Me
My older brother and younger sister are Stargardt free.
|
