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Name
Suellen Tapsall
Born
Mar 21, 1962
Home
Perth, Australia
Diagnosis
Myopic degeneration
Eyes Affected
CNVM in left eye, lacquer crack in right eye
Eye Color
Hazel/green
Age at Diagnosis
39
Visual Acuity
Left eye 6/24, right eye still OK but lots more visual
disturbances from floaters.
Treatment
PDT x 3
Prognosis or Current State of
Vision
6/24 in left eye. CNVM identified in that eye September 2001. Two
PDT treatments so far ineffectual. Third treatment on Friday
15/2/02. Two-eye vision is still officially 20/20 (corrected for
myopia) but double vision is a significant problem. I no longer
drive at night and will not drive anywhere unfamiliar in the
daytime. Still reading OK but blur/glare is a problem. I feel like
I have more headaches and eye aches than ever before.
Family History
Mother with myopia (not as bad as mine) father with nystagmus
(which I also have to a lesser degree). No information re myopic
degeneration in parents or grandparents.
Impact on My Life
It's occupied a lot of my time and cost a lot of money so far! As
an academic, I read and process substantial amounts of information
visually -- I do not feel that I am as effective at this as I was.
I am less likely to be driving than before and make-up likely to be
lopsided (it was hard enough putting make-up on as a high myope,
without losing one eye altogether!) As a Christian, I believe in
God's plan for my/our life/lives: therefore I haven't shed any
tears over this, but I have been frustrated and angry at times re
lack of information and the cost of it all. My husband and family
are supportive, which helps. I feel like I'm in a holding pattern
-- haven't been without left eye vision long enough to get used to
it, and am waiting for the other shoe to drop if the right eye
goes. Did I mention that I hate waiting for ANYTHING -- be it good
or bad news? :)
Positive Effects
Have learned (thanks to the list) that there are many others
dealing with similar or far more trying issues. We have experienced
God's blessing, in that we have found the money for the treatment
($7000+ so far) despite it being WAY outside our financial
capability. Maybe this is one way of reducing the
(over)-workload.
Adaptations
I have started to move my career into administration and
facilitation so that if the right eye goes as suddenly, it is not
as drastic an impact. I feel that at this stage, keeping up with
the list and getting to know myopic degeneration are the most
important things I can do. I hope to gradually start adapting to
technology mediated communication BEFORE I need it (if I ever do
:)
Working
Previously a journalist, now a university researcher, teacher and
administrator. A book- and screen-aholic, I think through my
fingers on a keyboard (and I don't touch-type).
More About Me
I have a wonderful Christian husband and four beautiful daughters
aged 6-11 (as of February 2002). Love to read, watch television and
films and seem to spend much of my time working. We also have some
wonderful friends and workmates who are supportive of us
all.
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