So I went to get an eye test today and when the optician viewed the image of the back of my eyes she said there was a small change in the pigment of the macular. She said it can lead to vision loss. She looked at my eyes, did the vision tests and my vision seems okay, apart from being short sighted. She said not to worry, it may have been there all the time but due to my age (35) they don't really look for it but I am to go back for an eye test in a year rather than two.
Well I did the worst possible thing and googled it which of course came back with macular degeneration and loss of central vision, although all I can find is age related macular degeneration but I'm freaking out. Has anyone else had experience of this, is pigment change something that can always have been there without any degeneration? I suppose if it was serious she would have referred me but I'm wondering if I should make an appointment with the GP?
Definately, make an appointment with your GP. Ask for an appointment to see an eye specialist at an 'Eye Hospital'. Google that first to find out where your nearest Eye Unit is, and see who is a Macular degeneration specialist,, and ask for that specific hospital, and person by name. They will not refuse to do that, because eyes are so important, that they would be liable if the it deteriorated. Yes you can get that condition at your age. i am older but do have it, so know that if you have the 'wet' kind, that it can be treated, and even halted, as mine was. So, in theory, the sooner it is treated, would mean it could be 'halted' at the stage it is in now. If it is left until it gets worse, that 'halting' would clearly be at a much later stage, and would mean your sight would not be as good as you say it is now.
What a foolish Optometrist.
'Don't worry, you've got this but it's probably ok'
Of course you're going to worry. Optometrists aren't medical practitioners, I wonder whether she has sent a report to your GP?
And, I agree with Bumblebea, ask your GP for a referral to your local eye clinic. You need to see an Ophthalmologist.
Good luck Rubyrue
Thanks Mrsmop and Bumblebea, I've made an appointment with my GP so going to insist on a referral. The Optician seemed so unconcerned about it I felt a bit silly but them reading up on it it didn't seem like something to just leave until something happens or my vision deteriorates
Hi there
Did you get any further clarification about these areas of pigmentation? My daughter had an eyetest and the optician said that she had the same thing!
Deborah
Hi Deborah,
I'm 29 and I was told yesterday that I have pigment at the back of my eyes by a specialist. He said that it is "findings " of macular degeneration but he said he is not giving me a diagnosis . is your daughters vision affected or is it just a case it was found in a routine eye exam like mine ? Any info you can give me would be great thanks
Hi Rubyrue the exact same thing happened to me recently . I could have written your post it is exactly the same as my story . did you find out any more info on it ? I just found out recently so any information you can give me would be great thanks . I'm so worried about it as I am only 29. Thanks
Hi Suzie
It is very scary to hear you may have this condition during a routine eye test, This is what happened to my daughter, she is the same age as you, she's just turned 30. The optician wants to see her again in 12 months and said that no further changes may happen, so don't wry too much. It's still worrying though. Did they suggest anything to help or prevent this developing?
How old is she? My son was 12 when he had a pigment change shaped like a crescent moon and now he's 13 and it's a full circle. I am scared to death. Did u find out anything?
Hi, do you know how is your pigment change called? Diagnosis? I have one too.
My son is going Aug 23rd to an opthamologist. We were told it's Pattern Dystrophy but do not know which kind. No one else in our family on my side or husband's has had eye problems. Our parents are in their 70's & all 4 are alive and each of their parents and their grandparents, cousins and their kids....no one has any eye problems.