What do Claude
Monet, Edgar Degas, Georgia O’Keefe, Sam Snead, Stephen King, and
Marla Runyan have in common?
Sure, the art of Monet,
Degas and O’Keefe is displayed in art galleries
worldwide. But how do Sam Snead, Stephen King, and Marla Runyan fit the
picture?
All are victims of
Macular Degeneration.
Macular
Degeneration destroys the macula, that area of the retina which provides
central vision. It contains 90% of those photoreceptors responsible for
colour and detail. MD affects only central vision. Peripheral vision is left
untouched. Therefore, while vision loss may be profound, it is rarely complete.
To approximate its effect, try taping dimes to your glasses, and then try to
read.
There are several
varieties of MD. The most common is Dry MD, although our list of luminaries
includes victims of Wet, Dry, Myopic, and Juvenile MD.
MD is the leading
cause of vision loss in North America, affecting 15 million people in North
America – 2.5 million in Canada – and thousands more annually. While not
universally the case, MD is most often the result of the passage of time –
aging. The retinal tissue deteriorates, abused by years of exposure to smoke,
pollution and UV rays, and incomplete nutrition. MD affects one of six people
between the ages of 65 and 75, and one of three over 75. With the aging of the
"baby boomers", we’ll have a virtual epidemic of age-related MD by
2020.
I’m one of those
baby boomers. One day, I suddenly couldn’t read the words on my computer
screen. I’d always enjoyed 20/20 vision, but suddenly my left eye couldn’t even
see the E – that’s 20/400! The cause was Wet Type Macular Degeneration. While
it didn’t hurt a bit, I’d never been more frightened.
For people with Dry
MD, it’s a gradual, more insidious deterioration. They don’t see the problem
until one day while they’re driving home from the office, a telephone pole at
the roadside appears to be doing the twist. A few months later, a car comes out
of nowhere. Or, worse, a child.
Is There a Cure?
Not Yet, But There is Hope!
Although MD is
considered incurable, researchers are working to discover ways to treat, cure,
and ultimately prevent MD. Already, there are several procedures proven
effective to treat the effects of Wet MD. My doctor opted for submacular
surgery for me. (I’m now 20/80.) For others, appropriate treatment may be laser
surgery, or photodynamic therapy. There is no approved treatment, yet, for Dry
MD, although there has been recent research into the benefits of “cool laser”.
Risk factors for MD
are age, exposure to smoke, pollution and sunlight, low lutein and/or high
cholesterol intake, and genetic predisposition.
To maximize your
defenses, if you smoke, quit! Never go outside without sunglasses with UV and
blue light protection. Eat foods high
in beta carotene and lutein. Take eye-targeting vitamins.
The moment you
notice anything odd with your vision, contact your ophthalmologist. Do not
wait. Early detection and treatment can be difference between mild and severe
vision loss.
Already a Victim of MD?
Seek Strength in Numbers
Recognize that humans
perceive vision loss as a threat to survival and withdraw in self-defense. It’s
instinct. The withdrawal and loss of independence and confidence that accompany
MD can lead to serious depression. Consult your doctor, and contact your CNIB
for information about local support groups, so you can share with people who
understand exactly what you’re experiencing, who see exactly as you see. If you
have access to the internet, contact the MD Support Group.
Knowledge is
crucial for new victims of MD. There is an amazing array of books to help you
and your family to understand the physiological, psychological, and social
aspects of MD. Internet is a phenomenal resource for you who have access.
Our luminaries
share one other common element – they all continued to pursue their art despite
MD. Monet began his Waterlilies series after his vision began to deteriorate.
Degas sculpted his exquisite ballerina because he found it easier to sculpt
than paint. Marla Runyan was a finalist in the 1500 meter event at the 2000
Olympics – not the Paralympics! And no doubt Stephen’s still writing up a storm.
Take their example
- Don’t let Macular Degeneration stop you ffrom pursuing your art, whatever it
may be.
- Linda1958,
Vancouver, BC, July 2001