Retired nurse and community volunteer Jan McEwen urges New Zealanders to heed the warning signs of eye trouble, following her recent diagnosis of macular degeneration (MD), a leading cause of blindness in older adults. MD affects central vision, hindering activities such as driving, reading, and recognizing faces, with one in seven people over 50 affected.
In preparation for a free seminar organized by Macular Degeneration NZ, McEwen shared her experience. The seminar, featuring ophthalmologist Dr. Alistair Papali’i-Curtin, aims to educate attendees on recognizing and managing MD. Dr. Papali’i-Curtin highlighted that many dismiss early symptoms as normal aging, overlooking available treatments. “Early intervention is critical, and this seminar will equip attendees to care for their eye health,” he stated.
McEwen emphasizes the importance of regular eye exams, having been diagnosed after her optometrist noted signs of MD during a routine check. Initially focused on her knee replacement, she later returned to her optometrist due to worsening vision. On the day of her hospital appointment, she learned from Dr. Keith Maslin that she had wet MD in both eyes, necessitating immediate treatment.
Since then, McEwen has received monthly injections, which stabilized her condition. In December, she ceased driving, relying on friends and family for transportation. Despite challenges, she maintains a degree of independence, enjoying walks and participating in community activities. McEwen continues her hobbies with adaptations, using good lighting and magnification for cross stitch and quilting, and has joined a book club to stay engaged.
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