Even with MD life goes on for Helen
Closing her right eye to apply makeup Helen Gray found her left eye was “all blurry”.
At that point she noticed a difference in her eye and was aware her right eye was getting tired. That was 10 years ago.
When Helen started to feel pressure in her left eye she visited Forsight optometrists in Katikati, who referred her to Tauranga Eye Specialists. In 2014 she was diagnosed by Dr Andrew Thompson with pigment epithelial detachment with raised intraocular pressure (pressure inside the eye) at night in her left eye. She had a series of avastin injections in her left eye to try and limit the damage to her sight and macular degeneration.
“My eye has settled down and I have regular checks on the pressure to ensure that it has not risen. I just need to be aware of any perceived changes and get my eyes checked as soon as possible.” In February Dr Thompson reviewed her. Having seen Helen over a number of years for a choroidal neovascular membrane in the left eye, that following treatment has stablised, there is a very small disciform (oval) scar at the left macula. He said that this has not required treatment for a long time now.
Treatment has enabled Helen to continue to drive and work full-time. A Quality and Compliance Manager at Just Avocados Ltd, Helen said she can still do everything, but noticed that her eyes get very tired from using the computer and driving. She uses eye drops to keep them moist.
Helen knows how important it is for her to have had her eyes checked early.
“It is my understanding if MD is caught early enough the damage can be limited. Obviously every case is different.”
She said she received wonderful service and support from the Park Street Eye Clinic and Forsight in Katikati.