How long does it take for severe damage to be done with macular degeneration?
December 29th, 2008
My mother, who is diabetic, was diagnosed today with early macular degeneration. How long before her vision is significantly compromised?
While even people with good control may suffer complications it is known that diabetic complications progresses more rapidly with poor control and good control will slow its progress. Some complications like Neuropathy will actually reverse with good control not sure about macular degeneration. There is also an age related form of macular degeneration. The good news is that you don’t need to worry if you can’t maintain good control at all times. You still gain the benefits from the periods of good control that are never completely negated by the periods of poor control. Have her to the Eye Dr. at least once a year. As long as she can maintain good control and her exams show no progression the answer is a long time. If there is a noticeable change from year to year you will have the opportunity to discuss other treatment options with the Eye Dr. and or lifestyle changes you will need to make.