I can see you posted your discussion almost. Year ago and it doesn't look like you've received any responses. I'm not an expert but I was also diagnosed young considering it is an "Age" related disease. I was 54 when I learned I have intermediate Macular Degeneration (medium drusen basically), I'm 56 now. It's rare to receive a diagnosis under the age of 55. I saw my opthalmologist annually with dilation for years and was always given a clean bill of health then covid hit And I couldn't get an appointment for like two years. I don't know when I started early because two years doesn't make sense for that kind of progression. So I'm thinking I may have started at 52, or younger but never told. The eye doctor shared nothing with me but to take AREDS and eat lots of healthy greens. Eat for your eyes as you would for your heart there is a correlation. Then I got a 2nd opinion from John's Hopkins Wilmer eye institute retina specialist and was told it is likely a pattern dystrophy. Couldn't tell me which one we'll have to wait and see. Take AREDS and eat lots of leafy greens. Then I saw a 2nd retina specialist and I'm told it's AMD. Now I have a primary opthalmologist and a retina specialist saying it's one thing a prestigious retina specialist telling me something else. Now what? Today, I order all of my eye appointment records so I can read the notes from over the years. One thing I know is the records I had sent Hopkins had information and instructions I only read about and was never told. I only learned I'm intermediate because I saw it on my records. They only thing that all of the doctors that match is they all think it will take decades to affect me. Not sure how they know that but it is their belief.
For you, Its unbelievable you were diagnosed at 36. You've had it close to 42 years? You had close to 30 years before any vision issues and now at 77 you're just starting to have more serious vision issues? And you are dry AMD? I'm wondering if you have a pattern dystrophy.
It seems you progressed extremely slow which is great. (I hope I do) Have they said intermediate or late stage dry? Are you receiving injections for the dry? There was recently an injection approved for GA (late stage dry AMD). Have you asked your retina specialist about the welding? It seems possible. What about a family history?
Have you had 2nd and 3rd opinions?
As far as the word "Age", from what I have researched this is truly an age related disease and it progressed slowly for younger people like you were and I am.
Treatments must have come a long way even since you were first diagnosed to where you are today. Are you still independent, driving, reading, watching tv, recognizing faces? I hope you see this message, sorry it is so long. I hope to hear back and to chat. Feel free to send a private message.