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Scheie Eye Institute/Dry macular geographic atrophy
Going for 2nd opinion at Scheie Eye institute for my macular degeneration with geographic atrophy. I recently went into geographic atrophy and skeptical about Valeda light therapy and the injections. I only have one functioning eye. My one eye is nearly blind from childhood amblyopia.
Just wondering if anyone has seeked a medical evaluation at Scheie Eye Institute. I was considering going to BascomPalmer in Florida to Dr Stephen Swartz. Thinking it would be difficult to follow a treatment plan from Pennsylvania. Scheie Eye is just 1 hour away. I am currently since 2013 been seeing MidAtlantic Retina in Bethlehem
I just don't get any information from them. I have to do the research and then bring it up to them. The only thing I was offered was the Syfovre injections
Seems anyone I have spoken to that has used the Syfovre, went from dry to wet. Quite a gamble. Especially with having one functioning eye. I read about Valeda and was told MidAtlantic Retina,(Wills Eye) does not use it and neither does Bascom Palmer because it is too new and not enough research yet. Dr Kazahaya in Allentown does provide the treatment with Valeda. Did meet with him and extremely impressed with him.
Very knowledgeable and takes all the time you need to have your questions answered.
Just trying to pick anyone's brain as to what experiences they have endured and if results were positive. Need to know trying the treatment outweighs the risk of losing more sight sooner in my only eye. The weight and see method is frightening.
Can anyone state how long it took for the progression to reach the central vision? I was in beginning and intermittent for at least 10 years and just went into geographic atrophy in March but I am experiencing minor changes such as blurred vision but not constant and I only needed glasses for distance but now my distance is not as clear and I cannot read without reading glasses which I could with difficulty up until June.
Would appreciate any thoughts and comments.
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I should have proof read bf pressing post.
I only needed glasses for reading not for distance and now my distant vision is not as clear. And was able to read my phone and some correspondence without readers but it was an effort. Now I cannot read anything without reading glasses.
(And wait and see) think phone made that error!
Sorry for corrections.
Have you had a consultation at Wills Eye or Bascom Palmer? The stakes are so high with your remaining vision. I would be tempted to travel for the best advice available, even seeking a second and third opinion.
Scheie is a very good choice. I go to Mid Atlantic Retina in Lansdale. Never give up. Keep searching. Prayers!
@triciabliler have you called the cell phone company you have and asked their technical support to help you enlarge the font or Print size on your phone. I did that on my cell phone and I just went up a bit so I could read the names better when I wanna make calls and I also get it overall just a bit and it worked.
@tillymack Thank you for your response.
I have been going to MidAtlantic Retina in Bethlehem which is Wills Eye. Going to Scheie Eye Institute this week for 2nd opinion.
Considering Valeda light therapy with Dr Kazahaya in Allentown. My concern with Valeda is I have heard reports of participants turning from dry.to wet after treatments.
@minnesota10 Thank you for that information regarding my cell phone provider. I will take your advice. Very helpful
@mikaylar Do you mind saying who you see at Mid-Atlantic Retina in Lansdale.
Have you been pleased with them and is your macular dry or wet and if dry has it advanced to geographic atrophy?
@triciabliler
You're welcome! I was actually thinking of Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia.
Do you think it makes a difference if you go to the inner city hospital? Its been my understanding that the doctors at Mid-Atlantic are also practicing doctors in Philadelphia. Am I misinformed? Have you been seen in Philadelphia? If so, do you have a retina specialist recommendation?
The best way to tell would be to check a few of the best doctors for your particular condition working at Wills Eye Hospital and see where else they practice. In other words, do they also practice in a more convenient location. I check for factors such as experience, education, and reviews. I do something similar for any serious medical or surgical concern. Many times I find that the best doctor for my particular condition only works at the best hospital. Other times they work at a nearby more convenient location.