Macular Degeneration and travelling abroad. Advise please

[Thebearsbunny]

My mum has recently been diagnosed with Dry Macular Degeneration. Her consultant has explained to her she must take herself immediately to the nearest A&E if she experiences a list of sysmptoms which could possibly mean her condition has deteriorated. My parents are retired and enjoy holidays abroad and the occasional cruise. They are now questioning wether it is sensible to travel in case she needs urgent attention whilst on holiday. Travelling is an important part of their life and I really do not want them to give this up due to the pleasure it brings to them both. Does anyone else have experience of holidaying whilst suffering with AMD? Would the doctor on a cruise ship be equipped to deal with her condition? Thankyou

The issue with MD is that you can lose your sight if you are not treated by an eye specialist promptly so it's unlikely a ship's dr could do anything.

The thing is with dry MD is that it can remain the same for years and years. It may never get any worse, or it may become wet MD in which case she may be able to be treated with injections in the eye or an operation.

I don't think that putting off holidays is the answer because when we are elderly anything could happen to our health anywhere - it's not realistic to put life on hold on the basis of 'what if'.

If she has not seen an eye specialist already she might find that helpful to discuss how stable they consider her eyesight.

I have a high risk of retinal detachment which would need similar surgery (I am very, very short sighted). A doctor on a cruise ship wouldn't be able to do anything- you'd need an eye surgeon in a well equipped hospital. For me personally (aged 37) I have decided that the risk is too high to travel anywhere that doesn't have excellent healthcare readily available. My eyesight is just too precious and I would rather be safe than sorry, but for other people the pull of travelling may be a risk they are willing to take. It's a very personal choice.

@Fairylea can I ask what your prescription is?

I am -9.50 in both eyes with severe astigmatism in my left eye. About a year ago I had flashing lights in my left eye which looked like a lightening storm and I went to eye clinic at the hospital and they found that I was very lucky as my retina hadn't been damaged but because of my high prescription it is a definite risk and that was enough to scare the living daylights out of me. I am very aware of floaters and changes to my eyes and have them checked regularly (every 6 months).

@Fairylea mine is similar although slightly worse. I did know that I have a higher risk of retinal detachment but in all honesty I had never given travelling a second thought til I read your post. however my eyes have been at this prescription for 25 years or so now.

No the cruise ship wouldn't be able to deal with her condition, but she could just be put to the nearest port. We refer for someone to be seen within 2 weeks (ideally one week). Its not as immediate as a retinal detachment and involves regular injections into the eye.

Only about 10-15% of patients with dry AMD go on to develop wet AMD. I certainly wouldn't hesitate recommending that your parents go away and enjoy themselves./