Australia
A 74-year-old male asked about a 91-year-old male:
if an elderly hospital pt who has untreatable macular degeneration reports a further loss of vision then, normally, would it be a waste of time for the hospital to even look into the matter?
1 doctor answer • 6 doctors weighed in

Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered
Ophthalmology 26 years experience
Any loss of vision: should be investigated as the cost of low vision societally is huge. However, in many socialized medicine countries, the older the patient, the less public health dollars are available for care to treat 'untreatable' conditions. There is wet and dry AMD. So, in either case, it does warrant further ophthalmological care to prevent against blindness.
3602 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Jan Lei Iwata commented
Ophthalmology 26 years experience
Provided original answer
You're welcome! Our vision is precious. What little one eye can see, even if it's light perception is huge for the other eye that can still see color, shapes, faces! Vision is the one sense that no one wants to lose if at all possible!
Oct 24, 2014

Dr. Theodore Wu commented
Ophthalmology 22 years experience
There are other causes of vision loss, such as strokes in the eye (NAION and AION), giant cell arteritis, Central Retinal Artery Occlusion, etc. If there is any noticeable change in vision, please arrange to see your local retina specialist.....
Oct 24, 2014
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