AREDs

[Sum1Ls]

As you know I’ve recently had a cataract surgery. I also have both wet and dry macular degeneration.

On Monday I had a meeting with Professor Jackson who has done all the research on these conditions.

He recommended that I take AREDs which a study has shown that it will delay the progress of the disease. He wrote to the GP to ask him to prescribe it.

I heard nothing, so today I contacted the surgery and the pharmacist phoned to say that it’s not available on the NHS as it’s classed as a ‘food supplement’’. She had never heard of it.

Professor Jackson had warned me but said it was worth a try.

Anyway, the pharmacist explained why they couldn’t prescribe it ‘becauuse it’s not on the list’. I said that was fine and I would simply buy it myself. At which point she said ‘You will probably find it a bit cheaper on the internet. Do you have a family member who can search for you?

I was almost speechless but I replied that I was perfectly capable of doing an internet search - and then I suggested that as she hadn’t heard of the research study, she could do an internet search. And get a family member to help.

[Lizzie48]

Sum, I have never heard of ARED's , but, if I am ever asked if I can use the internet I tell them I am learning!!!

[Oma]

Oh Sum1 I would have loved to have seen her face when you suggested that😁

Why do they think once you reach a certain age that you are incapable of doing these things?
No doubt there are people who can't, but her response should have been have you got access to the internet ,
Then if you had responded that you wouldn't know what to do suggest a family member.

I must admit I have never heard of them either , did a google search , they seem highly recommended,
Not a cure but helps slow the process down from what I read.

[Plantaholic]

Not heard of them either, must look them up

[Daisy]

Sum, I hope that assistant has a suitable able member of her family to help her search. Well done on such a quick and appropriate response.

I have heard of AREDS. When my OH was first diagnosed with wet macular degeneration in one eye he was recommended by a friend to take OptiVision tablets and capsules from Healthspan to support the health of his eyes. This was about 10 years ago. He has progressed from monthly injections in his eye, which reduced in frequency until now there is no evidence of fluid and he has three-monthly checkups, but no injections.

You can never know, of course, whether this would have happened without OptiVision but they have certainly done no harm and may have helped. There don't appear to be any side effects of the tablets and capsules and he gets them on subscription.

https://www.healthspan.co.uk/optivision/

I'm sure there must be other brands and formulations, but he's happy with the Healthspan ones.

[Nanto2girls]

I've never heard of them either.

Sum, i would love to have seen her reaction to your comment.