How long does it take to go blind with Macular Degeneration if you're only 39 years old and diabetic 35 years.

Hi.. I am an optometrist w/ 31 years experience in Massachusetts and the answer to your question is not easy.. It depends on a number of factors. Yoy are a type I diabetic who is insulin dependent..and I know nothing about how well you are controlled. the rest of your body health history and how long you have had macular degeneration.. Also there are 2 types: WET and DRY. If you have DRY, the chances are that it will be a while 10-30 years before your central vision is gone. If it is the WET..this form has a more rapid progression and within 1-3 years. your central vision may be gone. The treatments......(surgical) are NOT very good..and do NOT recover any lost vision..but attempt to just stop the progression of the disease..

Diabetes is not just a sugar disease.. It is also a blood vessel disease..!! And affect all of the blood vessels in your body.not just your eyes..

If you are overweight..lose weight, excercise and take vitamins which contain vitamin A,C and E...which are known to slow down the progression of macular degeneration and cataracts....

AND.....follow your eye doctor's orders.. Good Luck

v8eyedoc