MARIO PETRUCCI – ITALY
Mario went to see his family physician, and later was referred to an ophthalmologist, who diagnosed him with a disease he had never heard of before - age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The doctor told Mario he had wet AMD, the more aggressive form of the disease, which only affects about 10% of all AMD patients.
Mario’s ophthalmologist urged him to immediately get treated for the condition. He began receiving photodynamic therapy every three months over a period of two years. But unfortunately, by this time much of the damage had already been done, and he had lost vision in both of his eyes. Mario had to learn a new way of living.
PHOTOGRAPH OF
MARIO PETRUCCI
“It’s not easy to live with AMD,” he says. “I am now very dependant on my wife. I can’t drive anymore, and it’s hard for me to watch TV the way I used to.” Mario finds he sees better in the dark, and that sunlight can be uncomfortable. He still reads, but only with assistance. And when he goes outside, he has to move about carefully.
“I still have some vision anyway, and that’s fine,” he says. Like most AMD patients, Mario has use of his peripheral vision. With three children and six grandchildren that he visits with often, Mario is glad for the vision he does have.
While he admits he has experienced sadness over his vision loss, Mario often reminds himself to keep a positive attitude. “Psychologically, I feel okay,” he says. “I tell myself that there are people who live in worse situations than mine.
