Living With Macular Degeneration: Understanding Vision Changes and Low Vision Support

Living with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can be challenging at times, but understanding the changes in your vision is the first step toward reclaiming your independence. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been managing this condition for years, there's hope and support available to help you maintain your quality of life. This AMD and Low Vision Awareness Month is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness and connect with resources that can assist you on your journey.

Common Vision Changes Noticeable Over Time

Macular degeneration occurs when the macula at the back of the eye begins to deteriorate, with age being the primary risk factor. Here are some key changes in vision associated with AMD:

• Central vision blurring: A key early sign of AMD is that the center of the field of vision becomes blurry, hazy, or distorted.
• Wavy lines: Straight lines, such as door frames or text lines, may appear bent, wavy, or crooked.
• Dark spots: Development of dark, gray, or empty spots in the center of the vision, which may increase in size over time.
• Difficulty with low light: Reduced ability to see in dim lighting or difficulty adjusting from bright to dim environments.
• Faded colors: Colors may seem less vivid or less bright than in the past.
• Reduced detail recognition: Difficulty with fine details, such as reading small print or recognizing faces.

AMD is a progressive eye disease. Patients should be vigilant about any changes in their vision, no matter how minor they may seem, and maintain regular communication with their retina specialist.

Maintaining Independence With AMD

AMD can be a daunting diagnosis, but it doesn’t always mean loss of independence. There are tools and emerging technologies available to help those with AMD live fulfilling lives, such as:

• Low vision devices: Utilizing tools such as magnifiers, smart home technology, audiobooks, text-to-speech software, and specialized glasses can significantly improve your quality of life while living with AMD.
• Lifestyle changes: Eating nutrient-rich foods and quitting smoking can help manage AMD progression.
• Environmental adjustments: Increasing lighting, maximizing contrast (using dark plates on light tables), and reducing clutter can create a more accommodating home environment for individuals with AMD.

Support Through Every Stage

Scheduling regular appointments with a retina specialist is key to monitoring disease progression and ensuring the right treatment plan. Regardless of where you are in your journey with AMD, support is available at every step. At Vitreoretinal Consultants of NY, our experienced retina specialists are committed to promoting retinal health during AMD and Low Vision Awareness Month and throughout the year. We'll create a personalized care plan to help you maintain your independence while living with AMD.

We proudly serve patients inElmhurst, NY, Flushing, NY, Great Neck, NY, Hauppauge, NY, Scarsdale, NY, Riverhead, NY, Rockville Centre, NY, Shirley, NY, and Westbury, NY. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.