Coping with Macular Degeneration
Coping with Age Related Macular Degeneration
Age related macular degeneration and vision loss is life changing especially if vision loss occurs rapidly. Life style
changes such as cutting back on work, volunteering, and recreational activities may be
necessary, in addition to greater reliance on family and friends. Medical treatment is
essential as is learning to cope. Here are things you can do:
- Learn more about your vision loss.
- Visit a specialist in low vision and get devices and learning skills to help you with the
- tasks of everyday living.
- Try to stay positive. People who remain hopeful say they are better able to cope with
- AMD and vision loss.
- Stay engaged with family and friends.
- Seek a professional counselor or support group. Your doctor or eye care professional may be able to refer you to one.
- Information for family members
Low vision devices that may be helpful include:
- Reading glasses with high-powered
- Handheld magnifiers
- Video magnifiers
- Computers with large-print and speech-output systems
- Large-print reading materials
- Talking watches, clocks, and calculators
- Computer aids and other technologies, such as a closed-circuit television, which uses a camera and television to enlarge printed text.
Being there is important for those family and friends diagnosed with ARM, but isn’t always the easiest thing to do. Anger, disbelief, and depression are common emotions felt by those that are diagnosed with ARMD, making it harder to simply be there for them. The following are some ideas family members might consider:
- Obtain as much information as possible about ARMD and how it affects sight. Share the information with the person who has ARMD.
- Find support groups and other resources within the community or social media. https://www.facebook.com/macularhope/
- Encourage family and friends to visit and support the person with ARMD.
- Allow for grieving. This is a natural process.
- Be a companion.
Help full links
https://www.facebook.com/macularhope/
Information provided by National Eye Institute at:
https://nei.nih.gov/health/maculardegen/armd_facts
Have a question or want our opinion ask us. want to know more? Ask us