Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in people over age 65 in the United States, states eye care website All About Vision. Vision lost is usually in the center of the visual field, because the macula contains the rods and cones responsible for central vision. While people with macular degeneration usually retain some peripheral vision even in the worst cases, the loss of central vision is devastating and severely affects a person's ability to carry out normal daily activities, like cooking or reading. There are ways to help people with macular degeneration keep vision and stay independent.
Buy Low Vision Aids
The ability to care for oneself can be compromised in cases of vision loss, and the blow to self esteem when you can't care for yourself can't be overestimated. There are many devices on the market that help people with macular degeneration care for themselves. Some low vision aids, such as magnifying glasses, are easily available at retail stores. But low vision aids today go far beyond magnifying glasses, as webRN explains. There are watches and telephones with large numbers, voice-activated computer aids, telescopic lenses to help people see things at a distance better, and screens that magnify a computer screen to make it easier to see. There are a number of cooking aids, from measuring cups with large numbers to talking microwaves.
Many doctors who specialize in treating macular degeneration have a list of low vision specialists in their area. Some have stores where you can try out different tools.
Put Up an Amsler Grid
One problem with macular degeneration is that often it affects only one eye, especially at first. Using an Amsler grid, a small piece of paper filled with squares and a dot in the center, can help people recognize that the vision in one eye has suddenly decreased. Often, vision lost in one eye isn't noticed because the other eye compensates for the loss. By the time a person realizes one eye isn't seeing well, considerable damage is already done. People who have dry macular degeneration, the less serious and more common type of the disease, should check both eyes regularly, so they'll know immediately if one eye develops the wet form of the disease.
An Amsler grid can be placed on the refrigerator or in another prominent spot where it will be noticed daily. Cover one eye at a time as you look directly at the dot in the center from a distance of about 14 inches, AMD.org recommends. If fluid is accumulating under the macula, the lines around the dot will be wavy, blurred, bent or distorted. If there's any change in the grid, let your eye doctor know immediately.
Keep Them Active
People with macular degeneration often can't drive, and in the United States, people who don't drive often lose many social outlets. Yet many don't ask family members or friends for help for fear of being a bother. Offer to take them places so they don't have to ask. People with decreased vision from macular degeneration can still see to some degree; don't think they won't enjoy an outing because they can't see everything perfectly. Remember that they may not see faces clearly but may be embarrassed to say so. If you're meeting other people, state who they are, so guessing games won't be necessary.
Depression is very common in people with macular degeneration. People with the disease may not feel like doing things, but will feel better if they do. They're more likely to stay active if they're encouraged to do so.
Help Them Stay Independent
It's easier for people with vision loss from macular degeneration to stay independent if you help them arrange their environment so they won't bump into furniture or trip on throw rugs. If you're moving a relative in with you for the first time due to vision loss, be especially conscious of any obstacles that might be a problem at night, when vision may be especially poor. When you're walking offer your arm for them to take, rather than taking theirs. It may throw their balance off if you take their arm.
