Living with AMD
A diagnosis of AMD can bring a lot of questions, for you and for the people who love you. You are not alone. This page brings together practical tips, stories from people who understand, and support for the emotional side of vision changes.
For Caregivers and Family
Many people with AMD are supported by an adult child, partner or friend. If you are helping someone you love, here are ways to make a real difference:
- Go to appointments together. A second set of ears helps. Bring a written list of questions and take notes on the answers.
- Help track changes. Encourage home vision monitoring if the doctor recommends it, and help schedule regular exams. Call the eye doctor right away if your loved one notices sudden changes, like straight lines looking wavy.
- Keep treatments on schedule. Many AMD treatments require regular visits. Offering rides and reminders can help protect vision.
- Make home safer and easier. Add brighter lighting, reduce glare, use high-contrast tape on stairs, and keep frequently used items in the same place.
- Respect independence. Ask how you can help rather than assuming. Small adjustments often let a loved one keep doing what they enjoy.
- Take care of yourself, too. Caregiving is meaningful and demanding. Lean on friends, family and support groups.
Stories from the AMD Community
Hearing from others who have been there can help. Read how people living with AMD, and those who care for them, are navigating diagnosis, treatment and daily life.
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Hope Is Right Around the Corner
Beacon StoriesRosana was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) at 43, which would eventually cost her a pilot’s license, a driver’s license, and the independence she had always defined herself by. Rather than retreat, she adapted, moving closer to the beach, riding tandem bikes, and finding community through the Foundation Fighting Blindness. Today, she channels her experience with AMD into advocacy, driven by the belief that hope—and continued progress toward treatments and cures—are very much within reach.
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Seeing Beyond GA
Beacon Stories WellnessRob Howden’s journey with AMD and GA truly shows that individuals can take control of their vision loss journey and find strength within their community. His story emphasizes the importance of proactive treatment, taking care of your mental health, and the invaluable support of friends and neighbors.
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Embracing and Adapting to AMD
Beacon StoriesIn her almost eighth decade of life, Toni Mehler has learned to adapt to the unknown, and she draws from those experiences to embrace her diagnosis of AMD.
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Racing for AMD
Beacon StoriesSean was diagnosed with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in his 40s. Now Sean is using his AMD as an opportunity to educate others about the spectrum of blinding diseases while fundraising for the Foundation Fighting Blindness.
Tips for Daily Living
Small changes can make everyday tasks easier as central vision changes:
- Lighting: Use bright, even lighting and task lamps for reading and hobbies.
- Magnification: Handheld and electronic magnifiers can help with reading labels, mail and medication instructions.
- Technology: Phones, tablets and computers have built-in tools to enlarge text, increase contrast and read text aloud.
- Contrast: Choose dishes, cutting boards and towels that contrast with the surfaces around them.
- Getting around: Talk with your doctor about whether it is safe to drive, and explore local transportation options.
A low vision specialist can recommend tools and training tailored to you. Visit the Low Vision Resources page for more information.
Finding a Retinal Specialist
A retinal specialist is an ophthalmologist with advanced training in diseases of the retina, including AMD. They can confirm your stage, recommend treatment and monitor changes over time. If you have been diagnosed with AMD, ask your eye doctor whether you should see a retinal specialist.
Emotional Support
It is normal to feel worried, frustrated or sad when your vision changes. Taking care of your emotional health is part of taking care of your eyes. The Foundation's Mental Health Resource Center offers stories, articles and a directory of licensed therapists who understand vision loss.
Newly Diagnosed?
If you or a loved one was recently diagnosed, start with the basics: Information for the Newly Diagnosed and the Stages of AMD.
