Coping With Macular Degeneration

Adjusting to life with low-vision is a challenge. Patience, flexibility and imagination can help you find new ways of doing what you've loved to do and may even bring positive changes to your life.

Your Emotions

It is common for those experiencing a loss of vision to have a period of mild depression as they adjust to a new lifestyle. Some do experience extended periods of major depression and should talk to their health care professional. Major depression is a physiological condition that can be treated with professional help.

Your Living Environment

Watching Television
Keep in mind that a smaller screen is sharper than a larger screen. Sit close to the television and try sitting at a location where your blind spot is above the area you want to view. If one eye is better than the other sit at an angle so the the good eye is toward the TV.

Entertainment Equipment
Apply white or black (whichever provides best contrast) Velcro to dials to help identify settings on your stereo, DVD and remote controls.

Reading
Good lighting is essential. Use high wattage reading bulbs (not halogen) in lamps that concentrate light well (such as a pharmacy lamp). Large print books, crossword puzzles and playing cards are available.

Kitchen
Put large font labels on ingredients, spices, shelves (organize foods by type) and appliance dials and switches.

Apply white or black (whichever provides best contrast) Velcro to dials to help identify settings.

Replace electrical outlet covers with ones in a contrasting color (or paint a contrasting color).

Utilize high contrast on food preparation areas. For instance, if preparing potatoes use a dark bowl or plate for preparation.

Serve food on plain dishes so food is easy to locate.

Use a liquid level indicator that signals audibly when liquid reaches a certain level in a container or cup.

Bathroom
Put large labels on medication (with dispensing instructions), shampoo, liquid soap and conditioner.

Replace electrical outlet covers with ones in a contrasting color (or paint a contrasting color).

Use contrasting colored towels, tub mats and rugs.