Living with AMD

Help with low vision

Speak to your eye specialist about a referral to a low-vision clinic if you're having difficulty with daily activities.

Staff at the clinic can give useful advice and practical support. For example, they can talk to you about:

• useful devices – such as magnifying lenses
• changes you can make to your home – such as brighter lighting
• software and mobile apps that can make computers and phones easier to use

If you have poor vision in both eyes, your specialist may refer you for a type of training called eccentric viewing training.

This involves learning techniques that help make the most of your remaining vision.

Read more about help and support if you have low vision.

Staying healthy

AMD is often linked to an unhealthy lifestyle. If you have it, try to:

• eat a balanced diet
• exercise regularly
• lose weight if you're overweight
• stop smoking if you smoke

There's some evidence to suggest that certain health supplements might help stop AMD getting worse, but this isn't definitive.

Important

Speak to your GP or specialist if you're considering taking supplements for AMD. They're not suitable for everyone.

The Macular Society has more on diet and nutrition for AMD.

Driving

AMD can make it unsafe for you to drive. Ask your specialist if they think you should stop driving.

You're required by law to tell DVLA about your condition if:

• it affects both eyes
• it only affects one eye but your remaining vision is below the minimum standards of vision for driving

Find out how to tell DVLA about a medical condition.

Monitoring and check-ups

You'll have regular check-ups with a specialist to monitor your condition.

Contact your specialist as soon as possible if your vision gets worse or you notice any new symptoms.

Keep having routine eye tests (usually every 2 years). They can pick up other eye problems that your check-ups don't look for.

Registering as sight impaired

If your vision continues to get worse, you may want to consider registering your sight loss.

This can make it easier to claim financial benefits, such as help with health costs.

Your specialist can check your vision and complete an official certificate if you meet the requirements to be registered.

RNIB has more on registering your sight loss.

Getting more help and support

Living with AMD can be very difficult.

In addition to support from your specialist, you may find it useful to use support groups such as:

• the Macular Society – which has a range of support services and a helpline on 0300 3030 111
• RNIB – which has practical advice about living with sight loss and a helpline on 0303 123 9999

Important

See a GP if you've been feeling low for more than 2 weeks. They can offer support and treatment if you need it.

Page last reviewed: Sat Mar 2021 Next review due: Tue Feb 2020