How to Improve your Daily Life When Having (AMD) Age-Related Macular Degeneration

If you are losing your sight, there are some things you can do to improve your vision and live more comfortably.

Millions of people live with macular degeneration and they continue to complete their daily tasks as they always have.

Lighting-

Good lighting can make a big difference, especially if you are planning on performing a task that requires attentive sight, such as reading a book or knitting. Having good lighting also creates a safer environment and helps prevent accidents.

Having too much or too little light can be dangerous for a person with low vision. Testing out different kinds of lights and their levels can help you determine which you are most comfortable seeing with.

Computers-

Computers can be very valuable for people with low vision. It can help them perform their work, shop, bank and communicate with friends with more ease. Changing the settings on your computer can help with brightness and dimness, font size and much more.

Choosing the right pair of glasses is important in working well with computers. Distance glasses are designed to focus on objects at 20 feet.  Reading glasses are designed to focus at 12 to 16 inches when you look down.  Computer screens are generally positioned straight ahead at a distance of 20 inches from your eyes.  Choose glasses that focus specifically on your computer screen.  These glasses should also include a filter to reduce glare and reflections.

Driving-

Driving with low vision is extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all cost. If you do pass the Department of Motor Vehicles driving test, take precautions while operating a car.

Always wear your glasses.

Eating Right-

Although eating the right food cannot reverse maculate degeneration, it can help control and prevent it.

Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables: Antioxidants fight against oxidation, which is a part of the process of AMD. Consuming dark, leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, mustard greens and collard greens is great because it contains lutein, which is a critical antioxidant. Antioxidants are also found in fruits and vegetables with bright colors, such as red grapes, peppers, corn, oranges, cantaloupe and mango.

Eat Fish: People who eat fish 2-3 times a week have a much lower risk of developing AMD, because of the Omega-3. You can also get your Omega-3 intake by obtaining omega-3 supplements. Fish oil capsules are popularly chosen.

Limit Your Fat Intake: Research has shown that the real issue for AMD is the amount of saturated fats consumed in diets. The biggest source that people get comes from beef, pork, lamb, butter, whole milk, eggs, etc. Maintain your fat intake, by substituting them for something lower in fat.