While AMD robs patients of their vision, it doesn’t need to rob patients of their independence or their joy in participating in their favorite hobbies.   How one lives successfully with AMD or any other low vision condition depends on how willing one is to try to do the things they enjoy, but to do them differently or perform them with the help of different low vision aids.

Hobbies

One woman who is visually disabled had been unable to engage in her favorite hobby, which was sewing.  Instead of giving up, she tried several different visual aids, and finally came across a headworn lighted magnifier worn over her prescription glasses that provided light and magnification hands free so she can continue to sew her projects.

Finances

Another person who no longer could read his bills with a hand held magnifier, purchased a low vision CCTV magnifier and can now continue to manage his own finances.  With the aid of large number checks and a large number calculator he doesn’t depend on anyone else for paying his utility bills.

Cooking

My friend’s mother has replaced her measuring cups and spoons with easy to see and read large, bold number ones for baking and cooking.  A large number timer is much easier for her to use than a digital timer.   A cutting board that provides contrast makes chopping food easier to see that’s black on one side to chop onions and cauliflower and white on the other side to chop broccoli and green peppers.  She orders many of her ingredients online and enjoys the convenience of home delivery.

Manage Your Own Schedule

Get a large number calendar with lots of space so you can write your appointments down with a bold tip black pen/marker. Keep track of the time with a talking or large number watch.  A digital calendar that displays the time, day of the week and date is another visual aid to help manage your schedule.

Transportation

Losing one’s driver’s license doesn’t mean you can’t get where you need to go.  Many counties offer senior transportation services.  My father-in-law who lives near Milwaukee, WI can get to his doctor appointments very inexpensively through his local county services.

The key to success is practice.  The first time you try cooking, sewing or making your own appointments it may not go smoothly but with repeated efforts you will find satisfaction in knowing you didn’t have to give up your independence or pleasure in your hobby.  For more tips on living with chronic vision loss visit :

Tips for Living with Macular Degeneration

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN

www.WebRN-MacularDegeneration.com