Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is caused by blood vessels that grow under the retina. Over time, these vessels leak enough fluid or blood into the macula to create a blind spot. The macula is the part of the retina that lets you see clearly the things directly in front of you.
Having wet AMD in one or both of your eyes can be challenging. You might not be able to read or see faces as clearly as you used to. It can also be harder to see signs when you’re driving.
Although there is no cure for wet AMD, it can be treated. You can also learn to make the most of the vision you have. Vision rehabilitation (also called low vision rehabilitation) can help you get used to your eyesight changes.
What Is Vision Rehabilitation?
Vision rehabilitation isn’t a procedure. It includes different steps, types of care, and support. It usually starts with a trip to your eye doctor.
After examining your eyes, your eye doctor needs to figure out how well you can get through the day and what your goals are. Some questions your doctor might ask include:
- Are you struggling to read, take medicines, or put a key in a lock?
- Do you need to see better to succeed at your job?
- Are you hoping to continue living alone at home?
You might continue getting vision rehabilitation from your eye doctor, or you might get a referral to another specialist or a program.
Vision rehabilitation can include:
- Emotional support, such as counseling
- Resources to help you better understand the changes in your vision
- Transportation services
- Job training so you have what you need to keep working
- Strategies for safely getting around your living space, such as no-slip rugs or extra lighting in dark corridors
- Tips for using your other senses (hearing, taste, touch, smell) for daily tasks
- Optical devices, such as magnifiers and mini-telescopes
- Non-optical aids and devices, such as increased lighting, anti-glare glasses, clocks with big numbers, or pill bottles that alert you when it’s time to take your medicine
Your Care Team
As you adjust to the changes in your vision, you might get support from several people.
Optometrists and ophthalmologists. Some eye doctors get special training on measuring low vision and helping you learn to use optical devices and aids so you can do many of the activities you’ve always enjoyed.
Occupational therapists. This type of therapist comes to your home and recommends changes you can make to the entire living space so you can be safe and stay independent. Some of these changes might include getting no-slip rugs, adding lighting to dark stairs or corridors, adding safety bars in your shower and near your toilet, or removing clutter from all the rooms.
Low vision therapists. Certified low vision therapists and certified vision rehabilitation experts are trained to teach you how to use optical devices, such as magnifiers, and helpful technology, such as screen readers and handheld GPS devices so you can get around more easily.
Mobility experts. Certified orientation and mobility experts can teach you ways to be more independent and get around safely. For example, they can help you feel more comfortable using a cane, taking public transit, or relying on a handheld GPS device.
A support group. You may find it comforting to talk with people who have low vision. They may have tips to share and can help you figure out how to work around challenges when they come up. (For instance, letting your family members know you need space or that you don’t need them to do everything for you)
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
If you have wet AMD, you might want to ask your eye doctor:
- Do you offer vision rehabilitation services, or can you refer me to someone who does?
- How do you think vision rehabilitation might help me?
- What optical and non-optical devices, aids, or services do you recommend for me?
- Do I need a prescription for a device like a magnifier?
- Can I try out a device before I buy it?
- Will you bill my health insurance?
- What are my out-of-pocket costs?
Cost and Health Insurance
The cost of vision rehabilitation varies depending on the health insurance plan you have. For instance, Medicare and most health insurance plans pay for sessions with an occupational therapist but might not cover all the optical devices and aids you might need. The Department of Veterans Affairs usually covers low vision evaluations and optical devices. Under the Americans With Disabilities Act, your employer might cover the cost of optical devices you use at work.
Make sure to check with your health insurance plan to see what they cover and how much you have to pay out of pocket.
Some nonprofit groups are dedicated to helping people with low vision. Some of the benefits they offer may include access to online support groups, free help from trained experts, and a chance to try out optical and non-optical aids or devices before you buy them. Ask your doctor to recommend a group.
Every state offers vision rehabilitation services. You might also qualify for other no-cost benefits. For example, the Library of Congress offers free audiobooks and a player to people with low vision.
Show Sources
(Photo Credit: OHSU Eye Institute)
SOURCES:
American Academy of Ophthalmology: “Initiative in Vision Rehabilitation,” “Low Vision Rehabilitation Teams and Services.”
American Occupational Therapy Association: “What Is Occupational Therapy?”
American Optometric Association: “Vision Rehabilitation.”
APH Connect Center: “Roadmap To Living With Vision Loss: What Kinds of Services Will You Need To Maintain Independence?,” “Vision Rehabilitation Services.”
BrightFocus Foundation: “Vision Rehabilitation for Age-Related Macular Degeneration. What It Is and How It Can Help.”
British Journal of General Practice: “Creating a holistic support service for people with vision impairment.”
Johns Hopkins Medicine: “Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).”
Living Well With Low Vision/Prevent Blindness.org: “A Self-Help Guide To Non-Visual Skills.”
Macular Society: “Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).”
Mayo Clinic: “Wet Macular Degeneration.”
National Eye Institute: “Vision Rehabilitation Resources.”
Oregon Health and Sciences University Casey Eye Institute: “Vision Rehabilitation.”
WhatIsLowVision.org: “Low Vision FAQs.”
