AMD and Mental Health
Understanding AMD
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in people over 50. It happens when the central portion of your retina, called the macula, wears down. The retina is the light-sensing tissue at the back of your eye.
Impact on Daily Life
AMD rarely causes blindness but can cause serious vision problems. Tasks like reading, recognizing faces, and driving may become challenging.
Connection to Mental Health
AMD affects more than your eyesight. People with AMD have a higher risk of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. Losing your vision can lead to feelings of helplessness and frustration.
Signs of Depression
Symptoms of depression include lack of interest in hobbies, persistent sadness, changes in appetite, and feelings of worthlessness. The good news is that depression is treatable. Doctors often recommend a combination of medication and talk therapy.
Signs of Anxiety
Symptoms of anxiety include restlessness, trouble focusing, difficulty sleeping, and an inability to control worries. These symptoms can further complicate life with vision loss.
Mental Health Treatments
Options for mental health treatment include therapy, medication, and support groups. Low-vision rehabilitation can also help you adapt to vision changes and improve your overall well-being.
Practical Steps for Mental Health
Staying active, eating a healthy diet, maintaining social connections, and getting enough sleep are steps you can take to manage depression and anxiety related to AMD.
Low-Vision Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation can help you adapt to vision loss through home safety modifications, better lighting, and assistive devices like magnifiers, allowing you to stay independent.
Building a Support Network
A support network including doctors, therapists, and support groups can provide assistance and emotional support. Being around others who have a similar experience to yours can make your burden seem lighter and show you different ways to manage your situation.
Living With AMD
Living with AMD isn't easy, but taking steps to manage your mental health can help you lead a meaningful life.
Show Sources
SOURCES:
American Academy of Ophthalmology: “What is Macular Degeneration?”
Journal of Vision Impairment and Blindness: “Depression in Age-Related Macular Degeneration.”
Clinical Ophthalmology: “Anxiety and depression in patients with advanced macular degeneration: current perspectives.”
American Journal of Ophthalmology: “Experience of anti-VEGF Treatment and Clinical Levels of Depression and Anxiety in Patients with Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration.”
CDC: “Vision Loss and Mental Health.”
BMC Psychiatry: “Barriers to integrating routine depression screening into community low vision rehabilitation services: a mixed methods study.”
Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired: “Your Mental Health: How Vision Loss Impacts Depression.”
Prevent Blindness: “Low Vision Rehabilitation.”
World Services for the Blind: “Mental Health Tips for the Blind and Visually Impaired.”
Cleveland Clinic: “Depression.”
National Institutes of Health: “Repurposing drugs to treat age-related macular degeneration.”
National Eye Institute: “Talk with Your Doctor About AMD,” “Low Vision.”
CDC: “Depression is Not a Normal Part of Growing Older.”
The American Society of Retina Specialists: “Healthy Habits to Preserve Healthy Vision.”
National Institute on Aging: “Depression and Older Adults,” “A Good Night’s Sleep.”
Nutrients: “Dietary Sources of Lutein and Zeaxanthin Carotenoids and their Role in Eye Health.”
Nature: “Increased probability of mood disorders after age-related macular degeneration: a population-based cohort study.”
Psychosomatic Medicine: “The Effects of Dietary Improvement on Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.”
Mayo Clinic: “Depression and anxiety: Exercise eases symptoms.”
Sleep Foundation: “Depression and Sleep.”
