Hearing the words “you have age-related macular degeneration” can be very stressful for patients and their families. Learning more about the disease and how you can manage it can go a long way toward relieving your worries.

If you or a loved one has age-related macular degeneration (AMD), it’s important to keep in mind that you will not become totally blind. Even though there’s currently no cure for the disease, treatment can help manage your vision loss. Through training and adaptive devices, you can improve your level of independence and quality of life.

A senior couple sitting on a sofa, smiling, and looking at a digital tablet device.

Find your ground.

You may be unsure about what you should do first and how to get started. In this section, you can find out what your first steps should be if you or a loved one is newly diagnosed with AMD:

  • Build your support team, including eye care specialists and low-vision therapists, to help you manage your care and continue daily activities with the help of various supports.
  • Find an eye care provider who’s right for you, to coordinate your treatment plan with your support team.
  • Prepare for your appointments to make the most of your time with your doctor.
  • Learn about federal, state, and local government benefits programs to help with cost and find other resources.

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