Macular Degeneration: Employment & Income
Written By: BrightFocus Editorial Staff
Written By: BrightFocus Editorial Staff
If you have age-related macular degeneration (AMD), it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Many people develop vision loss as more people are living longer. Those who are currently working may wonder whether they should continue in their present jobs.
As you consider this question, learning more about your options for continued income, retirement, disability, and benefits can help with your decision.
The initial stages of vision loss can be difficult, especially if you:
Vision loss doesn’t have to mean job loss. Take your time in considering your options before you make any decisions. Here are some issues to learn more about:
Learn as much as you can about your disease and your prognosis. If you have some remaining vision, you may be able to use a low-vision device, such as a telescope or other reading aid. Your doctor can examine you to see if you’re a good candidate.
A low-vision specialist can help you maximize the vision you have so that you can continue to work safely and effectively. Tell the specialist about:
Look into your options for early retirement, Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (SSDI), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). However, keep in mind that it is often much easier to adapt your current work situation than to try to reenter the workforce after leaving.
Be clear in explaining your specific visual needs to your employer or co-workers, because they may not have experience with or knowledge of macular degeneration and low vision. When you meet with your employer, provide details about what types of aids you may need, such as:
Analyze your work to see if there are any duties you believe you can no longer perform, such as:
Consider how each of these issues can be resolved to come up with suggestions for your employer. Perhaps you can “trade” a difficult task with a co-worker.
Contact your state rehabilitation agency for the blind or visually impaired and ask to meet with a vocational rehabilitation counselor. This person can coordinate a service and training plan for you.
Ask your vocational rehabilitation counselor for referrals to specialists who can help you get to and from work or move around your job site more easily:
Ask your vocational rehabilitation counselor about low-vision aids and devices. Your employer may be willing (or even legally required) to pay for any adaptive equipment you need to do your job.
Learn about other resources that can support you in your work. Ask your family, friends, and your vocational rehabilitation counselor, and check our Macular Degeneration Resources page.
After completing this research, you’ll be ready to explain your situation to your employer. By planning ahead, you’ll have resolved many issues that could prevent you from continuing to work.
Please visit our Government Benefits page to learn more about your options for Social Security income, disability, and many other resources.
BrightFocus Foundation is a premier global nonprofit funder of research to defeat Alzheimer’s, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Through its flagship research programs — Alzheimer’s Disease Research, Macular Degeneration Research, and National Glaucoma Research— the Foundation has awarded nearly $300 million in groundbreaking research funding over the past 51 years and shares the latest research findings, expert information, and resources to empower the millions impacted by these devastating diseases. Learn more at brightfocus.org.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is a public service of BrightFocus Foundation and is not intended to constitute medical advice. Please consult your physician for personalized medical, dietary, and/or exercise advice. Any medications or supplements should only be taken under medical supervision. BrightFocus Foundation does not endorse any medical products or therapies.