Living with Macular Degeneration: Tips for Maximizing Vision

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the central portion of the retina, making tasks like reading, recognizing faces, and driving more difficult over time. While AMD cannot be cured, you can often continue living independently and comfortably by using strategies that support your remaining vision. 

At Tres Vision Group in Melbourne, our board-certified eye doctors help patients like you across Brevard County, including Merritt Island, manage AMD with personalized care and evidence-based recommendations.

Optimize Lighting Throughout Your Home

Good lighting makes a significant difference if you have AMD. Bright, direct lighting reduces shadows and improves contrast, making reading labels, cooking, and performing daily activities easier. Adjustable lamps, under-cabinet lighting, and task lamps placed close to work areas help improve clarity. You may also find that daylight-balanced LED bulbs offer comfortable, consistent illumination.

Use High-Contrast Tools and Visual Aids

High-contrast items can make daily tasks simpler and safer. Large-print books, bold-lined paper, contrasting cutting boards, and high-contrast clocks or remotes are practical additions. Try handheld magnifiers, digital magnifiers, or smartphone apps that enlarge text. Low-vision specialists can recommend devices designed specifically for AMD-related vision loss.

Adjust Your Digital Devices

Smartphones, tablets, and computers offer tools that help maximize remaining vision. Increasing font size, activating high-contrast modes, and using built-in screen readers or voice assistants can reduce strain. Blue-light filters or glare-reducing screen covers may also improve comfort for prolonged tasks.

Prioritize Healthy Vision Habits

Lifestyle choices play an important role in slowing AMD progression. These include:

• Eating leafy greens, colorful produce, and omega-3-rich foods

• Avoiding smoking and smoke exposure

• Wearing sunglasses outdoors to protect against UV and blue light

• Maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels

If you live with intermediate or advanced dry AMD, AREDS2 supplements may also help slow progression. Our doctors provide guidance based on your specific diagnosis.

Continue Regular Eye Exams

Frequent monitoring is essential for managing macular degeneration. Sudden changes (such as new distortion, dark spots, or rapid blurring) may indicate a shift from dry to wet AMD, which requires prompt treatment to preserve vision. With advanced retinal imaging at Tres Vision Group, we can detect changes early and provide timely care.

Specialized AMD Care in Melbourne, FL

Living with AMD can feel overwhelming, but the right support and tools can help you maintain independence and quality of life. Tres Vision Group provides ongoing AMD monitoring, low-vision guidance, and advanced treatments for patients throughout Melbourne, Merritt Island, and Brevard County.

To schedule your macular degeneration evaluation, contact us at (321) 984-3200.