Reviewed By Dr. Jodi Kuhn
Reading time: 4 minutes
Many people in the US and worldwide struggle with blurry or distorted central vision. Macular degeneration affects millions of people and can make simple tasks like reading, recognizing faces, or driving feel impossible.
Vision aids for macular degeneration can help you regain independence and improve your quality of life.
Let’s explore what macular degeneration is, what puts you at risk, and how the right vision aids can make a real difference in your daily life.
Youth Vision offers comprehensive eye exams for the whole family in Denver, Aurora, Hampden, and Thornton.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
If you have macular degeneration, you can use vision aids like magnifiers, specialized glasses, or wearable devices to enhance your vision and maintain your independence. Schedule your eye exam today—we accept Medicaid!
What is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration, also called age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is an eye condition that damages the macula, the central part of your retina.
This leads to central vision loss, but your peripheral vision (the ability to see objects and movement outside your direct line of sight) often remains unaffected.
There are two types of macular degeneration
- Dry: The most common type, this occurs when the macula gradually becomes thinner over time, leading to a slow decline in central vision.
- Wet: A rarer but more serious type, caused by abnormal blood vessels forming under the retina that leak fluid or blood, which can quickly damage vision.
Are You at Risk?
You might be more likely to develop macular degeneration if:
- You are over 60: Most cases occur in older adults, as in AMD, “A” stands for “age-related”.
- It runs in your family: Genetics can play a big role.
- You smoke: Smoking doubles your risk.
- Your diet lacks nutrients: A poor diet can increase your chances.
- You have certain health conditions: Obesity, high blood pressure, or diabetes can elevate your risk.
Can Macular Degeneration Be Cured?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for macular degeneration, but there are treatments and vision aids to improve the quality of your daily life.
Top Vision Aids to Improve Your Daily Life
With the right tools, you can tackle daily tasks with ease. Here are some of the best vision aids for macular degeneration:
1. Low-Vision Magnifiers
If you have trouble reading small print or seeing details, magnifiers can help:
- Types: Dome magnifiers, bar magnifiers, handheld magnifiers, and pocket magnifiers.
- Best for: Reading books, labels, or small print.
- Why you’ll love them: They’re portable, affordable, and come in various magnification levels.
2. Video Magnifiers
Want more customization? Video magnifiers are perfect:
- Examples: Desktop video magnifiers, digital magnifiers, and screen magnification tools. (To turn on screen magnification on Windows, press Windows key + Plus (+) to activate the magnifier. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Accessibility > Zoom, and enable screen zoom options.)
- Best for: Reading, writing, and online tasks.
- Why they’re great: You can adjust the contrast and magnification for clear, detailed vision.
3. Glasses for Macular Degeneration
Specialized glasses can make a big difference:
- E-Scoop glasses: Shift images to healthier parts of your retina (this means the glasses redirect the focus of what you see onto undamaged areas of your retina, making it easier for you to process visual information).
- Bioptic telescopes: Ideal for tasks like driving or watching TV.
- Prismatic eyeglasses: Help reduce distortions and enhance image size.
4. Contact Lenses and Optical Lenses
These lenses can improve your focus and clarity:
- Options: Special prescription lenses and spherical lenses.
- Best for: Central vision loss or blind spots.
5. Wearable Devices
High-tech and practical devices can help:
- Examples: Talking watches, wearable magnifiers, and assistive devices like virtual reality headsets.
- Why they are useful: Talking watches are especially helpful for those who cannot read traditional clocks, providing audio time updates for convenience and independence. Wearable devices also enhance peripheral vision and support outdoor activities.
6. Electronic Reading Aids
Electronic reading aids are an excellent solution for those who struggle with traditional reading due to vision loss:
- Best for: Reading books, newspapers, labels, and other printed materials.
- How they help: These devices use text-to-speech technology to read printed text aloud, making reading accessible. They come in portable or desktop-based options and can be adjusted to fit your preferred reading speed and style for a personalized experience.
Why Vision Aids Are Life-Changing
Vision aids aren’t just tools—they are your key to staying independent.
They help you cook, read, and navigate your surroundings with confidence. Whether you need low-vision magnifiers or advanced wearable devices, there is a solution tailored for your needs.
Book an Eye Exam in Denver, Aurora, Hampden, or Thornton
If you would like to learn more about macular degeneration or vision aids, visit us in Denver, Aurora, Hampden, or Thornton. We see adults and children at all of our locations and we accept Medicaid to make quality vision care accessible for everyone.
Call to book an appointment or visit one of our locations in Denver, Aurora, Hampden, or Thornton.
- Denver Youth Vision, located at 1400 Grove Street, Denver, CO 80204, 303-825-2295
- Aurora Youth Vision, located at 14251 E. 6th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80011, 303-343-3133
- Thornton Youth Vision, located at 9674 Washington Street, Thornton, CO 80229, 303-953-880
- Hampden Youth Vision, located at 7400 East Hampden Ave. Unit C1, Denver, CO 80231, 720-866-9906
