MacuMira

Navigating the emotional and psychological effects of AMD

Fear of blindness is a significant concern for AMD patients, and the uncertainty of disease progression adds to the emotional burden.

“The number one fear for people, period, is going blind,” says Dr. Trevor Miranda, an optometrist and owner of Cowichan Eyecare in B.C. 

It’s no surprise, then, that to get diagnosed with a potentially blinding disease can cause significant stress and worry for people. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), an eye disease that affects central vision, is the leading cause of blindness in North American adults over the age of 50. [1]The emotional and psychological impacts of an AMD diagnosis can be devastating. 

Patients have a lot of anxiety and fear about this diagnosis,says Dr. Miranda. The condition can impact people very differently, depending on the type and stage of the disease. You can have AMD and see 20/20, or you can have AMD and not be able to see your hand in front of your face,notes Dr. Miranda. The psychological consequences vary as well. Part of the impact that AMD has on patients is not just in the vision loss itself, but in the uncertainty of the diagnosis and the future of their vision.  

While the disease and the vision loss that has already occurred can’t be completely reversed, it can potentially be slowed down. But the unpredictability of the disease progression is always present. AMD is progressive, meaning that its symptoms worsen over time. [2] However, there’s no set timeline for this progression, and there are steps that patients can take to reduce the risk of it progressing. [3] This lack of certainty can cause stress, anxiety and concern for patients. 

For those who are experiencing significant visual impairment, AMD can cause many challenges.

“If they lose the ability to drive and they need to rely on people to do things like grocery shopping, patients can lose their sense of independence,” says Dr. Miranda. “If they can’t read anymore, that really impacts people. If you can’t see the golf ball, that’s depressing if you’re a golfer. Not being able to do the things you love to do can definitely affect your mental wellness.” 

Dr. Miranda notes that in its more advanced stages, AMD can also contribute to social isolation. “If you’re blind, you’re going to want to stay in an area you’re familiar with,” he notes. This can impact patients’ social lives and sense of community connection, tethering them to their homes and negatively affecting their ability and likelihood to socialize, engage with their communities, visit family and friends and participate in their favourite hobbies or activities.  

 

A senior woman with gray hair sitting on a couch, holding a cup, reflecting on the emotional impacts of AMD disease progression.
A senior man with gray hair and a beard, sitting on a couch, rubbing his eyes in frustration while holding a tablet, reflecting on the challenges of AMD disease progression.

The feelings of fear, grief, isolation, depression, anger and frustration, among others, [4]can be a lot to grapple with. Addressing these psychological impacts in patient care is essential, according to Dr. Miranda. Patient care should include not just medical treatment, but rather a comprehensive approach utilizing supports and resources to help individuals cope with their vision loss.

This can also have a negative effect on patients’ self-esteem and self-perception. “Not being able to see someone’s face when talking to them or to see your own face in the mirror does change your perspective,” says Dr. Miranda.  

Treatments that can improve patientsvision are certainly valuable,says Dr. Miranda, citing MacuMira Vision Therapy and retinal rejuvenation (offered at Cowichan Eyecare) as key examples. Easing patients distress with treatments such as MacuMira gives them hope for the future and increases their quality of life.

I also recommend that patients use as many tools as they can to improve their vision whether thats glasses, magnification glasses, AI-driven glasses, large-print books, audiobooks or smartphone technologies. There are lots of things available out there. We need to make patients aware of opportunities to improve their lifestyle while living with the disease. 
 

An elderly woman with glasses and a young girl, both wearing hats, enjoying gardening together while watering plants, reflecting moments of joy despite AMD disease progression.

To help patients manage the more social and psychological impacts of vision loss, Dr. Miranda recommends seeking out support systems and groups. “The CNIB can give you support, access to devices and even braille lessons,” he says. Peer support groups, other organizations such as Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada, the Canadian Council of the Blind and government-run programs can also provide much-needed support. 

 
“The key part is to keep positive,” says Dr. Miranda.  

Support is available, and you’re not alone.  


If you’re experiencing the challenges of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), MacuMira Vision Therapy offers a groundbreaking, non-invasive solution to help restore and improve your vision. This clinically proven treatment is administered by certified eye care professionals and has shown significant results in enhancing visual acuity. To learn more about how Macumira can make a difference in your life, visit Macumira and register for more information. Take the first step toward better vision and a brighter future today.

 

 

Disclaimer: Always speak to your primary health care provider and/or eye care provider before making any changes to your lifestyle, activities or diet. 

References

  1. https://opto.ca/eye-health-library/age-related-macular-degeneration-amd
  2. https://opto.ca/eye-health-library/age-related-macular-degeneration-amd
  3. https://www.fightingblindness.ca/eyehealth/eye-diseases/age-related-macular-degeneration/
  4. https://www.macularsociety.org/media/2rxhckfy/emotional-impact-ms021-2021.pdf