Humans use their sight to distinguish up to 80 percent of all impressions, but this ability is threatened when you develop a condition like dry macular degeneration (AMD). Dry AMD is an age-related condition that thins your layer of retinal pigment cells (RPE) in your macula. Your RPE cells are very important to vision because they reinforce your light sensitive photoreceptor cells. The brain is where vision happens. The photoreceptors take the things you look at and send this information to your brain.

Dry AMD is a condition that gradually develops and does not cause pain. Common symptoms include distorted vision, the need of brighter light when doing close work, decreased central vision in one or both eyes, sensitivity to light and difficulty recognizing faces. If you are experiencing these symptoms, then it is time to contact your eye doctor. Read on to find out how to slow the progression of dry macular degeneration with low vision rehabilitation.

Work With A Team

This condition is incurable. It helps to catch dry AMD in the early stages to slow down its progression. Dry AMD does not affect your side vision nor causes complete blindness. However, it can wipe out or decrease your central vision, which is needed for recognizing faces, driving and reading.

Many eye doctors take a team approach when treating this condition. The team is made up of specialists who have experience with vision rehabilitation. It is made up of some of the following specialists: counselor, social worker, orientation and mobility specialist, rehabilitation teacher, occupational therapist, low-vision specialist and ophthalmologist.

Mobility Training

Vision rehabilitation is a rehab program to improve vision or to help people with low vision. This program is designed to help you with every aspect of your life. It also introduces you to special devices to help you function better.

Mobility training is a part of the program that helps patients with vision impairment to live independently. It does this by teaching you skills that help you stay mobile while living with low vision. This program uses training devices like the 3D sound virtual reality system. The 3D sound virtual reality system works by converting sounds into locations and charts out your environment. It also alerts you of any dangers.

Get Familiar With Magnifying Spectacles

Your doctor may recommend magnifying spectacles. These glasses are stronger than prescription glasses. They are used for up-close tasks, such as sewing and reading. If you choose to get magnifying spectacles, then you would learn how to use them in the rehab program and apply this information to your daily routine.  

Losing you vision is a serious matter. It helps to get medical attention as soon as possible at places like Tri State Ophthalmology.