Depression and Macular Degeneration

It is not uncommon for those with macular degeneration to experience depression. Some of the reasons for this are:

1) Loss of mobility

If a person has lost his driver's license or has a restricted license, the limited ability to go wherever or whenever is a big loss. Many people give up walking or bike riding because of their loss of central vision.

2) Loss of socialization

Many people stop activities like bridge or playing or golf where they had regular social interaction.

3) Loss of hobbies or interests

Instead of finding ways to adapt, many people give up reading, card playing, sewing, cooking or traveling.

Low Vision Depression Prevention Trial

"Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in older persons in the U.S. and affects more than 10 million people. One third of patients with AMD become clinically depressed when they lose the ability to pursue valued activities. Because their depression is disabling and unlikely to be treated, preventing depression in AMD is a public health imperative as the population ages.

We will recruit 200 subjects who have bilateral AMD and subthreshold depressive symptoms. Their bilateral vision loss and subthreshold depressive symptoms increase their risk to develop more severe depressive disorders and functional decline. We will randomize eligible subjects to collaborative Low Vision Rehabilitation (LVR) (optometrist and home-based OT) or enhanced LVR (optometrist and home-based Supportive Therapy)."

To learn more about the criteria for this study and study centers click here:

Macular Degeneration Research

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Leslie Degner, RN, BSN

Better Health for Better Vision