Living with Macular Degeneration - Everyday Tips
There are many adjustments to make in your every day living with macular degeneration. The most important is your attitude - you need to be willing to try to do things differently. Some changes are easy - like using colored dinner plates that contrast with your placemat. Some are more difficult and may involve some training from a low vision specialist. 
What Others are Saying about Living with AMDOne of the best ways to learn how to adapt to this loss of central vision is to learn from others who have been there. Click on this link to share your best tip for living with AMD and to read what others are doing:Tips for Living with Macular Degeneration
Contrast is KingAs your macular degeneration progresses it becomes more difficult to see or notice objects when there isn't as much contrast - such as a black pen on a black granite counter top, but ...put that black pen on a white counter top it can be seen quite easily.Provide contrast to all areas of your home such as: √ Use white plates on a dark tablecloth 
√ Use dark colored face plates on your electrical switches and outlets if your have light colored walls√ Put dark colored decals on your sliding glass doors √ Use white on black stickers to label your computer keys √ Paint the edges of your outdoor steps in white √ Use bright and varied colored measuring cups and spoons 
√ Select kitchen canisters that contrast with the color of your countertop √ Use bathroom towels and washcloths that are a solid color and contrast with your bathtub, sink and counter. √ Use potholders that are bright, solid colored and contrast with your counters √ Drink coffee from a white mug and milk from a dark glass
√ Use a dark colored cutting board when preparing cauliflower, potatoes, onions or mushrooms √ Use a white cutting board when preparing dark leafy greens, green peppers, or zucchini
Visual Aids for Macular DegenerationTalking watches, large print books, bold numbered measuring cups and large print keyboards are just a few of the low vision aids available for those with macular degeneration. Learn more about this aids and how they can help you by clicking here: Visual Aids for Macular DegenerationReduce GlareGlare can interfere with your vision and it can come from a bright room filled with sunshine to just trying to see a shiny deck of cards.There are ways to adapt to glare. You can: √ Choose incandescent lights over fluorescent lights √ Change your position in relationship to your light source √ Use venetian blinds or sheer curtains to allow as much sunlight in and yet can accommodate the glare √ Put down rugs (secure them) to reduce glare from polished hardwood floors √ Wear light yellow NOIR sunglasses to cut glare indoors and outdoors √ Choose furniture with a flat or matt finish √ Develop your pictures with a matt finish rather than a glossy finish
Ott Lighting
Living with macular degeneration will involve more lights and brighter lights as your macular degeneration progresses. To learn more about what the best light is for brightness, but reduced glare click on this link.
Ott Lighting
Low Vision Magnifiers
Living with macular degeneration can be very frustrating when you can't see a picture, read the newspaper, or continue with your favorite hobby. One of the simplest tips is to use magnifiers. You will need different magnifiers for different tasks. They come in many different forms such as a floor lamp magnifier or a lighted hand held magnifier. Many of them are very inexpensive. Click here to learn more about the different low vision magnifiers that are available: Macular Degeneration Magnifier Macular Degeneration Support GroupGet connected with others who have macular degeneration by joining a local or on-line support group.Click here to find out if there is a support group in your area or how to find one on line:
Macular Degeneration Support Group
Contact Leslie Degner, RN, BSN
Would you like to be updated on the latest: 
√ Clinical Trials?√ Prevention of Macular Degeneration? √ Tips for Daily Living? √ Food Suggestions for a Macular Degeneration Diet? √ Ideas on Visual Aids to Maximize your Sight? If you said "yes" to any of the above, sign up for my monthly Macular Degeneration News.
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