AMD AND CAREGIVERS - OVERVIEW

This section mainly aims to help carers of visually impaired people to understand vision loss making them effective in providing the assistance they need to continue living a fulfilling life. Tips contained in this section are as valuable for anybody who meets a person with vision loss be it during a chance encounter or on a regular basis.

As our population ages, cases of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, and cataracts are on the rise in all developed countries. For instance, research indicates that people in their 50s have about a two per cent chance of getting AMD. This risk increases to nearly 30 per cent in those over age 75

Photograph of Charles Mossop.

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Many misconceptions exist about vision loss. For example, very few people who are blind live in a world of total darkness. More than 80 per cent of people who are blind still have some degree of vision. Some can see the outline of objects while others can tell from which direction light is coming. Sometimes, it may be hard to tell if someone is visually impaired at all. As a caregiver, you can maintain the person's dignity and comfort level by remembering the following points:

  • Identify yourself and address a person who is blind or visually impaired by name. Let the person know if you are leaving the room
  • Pointing won't help. When giving directions, be specific.
  • Describe the surroundings to the person you are caring for each time you are in a new location. Knowing the layout of a room or the view outside the car window will help the person feel comfortable.