Living with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can change how well you can see while driving, cooking, and getting around your house. It can also affect your mental health. These changes can feel frustrating and scary, and they can affect your overall quality of life.

If you have wet AMD and want to stay as independent as possible for as long as possible, you might want to explore low-vision rehabilitation — a type of therapy that helps people with visual impairment adjust to daily life. Many individuals with vision impairment use low-vision aids such as magnification tools, reading aids, or special eyeglasses to continue their everyday activities. Here’s what you need to know to decide if this could help you.

What Is Wet AMD?

Age-related macular degeneration is an eye disease that damages the macula, the part of your retina responsible for sharp, central vision. This damage happens over time as you age. Because AMD can develop slowly, you might not notice vision changes until significant damage has already occurred. Regular eye exams can help you and your doctor catch the condition early.

There are two types of AMD: dry AMD and wet AMD. Wet AMD is different from dry AMD, including being less common and more serious. It happens when abnormal blood vessels grow and leak under the retina, leading to faster vision loss. Even though it makes up only about 10 percent of AMD cases, it almost always affects central vision. Dry AMD can turn into wet AMD over time.

If you have wet macular degeneration, you may notice that straight lines look wavy, colors seem dull, or objects in the center of your vision appear blurry or missing. You might also have trouble seeing in dim lighting. In some cases, blind spots may develop in your visual field, affecting daily tasks.

There are treatment options for wet AMD that can help slow vision loss and, in some cases, improve vision. The best option for you will depend on your overall eye health and how advanced your condition is. Some individuals with wet AMD may also develop other eye conditions, such as glaucoma or retinal detachment, which require separate treatments.

What Is Low-Vision Rehabilitation?

Low-vision rehabilitation is designed to help you use whatever amount of sight you have to stay as independent as possible and support your quality of life. It doesn’t help cure or reverse wet AMD, but it can help you continue to live as you always have.

Most of the time, you’ll go through the following process in low-vision rehabilitation:

• Testing your visual acuity to find out what you can and can’t see, as well as whether eyeglasses, contact lenses, or other low vision aids might help. This may include an eye exam.
• Talking with a healthcare specialist about how vision loss affects your daily life and setting goals for improving daily activities
• Trying out low-vision devices such as magnification tools, special reading aids, or adaptive lighting
• Learning how to use lighting, contrast, and large-print materials to improve visibility
• Making modifications to improve accessibility in your home and make it safer and easier to navigate

Low-vision rehabilitation is designed to help you use whatever amount of sight you have to stay as independent as possible. It doesn’t help cure or reverse wet AMD.

If there is a low-vision rehabilitation center near you, it may offer the most comprehensive care. These centers usually have a number of professionals who can help you out. Your team may include:

• Occupational therapists, who help with daily tasks and adjusting to vision changes
• Mobility specialists, who teach safe ways to move around, indoors and outdoors
• Vocational rehabilitation counselors, who help with job-related challenges due to vision loss
• Assistive technology specialists, who introduce and train you on helpful devices
• Psychologists, who provide emotional support and coping strategies for vision loss

If a specialized center isn’t available, some eye doctors or certified vision rehabilitation specialists may provide similar services or refer you to other professionals.

Insurance may cover some low-vision rehabilitation services, but Medicaid does not. Some states offer financial assistance, so talk to your doctor or a vision specialist to see if you qualify.

How Could Low-Vision Rehabilitation Help You?

Low-vision rehabilitation can help in many ways, depending on how much vision loss you have and what your goals are. The main goal is to help you stay safe, independent, and physically and psychologically healthy.

People with low vision who don’t do rehabilitation are more likely to be physically injured and struggle with emotional issues. Those who do rehabilitation function better physically, feel better about their lives, and regularly use the devices and techniques that rehabilitation gave them.

People with low vision who do rehabilitation function better physically, feel better about their lives, and regularly use the devices and techniques that rehabilitation gave them.

A vision rehabilitation specialist can help with everyday tasks, including:

• Finding important items in your home, like clothing, medications, and kitchen tools
• Cooking and preparing meals safely
• Reading and writing, including using magnifiers or large-print materials
• Managing personal care, such as bathing, grooming, and dressing
• Adjusting lighting and contrast to improve visibility
• Making your home safer and easier to move around in
• Creating a system for shopping and paying at stores
• Keeping track of finances and other important documents
• Determining whether you can still drive safely or exploring alternative transportation options

How To Find Low-Vision Rehabilitation Near You

The best way to find accessible low-vision rehabilitation near you is to talk to your ophthalmologist (a doctor who specializes in eye care) or optometrist (a healthcare professional who diagnoses vision problems and prescribes low vision aid). In fact, your ophthalmology team may have someone whose job it is to connect people to services like this that will help them thrive.

Your medical team should know what resources are available in your area and what steps you need to take to qualify. If you’d like to search on your own, the U.S. National Institutes of Health provides links to several directories you can search. If your vision makes online searching difficult, ask a family member, friend, or caregiver to help.

You and your doctor may need to have a conversation about what your goals are. That way, they can send you to the right low-vision specialist or set of specialists.

Finally, ask your doctor for a referral to a vision rehabilitation clinic or specialist who fits your needs. Some insurance plans require a referral to cover treatment. Even if yours doesn’t, having one may help you get an appointment more quickly and smoothly.

Low-Vision Rehabilitation and Insurance

If you want your insurance company to cover low-vision rehabilitation, contact them before scheduling an appointment to confirm your benefits. Be sure to ask:

• Do I qualify for coverage? Some plans require you to have lost a certain percentage of your vision.
• Is the specialist or rehabilitation center in-network? Choosing an in-network provider may lower your out-of-pocket costs.
• Will my insurance cover assistive devices or training recommended by my specialist? Some plans cover only specific equipment or services.
• Do I need any approvals or referrals? Some insurance companies require prior authorization before they will pay for services.

Take the Next Step

Living with wet AMD can be challenging, but low-vision rehabilitation can help you maintain your independence and improve your quality of life. By working with specialists, using adaptive tools, and making adjustments to your home, you can continue to do the things that matter most to you.

If you think low-vision rehabilitation could benefit you, talk to your ophthalmologist about your options. They can help connect you with the right specialists and resources. You should also check with your insurance provider to understand what services are covered. Taking these steps now can help you stay safe, confident, and engaged in daily life.

Find Your Team

On myAMDteam, the social network for people with age-related macular degeneration and their loved ones, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with those who understand.

Have you tried low-vision rehabilitation after being diagnosed with wet AMD? Has your doctor recommended it? Share your answers in a comment below or on your Activities page.