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From the time of diagnosis, wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can have a significant emotional impact. People with AMD are seven times more likely to experience depression than people without vision changes. It’s important to prioritize your mental health and take care of yourself as you navigate life with wet AMD.
Wet AMD causes permanent central vision loss for many older adults. Wet AMD happens when abnormal blood vessels grow and leak under the retina. These new blood vessels and bleeding can scar the macula, the part of the retina that helps you see colors, fine details, and the center of your vision. Vision changes from wet AMD can be slowed or prevented when caught and treated early, but once those changes happen, they’re permanent.
Vision changes from wet AMD can affect one or both eyes, often unevenly. A study of 875 people with AMD found that people with vision loss in both eyes had the lowest mental health scores.
Common vision changes caused by wet AMD include:
Around 80 percent to 90 percent of people with wet AMD eventually have vision loss severe enough to be classified as legally blind.
Although vision changes can happen gradually, vision loss from wet AMD can affect your emotional well-being, even in the early stages. Losing your vision can impact your quality of life and ability to live independently.
A wet AMD diagnosis can feel overwhelming, even in the early stages. You might feel shock or denial at first, followed by anxiety about the future. As one myAMDteam member shared, “I get depressed easily since I was diagnosed with AMD.”
Vision loss can cause frustration, especially in early to intermediate stages. In many cases, this vision loss isn’t debilitating, but even small challenges can add up over time. You might feel hopeless or withdraw from friends and family as time goes on.
Ignoring the impact of vision loss from wet AMD on your mental health can lead to depression and anxiety. However, research shows that accepting your vision loss and approaching it with a positive attitude can improve your mental health with time. Having social support can also help you adapt better to using low-vision aids and improve your success with low-vision rehabilitation.
Even before vision loss affects your daily life, you might feel anxious about the future. This anxiety about vision loss might drive you to dwell on your fears or be overly cautious.
One member of myAMDteam described their experience with anxiety around wet AMD: “I am 62 and was diagnosed with wet AMD in one eye. I am checking my vision too much and getting anxious about it.”
If you worry or dwell on vision loss from wet AMD, writing down your fears might help you cope. Taking notes can also help you remember details to discuss with your healthcare provider, who may offer solutions for specific concerns.
Vision loss from wet AMD often requires changes to your daily routine or home environment. You might need to add better lighting to your workspace or use tools like a magnifying glass for reading. You may have to give up hobbies that require strong vision or break habits that can worsen vision loss, like smoking.
While some lifestyle changes can make life with low vision easier, others may challenge your sense of purpose. Adapting to these changes isn’t always easy, especially when those changes involve losing a sense you rely on every day.
Vision loss from wet AMD can limit your ability to live independently. Many myAMDteam members have shared their sadness and frustration about losing their independence, especially when it comes to driving with wet AMD:
If you can no longer drive, shop, or live alone without help, you might feel socially isolated. This social isolation can lead to depression, which can make it harder for you to connect with others and enjoy life.
After you’ve been diagnosed with wet AMD, starting treatment as soon as possible is key to preserving your vision. Following your eye care specialist’s recommendations — such as anti-VEGF injections, laser treatment, or low vision rehabilitation — can help slow the loss of central vision and give you a sense of control.
Learning about your condition and what to expect can also ease anxiety and negative emotions. Understanding wet AMD and its treatments can help you trust your doctor’s decisions and feel more confident in your care plan.
Mental health support is also important as you navigate life with wet AMD. If you experience depression, mental health support from professionals, family, and peers can help you cope with symptoms like sadness, hopelessness, low energy, and social withdrawal.
Support groups for wet AMD let you connect with others who know what it’s like to experience vision loss from wet AMD. Joining a local support group can help you feel less alone and give you something to look forward to each week.
You can also connect with others who understand the mental health challenges of wet AMD on myAMDteam.
Therapy provides a safe space for you to talk about your feelings with a qualified mental health professional. Some therapists specialize in helping people with chronic illnesses. A therapist or counselor can help you manage emotions and stress related to your wet AMD diagnosis.
Approaching life changes with a positive mindset can help you cope with the emotions that come with wet AMD and vision loss.
For example, if you’re an artist experiencing vision loss, you might explore art forms that rely less on eyesight, like music or sculpting.
One myAMDteam member shared how they adapted: “I love to read, though I’m finding it more difficult now. I gave away a lot of my books and am using audiobooks now.”
Try to find activities that bring you joy despite your vision changes or anxiety about future vision loss. Learning new skills or spending time with loved ones can help lift your mood when you’re feeling depressed.
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 others who understand life with age-related macular degeneration.
Has wet AMD impacted your mental health? How have you coped with vision changes? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.
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