Macular Degeneration and Maintaining Independence

Q: My father has Macular Degeneration and his eyesight, kindness and desire to be around us are fading. How do I keep him from withdrawing from us and help him maintain his independence?

A: It is common for those with great vision loss or declining vision to begin isolating themselves. Known environments, like at home, are easier to navigate for your father than new ones. Experience tells him that trusting his own judgement in new environments is too risky - he can fall, not recognize faces or have trouble navigating a sidewalk.

What I have found to be most effective for tasks, from reading to driving, are eyeglass mounted (hands-free), customized telescopes and microscopes called low vision devices. I work with patients to use the prescribed devices to do the tasks they wish to do, like watching T.V. or seeing a play.

Most importantly, it sounds like your father is blessed with a loving family who wants him to enjoy life, and you are not alone in trying to best care for a parent. Call me to learn more or to schedule a low vision evaluation.


About Dr. Jacobi

With 37 years of providing family vision care as a practicing optometrist, Dr. Jacobi has always incorporated low vision into his practice, providing much needed care to thousands of patients. He now focuses on low vision services at his Novi practice, located inside Eye Care Associates, PC at 26850 Providence Parkway, Suite 150 in Novi.

Call Today (248) 731-9393
www.beyondlowvision.com