Impact of AMD

AMD Impact on Patients

The loss of visual function associated with AMD negatively impacts patients’ quality of life, and deprives them of their independence and social interaction.⁶ Visual impairment associated with AMD can prevent people from carrying out a number of everyday activities including:⁷ reading (e.g. books, newspapers, lists, medicine labels), recognising faces, driving, using public transport, general mobility, socialising, shopping and caring for themselves/dependants.The loss of ability to perform everyday tasks can lead to loss of independence, social isolation and absence from work. As visual impairment worsens, independence and overall quality of life decline. Even mild visual impairment can have a substantial impact on vision-related quality life.⁸

Vision loss that occurs with AMD also has a major impact on emotional well-being, and those affected often report feelings of frustration, annoyance and fear of coping with everyday life. Studies suggest that as many as 1 in 3 patients with AMD suffer from symptoms of depression.^{9, 10}

People with AMD are also at a greater risk of falls and secondary injuries that may occur as a result of them, such as hip fractures.^{11, 12, 13} Some studies have found that the risk of falls increase as visual acuity worsens, which underlines the importance of visual rehabilitation for people affected by AMD.

The ERN-EYE created a video to explain how we can support, comfort and welcome patients in a hospital environment. This video clip describes how to interact and communicate with people living with visual impairments to relax them before their appointment. Helpful tips include assisting people to their appointment, adjusting lighting as necessary and avoid moving their belongings, so as not to confuse and upset them. The full video is available to watch here