While those experiencing vision loss due to age-related macular degeneration may feel very alone, the reality is you are in a growing population. According to Macular Degeneration Research, a program of the American Health Assistance Foundation, this visual impairment affects some 11 million people in the United States, and that number is expected to double by the year 2050.

When macular degeneration occurs, the central portion of the retina deteriorates, causing blind spots, blurred vision and sometimes blindness. It’s important to note a distinction between two kinds of macular degeneration — “dry,” in which cells in the retina break down over time, or “wet,” which can occur quickly when blood vessels behind the retina grow abnormally and leak.

Unfortunately, while there is currently no cure for macular degeneration, some treatments are available that may help to slow the progression of vision loss in some adults. Options for wet macular degeneration treatment may include medications that are injected directly into the eye to shrink and decease leakage from abnormal blood vessels; a combination of intravenous medication and photodynamic therapy; and laser surgeries. In some advanced cases, implanting a telescopic lens into the eye may be an option to restore vision.

Less invasively, the same lifestyle changes that are often recommended for reducing many health risks may also help to lessen the risks of developing macular degeneration. These advisements may include smoking cessation and eating more fruits, vegetables and fish. Sometimes, a high-dose formula of antioxidant vitamins is advised to slow the development of the degeneration.

A bright spot for those who suffer from macular degeneration, INDATA (Indiana Assistive Technology Act, a division of Easter Seals Crossroads), can help make life easier by offering access to assistive technology and support.

“Among the vision impairments that we see, macular degeneration is the most rapidly growing condition among the aging population,” says Wade Wingler, director of assistive technology for Easterseals Crossroads and its INDATA program.

Easterseals Crossroads offers help in several ways, including in-home adaptive therapy programs that involve visits from occupational therapists who assist with daily living activities; an adaptive driving program; and a federally funded assistive technology project that provides items such as magnifiers, talking telephone caller ID, and large-key computer keyboards to those in need.

Wingler says some portions of the assistive technology program may be funded, while others might require some level of individual payment. Insurance may or may not pitch in to help cover costs in some instances; review your policy for details.

“We also have a low-interest loan program through Star Financial Bank for people who want to purchase their own assistive technology,” Wingler mentions.

To find out more, call Easterseals Crossroads at (317) 466-1000, or visit www.eastersealscrossroads.org. (And read our "first person account" of macular degeneration in the ICA Blog, "What's News" from our partners at the Nora Commons Creative Writing Group, Brenda Shelton.)

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