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Talking to Your Doctor About Macular Degeneration

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

ConditionInDepth

Talking to Your Doctor About Macular Degeneration

You have your own health history. Talk with your doctor about your risk factors and background with macular degeneration. By talking openly and often with your doctor, you can take an active role in your care.

Tips for Getting Information

Here are some tips that will make it easier to talk to your doctor:

  • Bring someone with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask. They may also be able to give more details.
  • Write down your questions so do you do not forget them.
  • Write down the answers you get and make sure you understand what you are hearing.
  • Ask for help if you need it. Do not be afraid to ask questions or ask where you can find more information. You have a right to know.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

About Macular Degeneration

  • What type of macular degeneration do I have?
  • Do I have it in one or both eyes? If it’s only in one eye, what is my risk of getting it in the other eye?
  • How severe is my condition? How much vision loss do I have?
  • What can I do to prevent my condition from getting worse?

About Treatment Options

  • What treatments can help macular degeneration?
  • Would I benefit from surgery?
  • Do you know of any counselors who treat people who have vision loss?
  • Do you know of any support groups that would benefit me?
  • What resources do you know of that could help me?
  • Can you refer me to a social worker who works with people who have vision loss?
  • Where can I find a low-vision professional who can help me with vision aids and devices?
  • Should I be registered with the Commission for the Blind?

About Lifestyle Changes

  • What lifestyle changes can help me to manage my condition? What should I do about:
    • Diet
    • Supplements
    • Exercise
    • Stress
    • Smoking (or other substances such as alcohol or drugs)
  • Are there certain drugs that I should not take?
  • What do I need to do to protect my eyes?

About Outlook

  • What is the outlook for my condition?
  • Will it keep getting worse? If so, how fast can I expect that to happen?
  • Is there anything I can do to slow down this condition?
  • Should my family members be screened for macular degeneration?

References

  • Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/age-related-macular-degeneration-amd.
  • Age-related macular degeneration. National Eye Institute (NEI) website. Available at: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/age-related-macular-degeneration.
  • Getting the most out of your doctor appointment. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/tips-for-talking-to-your-doctor.
  • What is macular degeneration? American Academy of Ophthalmology website. Available at: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/amd-macular-degeneration.
  • What is macular degeneration? American Macular Degeneration Foundation website. Available at: https://www.macular.org/about-macular-degeneration/what-is-macular-degeneration.

Contributors

  • Mark Arredondo, MD
Last Updated:
2022-11-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.