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Being diagnosed with macular disease can be distressing and worrying but, with the right information and support, people can cope very well.

Macular degeneration can have a big impact on your everyday life, however with the right information and support you can overcome your worries and maintain your independence.

Being diagnosed with macular disease can be distressing and worrying but, with the right information and support, people can cope very well. There are now treatments for some types of macular disease.

The majority of people living with macular disease are older people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The Macular Society Working Age and Young People’s Service supports people who may have other types of macular disease and who may not have reached retirement age.

There may be times when you need extra support to help you understand or cope with your sight loss. We offer a variety of services to help you keep your independence and to ensure you never feel alone.

When Hazel was told she would need an injection to treat her wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) she was petrified. But after her first injection her anxieties eased when she realised it was not as scary as it had first seemed.

The current recommended treatments for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular oedema (DMO), and retinal vein occlusion (RVO) require injections into the eye (intravitreal injections). Before the injection, the eye is numbed with local anaesthetic and povidone iodine (brand name Betadine) is used to clean the eye and the eyelids.

It is not unusual for some people with macular disease to feel isolated, especially if it’s difficult to get out and about. However, there is no need to feel alone - our telephone befrienders can provide a regular friendly phone call, which may help to rebuild confidence and independence.

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Macular disease can have an impact on many aspects of people’s lives. This might include employment, social activities and looking after a child with macular disease. Talking to someone who has lived through some of those difficulties can be helpful. The Macular Society has volunteer ‘mentors’ who can advise and support you through their own personal experiences of macular disease.