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Age-related macular degeneration is the largest type of macular disease in the UK today but, there are other types of macular disease that affect people on a daily basis. These conditions are much rarer and it is unlikely that you will meet lots of other people living with the condition you may have.

Living with macular disease can be frustrating, but with the right guidance and support, people can cope very well. Our services can give you the tools to learn more about your condition and to help maintain your independence.

Are you struggling to use your smart device or get online? One of our Connect by Tech volunteers might be able to help with questions like ‘How can I get Alexa to find my favourite music?’ to ‘I want to surprise my daughter with a video call on her birthday’. They can also help with using other useful web-based services, such as online shopping, reading recipes and listening to audiobooks.

There is a lot of support available to you if you have macular disease. We have compiled these guides to explain the benefits you may be eligible for and how to seek practical help with your daily life and work.

Explore what support is available for you and how low vision assessments could help with your daily life and work.

Regular visits to your eye clinic for eye examinations are important. Your Ophthalmologist can detect any changes in your condition and let you know if any new treatment is available. Low vision assessments are recommended to establish if any optical aids, such as glasses and magnifiers, would be useful.

If you have a permanent visual impairment, you may be eligible to be registered as sight impaired or severely sight impaired. Being registered often makes it easier to get practical help, and you may qualify for certain benefits. 

Being diagnosed with macular disease doesn’t mean you must give up working – far from it. You can continue to make a valuable contribution in the workplace. Understand your legal rights and the range of support that’s out there for you.

Due to your macular disease you might find it difficult to work or get a job and therefore you may need to claim a welfare benefit to cover your day-to-day living expenses. If you are aged between 16 and pension age and depending on your circumstances this will be one of two benefits, New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit (UC).

Macular disease should not be a barrier to employment. It is understandable that you might worry you will not be able to keep your job when you’ve received a macular disease diagnosis. However, with a few changes to how you work, and by being open with your employer, you should be able to continue working.