Vision rehabilitation and AMD.

摘要

As detailed elsewhere in this issue, Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most important cause of vision loss among the elderly. We have few means to reverse or prevent it. Therefore, as the baby boomer generation ages, we will be confronted with an "epidemic" of visually impaired elderly.1 Are we prepared to deal with this challenge? Since vision is such an integral part of how most of us experience our environment, it is no wonder that most people fear vision loss more than any other loss.2 That attitude is promoted in part by the indiscriminate use of the term "blindness," which suggests that if you do not see clearly, you are "blind." However, it is estimated that at least 90% of those labeled "legally blind" have measurable and useable residual vision.3 Because we cannot readily see that a person has vision loss, like we can observe many physical disabilities, we are often left to guessing about the impact of their vision loss on their life and on their quality of life. In a recent publication, a noted retinal specialist testified to this lack of insight by remarking "all we physicians can offer our patients is an improved quality of life through low vision training." To us, this logically leads to the question: if given a choice, would you rather have an improved fluorescein angiogram or an improved quality of life?