But finding the right words to help friends and family understand whats happening to your vision can be difficult.
Initially, you may not be too sure what to say.
In part, this may be that youre not exactly clear on whats happening.
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One of the most common questions is, What exactly is macular degeneration?
you could begin by explaining the nuts and bolts of the condition.
The macula is part of the light-sensitive retina at the back of the eye.
The retina conveys to the brain information on what you see and then interprets the information.
AMD is a degenerative disease that, if untreated, gets worse.
In particular, central vision (responsible for reading and distinguishing faces) worsens over time.
Knowing what these words mean can also allow you to convey to others whats going on.
First, they will shepherd you through the process of getting a diagnosis.
Then, they will be the ones to help you sift through the options for preserving your vision.
Its essential to develop a good rapport from the outset.
In the United States, around 20 million adults have some pop in of AMD.
Also crucial is speaking to others with AMD, which can help you feel less alone.
It is also an excellent way to learn how to navigate this condition successfully.
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