Providing support for those living with macular disease

Cathy Yelf

Chief Executive, Macular Society

Every day, around 300 people are diagnosed with macular disease. It’s the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK.

There are many forms of macular disease, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), of which there are two types: dry and wet. AMD is the most common form of macular disease, but other forms affect much younger people – even children.

Living with macular disease can be lonely and isolating. But with the right support, people can cope very well. Local low vision clinics can help you find the combination of lighting, magnifiers and other tools that mean you can stay independent and continue doing the things you love. 

Telling other people how your sight loss affects you can help them understand the support you might need – even if it’s just putting things back where they belong so you can find them!

Friends, family or employers, no matter how well-meaning, don’t always understand how frightening it can be to know you’ll lose your sight. 

In the same boat

But friends, family or employers, no matter how well-meaning, don’t always understand how frightening it can be to know you’ll lose your sight. 

If you need extra support to help you understand or cope with your sight loss, you’re not alone. Our team of dedicated specialists are here for you, providing practical and emotional support to those who need it. 

Our counselling service offers free and confidential telephone sessions to help you overcome the worries and anxieties that macular disease can bring and cope with the emotional impact of living with sight loss. 

“Without the counselling service, I really don’t know how I would have got through those first couple of weeks after diagnosis. The counsellor kept me calm and positive every week and listened without judgement. I am very grateful to her and always will be.” (Katie, Macular Society member)

There are also Macular Society support groups all over the UK which are the perfect place to share experiences with other people in a similar situation.