It is important for people with macular degeneration to know that it does not cause total blindness. Peripheral vision - vision just off center and all the way out to the sides - is preserved. With tools and training, virtually everyone with macular degeneration can use that residual vision to continue to read, for example, and do many of their home and community activities. Studies have shown adult vision loss is associated with more depression than even heart disease and cancer. However, those people who have the tools, techniques and training to do the daily activities they need and want to do on their own are not depressed, in spite of their vision loss. Macular degeneration is not only about drugs, lasers and vitamins, but it is also about living fully with vision loss and making the most of the vision that remains through rehabilitation.

If you, a friend or a family member have lost vision from macular degeneration, ask your Eye M.D. about visual rehabilitation services, and check the low vision resources on the American Academy of Ophthalmology's Web site, www.aao.org. Another source is the Macular Degeneration Partnership, www.amd.org.

- Lylas G. Mogk, Eye M.D.

(Dr. Mogk, director of the Visual Rehabilitation and Research Center of the Henry Ford Health System, is a media spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, chair of the Academy's Vision Rehabilitation Committee, the Academy's representative to the American Medical Association's Committee on Older Drivers and a member of the National Transportation Research Board's Committee on Older Drivers. She is the co-author of a book for patients and families, titled "Macular Degeneration: the Complete Guide to Saving and Maximizing Your Sight.")