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When Monette Meo’s twin sister, Maureen, was diagnosed with advanced dry macular degeneration, Monette was heartbroken. Desperate to help, Monette set out to find a way to make a difference. Her search led her to AMDF, and that’s when it hit her—she could organize a fundraiser to help raise awareness and support research.
Monette envisioned an annual walkathon in San Francisco, a way to bring together family, friends, and the community in support of her sister and the cause. Monette rallied her family and friends to help organize the SEEnic Walkathon, securing sponsors, planning logistics, and spreading the word.
The day of the event was perfect—clear skies (unusual for San Francisco in September) and mild temperatures. Around 60 walkers, including children, made their way along the scenic route from the pier to the park and back, with a lunch stop, a visit to the American Academy of Ophthalmology Truhlsen-Marmor Museum of the Eye®, and ending with a celebratory dinner.
It was beautiful to witness this group of friends and family come together with such positivity, camaraderie, and an overwhelming sense of hope.
Thanks to their collective effort, the event raised over $25,000 for macular degeneration research! Monette and her family plan to make this an annual event, with hopes to open it up to the public in 2026. Their story shows just how powerful one person’s vision can be in igniting change and inspiring others.
The pictures and video from the event tell the story better than any words can. The joy, the camaraderie, the immense effort, and the inspiration…
Thank you to Monette, her sister Maureen, their families and friends, and everyone who showed up to help organize, walk, cheer, and inspire, including the walkathon sponsors (in addition to AMDF): Apellis, California Custom Contractors, Shutters and More, and AB Construction.
If you would like to organize a fundraiser on behalf of The American Macular Degeneration Foundation, please use our contact form to tell us about your idea!
As we get ready to turn another year over, we’d like to pause and share a few of the standout highlights and breakthroughs that donor support, your support, helped achieve.
In 2024, donor gifts were directed toward multiple research projects, and these investigations continue to evolve toward meaningful improvements in the lives of those affected by AMD.
A One-and-Done Therapy for Geographic Atrophy Shows Promise in Clinical Trials
Modifier Gene Therapy (MGT) represents a revolutionary approach to gene therapy and is showing promise in current clinical trials conducted by Ocugen.
Invented by AMDF-supported researcher Neena Haider (PhD, Harvard Medical School, and CEO and Founder of Shifa Precision), MGT involves boosting levels of a master regulator gene that corrects multiple defective genes while leaving healthy genes unaffected. (Humans have more than 30,000 genes, but less than 5% are regulator genes and even less have the capacity of a master regulator gene to oversee hundreds of gene networks.) This is unlike other gene replacement or editing therapies, which can only address one gene at a time.
The fact that MGT can restore the functioning of multiple genes makes it perfectly suited for AMD, which is associated with many genes in varying combinations. MGT is also a potential game-changer for retinal diseases like retinitis pigmentosa and Stargardt’s, of which there are numerous variations each caused by a single defective gene. While Modifier Gene Therapy does not restore dead cells to life it appears that it can keep dying cells alive and functioning, halting disease progression and preventing further vision loss.
Breaking News:Ocugen has just released early clinical trial data for OCU410, which treats geographic atrophy (GA), secondary to dry age-related macular degeneration. Those findings are all positive: no drug-related serious adverse events, reduced lesion growth, preservation of retinal tissue, and stabilization of visual function in low light surroundings. More good news for GA patients is the potential for OCU410 to treat disease progression with a single, subretinal injection as opposed to current GA treatments that require injections every month or two.
The New Narrative For AMD: Nutritional Changes, When Introduced Early, Can Affect Later AMD Transitions
As many patients have experienced and reported, current practice for those newly diagnosed with early AMD is to “wait and see,” meaning: monitor developments with annual eye appointments, take a supplement called the AREDS formula if you advance to intermediate AMD to slow the disease down, and intervene with eye injections if AMD progresses to its late wet or dry stages.
Combined with other, existing and emerging treatments to slow AMD (such as the recently-FDA-approved Valeda light therapy system), there are now tools available to slow and monitor AMD at every stage of the disease. This game-changing discovery is one of many made by longstanding AMDF researcher Johanna M. Seddon (MD, ScM, FARVO, FASRS, Director of the Macular Degeneration Center of Excellence and Department of Ophthalmology Professor/Interim Chair at UMass Chan Medical School). Her ongoing investigations into the interplay between genes and external, modifiable factors and their mutual influence on the development and progression of AMD form the basis for nearly all of today’s recommendations to reduce risk. Stop smoking, eat an AMD-appropriate diet, exercise, maintain your recommended weight, and keep your blood pressure within established limits. These findings all derive from Dr. Seddon’s work. They seem simple, yet are profound in their implications, providing interventions for those diagnosed with AMD at every stage of the disease. And their positive impact is cumulative, so adopting one recommendation is beneficial, adopting two is better than one, three better than two, etc.
In the conclusion of her published study, Seddon writes: “Physicians should emphasize the benefits of dietary and lifestyle modifications of patients during the earlier stages of AMD to slow progression of this chronic disease.” Going forward, the Seddon Lab is exploring the extent to which high genetic risk for progression to advanced AMD could be offset by adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors. Stay tuned.
A Guide to Assistive Technology Devices for People With Vision Impairment
If you have low vision due to AMD, wouldn’t it be nice to have a guide to helpyou find the assistive devices that best meet your specific needs? More than nice, since these high-tech, head-worn gadgets are generally expensive and not covered by Medicare, having actual, user-generated data could spare you from spending a lot of money on something that may not perform as expected.
With more and more of these AI-driven devices becoming available — offering everything from text enlargement to verbal text interpretation, scene description, contrast enhancement, and navigation assistance — that guide is precisely what an AMDF-supported study at New York City’s Lighthouse Guild is in the process of producing. The guide, which itself will be designed with usability in mind, will inform low vision patients, clinicians, and therapists who recommend assistive technologies.
Patients in the study are trained in how to use each device. They then use the devices to read book chapters, recipes, street signs, bank notes, and thermostats – and their reading time is measured. They are asked to use the devices to identify objects and faces, run a dishwasher, play cards, sort socks, separate beans, and write their signatures. All of these tasks are measured, and then the study participants are asked to rate the devices on satisfaction with effectiveness, convenience, ease-of-use, and weight.
Early findings indicate that these devices enlarge text about as well as a good, hand-held magnifier, but do not help perform other tasks of daily living. Knowing this may close the gap between user expectations and performance and help manufacturers design better products.
“Assistive technology has the potential to substantially improve the lives of people with vision impairment by facilitating independence, enhancing communication, improving the ability to perform activities of daily living, and increasing participation in society,” says Dr. William Seiple, Chief Research Officer at Lighthouse Guild and 2023 AMDF Thrive Award grantee. “However, there is not a one-size-fits-all solution.”
According to Seiple, one billion people worldwide have vision impairment that could be helped with assistive technology, and this number is expected to double by 2050, particularly due to age-related vision diseases like macular degeneration. When the guide is available, AMDF will be involved in its distribution. Until then, here’s more info on assistive devices, and some quick videos to help you use them.
Rewiring the Brain to Improve Vision
Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) damages central vision, but leaves peripheral vision intact. Today, there are no approved pharmacological approaches that improve visual function for these patients. This inspired the team at Dandelion Science to consider retraining the brains of AMD patients to make better use of their remaining peripheral vision…and, in a small study funded by AMDF, the early data seemed quite promising.
First, the researchers began by non-invasively mapping brain responses to natural images, specially adapted for both AMD and healthy participants, to understand differences in how they process visual information. These images targeted the visual cortex—the brain region responsible for interpreting visual signals from the eye. Then, the team demonstrated the effectiveness of AI-generated video that was optimized for peripheral visual entrainment in eliciting brain responses. This novel computational approach emulates the way in which the brain itself processes information.
Six AMD patients were exposed to this AI-generated imagery in addition to some training for about 15-20 minutes for three days, and four of them improved their visual acuity by about one line on the reading chart. One patient was sick on the final day and that person’s visual status could not be determined.
“We are rewiring peripheral vision to access central visual processing. Ultimately, treatments will likely require about 30 days of training but could be accessible on any smartphone, tablet, or laptop,” said Adam Hanina, CEO of Dandelion Science.
Dandelion Science recently partnered with the Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering in Geneva, Switzerland, to further develop this groundbreaking platform. As they expand their studies and recruit more patients, their ultimate goal is to transform treatment accessibility—enabling patients to ‘watch their medicine’ on a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. With such innovative strides, the future of vision restoration looks increasingly bright.
It’s that time of year! Time for the AMDF annual gift guide for people with macular degeneration.
Before we dive into recommendations, let’s go over some basics.
Macular Degeneration doesn’t cause complete blindness, but at its most severe, a person can experience near total central vision loss. There is actually quite a broad spectrum of how much macular degeneration affects vision. Some people can have macular degeneration for many years before vision loss is significant. Some people may only have severe vision loss in one eye, but retain good vision in their other eye. And some people can experience a rapid deterioration of vision in both eyes.
Many of the items here are best for someone experiencing early mild to moderate vision loss.
For more advanced and severe vision loss, vision aids should be personalized by a professional low vision occupational therapist.
No matter the level of vision loss, your loved one with macular degeneration is otherwise no different than they ever were, or from anyone else. They, like everyone, want gifts that are meaningful, and/or useful. The best gift is the one that makes the recipient feel understood and loved.
Our recommendations are based on products that we see or hear about that can be useful to someone with macular degeneration. We favor products that foster connection, cognitive health, and/or independence. We especially favor products that support dignity, and we particularly love beautiful, inclusive design for that reason. One of our favorites from last year was the Eone Timepiece – an absolutely stunning example of how accessibility aids can (and should) be attractive and elegant.
We believe that everyone with macular degeneration deserves to live a full life, just like anyone else.
So let’s jump in!
*Disclosure: Many links below are Amazon Associate links. When you purchase a product through one of these links, Amazon will share a small commission with AMDF. In other words, your Amazon purchases will benefit AMDF and the community we serve at no extra cost to you! We only share products we believe to be of benefit to people with vision loss from macular degeneration.
STOCKING STUFFERS FOR MACULAR DEGENERATION
No gift guide would be worth its salt without stocking stuffer recommendations! Here are a few standouts we like.
CleanLogic Products
We recently ran across Cleanlogic’s story, and there’s much to love. From low vision packaging (braille), to the company’s commitment to reducing the unemployment rate for the visually impaired and all disabilities, to all product’s being made here in the U.S., to the personal stories of the founders, and to the non-profit founded in 2006 by co-founder Isaac Shapiro in honor of his mother ‘Bea’ who lost her vision at the age of 7. The Inspiration Foundation offers multiple annual low vision tech grants to organizations that serve the visually impaired community.
In short, when you buy from Cleanlogic, you’ll be supporting low vision in multiple ways. There are many products to choose from. We like the Cleanlogic Sport Exfoliating Face & Body Grooming Mitt 3-Pack because it’s a wearable mitt that will reduce dropping during showering, but if it DID drop, the dark color would create contrast against the typical light-colored tub or shower, making it easier to locate for someone with vision loss.
Amazon associate link below. Please pardon the small image size! It’s a frustrating design flaw outside our control as the images are “pulled in” through a third party app, and the image size can’t be enlarged on our end. Due to copyright issues we can’t change this. When you click the links you’ll be able to see more, and larger images!
We love when a product that isn’t designed specifically for low vision turns out to be a nifty helper for low vision. The entire Slice line of cutters come with safety features, including finger friendly ceramic blades, that can make opening boxes and packages a bit safer for those with low vision. We like the selection of high-contrast colors for easier identification, we like the ergonomic designs that allow the user to better see where the cutting tip is, we like the safety retractable ceramic blades on some of their products, AND we like that blade replacement will be safer and easier for someone with low to moderate vision loss given the safety ceramic, and again, the high contrast (white blade against black casing if you choose black). Choose from the larger design with ergonomic hand-grip and additional safety feature of an auto retractable ceramic blade, or the micro safety cutter that can conveniently attach to a keychain and is great for boxes, yes, but also for opening food packaging as a safer alternative to scissors or metal blades.
TEA AND COFFEE LOVER GIFTS FOR MACULAR DEGENERATION
If your loved one with macular degeneration happens to be a tea and/or coffee lover, these gifts will help them enjoy their hot beverages a little more safely. Pouring, placing, and picking up are all challenges with vision loss. These products address those issues.
The “Unspillable” Mighty Mug
Spills are a “thing” with low vision. We like that this mug is available in dark colors for higher contrast, but even if your loved one bumps this mug, it claims to “grip when hit, lifts for sips”, and to be untippable.
This nifty kettle design for people with tremors or weakness can also be useful for low vision. Notice the high-contrast black and white design! When paired with a mug grip or non-slip mat and a pour indicator, this can be a safer alternative to a hand-held, stovetop kettle. Order the kettle directly from Uccello here.
While this is the option recommended by occupational therapists, at least one user found an auto dispenser like the one below more useful. We chose this one because of higher contrast colors and auto-set buttons for temperature and liquid amount. Add bump-dots to mark default temp and liquid amount to increase low vision accessibility.
And while we’re on the topic of drink safety, we came across the OptiCoaster while doing research for products, but availability in the U.S. is unclear. We’ve reached out, but in the meantime, you can check them out here. You’ll see on their site that the prices are in Euros, but they also seem to be on the U.S. Etsy site here. The reviews look good. It’s a coaster designed for people with low vision to reduce slips and spills when putting a beverage down.
THE GIFT OF LIGHTING FOR MACULAR DEGENERATION
The general rule of thumb for vision loss from macular degeneration is “Bigger, Bolder, Brighter”. Increasing size (through magnification), contrast, and light all increase visual accessibility. Brighter light is needed for every task, but setting up every room and every space with extra lighting can be expensive, or be too much for other members of the household. Portable task lighting allows someone with low vision to easily bring light with them to any area of the home. There are so many fantastic options for increased lighting, including cordless gooseneck lamps, standing gooseneck lamps with magnification built-in, and more. This year, we’re liking the Ottlite portable task lamp. The ergonomic top handle and folding design make this task lamp more easily portable.
Bonus! Community Member Recommended: AMD advocate and community member Barbara Gilbert wrote in to us to tell us about her “must-have” tool that goes with her everywhere – the Glocusent Book Light. This is a rechargeable, light-weight, flexible neck light that offers hands-free extra task lighting around the home and on-the-go. She also recommends a carrying case for the neck light and charging cord.
A word to the wise, high-tech solutions are not always welcomed by those with macular degeneration. Sometimes the price tag or the learning curve are enough to turn people off. You know your loved one. Think carefully before purchasing higher ticket tech gadgets and and ask yourself if your loved one enjoys the latest and newest, or the tried and true. Either way, here are some new assistive tech devices that came out in 2023-2024.
The Hable One and Hable Easy
The Hable One is a gadget designed for the visually impaired to enable tactile use of a smartphone. 8 buttons for 150 functions! The Hable Easy is actually designed for people who feel overwhelmed by technology and is meant for beginners, children, and seniors. Tactile stickers are included. Learn more about Hable Easy at their website here.
Glide
We haven’t had a chance to try out Glide yet. It’s so new it’s only available for pre-order. But from our research, Glide appears to be what you would get if you crossed the low-tech white cane and a guide dog. By the way, It’s a misunderstanding that someone needs to be totally blind to use either. If visual impairment is severe enough to limit mobility and independence, then visual guidance in the form of the low-tech white cane, a trained guide dog, or an AI assisted mobility device like Glide, can be a life-changer. Below, a user describes their experience with Glide.
OneCourt for Sports Lovers with Macular Degeneration
Speaking of waiting lists, we had to include OneCourt. OneCourt is the world’s first tactile sports broadcast. Designed for blind and visually impaired sports enthusiasts, it allows the user to experience the game through touch, not just sound. It’s still in development, but if you have a sports fan with macular degeneration, you can get on the waitlist for the home version, AND, you can encourage your local stadiums to make this technology available. Watch the video below for the inspiration behind OneCourt. It’s such a great story!
FASHION THAT EDUCATES
For the loved one with macular degeneration who likes to educate and advocate.
Blindness is a Spectrum Tee
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, blindness is on a spectrum. While macular degeneration won’t lead to total blindness, it CAN eventually lead to legal blindness, or functional blindness. Misunderstandings about this spectrum can lead people to assume that “low vision” is not a form of blindness, or that blindness can only mean that the blind see nothing at all, just black. This attractive T-shirt is a fun and fashionable way to create teaching and advocacy moments. It comes in men and women’s and multiple colors.
A Gift in Their Honor and a Beautiful Awareness Lapel Pin from AMDF
For the giftee who already has everything, a donation to macular degeneration research, education, and awareness in their honor can be lovely. Available with any level of donation to The American Macular Degeneration Foundation, the elegantly designed AMD Awareness Pin was created as a wearable art piece to raise awareness about macular degeneration by sparking conversation. ***Please NOTE: depending on the date of your donation, we cannot guarantee Christmas delivery, but you can creatively tell them it’s on its way in a card, along with the amount you donated in their name.
You can make your donation here, and be sure to check the box that reads, “Please send me a macular degeneration awareness pin.”
From everyone at AMDF, have a happy and safe holiday season! See our gift guides from past years for more ideas!
Introduction by Jennifer Williams, Director of Communications at AMDF
My grandmother, who is 94, can still read a menu in a dimly lit restaurant without glasses, while I’m on the verge of buying a portable magnifier to carry with me.
No one could say for certain why my grandmother’s vision is still so sharp, but it is undoubtedly a combination of good genes, and a healthy lifestyle. She never smoked, never drank, has walked every day of her life, and aside from her sweet tooth, has always eaten well (unprocessed foods, with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables).
She also has brown eyes, and a naturally thin frame. These are outward signs of the genetics that likely have contributed to her eye health.
My earliest, and fondest, memories are of my grandmother’s hands, always at work preparing fresh, homemade foods. Blueberries from her backyard, fresh cream from a neighborhood farm, spring water directly from the source, and lots and lots of chicken soup, made from scratch.
Food is a powerful force. It brings us together around tables, it fuels and nourishes us, and it can be also be medicine.
Wherever you are in your journey with macular degeneration, Thanksgiving, and other holidays, present challenges AND opportunities.
If you are newly diagnosed, you may be stressed about what you should and shouldn’t eat. If you are experiencing early stage vision loss, you may be less confident in the kitchen, and wondering how you can contribute. And if you are at more advanced stages of vision loss, not only may you be grieving your loss of independence in the kitchen, but gatherings can take place in unfamiliar environments and it may feel even more disorienting when you can’t recognize faces. Or you may be living in assisted living, away from family.
Thriving with macular degeneration involves allowing the natural grieving process to bring us to a place where we can accept the reality of our losses and the changes we have to make, and then find new ways to do things to derive meaning out of daily life.
In Time to Grieve, Time to Thrive, Dr. Ann Wagner dives into the topic of vision loss grief. This article will appear in our upcoming winter issue of, In the Spotlight, AMDF’s print newsletter. Not a subscriber? Click here to learn how to subscribe to In the Spotlight.
From this perspective, Thanksgiving provides a real opportunity to take on the challenges of acceptance and adaptation! There may be some emotional moments, but emotions tell us what’s important to us.
Here are some tools to empower you to have a meaningful, healthy, and safe holiday. Let’s start with recipes.
Thanksgiving Recipes Good for Macular Degeneration
Food, is the “centerpiece” of our gatherings. Whether you’re able to prepare recipes yourself, or with a little help, or you have an opportunity to make suggestions, here are some free resources and recipes that make wonderful AND eye-healthy options.
Let’s start with a brief overview of the nutrition we know to be good for macular degeneration. Nutrition is a complex science, and nothing is definitive, but here are some things that are generally agreed upon.
Foods high in lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect the macula from damaging light from the sun, are a good foundation for macular health.
Low glycemic index foods and recipes help reduce the risk for advanced AMD.
Whole foods are superior to processed foods for general health and eye health.
Newer research indicates that microbiome health is also important for eye health.
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for macular health, while foods high in omega-6 fatty acids should be limited.
Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy vision, especially in low-light conditions. (Smokers and former smokers should consume with caution.)
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect cells in the eyes from damage.
Zinc is important for the functioning of enzymes in the retina and may help reduce the risk of AMD.
Few recipes will be able to hit every mark, but here are some good seasonal, and festive, side dishes that will not only be a hit for the palate, but will also be a “feast for the eyes”.
Bonus – these recipes offer an opportunity to educate the younger generations on nutrition that can help reduce their risk of developing macular degeneration!
This beautiful and easy to prepare salad can be made even more macular degeneration friendly by substituting raw spinach for mixed greens, or a 1/2 and 1/2 mix. Raw spinach is one of the highest foods in lutein and zeaxanthin (rivaled only by kale).
A unique way to serve butternut squash (full of carotenoids and Vitamin A)! Add a little festive cheer by garnishing with pomegranate seeds as shown here.
Did you know corn is one of the vegetables highest in Zeaxanthin? This colorful dish adds other veggies and herbs to elevate your traditional Thanksgiving corn. And frozen corn can be substituted for fresh, not only when fresh isn’t available, but when low vision can make cutting corn from the cob a safety hazard.
Speaking of kitchen safety…
In the Kitchen with Macular Degeneration
Many with progressive central vision loss can feel frustrated or even unsafe in the kitchen. With the right tools and adaptations, cooking is still quite possible, and can return a sense of independence. Here are some AMDF resources for cooking safely with central vision loss.
This first video is from our Eat Right for Your Sight cooking show. In this episode, Jennifer Trainer Thompson is joined by low vision occupational therapist, Beth Daisy, who demonstrates several tips and tools for cooking with low vision.
For a more in-depth conversation with Beth Daisy…
Struggle with writing or reading a shopping list? This quick video offers tips and tools.
Organize the foods in your pantry for low vision with low and high-tech options.
NORTHAMPTON, Ma., Dec. 19, 2023 — The American Macular Degeneration Foundation received news that the first patient has been dosed in a safety and efficacy clinical trial of a one-time gene therapy treatment for advanced dry macular degeneration (dry AMD), also known as Geographic Atrophy (GA).
What’s exciting about this trial is that, if successful, OCU410 is a “potential one-time treatment for life,” said Dr. Shankar Musunuri, Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder of Ocugen, Inc.
In other words, curative.
How Does OCU410 Work?
The development of OCU410 is based on the AMDF-supported research of Dr. Neena Haider. It is designed to prevent or halt AMD progression, and possibly to restore some vision if retinal cells are not damaged beyond recovery. OCU410 is a potential curative therapy, administered with a single sub-retinal injection, that modulates hundreds of genes and multiple pathways that are involved in dry AMD, including lipid metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, and complement activation.
Currently available therapeutic options target only complement activation and require monthly or bi-monthly intravitreal injections.
What to Expect Next
While this news is very exciting, there are still several tests and steps before a treatment like this could be available to patients as a treatment option. Not all potential treatments that enter into clinical trials prove safe enough or effective enough to pass FDA approval. But we’ll be keeping an eye on this.
In the meantime, this news is all the more reason to make AMD-healthy lifestyle choices to help preserve your vision while curative therapies are on their way!
“The fact that we are testing this game changing gene therapy in a human being is testament to the focused effort of my lab in identifying and developing a therapy that has a strong, broad impact. The National Eye Institute supported my early career as I sought to demonstrate this radically different approach to gene therapy. Our preclinical AMD work that informed these clinical trials was accomplished with combined support from Ocugen and the American Macular Degeneration Foundation (AMDF),” said Dr. Haider. “The AMDF has provided the sustained support needed at many critical junctures in this journey, which was essential in creatively developing innovative solutions for this common and debilitating form of vision loss, and at times was crucial in keeping the lab open. Ocugen is now spearheading the clinical trials necessary to bring this therapy closer to patients. Successful outcomes will provide tremendous hope and help to those whose vision is already deteriorating, and will prevent others from developing this debilitating condition. ”
About Dry Macular Degeneration and Geographic Atrophy
Dry AMD involves the slow deterioration of the retina with sub-macular drusen (small white or yellow dots on the retina), atrophy, loss of macular function and central vision impairment. Dry AMD accounts for 85-90% of the total AMD population.
Geographic Atrophy is an advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration characterized by dead spots near and on the macula, affecting approximately 1 million people in the United States alone with vision loss.
The holidays—a time of joy, togetherness, and yes, indulgence. Families bond together over food in all kinds of ways…around the holiday table, with food and beverage gifts, and in indulging in sweets and treats that are in abundance this time of year.
A Word on Indulgence
We all indulge! Sometimes we indulge because it feels good emotionally.
Sometimes we indulge because holiday foods are in abundance.
Sometimes we indulge because the holidays bring more stress than bonding.
We can’t tell you what to eat. You may have other health considerations. But from a nutritionist’s perspective, indulgence in moderation has its own benefits if you’re indulging for the right reasons.
My grandmother made a habit of indulging in “bites”. She would ask for a sliver of pie. And then, “oh, perhaps one more sliver”.
Our Favorite 2023 Gift Ideas for People with Vision Loss from Age-Related Macular Degeneration
It’s the gift-giving season again. If you have a friend or loved one with vision loss from macular degeneration, you may wonder what kind of gifts could be both meaningful and useful.
Vision loss impacts multiple aspects of life, including independence, mood, social connections, and even cognitive function. With the right adaptations and support, individuals can continue to thrive despite the visual impairments caused by age-related macular degeneration.
Our curated selection of gifts honors the unique needs of people with AMD while ensuring they are fun, innovative, unique, and inspiring.
*Disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links. When you purchase a product through one of these links, Amazon will share a small commission with AMDF. In other words, your Amazon purchases will benefit AMDF and the community we serve at no extra cost to you! We only share products we believe to be of benefit to people with vision loss from macular degeneration.
Stocking Stuffers for Macular Degeneration
These stocking stuffers are small and low-cost, but can have a big impact on daily living for people with vision loss from macular degeneration.
Key light
The Lucky Line LED Thumb Light sticks on to any key you choose, or a screwdriver, or tape measure, or anywhere you need a little extra directed light, and activates with a button press. Extra light is a one of the key “helpers” for people with AMD.
Why we like it: We found out about this tool from an AMD patient we know, who says it’s one of the most useful tools she has. The bonus of this key light is that it also serves as a tactile marker for a house key.
Bump dots are a simple home modification tool that can be applied to appliances, outlets, packaging, etc to help guide someone with low vision. For example, in this photo, a bump dot is stuck on underneath the “smoothie” button to help identify the button without trying to read small print.
Why we like it: We learned about bump dots while filming the breakfast episode of Eat Right for Your Sight, from Low Vision Occupational Therapist Beth Daisy. You can point your loved one to that video, or this one to learn more about how to use bump dots, and what low vision services provide.
Where to get it: You can buy on Amazon here, or check with your local low vision centers.
Low Vision Playing Cards
One of the most important things for people experiencing vision loss from macular degeneration is to maintain a sense of connection to others. Loss of independence and mobility can lead to isolation, loneliness, and depression. A simple pack of large print playing cards is a great tool to facilitate and invite someone with AMD “back to the table”. Make it extra special by scheduling a regular card night for you and your loved one with AMD.
Why we like it: Because everyone has a favorite card game. This large print version makes playing cards accessible for people with low to moderate vision loss from AMD.
The three rules for optimizing vision for people with vision loss from macular degeneration are Bigger, Bolder, and Brighter. These are achieved through magnification, increasing contrast, and light. These 2023 picks are useful tools for people with AMD.
Cordless LED Lamp
This nifty cordless LED lamp allows someone with vision loss from macular degeneration to bring the light to where they need it, whether that’s beside a chair for reading, or on the kitchen counter to bring light to a cooking task, or on a table or desk to increase illumination on a writing task.
Why we like it: Modifying an entire home to increase light for all work spaces can be an expensive endeavor. A cordless LED lamp can easily be transported to where extra light is needed.
Where to get it:This one on Amazon has good reviews and easy adjustment controls.
Like the portable lamp option above, magnification is also useful when it’s portable. And what’s more portable than pocket-sized? This magnifier will likely not meet all your loved one’s magnification needs, but it will help out in a pinch.
Why we like it: While not the most powerful magnifier on the market, this one has an elegant pull-out design that allows for easy control of the light, and compact protection when not in use. This magnifier will NOT work for someone with more advanced vision loss, but will help in a pinch for those with early vision loss.
Yellow filters increase contrast for people with low vision from macular degeneration. This improves ability to read, visual acuity in low light or variable light conditions, and for those who are still able to drive, can improve contrast and clarity for night driving.
Why we like it: Many people still don’t know that wearing filters can improve visual acuity for eye conditions. We want to normalize these powerful and accessible tools!
Where to get it: Cocoons eyewear offers some of the best low vision filters on the market, and are therefore carried by many opticians. The best option is for someone with AMD to work with their eye care specialist or a low vision therapist. A less expensive option can be found on Amazon here.
Tech Gifts for Macular Degeneration
If your loved one is open, or even enthusiastic about high-tech options for their home, these gifts from Amazon’s device line all “play well” together and come with low vision and accessibility features built-in!
Amazon Echo Show
Amazon now carries a range of Echo devices, from a basic Echo Dot all the way up to a 15″ Echo Show. What you may not know, is that Amazon has been quietly building accessibility into their core devices, including for low vision. Read more about it here for inspiration. But to start, we recommend the Echo Show, which, like the Echo Dot, is an interactive speaker that can answer questions, play music, set timers, report on the weather, connect to other smart home devices, and more, but can ALSO includes a “show and tell” feature that helps people with low vision identify items with labels they can’t read. This feature was actually developed based on feedback from the low vision and blind community!
Why we like it: When set up in the kitchen, the Echo Show can become a powerful low vision assistant for cooking and organizing the kitchen.
Just like the Echo Show, Amazon has taken low vision into consideration with the Amazon Kindle E-Reader. Built-in accessibility features allow the user to adjust font-size, brightness, and contrast, and even use text-to-speech to listen to their book. Even if your loved one still loves physical books, if they are beginning to struggle to read, the Kindle can be a great supplement for books that aren’t available in large print. You can read more about Kindle accessibility here.
Why we like it: A high-tech solution with great usability. But mostly we like it because we’re all readers at AMDF, and really appreciate the low vision accessibility built-in.
While the Amazon Kindle has a text-to-speech feature to read books, Audible features audio books read by professional readers, or sometimes the authors themselves. It can be paired with Kindle, OR, can be downloaded and accessed from any computer or smart device. Audible is great for your loved one who likes to listen to something while engaging in a favorite hobby.
Why we like it: Audible is a great alternative to keeping the TV on for “company”. We also love the vast library of options in every genre, and the recent addition of podcasts.
Sometimes you just want something a little more unique, a little more special, or something with a little more meaning to give as a gift.
Donation in Their Honor and the AMD Awareness Pin
For the giftee who already has everything, a donation to macular degeneration research, education, and awareness in their honor can be lovely. Available with any level of donation to The American Macular Degeneration Foundation, the elegantly designed AMD Awareness Pin was created as a wearable art piece to raise awareness about macular degeneration by sparking conversation. ***Please NOTE: the pin will likely not arrive by Christmas, but you can creatively tell them it’s on its way in a card, along with the amount you donated in their name.
Why we like it: Well, we’re biased of course. It’s our mission to support research, education, and awareness, and any gift that supports that mission is dear to our hearts.
Where to get it:Make your donation here, and be sure to check the box that reads, “Please send me a macular degeneration awareness pin.”
Eone TimePiece
Many watches designed for people with low vision are designed for function and not beauty. From the Eone website:
“Eone was founded to solve a problem: to tell time, people who are blind have had to choose between intrusive talking watches, or fragile tactile watches. There were hardly elegant, quality alternatives. Eone founder Hyungsoo Kim was a graduate student at MIT when he learned of this problem through a friend who is blind. Guided by the conviction that everyone has a right to time, he collaborated with designers and persons with vision impairments to create a watch that everyone—sighted or blind—can use and enjoy.”
Why we like it: We learned about the Eone timepiece through Sensei Stewart who was featured in the AMDF documentary, Losing Sight, Finding Hope. It is a beautiful watch, and people with low vision deserve elegant solutions that don’t call attention to their vision loss.
Never mind low vision, how may of us have tried to find something in a black bag and felt like we were looking into a void? Feeldom started out creating bags designed for wheelchairs, but this bag was created for people with low vision. From the high contrast exterior and interior, to the tactile zipper pulls, this bag is a unique little powerhouse for portable organization for someone with low vision.
Why we like it: There are very few options for bags and purses designed for low vision. And because Feeldom designs for other disabilities, the zipper pulls are also easier for arthritic hands.
The purpose of these events is to raise awareness about the need for increased eye research funding to keep pace with the cost of meaningful eye research. While AEVR’s goal is to increase funding for all eye research, AMDF’s role over the years has been to represent the interests of the AMD patient population.
This year, AMDF sent two representatives: Matthew Levine, AMDF Director of Grants, Advocacy and Partnerships; and Jennifer Williams, AMDF Director of Communications and Community Engagement. We were sad that our founder, Chip Goehring, and our Secretary/Treasurer, Paul Gariepy, were unable to join this year due to a pending heart procedure for Chip.
We arrived in DC the evening before the main events, and a spontaneous meeting erupted in the lobby of our hotel! This gathering of minds included AMDF team members, AEVR Executive Director Dan Ignaszewski, AMDF grant recipient and Congressional Briefing featured speaker Dr. Neena Haider, patient advocate speaker and AMDF partner Mark Roser, and VisionAid.io cofounder Taylor Speegle.
While the lobby meeting was coincidental, the synergies among our small group were powerful. AMDF had invited Dr. Haider (whose promising gene therapy work AMDF supports) to speak with young scientists and legislators about the extensive commitment, time and financing required to produce meaningful scientific breakthroughs, along with a glimpse into her revolutionary approach to gene therapy. We had also invited VisionAid cofounder Taylor Speegle to make the experience of vision loss real by demoing his company’s immersive, augmented reality, low vision simulator, both at the Briefing and during one-on-one visits with legislators the following day. Mark Roser, with whom AMDF has a longstanding collaboration to distribute the self-monitoring tool called the KeepSight Journal, was there to personalize the Briefing by describing AMD patient anxiety and the counterbalancing hope that is generated by research breakthroughs and patient empowerment. And Dan Ignaszewski, with his extensive understanding of government functioning, kept on generating new possibilities for future collaborations between all of us!
Congressional Briefing
On Wednesday, September 20, 2023, AEVR hosted a congressional briefing in the House Rayburn Office Building. AMDF funded researcher, Neena Haider, PhD (Harvard Medical School) was the main speaker at the briefing, on the topic Advancements in Macular Degeneration: New and Upcoming Therapies.
Speaking to a full room of legislators, Congressional aides and young researchers, Dr. Haider gave a master class in how to speak about complex science to nonscientists during her presentation on her lab’s advancements in gene therapy research for macular degeneration.
The patient advocate speaker was Mark Roser, a long-time valued collaborative partner to AMDF as the creator of the KeepSight Journal.
Mark Roser, creator of the KeepSight Journal and AMD patient, shared his personal perspective with the audience.
Mark Roser and Neena Haider, PhD (seated) speak with to American Academy of Ophthalmology Congressional Affairs Director Mark Lukaszewsk, and AMDF Grants Director Matthew Levine.
Emerging Vision Scientists Reception
Representatives from AMDF later attended the Emerging Vision Scientists Reception where the work of 31 early-stage vision scientists from across the country was on display. The event, made possible by support a grant from Research to Prevent Blindness (with whom AMDF co-funds grants!), focused on answering the question, “How will this research delay or prevent the $717 billion annual cost of eye disease and vision impairment projected by year 2050?”
Lower right: AMDF Grants Director Matthew Levine listens to a young researcher present her poster.
Augmented Reality Makes the Reality of Vision Loss from Macular Degeneration Tangible to Researchers and Congressional Aides
Also featured at both events, in partnership with AMDF and AEVR, was a low vision simulator experience hosted by Taylor Speegle, co-founder of VisionAid and co-creator of the one of the world’s most advanced eye disease and vision loss simulators. The simulation experience was available for scientists and congressional aides, driving home the reality of what living with vision loss is really like. Particularly for scientists, it is one thing to examine the disease at the molecular and cellular levels, and an entirely different thing to be immersed in the lived experience of vision loss.
Such immersive experiences also have the potential to improve patient adherence to treatment, and we look forward to further collaborations with VisionAid to improve outcomes for patients.
Taylor Speegle of VisionAid demonstrates the augmented reality headset that simulates multiple eye diseases and stages of vision loss.
AMDF Joins Capitol Hill Visits
AMDF played a pivotal role in day two Capitol Hill visits to multiple congressional offices to urge policymakers to continue to increase funding for eye research. Among the visits AMDF attended were visits to:
AMDF Grants Director, Matthew Levine, pictured in far right of all photos, attending Capitol Hill visits in partnership with AEVR to urge policymakers to support and increase eye research funding to the National Eye Institute.
Looking Ahead
AMDF is dedicated to increasing our impact on Capitol Hill and beyond. We are currently in the planning stages of developing an advocacy event to occur during February, AMD Awareness Month. It’s too early to share our plans, but we hope to open opportunities for more patients to participate in person and through online efforts.
Your support means the world to us, and we encourage you to continue your involvement in our shared journey to find better treatments and a cure for macular degeneration.
As the leaves change color and the scent of pumpkin spice fills the air, we’re reminded that fall has arrived. Beyond pumpkin-spiced lattes and decorative jack-o’-lanterns, there are hidden riches in this season’s focal vegetable: the pumpkin. More than a staple for carving and baking delicious pies, pumpkin is also a useful vegetable for eye health and macular degeneration!
Its bright orange color is in fact a clue that tells us this vegetable is good for the eyes. Like all squash, pumpkin is rich in carotenoids, vitamin C and E, zinc, fiber, and when you cook the pumpkin from fresh (not canned), you also get the important carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, known for reducing risk of macular degeneration onset or progression. 1 cup contains 2.5 mg of lutein and zeaxanthin.
It’s important to get your nutrients from foods when you can, due to the synergistic components found in whole foods that are important for absorption. The beauty of nature’s bounty lies in its ability to provide a symphony of nutrients that work harmoniously together. Now, that being said, we’re not suggesting you not take the macular degeneration supplements your doctor has recommended. They certainly have their place in your eye health journey! But remember that whole foods should be your primary source of nutrition.
Pick the right pumpkin!
When cooking with pumpkin to get eye nutrition, there are a couple things to look for.
First, choose fresh pumpkin (not canned) if you can. Lutein and zeaxanthin are abundant in fresh pumpkin, but are lost in the canning process.
Not just ANY fresh pumpkin though! Carving pumpkins are not the same as pumpkin used for cooking. Look for the smaller, edible pumpkins best for cooking at your grocery store, often labeled ‘pie pumpkins’. If you’re not sure, ask the produce manager at your local grocery store.
If time is short and you must use canned, choose unsweetened organic canned pumpkin which has all of the other eye nutrients. Just add some sources of lutein and zeaxanthin (including omega-3 eggs, kiwi, grapes, broccoli, and peas, among other foods).
But what to cook with pumpkin? Here are three easy recipes to add pumpkin to your weekly menu this Fall and Winter.
3 Easy Ways to Add Pumpkin to Your AMD Diet™
There are so many ways that we can improve the health of our maculas through nutrition!! In addition to carotenoids, and specifically the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, another important dietary consideration is fiber, especially “soluble” fiber (a prebiotic). The recipes below contain ingredients high in fiber, so be sure to drink more water to help prevent gas and bloating. Fiber helps the good bacteria in the body get stronger and more diverse, which helps the eyes immensely.
ROAST those pumpkins!
Serves 4 or more.
Cut one baking pumpkin in half, spoon out the seeds and put aside if you want to rinse and roast these, too. (Zinc!)
Take the large oven roasting pan, coat lightly with organic canola or avocado oil. (vitamin E!)
Open two cans of organic legumes (you choose, I like pinto and garbanzo beans). Drain and rinse. (soluble fiber, good fats, protein)
Cut up two bunches of Bok Choy (you can also use collards, spinach or kale), 2-3 stalks of chopped celery. (more antioxidants, minerals, and fiber)
Mix the legumes with the veggies (add more veggies if you wish).
Grab your favorite spices! I like the Italian ones (oregano, basil, herbal blends) or Savory ones (thyme, sage, herbal blends). Liberally apply to veggies.
Spread the veggies on the bottom of the roasting pan, set the oven to 370 degrees.
Take a fork, and scratch the inside of those lovely pumpkin halves, along the top edge too. Grab some extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil (good fats, vitamin E), and rub it into the grooves. Add some of the herbal seasoning if you wish (or just plain is ok too). Turn them upside down onto the veggies and legumes.
Take a sheet of aluminum foil and place lightly over the top of the pan. Slide it into the oven, bake at 370 degrees for 60 minutes, or when your fork easily pierces the pumpkin.
This same recipe will work for any squash, which is actually pictured in the last photo!
Now, for the SEEDS: An excellent snack for eyes and overall health.
Rinse and clean the seeds from the pulp.
Drizzle in some avocado oil (which can stand higher temps for longer), and coat all the seeds.
Take some of that lovely spice concoction (or just add salt and pepper) and add to the mixture to taste.
Per ½ cup: Calories 143, Protein 6g, Fiber 6g, lutein and zeaxanthin 4 mcg, with a bit of zinc. Predominantly high in monounsaturated fats (the avocado oil adds a bit of omega-3).
Bake at 370 degrees, in a separate oiled baking sheet from the roasted pumpkin, and spread them out to get a nice crispness. Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring them every 5 minutes or so to get all sides roasted. YUM. You’re going to want to make more…..
Pumpkin Pie
Ingredients:
3-4 pounds small pumpkin, or acorn or butternut squash
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
pinch of ground cloves
½ teaspoon sea salt
¾ cup honey – local is best
2 large omega-3 eggs
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 pie crust, pre-baked, see below (or buy a frozen one without bad fats and emulsifiers…)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350F.
Fill the bottom of a baking dish with ¼ inch of water.
Cut the pumpkin in half, remove the seeds, and place face down in the baking dish.
Roast the pumpkin in the oven for 45-55 minutes, until soft. Allow the pumpkin to cool, scrape the flesh into a bowl, then measure out 4 cups.
Puree the pumpkin in a food processor until smooth, 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, salt, honey, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Pulse until well blended.
Pour the mixture in the crust. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until the filling is firm. Let the pie cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then serve warm.
Place flour and salt in food processor and pulse briefly
Add coconut oil and egg and pulse until mixture forms a ball
Press dough into a 9-inch pie dish
Written in collaboration with Barbara Olendzki, RD, MPH, LDN, Director of the Center for Applied Nutrition, Mass Chan Medical School, and AMDF Nutrition Consultant.All recipes courtesy of Barbara Olendzki and The Center for Applied Nutrition.
In fact, the research suggests that having AMD is a greater risk (25%) for severe COVID than Type 2 diabetes (21%) and obesity (13%).
Based on the evidence, the researchers suggest that lowering the activity of the PDGFB gene may form the basis of a treatment that lowers COVID infection severity. According to one of the study’s authors, there are already clinical trials underway for an improved wet AMD treatment that combines current anti-VEGF therapy with drugs that block PDGFB signaling.
While no advisory statements have been issued by medical groups, the AMDF believes that knowing that you have AMD, or that AMD runs in your family, should be taken into consideration when making decisions about risking exposure to COVID-19, and you may want to consult with your doctor about these findings to develop a treatment plan should you get COVID.
Chung J, Vig V, Sun X, Han X, O’Connor GT, Chen X, DeAngelis MM, Farrer LA, Subramanian ML. Genome-Wide Pleiotropy Study Identifies Association of PDGFB with Age-Related Macular Degeneration and COVID-19 Infection Outcomes. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2023; 12(1):109. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12010109
