In sight: How to master everyday life despite age-related visual impairment!

In sight: How to master everyday life despite age-related visual impairment!

Today is November 8th, 2025 and while many people experience the day quite normally, around seven million people in Germany are struggling with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This eye disease causes reduced visual acuity, blurred and distorted vision, especially in the central field of vision. For many sufferers, reading becomes a real challenge and recognizing faces can become commonplace. But that's not all - as the disease progresses, even managing the household becomes a challenge. How do you live when you can only perceive your daily surroundings to a limited extent?

Aging society has a direct impact on the incidence of eye diseases. Studies show that the risk of suffering from visual impairment increases with age. Older people are particularly affected, as more than half of those over 65 suffer from some form of visual impairment. A reliable indicator of overall health is the presence of blindness or visual impairment, and demographic changes are expected to increase this trend. Ärzteblatt reports that the main cause of blindness in Germany is age-related macular degeneration, followed by other diseases such as glaucoma and diabetic Retinopathy.

Living with AMD: Support and Solutions

The challenges presented by AMD can be extremely stressful. Studies show that loss of vision not only affects everyday life, but also the psychological state of those affected. Many people feel isolated because of their visual impairment or have difficulty getting along in their usual environment. Older people in particular often rely on the support of relatives or professional caregivers. Rheinpfalz describes how important it is to have practical aids available that can make everyday life easier.

On the other hand, it is also crucial to take timely preventive measures. Regular eye exams can help detect problems early. According to Ärzteblatt, many cases of visual impairment can be avoided through early diagnosis and targeted therapies.

Given the demographic changes in our society, it is clear that there is something to be said for improving support for people with visual impairments. The cooperation of various actors, be it in the healthcare system or in social institutions, could offer new approaches to enable those affected to have a better quality of life.

The fact that the discussion about visual impairments is more necessary than ever in our society is also reflected in the increasing demand for information and help. A good grasp of these topics can help people with visual impairments to lead a self-determined life.

So let us remain vigilant and committed to enriching and supporting the lives of people with visual impairments. Because a beautiful and fulfilling life is possible even with restrictions if we are prepared to commit ourselves and find solutions.