Help for people with macular eyesight problem (From York Press)

Help for people with macular eyesight problem

9:01am Wednesday 19th September 2012 in News

PEOPLE in York who are affected by a serious eye condition are being offered the chance to learn skills to help them maintain their independence.

Macular disease affects the central vision and is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK. It can take the form of age-related macular degeneration or a juvenile macular dystrophy. The Macular Disease Society says sufferers can find everyday tasks such as cooking, walking, reading, watching television and even recognising the faces of others very difficult.

Volunteer trainers are now available to teach Eccentric Viewing and Steady Eye, techniques which help people to make the best use of their remaining peripheral vision.

York volunteer trainer Pat Wood said the skills offered great potential to help people maintain their independence. “People who have benefited from the technique report improvements in everyday tasks such as mobility, sewing, food preparation as well as reading and recognising faces,” she said.