Nonmedical treatments like therapy, exercise, and support groups can help you manage the impact of vision loss on quality of life. Medical treatments may also help.

Wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) is an eye condition that leads to blind spots in your central vision.

Unlike the more common “dry” form of AMD, wet AMD causes more severe vision loss and could be sudden. Such dramatic changes in your vision — sometimes occurring in a single day — can take an emotional toll.

Your first priority may be learning how to stop further progression that can worsen vision loss. A doctor will likely want to start anti-VEGF injections to help minimize macular damage.

While wet AMD can physically impact daily life, research suggests that it can also affect emotional well-being and quality of life.

“The fear of a decline from macular degeneration can lead to daily worry or dread about everyday issues, which can transform and generalize into anxiety,” explained Dr. Lindsay Israel, a board certified psychiatrist.

However, several lifestyle changes and treatments can help you manage your physical and psychological symptoms.

Read on to learn more about the links between wet AMD and your mental health and treatments that can help.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 14% of adults over 60 years old experience a type of mental health disorder. Conditions that are directly related to aging, such as vision and hearing loss, are thought to contribute.

A 2021 study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 1 in 4 people with vision loss reported feelings of anxiety or depression.

Wet AMD is one of the most common causes of vision loss. If left untreated, it can lead to severe macular damage and permanent vision changes, such as blurriness or blind spots in your central vision.

Several treatments, like vision rehabilitation services and assistive devices, can help you manage the condition. However, such tools don’t necessarily address the anxiety and depression you may experience with wet AMD.

People with AMD “may feel a loss of independence, increased social isolation, less interpersonal engagement, and a sense of helplessness regarding their lack of control over the disease,” explained Holly Schiff, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist.

“There is also a lack of predictability when it comes to treatments for macular degeneration, which can increase one’s anxiety,” Schiff said.

Several other factors may also impact your emotional well-being and quality of life if you have wet AMD, including:

  • decreased mobility and more difficulty performing daily activities like work, reading, and driving
  • treatment factors, such as medical appointments and the type, duration, and costs of treatment
  • loss of independence due to increased dependence on a caregiver for support
  • uncertainty over what the future may hold in terms of further wet AMD progression

If vision loss from wet AMD is affecting your mental health, speak with a doctor. They could recommend different types of treatment to help improve your physical and mental health.

Several nonpharmacological treatments can help you build confidence, management tools, and independence to help you manage the effects of vision loss on quality of life.

A psychotherapist or counselor can be a helpful resource when you’re trying to work through newfound emotional and mental challenges associated with wet AMD.

“Psychotherapy can provide individuals with a new perspective on their situation, which enables them to regain control, reduce physiological and psychological symptoms, and adopt effective strategies that can help them manage stressful situations with more ease and confidence,” Schiff said.

In particular, Schiff recommended cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a technique that “aims to identify and correct unhealthy and unrealistic thought patterns.” A licensed therapist who practices CBT can help modify “behaviors, thoughts, and feelings and change them to be more realistic, helpful ones.”

A therapist could also recommend stress management and problem-solving techniques, such as regular exercise, meditation, and mindfulness.

To find a qualified mental health professional in your area, consider asking a primary care doctor for a referral or calling your local health department. You can also ask for a therapist who specializes in wet AMD.

In some cases, a doctor may recommend medical treatments for depression and anxiety alongside lifestyle changes and psychological treatments.

According to Dr. Israel, some medical treatments include “antidepressants, anxiolytics, or non-medication interventions such as transcranial magnetic stimulation.” Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are common first-line treatments for depression in older adults.

When it comes to mental health medications, it’s important to know that you may need to try multiple types until you’ve found the right one for you.

Also, talk with a doctor about potential interactions with other medications you may be taking, such as blood thinners.

Staying socially active is a key factor in managing your mental health and the impact of vision loss on quality of life.

According to the CDC, vision loss is commonly associated with social isolation and feelings of loneliness. These are two risk factors associated with mental health disorders, particularly in older adults with chronic health conditions.

Prolonged loneliness and isolation could also increase the risk of worsening mental health, heart disease, and decreased immune function, according to the National Institute of Aging.

Speaking with family members and friends is a good first step toward maintaining your social connections, but you may also find it helpful to connect with others going through similar experiences.

“You may pick up some practical tips while reducing that sense of isolation and hearing others’ stories,” said Schiff.

Macular Degeneration Support provides the following local, online, and telephone support groups for wet AMD:

You may also consider joining a local support group for older adults focusing on anxiety or depression rather than wet AMD only. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America provides a list of online communities and local support groups.

Additionally, it’s important to find joy by either maintaining your old hobbies or creating new ones. You may find free programs in local libraries, religious institutions, and community service agencies.

Wet AMD is a condition that affects your central vision and can impact daily activities like reading, driving, and walking. It’s important to get prompt treatment for this chronic eye condition, but it’s just as imperative to manage your mental health.

“One way to help mitigate the onset of depression or anxiety is to shift focus and realize that having different goals does not necessarily mean all is bad or lost,” said Dr. Israel. “Humans are resilient and can adapt to all kinds of situations, including vision loss.”

If you or a loved one has wet AMD and is experiencing anxiety or depression, speak with a mental health professional. You can also get resources from a primary doctor, local health department, or secure online apps.