Low Vision Care for Macular Degeneration
A diagnosis of macular degeneration often comes with discouraging news: there’s no cure, no surgery, and no way to reverse the damage. But that doesn’t mean there’s no help.
Central Vision Loss Care in Novi, MI
At Beyond Low Vision, we specialize in helping patients with central vision loss take back control of their lives. Dr. Jacobi works closely with each patient to understand their daily challenges, then recommends low vision tools that support reading, mobility, and independence.
What Is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration is an eye disease that affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for your sharpest, most detailed central vision. It doesn’t cause complete blindness, but it does make it harder to read, drive, recognize faces, and see clearly in front of you. Most people still have side (peripheral) vision, which makes navigation possible, but doing close-up work or recognizing details becomes difficult or frustrating. There are two types:
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Dry macular degeneration, the more common form, progresses slowly over time
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Wet macular degeneration, which can cause more sudden and severe vision loss due to fluid or bleeding under the retina
Both types can affect your quality of life, but with the right low vision care, you can adapt and thrive with the vision you still have.
How Macular Degeneration Affects Daily Life
Macular degeneration doesn’t take away all of your vision, but it can take away the parts that matter most. Many patients describe feeling like there’s a blur or dark spot in the center of everything they try to see. You may struggle with:
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Reading newspapers, books, or mail
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Recognizing faces—even of people you know well
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Cooking or handling detailed tasks safely
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Driving, especially at night or in low-light conditions
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Using a phone, computer, or tablet
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Doing hobbies like knitting, puzzles, or woodworking
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Feeling disoriented in crowded or unfamiliar places
It’s not just the physical impact; it’s the emotional weight of constantly adapting, giving things up, and being told “there’s nothing more we can do.” That’s where we step in.
How Beyond Low Vision Can Help
We focus on what you can still do and how we can help you do it more easily, safely, and with more confidence. Dr. Jacobi works one-on-one with each patient to understand how macular degeneration is affecting your routine, hobbies, and your independence. From there, we explore custom solutions like:
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High-powered magnifiers and hands-free reading aids
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Contrast-enhancing filters or tints
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Lighting adjustments and low vision lamps
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Devices for watching TV, using a computer, or navigating your home
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Personalized device trials in-office or during home visits
Everything we recommend is something you can try before you buy, because we believe support should be personal and pressure-free.
Get Support Living with Central Vision Loss
Macular degeneration may change how you see the world, but it doesn’t have to take away how you live in it. At Beyond Low Vision, we help patients across Northville, Plymouth, Livonia, and surrounding areas discover the tools and strategies that make a difference. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with central vision loss for years, Dr. Jacobi is here to help you move forward. Call to schedule your low vision consultation.