MD does not cause blindness

Nine out of 10 AMD patients surveyed in the US said that they do not consider themselves to be blind in either or both eyes due to AMD alone. More than nine out of 10 patients also agree with the statement that AMD alone does not cause blindness.

These are some of the findings from a survey by MD Support, a leading patient advocacy group in the US. The purpose of the survey was to gather opinions from AMD patients about the indiscriminate use of the word “blind” as a description of their condition.

In the report on the survey, MD support said: "These are convincing statistics that are now available for the first time to eye care professionals, patient advocacy organizations and public service agencies. Hopefully, the message is clear and will be heeded.

"More important, however, is that people with AMD can use these findings to defend themselves against those who tell them they will go blind. To dispense that kind of false information is irresponsible. It can have grave emotional consequences that can lead to serious depression and even thoughts of suicide."

Click here to read the full survey report and here to hear an audio presentation.