Glare and Age-related Macular Degeneration by Mark Wilkinson

People who suffer from age-related macular degeneration often have problems with glare. This is particularly true if someone with AMD also has a cataract. Conventional sunglasses eliminate glare but also reduce the light entering the eye and decrease contrast so they often sharply reduce vision in someone with AMD. In this situation, specific filters should be tried to both reduce glare yet increase contrast.

Absorptive lenses can selectively eliminate specific portions of the visible and invisible light spectrum. Therefore it is possible to reduce glare yet keep the vision the same or even improve it. Eye doctors who specialize in visual rehabilitation can often pick the type of colored lens based on the person’s complaint, for instance if the glare is worse indoors or outdoors?

Usually gray/yellow, orange or plum colored filters work best in people with AMD. They reduce the glare, enhance contrast, and even improve rod (the cells that are outside the macula) function to a useful level in daylight conditions. The final decision as to which colored lens works best is up to the person with AMD. There is no one color of filter that works best for everyone so it is a trial and error process. The absorptive lenses can be placed in frames with shields on the tops and sides so the eyes are totally protected from light and glare that could go around the lenses. And don’t forget that a simple baseball cap, any other hat with a broad rim, or a visor will also reduce glare.