Helpful Tips and Tricks for Daily Life With Geographic Atrophy

Geographic atrophy (GA) is an advanced form of dry macular degeneration. Living with GA can be challenging, and I’ve had to adapt and make changes in my daily life.

I learnt a lot from watching how my mother coped with this condition. She didn’t have modern technology to help her, but her positive mindset was a definite advantage. That’s something I try to remember as I make my own adaptations.

Technology has advanced since those days, and I’ve discovered useful tools and simple strategies that make everyday life easier.

Making adaptations in the home

My home environment was one of the first things to adjust. Keeping everything in the same place has become important, because it is difficult to see into the back of dark drawers, cupboards, and closets. Motion sensor lights in my closets have helped with this problem, and they’re recharged with a USB cord, so I’m not buying batteries all the time.

Good lighting is essential everywhere. I was getting very frustrated trying to read or do close-up work with inadequate lighting. Now, there are rechargeable lights on my desk that can bend right down close to what I’m trying to read or do.

A few simple but helpful changes have made a big difference around the house.

Contrast and color adaptations

I use white plates on a dark tablecloth so I can see my plate and my food more clearly.

Tablets go on a coloured plate so they don’t disappear on me (I still remember finding stray tablets under my mother’s lace tablecloth when I visited).

Walkways are kept clear and clutter-free to avoid tripping. Those mats that I really liked had to go, especially after one very close call.

Larger print and magnifiers

In the bathroom, I’ve decanted my shampoo and conditioner into plain bottles and written on them with a sharpie. A very large “S” and “C” now help me tell them apart. I always place them from left to right on the shelf — shampoo first, conditioner second.

Assistive devices and apps have been a great help once I worked out how to use them.

Magnifiers sit on every table and in the kitchen, and I make sure to leave them where I found them so I’m never without one.

On my phone, I’ve increased the keyboard size and enlarged the font. Some text may be cut off in portrait mode, so I sometimes need to turn my phone sideways to see everything.

Smartphone and tech strategies

I’ve started using voice input for emails and text messages. I’m still getting used to it and need to proofread everything quite carefully, but I’m hoping it will improve as my phone adapts to my voice — and as I learn to speak a bit more clearly.

My smartphone also works as a portable magnifier when I’m shopping. Those labels couldn’t be any smaller if they tried! I use a magnifying app, including one that combines the flashlight and magnifier. I just have to remember not to put my phone down and forget it (and yes, this has happened!).

I also love my Amazon Echo Dot. She tells me the time and date, reads me the news, and plays music of my choice. I also use her to set reminders and alarms, which means I don’t have to fiddle with my phone as much.

Adjusting brightness

Glare has always been a problem for me with GA, so I never go outside without my sunglasses. The brightness on my television also needs adjusting, as what works during the day is very different from what feels comfortable in the evening.

Small, practical changes add up

Living with geographic atrophy hasn’t been easy, but I’ve learned that small, practical changes really do add up.

With the right tools and mindset, I’ve been able to maintain my independence and keep doing the things I enjoy.