Hi Does anyone know if a small TV close up is better than sitting right up at an angle to a big screen. My Mum has wet macular degeneration.

[mindyanajones]

[sarahneil]

Dear Mindy

Adapting the way you way watch TV is a personal thing. What suits one person many suit another. Generally, sitting closer to the television can be really helpful as it increases the size of the image on the retina. As an adult, siting close to the television will not harm your eyes in any way. If it is not practical to sit close then it might be worth giving telescopic magnifiers designed for television to try. You can get help with this from your low vision service.

When you have the macular condition, facing the screen directly can often place the worst part of your vision in front of the screen. Sometimes just a simple adaptation such as sitting nearer a TV set can help. If one is better than the other, try turning your chair about 45 degrees so that you are looking at the screen with your better eye.

In addition, some people find the eccentric fixation is useful. This is where you look away from the centre of the screen, perhaps above or below or to one side of the screen, finding your clearest bit of vision as close to the centre of the macula but effectively moving any damage out of the way.

Should you wish to discuss this further please contact the Macular Society Helpline on 0300 3030 111

Thank you

Macular Society Helpline