Binoculars use with wet AMD

[Ayralin]

Hello, I am wondering if anyone has recommendations for a type, size, style or brand of binocular that will work best with AMD. I have it in my right eye, central vision is not completely gone but like a small dark cloud in the center, I can sometimes see through. I get injections and have for several years now - maintaining my site.

Being a birdwatcher is getting more difficult - whereas I used to be able to ID a bird just by its perching posture and shape - now I just see that "yes, there is a bird" but no more to ID it - so I have been trying my binoculars more. BUT seems the vision through the right affected eyepiece is actually worse than without using binoculars! The entire right eye vision is that dark cloud with them. Is it somehow because of how binoculars work?

Is there any style or type of binoculars better for those of use with loss of that central vision? A specific brand? Wondering if a single monocular spotting scope with only one eye piece and use it on my good eye would work better?

Linda

[tallyho]

Hi there I use a monocular myself which I was given at my low vision clinic I find it just as good as binoculars it is very lightweight and hangs on a lanyard.

[Ayralin in reply to tallyho]

I will start looking at them! Thanks!

[Beldie]

Hi. I bought myself a monocular and find it better than binoculars -mostly for looking at plants and garden birds .I have lost central vision in my (stable) right eye, and continue having injections in the left one, though it still functions pretty well. The monocular focuses best for me if I hold it just not quite touching my face; that means it's not so easy to hold steady but at least it works. I'm now too old to go bird-watching and anyway I'm not sure that the potential unsteadiness of the monocular would satisfy your needs. Worth a try though?

[Ayralin in reply to Beldie]

Thanks - looking at choices now!

[Kelly_macularsociety]

Good afternoon Ayralin,

As Tallyho has mentioned, a monocular may be useful. You can usually get these from a low vision clinic. A referral to your local low vision clinic would have to come from an Ophthalmologist or you can ask your GP referral.

The link below will take you to our Low Vision Aids advice page on our website:

macularsociety.org/support/...

Warm regards,

Kelly

Kelly Ephgrave

Advice and Information Service Administrator

Macular Society

Tel [phone]

macularsociety.org