Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of sight loss in the UK, affecting central vision while leaving peripheral sight largely intact. With the proper workplace adjustments, technology, and understanding, employees with AMD can continue to work effectively and independently. This guide explains what AMD is, how it may affect working life, and provides practical, no-cost, or low-cost ways employers can offer support.
About Age-Related Macular Degeneration
AMD affects the macula – the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision. It does not cause total blindness, but it can make reading, recognising faces, and focusing on fine detail much more difficult. There are two main types: dry AMD, which develops gradually, and wet AMD, which can cause faster changes in vision due to fluid leakage at the back of the eye.
People with AMD often experience blurred or distorted central vision, making it hard to read small print, identify facial expressions, or see clearly when looking directly at something. Peripheral vision usually remains unaffected, allowing continued navigation and mobility. The severity and speed of progression vary, but with reasonable adjustments and awareness, most people with AMD can continue working productively.
How Macular Degeneration Can Affect Work
At work, AMD can make visually demanding tasks more challenging. Employees might struggle to read text, recognise colleagues, use screens, or complete paperwork. Central vision loss can also impact tasks that require fine detail, such as checking spreadsheets, reading measurements, or handling small components.
Bright lighting, glare, and fatigue can worsen symptoms. However, most challenges can be managed through small, thoughtful changes and open communication between employer and employee.
No-Cost and Low-Cost Workplace Adjustments
Most workplace adjustments for AMD are inexpensive and straightforward to implement. They often benefit everyone in the organisation by improving visibility, comfort and efficiency.
Area | No-Cost Adjustments | Low-Cost Adjustments |
Lighting | Ensure even, glare-free lighting and avoid harsh overhead lamps. | Provide task lamps with adjustable brightness or anti-glare filters for screens. |
Screen Use | Increase font size, adjust brightness and contrast, and use screen magnifiers or zoom tools. | Provide a larger monitor or specialist software such as ZoomText or SuperNova. |
Workspace Layout & Safety | Keep walkways clear and maintain consistent furniture placement. | Add high-contrast edging tape to steps and doorways to improve visibility. |
Information Access | Provide digital versions of documents for magnification or text-to-speech use. | Offer large-print materials or labels with clear, sans-serif fonts, such as Arial. |
Flexibility | Allow extra time for visually demanding tasks and regular eye breaks. | Provide ergonomic seating or home-working equipment to reduce strain. |
Hints and Tips for Everyday Working
– Encourage digital reading where text can be magnified easily.
– Use large, clear print for signage and office labels.
– Provide consistent lighting and avoid shiny or reflective surfaces.
– Avoid using small fonts or decorative typefaces in emails and presentations.
– Offer meeting notes and presentations in advance so information can be reviewed with assistive tools.
– Encourage staff to announce themselves when entering a room to aid recognition.
– Reduce glare by positioning monitors and desks away from windows.
– Allow flexibility for hospital appointments or changes in vision.
Building Awareness and Communication
Open and supportive communication between the employer and employee is vital. Vision may fluctuate from day to day, so managers should regularly check that adjustments remain appropriate. Simple awareness training for teams can also make a big difference – for example, understanding that central vision loss does not mean total blindness.
Professional workplace assessments can help identify the most effective adjustments and technologies, tailored to the individual’s job role and level of vision.
Legal Rights and Support
Under the Equality Act 2010, macular degeneration is considered a disability when it has a substantial, long-term impact on daily activities. Employers must make reasonable adjustments to reduce or remove workplace barriers.
Summary
With the proper adjustments, people living with macular degeneration can continue to work confidently and productively. Small, affordable changes – from improving lighting to providing magnification software – can make a world of difference. Employers who invest in inclusion benefit from a more engaged, capable and loyal workforce.
Need a visual impairment workplace assessment?
If you or someone in your team has a sight-loss condition and would like expert, tailored support to stay productive and safe at work, visit https://visualisetrainingandconsultancy.com/workplace-assessments/visual-impairment-workplace-assessments to arrange a workplace assessment.