The Macular Degeneration Source Book: A Guide for Patients and Families

I thought I knew all the handy tricks until I read Chapter 9, "Making the Home Eye Friendly." After helping my mother deal with her legal blindness for ten years, I thought I knew all the practical hints for coping with macular degeneration. Now I'm in the early stages of the disease and welcome the many new ideas I found in The Macular Degeneration Source Book. Some of my favorites are to always carry a flashlight and to put glow-in-the-dark tape on stairtreads, doorknobs--and all those flashlights.

But the book offers more than handy tips. Retinal surgeon Bert Glaser follows a logical progression starting with an explanation of what happens to the eye affected by macular degeneration, with drawings that illuminate the text. Then he describes the various types of macular degeneration. The importance of testing and getting a diagnosis from qualified doctors is emphasized. Treatments for various types of MD are discussed in an understandable style. A list of risk factors is followed by life style changes that can help reduce risk. The book does not over-promise results while offering a positive, upbeat approach throughout.

Useful features in the back of the book include a list of resources-websites, organizations, catalogs, software, and vision products-a glossary of terms, and an index.


Patients and families will learn from this book.   February 13, 2002
Judith Delgado, Director, Macular Degeneration Partnership (Los Angeles, CA United States)
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

This comprehensive book does a very nice job of explaining age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in terms that anyone can understand. Patients and their families will particularly appreciate learning the distinction between the different types of AMD and reading the thorough description of the eye examination.

Other important chapters cover a 10-step program to reduce your risks of macular degeneration, dealing with the emotional impact (an often overlooked aspect of vision loss) and ways to make your home and workplace more vision friendly. The Appendix and List of Resources are excellent.

The diagnosis of AMD can be devastating, but with information like The Macular Degeneration Source Book, patients and their families can deal with the challenge. Written by a leading macular degeneration specialist, it contains accurate medical information and lists current research.


A Real Eye Opener   December 18, 2001
William R. Cates (Columbia, MD USA)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

This is a great book on the topic. Glaser and Picker have great insight into this disease. Reading this book has helped me understand what my father is going through and gave us some ideas for more effective treatment. Thank you, gentlemen!


The Macular Degeneration Sourcebook: A Guide for Patients   December 17, 2001
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Loosing sight due to Macular Degeneration is a very frightening experience. Dr. Glaser and Lester Picker were able to provide a level of comfort in dealing with the disease. The book is complete with valuable references and resources while doing a good job of thoroughly managing expectations.


Worth your Time   December 17, 2001
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

A close relative has recently been diagnosed with macular degeneration. I found this book very helpful in understanding the ravaging effects of macular degeneration, yet also providing solid information on ways to combat and cope with this disease. It is clearly written and easy for a layperson such as myself to understand. I'd recommend it to anyone with a similar interest.