Abstract
Background: Public understanding of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is lower than that of other eye diseases such as cataract or glaucoma. The purpose of this study was to determine what reasons people with AMD give for their vision loss. Methods: Fifteen adults with AMD causing significant visual loss performed a detailed one-to-one semi-structured interview. Qualitative analysis techniques were used to identify themes and frequency of responses. Results: Sixty percent (9/15) of the participants identified aging as the principal cause of their vision loss. Two participants (13%) volunteered smoking as being a contributing factor. Common misconceptions included vision loss being attributable to trauma (2/15), medical or surgical intervention (2/15), and overuse of the eyes in earlier life (2/15). No patients mentioned genetic factors as being of importance. Conclusion: Patients with macular disease attribute their vision loss to many factors. Less than two-thirds identify their vision problem as being related to aging. Few appear to be aware of the role of smoking in AMD pathogenesis, and many feel their vision loss is due to medical intervention, trauma, or “using up” their vision. Low-vision practitioners should ensure that patients are correctly counseled as to the cause of their vision loss. Patient education with regard to AMD needs to be made more available in a clinical setting and in health information campaigns.