My mom has had cataract surgery 7 years ago. At that time she was in the beginning stages of macular degeneration. Earlier this year we saw an optometrist and was given prescription and we had that filled by America's Best. Still complains she can't see, so I make appt to get another she exam they give her new script which fills and they also want her to see Retina Specialist which she does and says she has MD but she will not go blind, and the script was great, things went smooth for a week, Begins to complain again. She has had bifocals (both lined and unlined.)They gave her just readers complained about them. She now has 15 store bought readers and won't use glasses cause she can't see. I am wits end on what to do if I even can. My mom is narcissist and hypochondriac and loves going to doctors. Right now we're at 10 specialists😱
https://www.visionaware.org/blog/visionaware-blog/coping-with-geographic-atrophy-the-advanced-stage-of-dry-macular-degeneration/12
With all these specialists has anyone done anything to actually treat the AMD? And has she seen a low vision specialist who can map out her vision loss and help her with low vision aids?
In any case, have a look at this link: https://www.visionaware.org/info/your-eye-condition/age-related-macular-degeneration-amd/how-does-amd-affect-vision/125
Scroll down a bit and you'll see simulations of what images look like when you have MD.
I really feel for your mother! I have one tiny "floater" in my left eye and it drives me nuts at times. How I'd feel if my vision were as impaired as hers must be I dread to think. And to explain the "miraculous" new prescriptions - I do have very poor eyesight, and every time I get a new lens px I think ooo what a relief, and then you get used to it and it's not such magic after all.
And the most frustrating thing for your mother is that she CAN see. Only, she can't see important bits of what she's looking at.
Then - what can you do about it. Not much, sadly. What does she mainly want to do that involves vision? If it's reading or knitting or puzzles, you could try improving the light levels and get her one of those magnifying stands they sell in craft shops. You can get books with large print, if she likes reading? And what about a Kindle or a tablet, has she ever had a go at using anything like this?
If it's watching t.v., see if there's an option to get commentary along with the pictures - like this:
"If you're not sure how to turn Audio Description on or off, then the first place to try should be the TV manual. Alternatively, you can try to find the option from the on-screen menus. Try looking under “Language”, “Subtitles”, “Audio” or “Sound” in the Settings menu."
I think the most important thing her ophthalmologist can do for her is explain the reality of what has happened and how she can best conserve her vision, and you should keep her away from ratbags who tell her anything like that they can make her all better. Collecting glasses does tend to become a pastime for very much older people (I think my mother had about seven pairs, all on px), the constant quest for the perfect pair, but professionals should be managing her expectations and not just flogging her ever more expensive refinements.
I know it's no picnic telling a narcissistic hypochondriac that, tough, there's nothing anyone can do about it, you're just going to have work round it but that's the truth. Sorry, mother :(