Understanding the Connection Between Macular Degeneration and Glaucoma

Understanding the Connection Between Macular Degeneration and Glaucoma
Table of Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    If you’ve been diagnosed with macular degeneration or glaucoma, you may wonder whether one condition increases your risk for the other. The short answer is yes—you can have both macular degeneration and glaucoma at the same time, and understanding this connection can help you protect your remaining vision.

    According to the National Eye Institute, approximately 20 million Americans have age-related macular degeneration (AMD), while 2.7 million have glaucoma. These two leading causes of vision loss share risk factors, can occur together, and—when combined—create unique challenges that require comprehensive management strategies.

    This guide explores what research reveals about the macular degeneration and glaucoma connection, how having both conditions affects daily life, and the assistive technology and training options that help people maintain independence despite combined vision loss.

    What Are Macular Degeneration and Glaucoma?

    Understanding Macular Degeneration

    Age-related macular degeneration affects the macula—the central part of your retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. AMD causes:

    • Central vision loss: Difficulty seeing what’s directly in front of you
    • Problems with fine detail: Reading, recognizing faces, and threading needles become challenging
    • Distorted vision: Straight lines may appear wavy or bent
    • Preserved peripheral vision: Side vision typically remains intact

    AMD comes in two forms: dry AMD (more common, slower progression) and wet AMD (less common but more severe, involving abnormal blood vessel growth).

    Understanding Glaucoma

    Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, usually due to elevated eye pressure. This condition causes:

    • Peripheral vision loss: Side vision narrows gradually, creating “tunnel vision”
    • Preserved central vision initially: You may not notice early symptoms
    • Irreversible damage: Vision lost to glaucoma cannot be restored
    • Silent progression: Often called the “silent thief of sight” because damage occurs before symptoms appear

    The Glaucoma Research Foundation emphasizes that while these conditions are distinct, they share important characteristics as age-related, progressive eye diseases.

    Can You Have Both Macular Degeneration and Glaucoma?

    Yes—And It’s More Common Than You Might Think

    Research from PMC confirms that macular degeneration and glaucoma can exist in the same eye at the same time. A large retrospective study identified over 400 patients with combined disease out of thousands studied—demonstrating this is a real clinical concern, not a rare occurrence.

    According to the BrightFocus Foundation, these conditions don’t directly cause each other, but they can develop independently in the same person. When both conditions are present:

    • Glaucoma affects peripheral vision from the outside in
    • Macular degeneration affects central vision from the center out
    • Combined, they can impact your entire visual field

    How Combined Disease Affects Vision

     

    Condition Vision Affected Pattern of Loss What Remains
    AMD Only Central Center outward Peripheral vision
    Glaucoma Only Peripheral Outside inward Central vision
    Both Conditions Central + Peripheral Complete field Varies by severity

     

    The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that when both conditions occur together, the visual impairment affects a larger area than either disease alone.

    Shared Risk Factors for Macular Degeneration and Glaucoma

    Common Risk Factors

     

    Research published in Medicine and studies from PMC identify several risk factors shared by both conditions:

     

    Risk Factor AMD Connection Glaucoma Connection
    Age Prevalence increases dramatically after 50 Risk rises significantly after 60
    Family History Genetic factors influence development First-degree relatives have higher risk
    Cardiovascular Disease Heart failure more common in AMD patients Associated with vascular factors
    Smoking Significantly increases AMD risk May affect blood flow to optic nerve
    High Blood Pressure Linked to wet AMD development Can affect eye pressure regulation
    Race/Ethnicity AMD more common in white populations Glaucoma more common in African Americans

    Unique Findings About Combined Disease

    The PMC study found that patients with both glaucoma and AMD demonstrate:

    • Higher prevalence of dementia compared to patients with either disease alone
    • Greater rates of heart failure than single-disease patients
    • Elevated cholesterol levels more common in the combined group

    These findings suggest potential underlying factors—such as cardiovascular dysfunction or inflammatory processes—that may predispose some individuals to both conditions.

    Managing Macular Degeneration and Glaucoma Together

    Treatment Approaches

    The good news is that treatment for one condition does not prevent treatment for the other. According to experts cited by the BrightFocus Foundation:

    For Glaucoma:

    • Eye drops to reduce intraocular pressure
    • Laser treatments (SLT, ALT)
    • Surgical procedures when drops aren’t sufficient
    • Regular monitoring of eye pressure and optic nerve

    For Macular Degeneration:

    • AREDS2 vitamin supplements (for dry AMD)
    • Anti-VEGF injections (for wet AMD)
    • Lifestyle modifications
    • Regular monitoring with OCT imaging

    You can receive both glaucoma medications and macular degeneration injections simultaneously. The treatments target different structures in the eye and don’t interfere with each other.

    Building Your Care Team

    Managing both conditions often requires coordinating between specialists:

     

    Specialist Role When Needed
    General Ophthalmologist Overall eye health, early-stage disease Diagnosis, routine monitoring
    Glaucoma Specialist Advanced glaucoma management Moderate to severe glaucoma
    Retina Specialist AMD treatment, injections Wet AMD, advanced dry AMD
    Assistive Technology Specialist Vision rehabilitation, technology training Functional vision support

    Lifestyle Modifications That Help Both Conditions

    Research published in MDPI on dietary antioxidants suggests certain lifestyle factors may benefit both conditions:

    • Quit smoking: Reduces AMD progression risk and may improve ocular blood flow
    • Manage blood pressure: Important for both conditions
    • Eat antioxidant-rich foods: Leafy greens, colorful vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids
    • Exercise regularly: Supports cardiovascular health and may help regulate eye pressure
    • Maintain healthy weight: Reduces cardiovascular risk factors

    Assistive Technology for Combined Vision Loss

    The Challenge of Losing Both Central and Peripheral Vision

    When AMD takes central vision and glaucoma takes peripheral vision, traditional low vision strategies may need adaptation. Low vision aids must address:

    • Reading and detail work (central vision tasks)
    • Navigation and mobility (peripheral vision tasks)
    • Overall awareness of surroundings
    • Safety concerns from blind spots

    Technology Solutions by Need

     

    For Central Vision Loss (AMD):

     

    Technology Purpose Available Options
    Video Magnifiers Reading, writing, detail work Desktop and portable CCTVs
    Handheld Magnifiers Quick reading tasks Illuminated, various magnification powers
    Wearable Devices Hands-free magnification Electronic glasses with adjustable zoom
    Screen Reading Software Computer and device access Text-to-speech, magnification

     

    For Peripheral Vision Loss (Glaucoma):

     

    Technology Purpose Benefits
    Field expansion devices Widen field of view Prisms, reverse telescopes
    Mobility aids Safe navigation White canes, electronic travel aids
    Smart home technology Environment control Voice activation, automated lighting
    Orientation and mobility training Independent travel Professional instruction

     

    For Combined Vision Loss:

    The American Academy of Ophthalmology’s 2025 recommendations emphasize that vision rehabilitation services are now the standard of care for all patients with vision loss. For combined AMD and glaucoma, consider:

    • Multi-modal approaches: Combining magnification with audio feedback
    • Comprehensive training: Learning to maximize all remaining vision
    • Adaptive strategies: Eccentric viewing for central tasks, scanning techniques for peripheral awareness
    • Environmental modifications: Lighting, contrast, and organization systems

    When One Condition Complicates the Other

    Treatment Considerations

    Certain situations require careful coordination between your eye care providers:

    Glaucoma Surgery and AMD:

    • Some glaucoma surgeries may temporarily affect central vision
    • Inform your retina specialist about any scheduled glaucoma procedures
    • Recovery timelines may need coordination

    Anti-VEGF Injections and Glaucoma:

    • Injections temporarily increase eye pressure
    • Glaucoma patients need monitoring after injections
    • Your doctors should communicate about your combined care

    Medication Interactions:

    • Some glaucoma medications may affect overall health
    • Report all eye medications to each specialist
    • Coordination prevents duplicate or conflicting treatments

    Monitoring Priorities

     

    Timeframe AMD Monitoring Glaucoma Monitoring
    Daily Amsler grid at home Note any vision changes
    Monthly Check for new distortion Watch for eye pain, halos
    Every 3-6 months OCT imaging, exam Eye pressure check, visual field
    Annually Comprehensive AMD assessment Complete glaucoma evaluation

    Professional Support for Combined Vision Loss

    The Importance of Low Vision Rehabilitation

    Research from PMC found that disability in daily activities was present in 18.3% of people without eye disease, compared to 25% of glaucoma patients and 44.7% of AMD patients. While specific data for combined disease is limited, the functional impact clearly exceeds either condition alone.

    Professional training services from certified Assistive Technology Specialists provide:

    • Functional vision assessment: Understanding exactly how combined vision loss affects your daily tasks
    • Personalized technology matching: Finding the right combination of aids for your specific needs
    • Adaptive technique instruction: Learning to use remaining vision effectively
    • Ongoing support: Adjusting strategies as either condition progresses

    State and Regional Resources

    New England Low Vision and Blindness serves individuals throughout the Northeast. State-specific resources include:

    Veterans with combined vision loss have access to comprehensive VA benefits including equipment, training, and rehabilitation services.

    Glossary

     

    Term Definition
    Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Progressive eye condition affecting the macula, causing central vision loss while typically preserving peripheral vision
    Glaucoma Group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, usually due to elevated intraocular pressure, causing peripheral vision loss
    Intraocular Pressure (IOP) The fluid pressure inside the eye; elevated IOP is a major risk factor for glaucoma
    Anti-VEGF Treatment Injections that block vascular endothelial growth factor to treat wet AMD by stopping abnormal blood vessel growth
    Visual Field The entire area visible to the eye when focused on a central point, including peripheral (side) vision
    Optic Nerve The nerve that transmits visual information from the eye to the brain; damaged in glaucoma
    Macula The central portion of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed central vision; damaged in AMD
    AREDS2 Supplements Specific vitamin formulation shown to slow AMD progression in some patients
    Low Vision Rehabilitation Professional services that help people with vision loss maximize remaining vision and maintain independence
    Eccentric Viewing Technique of looking slightly away from an object to use undamaged peripheral retina when central vision is compromised

    Troubleshooting Common Challenges

     

    Challenge Solutions When to Contact Support
    Difficulty reading despite magnification Combine magnification with better lighting; try different contrast settings; consider video magnifiers with adjustable contrast If multiple approaches don’t help, schedule a consultation for personalized assessment
    Bumping into objects despite good central vision Practice systematic scanning; use tactile markers; consider orientation and mobility training If safety becomes a concern, seek professional mobility training
    Managing multiple eye drop schedules Use talking medication reminders; create a consistent routine; use tactile markers on bottles If confusion persists, ask your pharmacist about combination medications
    Coordinating care between specialists Keep a folder with all test results; ensure doctors communicate; consider a care coordinator If care feels fragmented, ask your primary care doctor to help coordinate
    Technology feels overwhelming Start with one device at a time; request demonstrations; try remote training Professional training sessions prevent technology abandonment
    Vision seems to be changing Document changes with dates; contact appropriate specialist; don’t assume normal progression Any sudden changes warrant immediate medical attention

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: Does having macular degeneration increase my risk of developing glaucoma?

    A: The conditions don’t directly cause each other, but they share risk factors including age, genetics, and cardiovascular health. Having one doesn’t significantly increase your risk of developing the other, but the shared risk factors mean some people develop both. Regular comprehensive eye exams help detect either condition early.

    Q: Can the same doctor treat both my AMD and glaucoma?

    A: A general ophthalmologist can diagnose and manage early stages of both conditions. However, if either condition becomes more advanced, you may benefit from seeing specialists—a retina specialist for AMD and a glaucoma specialist for glaucoma. Your doctors should communicate to coordinate your care.

    Q: Will I go completely blind if I have both conditions?

    A: Most people with combined AMD and glaucoma retain some useful vision. With proper treatment, monitoring, and adaptive strategies, many people maintain meaningful functional vision. Low vision rehabilitation helps you maximize whatever vision remains. The key is early detection and consistent treatment.

    Q: What assistive technology works best for someone with both conditions?

    A: The answer depends on which condition is more advanced and which visual tasks are most important to you. Generally, a combination approach works best: magnification devices for central vision tasks, environmental modifications and smart home technology for peripheral awareness, and professional training to tie everything together. A consultation can identify the best combination for your specific situation.

    Q: Are there clinical trials for people with both AMD and glaucoma?

    A: Research into combined disease is ongoing. The National Eye Institute maintains a database of clinical trials. Ask your eye care specialists about studies you might qualify for—combined disease patients are specifically sought for some research.

    Key Takeaways

    • You can have both macular degeneration and glaucoma simultaneously—they affect different parts of vision (central vs. peripheral) and can occur in the same eye at the same time
    • Shared risk factors mean protecting against one helps protect against the other—cardiovascular health, smoking cessation, and healthy lifestyle choices benefit both conditions
    • Treatments don’t conflict—you can receive glaucoma drops, laser, or surgery alongside AMD injections or supplements without interference
    • Combined vision loss requires comprehensive rehabilitation—assistive technology and professional training address both central and peripheral vision challenges
    • Early detection is critical for both conditions—regular comprehensive eye exams catch problems before significant vision loss occurs

    “When someone is managing both macular degeneration and glaucoma, they’re facing a unique challenge—but not an impossible one. The right combination of medical care, assistive technology, and training can help maintain independence and quality of life. We see it every day: people who thought their vision loss meant giving up activities they love discovering that there are solutions they never knew existed.”

    — Scott Krug, President, New England Low Vision and Blindness

    Take the Next Step Toward Visual Independence

    New England Low Vision and Blindness specializes in helping people with complex vision loss—including those managing multiple eye conditions—regain confidence and independence. Our Assistive Technology Specialists understand the unique challenges of combined macular degeneration and glaucoma.

    Ready to explore your options?

    You don’t have to figure this out alone. Bringing hope through technology, training, and care is what we do.

    Request Information

    Post Page Form