Macular Degeneration at Work: Job Accommodations and Career Tips

Medically reviewed by Christopher L. Haupert, M.D.

Written by Jessica Wolpert

Posted on September 1, 2026

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Key Takeaways

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can make everyday work tasks more challenging, but many people continue to have fulfilling careers with the right support and tools.

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Developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can make you anxious about getting a job or keeping the job you have. Vision problems can make tasks that were once easy to perform much more difficult.

One myAMDteam member said, “I’m worrying about my future in my job, which requires visual acuity.”

Learn more about how AMD can affect your work, how to get accommodations from your workplace, and how to find vocational rehabilitation to help you find or keep a job.

🗳️ What type of workplace accommodation are you most interested in for age-related macular degeneration?

Assistive technology

Better lighting or an improved workstation

Flexible scheduling or working from home

Something else

Can You Work With Macular Degeneration?

It’s possible to have a successful career with AMD, especially with the proper support. AMD affects central vision, which is important for activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces. However, it doesn’t typically cause complete blindness.

How much AMD affects your work will depend on your symptoms and the type of job you have. Someone who spends most of the day using a computer may face different challenges from someone who drives, operates equipment, prepares food, or performs detailed work with their hands.

You may need accommodations to continue performing your current job. If your symptoms make essential parts of your job difficult even with accommodations, you may also consider whether another position or type of work would be a better fit.

Before assuming you need to leave your job, consider talking with your eye doctor about ways to make your work more accessible.

How Does AMD Affect Work?

AMD can blur your central vision and make it harder to see in low lighting. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, these vision changes may affect many different parts of a job. Symptoms can make it difficult to:

Read computer screens, documents, labels, or other printed text.
Drive to work or drive as part of your job.
Recognize co-workers, customers, or clients.
Complete detailed handwork, like cooking, repairing equipment, or assembling objects.
Navigate your workplace, particularly unfamiliar areas.
Work in dimly lit areas.

You may find that certain tasks take longer than they used to or require more concentration. Eye fatigue may also become an issue when you spend long periods reading or working on a screen.

Consider tracking the specific tasks that are becoming difficult. Identifying these challenges can help you and your employer determine which accommodations may be most useful.

What Job Accommodations Can You Get for AMD?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects qualified employees and job applicants with disabilities from disability-based discrimination. The employment provisions generally apply to private employers with 15 or more employees, as well as state and local government employers.

Covered employers must provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees with disabilities. An accommodation is a change to your job, workplace, equipment, policies, or schedule that helps you perform your job or have equal access to employment opportunities.

Assistive Technology

For people who work with a computer, an employer may be able to provide assistive technologies and low vision devices, such as:

Magnification devices and screen magnification software
Screen readers
Larger monitors
Large-print keyboards
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) magnifiers
Text-to-speech software
Accessible documents with larger print
Frequent breaks to avoid eye fatigue

Environment Changes

Changes to lighting and your physical workspace may also help. For example, getting additional lighting, reducing glare, or positioning your desk differently may make visual tasks more comfortable.

Depending on your job and symptoms, accommodations might include changes to certain duties, accessible training materials, or equipment modifications.

More Flexibility

Some people with AMD may also benefit from schedule changes. For example, if vision changes make driving difficult, a flexible schedule could allow you to commute using public transportation or travel during times when you can see more comfortably.

Working from home could also be considered if it could help you perform the essential duties of your position.

For a complete list of accommodations available for workers with AMD, review this resource on low vision job accommodations from the Job Accommodation Network.

Do You Need To Tell an Employer About Your Condition or Disability?

If you’re looking for a new job, you generally aren’t required to tell an employer that you have AMD or another visual disability before receiving a job offer. You may choose to disclose your disability if you need an accommodation during the application or interview process.

Likewise, you don’t necessarily have to disclose AMD to your current employer simply because you’ve received a diagnosis.

However, if you need a workplace accommodation because of AMD, you’ll need to let your employer know that you need a change at work related to a medical condition or disability. You don’t need to use specific legal language or mention the ADA when making the request.

Employers covered by the ADA can’t make employment decisions based on assumptions or stereotypes about visual disabilities. You still must be able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations.

How To Talk to Your Employer About Accommodations

If AMD symptoms are making parts of your job difficult, consider talking with your manager or human resources department about accommodations. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, you can ask for an accommodation at any point during the application process or while you are employed.

Think About the Accommodations You May Need

Before the conversation, make a list of the work-related problems you’re experiencing and possible changes that could help. For example, you might say that small text on your monitor has become difficult to read and ask about screen magnification software or a larger monitor.

The reasonable accommodation process varies between employers. Check your employee handbook or speak with your human resources department about your organization’s process.

Put the Request in Writing

Although you may be able to request an accommodation verbally, putting the request in writing can help you keep a record of the process. It’s also a good idea to have a healthcare provider’s note that documents your needs in case your employer asks for one.

Work Together With Your Employer

After you make your request, you and your employer should work together to figure out what accommodations are right for you. Knowing what accommodations are available can help, but your employer will ultimately decide which aids can be used in your workplace.

Follow Up as Needed

Once accommodations are in place, keep in touch with your employer in case adjustments or changes are needed. Continual communication is essential. Documenting the process is important in case issues come up along the way.

What if You Need To Change Jobs?

If AMD progresses, there may come a point when certain responsibilities are difficult even with accommodations. That doesn’t necessarily mean your only option is to stop working.

Consider which skills from your current job could transfer to another role. Your professional experience, knowledge, communication abilities, and problem-solving skills may still be valuable even if some visually demanding tasks have become harder.

In certain circumstances, reassignment to an available position may be considered a reasonable accommodation under the ADA when an employee can no longer perform their current job.

You might also benefit from talking with a vocational rehabilitation counselor. They can help you evaluate your abilities, identify possible career options, and determine whether assistive technology or additional training could help you stay employed.

How Can Vocational Rehabilitation Help?

Vocational rehabilitation counseling services help people with disabilities prepare for work, obtain employment, or continue working. These programs are intended for people whose disability creates a significant obstacle to employment and who may benefit from support in preparing for, finding, keeping, or returning to a job.

Vocational rehabilitation counselors can offer tailored advice for accommodations or job counseling services, such as résumé guidance, interview prep, and job searching. Some employers are uniquely prepared to hire job applicants with low vision, and vocational rehabilitation counselors may be able to connect you with these workplaces.

To learn more about applying for vocational rehabilitation counseling, contact your local vocational rehabilitation agency.