Can using my eyes cause further damage, will resting them make them last longer?
No, definitely not! You cannot hurt your eyes or wear them out quicker by using them for normal tasks. Your eyes do not have a limited life (like a battery). Please ‘use’ your eyes as much as you like. By doing so you may learn new ways of seeing things to compensate for your decreased vision. If only one eye is affected, resting your ‘good’ eye has no impact on the risk of MD developing. There are a number of reasons why your eyes may feel uncomfortable at times, particularly if you have been doing fine detailed work. This discomfort has no impact on your retina (or macula). You should discuss any discomfort you may experience with your optometrist or low vision specialist for advice on low vision devices or for simple tips with regards to glare, lighting and reading skills that can help with symptoms.
