Improving Function in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Exclusion Criteria

• •Ophthalmologic Criteria. Patients who have uncontrolled glaucoma (continued visual field loss and increase in optic nerve cupping), diabetic retinopathy (due to macular edema), or cataracts for which surgery within 6 months is likely will not be eligible to participate. This information will be obtained from patients' ophthalmology charts and discussion with the patient's ophthalmologist.
• •Cognitive Impairment Criteria. Cognitive functioning will be evaluated by the Project Director during the telephone screen (see Chapter 9). Patients with cognitive impairment will not be eligible to participate.
• •Health Criteria. Patients with life-threatening illness (e.g., terminal cancer, need for oxygen) will not be eligible to participate. Information regarding heath status will be gleaned from patient's ophthalmology charts.