“Is that pepper... or coffee grounds?”

“Is that pepper... or coffee grounds?”
If you’ve ever seasoned your scrambled eggs with what turned out to be yesterday’s coffee, you’re not alone. For seniors living with Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), the kitchen can sometimes feel like an obstacle course - one filled with mystery spices, mismatched containers, and a few too many close calls with the stove.
 
Cooking should never feel like a high-stakes guessing game, especially when you're trying to prepare meals that actually help slow the progression of AMD. At Cook With Doc, we believe that a few simple adjustments can make your kitchen not only safer, but also more enjoyable - so you can confidently create meals that nourish your vision.
 
Let There Be (Better) Light
Lighting is the MVP of an AMD-friendly kitchen. Natural light is great, but it’s not always available- especially when you’re trying to whip up breakfast at 6 a.m. or prep dinner after sunset.
Try this:

  1. Install bright, adjustable LED task lights under cabinets.
  2. Use warm white bulbs to reduce glare while still giving clear contrast.
  3. Place a lamp near the prep area to spotlight cutting boards and measuring tools.

Clear Labels & High Contrast Wins
Gone are the days of guessing which can is soup and which one is diced tomatoes. Large-print labels, bold black markers, and color-coded systems can do wonders.
Try this:

  1. Label spice jars with large, high-contrast letters.
  2. Use tactile stickers or rubber bands to “code” similar items.
  3. Store commonly used items in see-through containers on open shelves.

Tools That Work Smarter - So You Don’t Have to Work Harder
Specialized kitchen tools can be a game-changer for those with low vision.
Consider these upgrades:

  1. Talking food thermometers and talking kitchen scales
  2. Non-slip cutting boards with high-contrast surfaces (like black boards for light foods)
  3. EZ-grip measuring spoons with large-print indicators
  4. Color-contrasted knife handles for visibility and safety

Safety First, Always
When cooking with AMD, safety is as important as nutrition.
Watch out for these common risks:

  1. Reaching over open flames — Use front burners when possible.
  2. Cluttered counters — Keep the workspace clear to avoid spills or confusion.
  3. Hot handles or pans — Use silicone handle covers and always keep potholders nearby.
  4. Sharp edges — Store knives in magnetic racks or sheaths instead of open drawers.

Cooking with Confidence (and Nutrition That Supports Your Eyes)
The great news? You don’t have to stop cooking - you just have to cook smarter.
When your kitchen is designed with AMD in mind, it empowers you to stay independent and continue making the nutritious meals that help protect your vision.

At Cook With Doc, we create recipes specifically designed to include lutein-rich leafy greens, omega-3 packed fish, antioxidant-loaded berries, and more - all formulated to help slow the progression of AMD.
 
Take the Next Step Toward a Vision-Friendly Lifestyle
Ready to cook with confidence?
Explore delicious, eye-healthy recipes today at Cook With Doc - where every dish is designed to support your vision and your independence.

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