Why should people with macular degeneration not look directly at what they want to see?

People with macular degeneration should avoid looking directly at objects they want to see because this condition affects the central vision, which is responsible for sharp detail. Instead, they may benefit from using their peripheral vision to perceive the object, as it is often less affected by the disease. By shifting their gaze slightly, they can sometimes achieve a clearer image of the desired object. This technique, known as "eccentric viewing," allows them to maximize their remaining vision.