Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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[48 yr old F] Developing cataracts on left eye, confused and lost (self.Blind)
submitted by dal301
I have suddenly (within a week) started developing cataracts on my left eye. I am taking steroid eye drops for Uveitis which I have had for 20 years. This is the first time I have had cloudy vision and it's caught me completely off guard. My pupil in my left eye also went very small, so I am on dilating drops twice daily to prevent scarring. I feel I can't drive safely, I can't even walk without tripping. I see my eye doctor again next week for another follow up. At what point should I consider getting a white cane or anything else? I love to read but can't read because it stresses my eyes too much to read more than ten minutes at the most. I will of course talk to my eye doctor, but I really would appreciate any advice on how to cope. I hope this is a temporary thing, but I also want to prepare myself for either if it's permanent, or if it comes back again in the future.
SunnyLego 3 points 5y ago
Hi I’m 32 and have Uveitis and cataract removed on left eye last year. I use a white cane.
changeneverhappens 3 points 5y ago
If you have a Kindle, you can increase the print size and they don't have glare, so you may be able to read a bit more successfully.
With such a rapid development, you definitely need to speak with your doctor before learning how to use a long cane.
If you're not comfortable driving, then definitely use an alternative form of transportation.
Even if it is temporary, but reoccurring and or degenerative, you should speak to an orientation and mobilty specialist. There's a few on this forum that have a lot of good advice. They may be able to direct you to some resources in your area. An O&M will evaluate your need for a long cane and fit and train you with a cane if needed.
Most low vision resources aren't going to be able to help you or find funding for services unless you have an actual VI diagnosis, so there's no use stressing yourself out trying to get such services yet. Maybe compile a few local resources onto a Google doc just in case if it makes you feel better.
Talk to your doctor and start there. You're going through something scary and new and I wish you the best of luck. Come back and update us if you'd like xo
With such a rapid development, you definitely need to speak with your doctor before learning how to use a long cane.
If you're not comfortable driving, then definitely use an alternative form of transportation.
Even if it is temporary, but reoccurring and or degenerative, you should speak to an orientation and mobilty specialist. There's a few on this forum that have a lot of good advice. They may be able to direct you to some resources in your area. An O&M will evaluate your need for a long cane and fit and train you with a cane if needed.
Most low vision resources aren't going to be able to help you or find funding for services unless you have an actual VI diagnosis, so there's no use stressing yourself out trying to get such services yet. Maybe compile a few local resources onto a Google doc just in case if it makes you feel better.
Talk to your doctor and start there. You're going through something scary and new and I wish you the best of luck. Come back and update us if you'd like xo
dal301 [OP] 2 points 5y ago
I do have a kindle, so I will try increasing the font size, thank you.
KillerLag 2 points 5y ago
One big indicator for when someone should use a white cane is if they are bumping into things, or tripping on curbs. Then that is a safety issue.
Steroid eye drops, unfortunately, can accelerate the formation of cataracts. It depends on the amount. However, oftentimes the steroid drops are better than the alternative (and treatment for cataracts has a very high rate of success). The surgery to remove the cataracts ensures the cataract wouldn't come back (the lens is removed and an artificial one put in).
Steroid eye drops, unfortunately, can accelerate the formation of cataracts. It depends on the amount. However, oftentimes the steroid drops are better than the alternative (and treatment for cataracts has a very high rate of success). The surgery to remove the cataracts ensures the cataract wouldn't come back (the lens is removed and an artificial one put in).
awesomesaucesaywhat 1 points 5y ago
Does this mean no new cataracts can form on that eye?
SunnyLego 2 points 5y ago
Yes. Cataract is clouding of your lens. They remove the lens and put a fake one in, meaning you cannot get clouding of your lens again, as you have an artificial one in.
[deleted] 1 points 5y ago
31/m lost vision in one eye similarly to you.
Still incredibly depressed most days, night terrors once a week. It's gotten easier but life's an improv comedy, not a cookbook.
You might try books on tape. My grandmother went full blind at around 65 and this quickly turned into her favorite pastime.
Still incredibly depressed most days, night terrors once a week. It's gotten easier but life's an improv comedy, not a cookbook.
You might try books on tape. My grandmother went full blind at around 65 and this quickly turned into her favorite pastime.
Shanurai 1 points 5y ago
42/M lost my vision 10 years ago.
LanceThunder 1 points 5y ago
you can use text-to-speech software for reading. it might not be the same as actually reading but its close. audio books can also be pretty entertaining depending on the author and narrator.
dal301 [OP] 1 points 5y ago
I did a search on the app store and found three text-to-speech programs. Two cost money and one was free. Are there free ones out there (I have a macbook and iPhone) that I should start with? Thank you.
KrolPolski 1 points 5y ago
Voiceover is built into Mac and iOS. I've used voiceover on an iphone, it is pretty intuitive and free. It changes the gestures you use but it works well with the kindle app.
Settings -> General -> Accessibility -> Voiceover is the path to find the option for it on an iphone.
Settings -> General -> Accessibility -> Voiceover is the path to find the option for it on an iphone.
dal301 [OP] 2 points 5y ago
Thanks, I'm checking it out now. It does take some getting used to, I had to read the directions about six times before I remembered what to do. It seems pretty good, especially for something so convenient. Thanks for letting me know about it.
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