A cane is a sign of independence rather than blindness. Even if you wear glasses people will still know you have a visual issue and at the end of the day it’s none of their business. Go get yours.

That sounds like a legitimate need, like it would provide an actual, direct benefit to you. So I would encourage you to do it, if that's what you want. After all, using a cane to help you does not hurt anyone else.

It also has the benefit of communicating to other people that you have a visual impairment. While I'm sure some people will be dicks about it, I think this kind of communication could also be beneficial, both to you and to others. It lets people quickly and unambiguously understand that you have an impairment.

If you need a white cane, use a white cane.

I've used identification canes, full length telescoptic canes with a ball, and now use a full length folding cane with a ball. Though I've had quite a bit of decline in the psat few years, I still have useable vision, even choosing to leave the cane at home when I do my grocery shopping (because I need both hands, it'd be good if I could have it with me). But my level of acuity, combined with other factors (lack of any peripheral vision, poor colour and movement perceptionm, lack of low-light and night vision) mean a cane is very beneficial because it alerts people that I may not necessarily notice them and helps me navigate without tripping over gutters or walking into signage.

A cane helps keep me and others safe. If you think your navigation is such that using a cane would help you achieve that, then you should use one.

First, it's just a number and an arbitrary one at that.

Next, I've never had vision better than 20/200 and I have used a cane as needed for 25 years. I didn't get it because of the number and realize now that I could've used it long before I got it.

Last. If the cane helps you with any aspect of mobility, then get it. Get two, actually. If one gets lost or broken, you'll already have a spare on hand. It never hurts to have familiarity with a cane especially if your vision is unstable. None of us are getting any younger and developing a skill now means less work later.

Dog (my cane) and I wish you fearless travel adventures.

I always suggest legally blind people get a cane. If it helps you not fall off of a curb, trip up steps, walk into a sign, or anything like that, it's done its job.

Literally two days ago I was asked, at petco, "Does that stick mean that you don't see good?" and I had to stop myself from laughing as I said, "Yeah, I'm blind." and the guy just sort of went, "Oh... okay."

It's really not that big of a deal to most others. Some immediately assume you're a total, but I've never had that experience and I'm very much low partial/blind.

If you need a cane, get one! You don't have to be totally blind to benefit from a cane. Besides, if you lose more vision, you'll be glad you learned how to use it when you did.

Going to repeat what everyone else is saying. Absolutely no reason to feel like you're not "blind enough" to use a cane.

There's no requirement to use one full time, or to use it for heavy mobility to start with. Some people use it for identification only!

I highly recommend getting orientation and mobility instruction using a cane if you haven't already. In the US your state typically provides it through your department of rehab. Even if you only use it occasionally, understanding how to use a cane properly will make it much more useful when you are using it.

https://nfb.org/Images/nfb/Publications/fr/fr15/Issue1/f1501tc2.html is a good book to get an idea of some of the basics of using a cane for mobility, but it does not remotely replace qualified instruction.

Hey u/matthanlewis, do you like Star Wars? https://www.etsy.com/listing/518268994/lightsaber-white-cane-for-the-blind

Fellow high partial here! I used to feel the same way about the cane but i decided to bite the bullet before i entered college and now i love my cane! The transition into using it might be a bit awkward at first, but trust me canes are great

Literally no one cares as long as it's helpful

Dont ever feel like you are not enough for help. If any medical device will help you, do it!

If it can help you in any way, do it!!!

Do whatever makes you comfortable. Who cares what anyone else thinks. My mama is totally blind and I grew up with her using a cane and it's just part of life for me---so maybe I'm not the best person to ask but for sure don't feel guilty for meeting your needs.

Never feel guilty or ashamed of a cane. They give you safety and independence. I started using one at 20/800 but wish I had started earlier because I had been bending over to scan the ground and probably looked like a loon with a bad back. 🙂

Definitely get your cane! Our son has aniridia and nystagmus through WAGR Syndrome and his teachers have recommended this and we are totally open to it. He has 20/200 at least but likely better. That said, it’s about identification.

It’s 2018, and in the long run? The average response to having people see you with a cane is positive because they know you may not be able to see them.

In a supermarket, if you bump into something and knock something down due to depth perception issues, this could be a very small “get out of jail free” card that you could choose to not use.

In traffic on a big road, this could save your life.

Get the cane and feel good about visual impairment specialists having advanced to the point that we have identified the benefit of identification and not just function for canes. You should never feel bad about using what specialists have designed and what science has proven to be a benefit for people with your situation!!!

Fellow "borderline" legally blind guy here.

Guilt is a stupid reason to get hit by a car or trip and hurt yourself.
I'd strongly recommend that you get one and learn how to use it! A cane is extremely helpful, especially for those of us without depth perception. I learned last year and am very glad I did. I walk with a whole new level of confidence.

Get a cane.

I only started using one last year, when I started tripping up curbs, and noticed a pattern of cars honking at me because I'd tried to cross road at the wrong time. My central vision is damaged, but my side vision is ok. I was like you, had the guilt of but I'm not blind! until my Dr said to me "You're vision impaired, and by getting a cane, you're not taking one away from anyone else."

As someone who only started using one last year, so still getting used to the social aspects, be prepared that in crowded situations/public transport ect, you will get some strangers asking if you need help, and if you're ok ect, because they think they have to help the blind person.

Hi. If a cane can help you live a more independent and safer life, I would say get a cane.

It’s ok to do whatever works for you. Other people aren’t in your shoes so they can’t make that judgement.
I think it’s great you are open to using a cane and once you try one, you won’t go back, they are very liberating

I have nothing new to add. If it helps you then get one. I would suggest you may want some O and M training along with it. It may assist you with how you can use it most effectively.