Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Conflicted about needing help. (self.Blind)
submitted by Dominicus7
I want to preface this by saying that because of a neurological disorder I have visual processing issues. My main problems are occasional photophobia, mild nightblindness, poor depth perception, and what i can only describe as delayed visual recognition (possibly visual agnosia). All of these become worse when I'm tired or overwhelmed.
I have poor visual acuity but this is correctable with glasses. I sometimes wear sunglasses for my photophobia.
Also both my eyes tend to go lazy which makes it difficult to focus sometimes.
My problem is that lately I've found myself tripping over stairs and not noticing objects until they are right up close. I've always had these issues but I've only recently recognised them as an issue.
So lately I've been thinking of using a white cane but I can't help but feel like I'm not blind enough to use one. None of my issues are bad enough to consider me legally blind. I feel like I'm trying to rationalize it. I feel like I'm mentally exaggerating my issues so that I don't feel bad about needing help. The other side of me feels like I'm downplaying my issues because I've had to cope for so long without help.
None of my family really understands why I could need help as my issues are neurological and not ocular. Especially since i didnt "need" help before. I worry they will think I'm being silly.
Should I use a white cane even if it's not 100% necessary if I think it might help? What should I tell others? Does anyone else have a similar situation?
I have poor visual acuity but this is correctable with glasses. I sometimes wear sunglasses for my photophobia.
Also both my eyes tend to go lazy which makes it difficult to focus sometimes.
My problem is that lately I've found myself tripping over stairs and not noticing objects until they are right up close. I've always had these issues but I've only recently recognised them as an issue.
So lately I've been thinking of using a white cane but I can't help but feel like I'm not blind enough to use one. None of my issues are bad enough to consider me legally blind. I feel like I'm trying to rationalize it. I feel like I'm mentally exaggerating my issues so that I don't feel bad about needing help. The other side of me feels like I'm downplaying my issues because I've had to cope for so long without help.
None of my family really understands why I could need help as my issues are neurological and not ocular. Especially since i didnt "need" help before. I worry they will think I'm being silly.
Should I use a white cane even if it's not 100% necessary if I think it might help? What should I tell others? Does anyone else have a similar situation?
jrs12 8 points 5y ago
Have you ever heard of cortical visual impairment? Neurological causes of visual impairments can be really tough because people don't understand how a problem with your brain can affect you so much if your eyes are okay. It's very common for me to recommend a cane for my students with CVI, especially in certain environments where there may be a lot of visual information which may not be familiar. Don't feel bad for using what works for you. Feeling safe, comfortable, and independent is important for quality of life.
Dominicus7 [OP] 2 points 5y ago
I've heard of CVI but I've never been diagnosed with it specifically. I think I could probably qualify. It does get more difficult for me to process visual information in places with a lot of things happening visually.
itsaname123456789 8 points 5y ago
You should never feel bad about using the tools that help you. A white cane could prevent you from getting hurt, end of story. No construction worker will get laughed at for wearing a hardhat and steeltoe boots, right?
leitzankatan 4 points 5y ago
I also have neurological issues with my vision including photophobia. I would suggest getting sunglasses that are used post cataract surgery, they block out light from all directions and fit over (reasonably sized) normal glasses. I use them almost every time I'm outside before dark and inside when I particularly sensitive (especially for florescent lights).
When it comes to using a white cane I would say if you find it helpful then it's a great idea. Noone likes carrying around a whole extra thing, if you're still using it after a week or so that's proof enough.
You can tell your family that you were advised by specialists to use equipment to keep you safe after repeatedly tripping on stairs and objects you couldn't see. It's technically true and a concise way to put it that most people would accept without being too judgey.
When it comes to using a white cane I would say if you find it helpful then it's a great idea. Noone likes carrying around a whole extra thing, if you're still using it after a week or so that's proof enough.
You can tell your family that you were advised by specialists to use equipment to keep you safe after repeatedly tripping on stairs and objects you couldn't see. It's technically true and a concise way to put it that most people would accept without being too judgey.
BrailleNomad 3 points 5y ago
Photophobia alone would be enough of a reason to use a white cane. And, don’t worry about what to say to others or how they will perceive you (I know, easier said than done). Do what you think will be safest and most comfortable for you. I have students who only use their canes outdoors and in low-light situations. Maybe you could try that for a while too.
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