Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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O&M for night blindness? (self.Blind)
submitted by BlueIr1ses
I am considering requesting O&M training to use a cane while walking at night, in darker places like movie theaters or some restaurants, and for crowded/unfamiliar places. I am monocular and have night blindness, some peripheral vision loss, light sensitivity, and just recently started having ghosting/double vision. When lighting conditions are ideal, I can see about 20/25 corrected.
Has anyone else in similar circumstances done cane training? Was it helpful and do you feel more confident? If you use an ID cane, how do people react to it? Any advice would be super helpful!
Has anyone else in similar circumstances done cane training? Was it helpful and do you feel more confident? If you use an ID cane, how do people react to it? Any advice would be super helpful!
KillerLag 2 points 3y ago
I've done training at night before. There are a few eye conditions where night blindness is common. Often people usually use a mobility cane rather than an ID cane, as their vision has usually gotten bad enough they need to constant check the walking surface.
darkness_is_great 1 points 3y ago
Ugh I have double vision too. And it always gets worse at night. But pain in the ASS while driving! We just recently found out my vision is bad. So I've gotten to the point where I just memorize shit. Apparently I've been doing that my whole life.
BlueRock956 1 points 3y ago
An ID cane is not meant to be used for mobility, a collapsible will work better.
sadieragbaby 1 points 3y ago
Hello. My partner also has night blindness called nyctalopia. She needs to use a white cane at night, as she has had a couple of falls relating to not being able to see what is ahead of her at night. She fell into a ditch and broke her ankle when she was younger and recently went down 3 stairs in her wheelchair in the city square. I think that o and m and a cane would be a good idea as it would help you develop strategies to help with you low vision at night. Do you use any other strategies to help when it’s night time or when you are in darkness to help?
BlueIr1ses [OP] 1 points 3y ago
Thanks! Right now, I'm relying on other people to guide me in the dark, but it can be frustrating. I like to be independent and I am a bit paranoid about falling. Similarly to your partner, I've missed steps and sprained my ankle, etc.
TK_Sleepytime 1 points 3y ago
I have an ID cane (limited sight in one eye only, no lens so very light sensitive and no night vision). It's made me feel a lot more comfortable in crowds and dark/dim places. People are less likely to be jerks if I bump into them or stand in the way unknowingly. They're also more likely to offer help finding a seat number or move out of my way before it's an issue. I have never had O&M training.
BlueIr1ses [OP] 1 points 3y ago
Without O&M, have you been able to use your cane effectively in the dark? Thanks!
TK_Sleepytime 1 points 3y ago
Yes, but I'm not using it to scope out my surroundings. I use it to feel in front of me, know if I'm about to bump into something, and judge heights of steps and curbs. Mostly it's to let others know I'm blind. If you need help getting around in general, you probably don't want an ID (short) cane. You'd be better with a long cane and that would require O&M.
8i8oio 1 points 3y ago
I get ya! I can’t see in dark, or bright light. It’s a big pain. I’m still planning to get cane classes, but my friend has taken it and loves the freedom. He’s definitely more confident in public spaces. He hasn’t had any trouble with people that I’ve heard.
Personally, I prefer my thick wooden walking stick. I like that it can catch me if I mis-step and start to fall. I just don’t like normal canes. I still tap with it. Usually have it a tad in front of me. I’m not exploring new territory or roads very often though.
I hope this helps, and Good luck!!!
Personally, I prefer my thick wooden walking stick. I like that it can catch me if I mis-step and start to fall. I just don’t like normal canes. I still tap with it. Usually have it a tad in front of me. I’m not exploring new territory or roads very often though.
I hope this helps, and Good luck!!!
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