You might want to see about getting an orientation and mobility instructor- they can help you with the getting around thing (and most states will pay for it if you're legally blind, in the US). The ones I know are also trained in helping people pick out sunglasses that work for them (a couple people I know with photophobia use pink or red sunglasses, but I am not an expert). Or your eye doctor may be able to help with sunglasses too.
It's not going to be the end of your career, I know blind people in almost every career you could think of.
There's a youtube channel called "Life after Sight Loss" which is run by this really pragmatic, down to earth guy, who has some great videos about how there IS life after sight loss.
Bunni3B336 points3y ago
Thank you for the resources I will definitely look into getting an instructor because I could really use some help. I will definitely also check out that channel- I don’t know anybody with any type of blindness, so I think it’ll be helpful hearing from someone who has been through it and come out the other side happy so to speak. Thank you!
tasareinspace8 points3y ago
Tommy Edison and Molly Burke are two other great youtubers who post about Blind Stuff. I know whenever I'm anxious about something, I just absorb every book and video and blog post I can get my hands on about that thing just to try to feel like I understand what's going to happen better. And everyone on this sub I've seen is really kind.
Bunni3B333 points3y ago
I had seen some of molly Burke’s videos on YouTube before this happened- funnily enough I never thought it would apply to me. I think just seeing other blind people functioning and having a happy life is the most important thing for me right now. The diagnosis was hard, and really depressing, but I’m trying to stay positive. thank you again for the resources :)
BabyBaphomet_7 points3y ago
The absolute worst part about blindness is going blind. Being blind isn't as bad, you can do everything you used to do with some modifications...well, except driving. We can't drive lol. I'm in school for UX Design and full stack programming right now, which is 100% doable as a blind person. I'm not fully blind, but if I had 0 vision I'd still be able to program.
Before my vision got really bad there was actually a girl at my old gym who is blind. Every time I looked at her I didn't think "what a freak", I thought "Wow she's strong! She's so good at pull ups!". People usually don't think or say awful things, they just pity you if they think about your condition at all. It's annoying, and it sucks, but it's ok. You just gotta keep being awesome and living your life.
Try and see if there's a blind center near you. Mine has all kinds of cool resources. Theres cane training, technology training, braille lessons, support group, my case worker signed me up for free audio books from a library program, and there's even fun stuff to do like crafts and sports.
Absolutely talk to a opthalmologist about your concerns. I'm not sure if you already saw one or if it was a hospital/optometrist. You might qualify for government assistance that can get you accesibility aides for free. Ask them, or the nearest blind center about it. They should be able to hook you up with some help. You are not alone! Even here you have a community of thousands of people who fucking suck at looking at things. We're here for you.
Bunni3B333 points3y ago
You are totally right on that one- I think it’s just this limbo I’m in where it’s worse everyday and I wonder when it’s going to get to the point that I can’t open them at all. I’ve had a real struggle accepting that it’s not my eyeballs that are “going bad” so to speak lol, but the nerves and muscles around it. It’s really awesome to hear you say that you are able to work and be in school- gives me some hope!
You are totally right- I think it’s that they don’t really understand what’s wrong with me. I think I’m just going to get dark sunglasses to wear so that way they can’t see the spasming / BEB. I guess I’m worried someone will say something- has that ever happened to you?
I love crafts and sports! I totally didn’t even think about a blind center, but that sounds like a fantastic resource. Probably a good, judgement free area to start figuring out how to navigate without vision.
I have seen a neurologist, ophthalmologist and craniofacial plastic surgeon (for a medical Botox consult in my eyelids), but even though they all said it was BEB, nobody really gave me resources for what to do next or how to cope with not having my vision.
Thank you for your detailed response- you’ve all been so lovely. This may sound silly but I was hesitant to reach out because I thought I’d be ostracized since I wasn’t physically in-my-eyeballs blind, but rather functionally blind. It’s weird to feel like I don’t fit in with sighted people anymore... and my family definitely isn’t used to leading me around.... haha! But each day I hope it gets better. Thank you so much, again, from the bottom of my heart.
[deleted] [OP]3 points3y ago
i would hang into your comment, i lost everything, peefect job with good payment, a "wonderful" relationship wich then ends, have to leave my favorite city to go back home to my old friends and family to deal eventually with all of that, but its no use i cant overcome this demon
going blind since 1 year and nobody can do a damn thing about that, it may be a brain malfunction but nobody can find a damn clue, so im just existing and try to resist the urge to disconnect, but as this goes on the force is getting stronger, bit by bit
i wish you the very best pal, may you overcome this titan
42474202 points3y ago
Please dont feel sad. It's an opportunity. A great opportunity to learn more about yourself. To test ones will and character one must face the most difficult of challenges. While I cannot comment much on your career in medicine. I can tell you that being blind has its ups and downs. You may want to research Charles bennet syndrome, non 24 and the newest studies on melatonin and mental health alongside blindness.
Blindness has taught me that the eyes are bias and it's almost like removing the curtain. You can see much farther and more deeper without sight than you ever did with. When I was diagnosed I wished someone had told me the facts of life and what I loose but gain. If I had been told what I just shared above I would've been less afraid and more ready for a new challenge with my newfound wisdom.
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