That’s not a problem I am glad it helps that is what I intended not to brag about myself.haha! And sure I’ll get you a message soon. I can give you my number. You don’t seem like some creep on the internet so I don’t mind giving you some form of contact.

I went totally blind at the age of 8, but was very super low vision, I didn’t have much to lose but I could definitely see some. I remember colors and such and was able to see 2 or 3 feet in front of me.

Even if she lost her vision later in life though she would be able to adapt. If people born without vision can anyone can. It’s actually easier to work from a position of being able to see before if you can previously see. If and when you adapt you’re actually more natural. I look pretty normal but there are things that honestly makes me stand out a little, and it’s the lack of real vision. Posturing, eye contact, facial expression. Is all a little off. I know blind people who have been sighted for a long time and they can if they become really independent full the room they were sited they understand what looking is and eye contact it and some or most can still emulate it. I can’t. What’s eye contact, I have no idea. I know the concept but the execution is terrible. Also visualizing areas is probably easier when they get familiar with a place.

Also my point is the west and america at least has provided enough opportunities and resources for people to work with as a blind person. It’s definitely not perfect, but it’s gone a long way and blind people can definitely be independent. The west has done a lot to integrate, put out efforts to adapt things, and make things accessible enough.

It’s unfortunate with some certain families who give up entirely and just buy a simple alexa for the older blind person and that’s all they do. I mean there’s so much more blind people can read books and use the computer. But some people don’t do this because their children gave up on them and said sit in front of this alexa and you’ll be great. Always makes me sort of frustrated. Unless that’s all your mother/father/grandparent is really capable of, really degraded that badly they can learn to do it they just need to want to.

I think I told you I even read really thick scholarly books quite big volumes of nonfiction.

I know it takes effort and I understand the feeling, it’s much easier to sit at home, and not adapt and feel sorry for oneself and for the rest of your life become dependent and not capable, and bitter, it’s honestly easier, but if you want the other life, almost a normal life it’s possible to adapt. It certainly requires more willpower, and effort and drive, but one can adapt, learn the skills and get going on life again. I never said it was easy. It’s much easier being pampered and controled. I know people in both boats.


Well yes and no. I use an app called dystopia and it’s made for both sited and blind users. Its actually a nice app, currently still under public beta. The programmer has said oh I will do an official release forever now but has never done it. So when they do it I’ll believe it. If you want to try it out I’ll give you the public link you need the app test flight though. I also use bacon reader. Which is also another app anyone can use but is one of the two most accessible reddit apps. Reddit native is unfortunately just not accessible. Not sure if the programmers of reddit is that interested. It’s never been accessible and it isn’t now. I’ve been on reddit for a while now I am not new just my 6 or 7 account. I can change my display name so I may do that, I thought you can only by creating a ew account. Now I know I may have to do that, that’s why I have so many I don’t use my other ones honestly. Haha! Most of the naming conventions all similar. It’s four letters followed by 3 numbers. But yeah, I want to keep my accounts but thought I couldn’t. But yeah, I know reddit well.

I use apple’s built in screen reader on the phone called voice over. It’s on every single iphone and doesn’t involve more money. If you have an iphone you automatically like it or not, want to use it or not, need to use it or not. You just need to turn it on. On andrioid there is a screen reader on most devices called talkback and some androids are better. Like samsung, but if your mother needs an accessible phone I suggest an iphone. I mean it doesn’t have to be but apple is really the best at the accessibility game. Most modern phones have a form of screen reading. Most computers do too. I use a mac so also use voice over. I also own pcs and have a third party software on it called jaws but honestly narrator is getting better and better and may just be a good enough one to use alone. They started later because of an. Antitrust suit in the 90s. But they are really trying now. They want it better I think. Hopefully putting the other companies out of business because the point is to buy a computer that doesn’t need outside software to make it accessible, that it is just out of the box. It’ll be cheaper for all the blind people. Jaws was a good idea years ago and so far is still the best game in town but hopefully it can be rivaled by a native program on the pc.

I would say tell your mother about it and start some of these skill training early. I can give you a place where you can get a cane for free, it’s a lighter cane, but it’s a decent one. Also learn screen reading, software such as the ones I was, talking about. Learn to recognize your house in memory not by seeing, learning tricks and tips to cook when blind. Etc... etc... I can think of more and give you some specific suggestions if you want, I can give you some ideas. I didn’t get training I just figured them out so I can give you pointers.



Well, I don’t think anyone could predict the future and one’s body is complex. I suppose some do lose vision and some don’t. It depends on who you are, and what the state of the condition is. It’s case by case. It’s like diabetes effects people differently some need dialysis, some go blind from it, some don’t have either. Some get limbs cut off others don’t. You never know until it comes and I’d try to look on the positive side but if you feel better about it prepare for the worse, learn to use the screen readers, learn how to use the cane. If it doesn’t happen consider you acquired some skills and new knowledge on how blind people work and give away your cane when you’re absolutely certain that you won’t go blind. You know that type of deal. I mean you don’t have to I think preparing is when you are really starting to lose vision, not when it’s completely gone but there’s proof that you will go blind.

But know this there is resources, things, and aids to help you out.

No problems. Her doctor (or, if she is referred, a low vision specialist) can make more suggestions specific to her as well.

It was not hereditary, and a very big surprise. Even now, my 90 year old grandma still doesn’t have it. I was in my last semester for my degree, and the added stress caused my eye muscles to inflame = great pain on top of adjustment & acceptance. Not a pleasant time, made worse by losing my coping skills (reading, driving, drawing).

I struggled with a degree that wouldn’t last vision lost. I struggled with whether or not to date... should I now? When I can see his face? Or after I’m blind, when he knows what life will be like? Was it selfish to want someone with me while I was crying so much?

Note: crying causes more bleeds too, so I had to learn not to cry.

Would I be able to afford a house beforehand? I contacted the local Blind Association but I wasn’t permitted any classes / skills / support until *actually* blind. I found support groups for AMD but they all said “55 or older”. So I didn’t even have that.

But I’m sorry, you asked how I am now!

The most important lessons are internal. I learned that sight was not my most valuable skill (book, Soundless by Richelle Mead). I learned how to continue cooking, so I could keep one hobby. I am relieved I was already into meditation to help me quiet & conquer the fears that wanted to drown me. I have quite a few solid friends to cheer me up and keep treating me normal - which you need while you adjust. I’m still invited to board game nights, even tho I usually just listen, or am on someones “team” :-P

And yes, I got married! I did finally lose my job last year, but I’m gaining a child of our own. Giving birth may cause more vision loss (I’m 20/500 right now, in my “good” eye) but my doctors are working together to try to prevent that.

But that’s why I believe in your Mom. A fear came true, but she will conquer it. There’s something oddly peaceful after “the worst” has happened. Acceptance comes just like any other grieving process ~ by going thru the steps (denial, anger, etc). She has surely grieved before & will again.

Sorry this ended up being so long <3 but ty for asking. If you have any other questions, I’m here for you both