I can relate to this ... I am legally blind as well, cone/rod dystrophy ... I can definitely say that the more vision I lose, the more I prefer cleanliness. I can tell you how often I trip over things left out, knock things over (usually some container of liquid sitting on a table), or yeah .. The hand or elbow in some mystery substance. For me, its not s I much that I need things perfect, but more like, if things are not put away in their "home spots" or a mess is "forgotten" about, it can potentially cause an unsafe environment for me. Knife left on the counter or not put away where it goes? I am probably gonna get a nick ... Sticky mess on the counter? I'm probably going to pull away and knock something else over, like the fresh mug of hot coffee I just set down... Someone's shoes left in the middle of the floor? That's a face plant over 'em for me. When these things happen, it causes cuts, burns, bruises that could have been avoided by a quick clean up.

I think I say this a bunch ... But it is more about communicating that its not the messiness that causes the need to keep things clean, it is that the messiness creates an environment that is not safe for me to live in. ... With this mindset, it is easier for me to stick to a cleaning schedule ... But more importantly, I rely on my family as well to keep things picked up so that it isn't all on me to clean up after my blind self and them too.

I guess a coping skill I employ often is evaluating my emotional responses to the mess ... Is the mess really so bad that i need to yell or cry? Or can I just grab a paper towel and a cleaner (I like to keep a few rolls and bottles of cleaner strategically placed around the house) and just take care if it real quick.

I hope this helps.

Hi, I’m totally blind and have been for 25 years now; lost it at the age of 22 within 2 months.
When you say therapy, which did you do? ERP can help, especially through scripting. Also mindfulness or meditation to help calm your thoughts.
I don’t have issues, as such, but I would be thorough in cleaning as I have a guide dog and it wouldn’t be the first time my finger went through a poo bag when lifting his mess. Being satisfied you have washed your hands to an extent that is normal for anyone.
Likewise in the kitchen, keeping work surfaces clean, especially with uncooked/cooked foods etc.
Perhaps challenging your obsessions, and I think this is where I probably have gained not developing OCD type traits, as I have had to rod out a blocked sewer, lying flat on top of a septic tank with my full arm in shit and piss to remove a T connector to rod out the blockage (which was a lump of polystyrene builders had put in the pipe to stop concrete going down it).
I also used to work at manufacturing adn installing bespoke kitchen and bedroom furniture, so had to plumb in sinks, dishwashers etc and remove the old ones and U traps, which usually ended up getting all sorts of bunk over my hands. As maybe water was switched off, hands were given a rub before lunchtime, and whilst you take as much precaution as possible, a totally sterile environment isn’t healthy either. -and yes, I did the kitchens etc after going blind.
Take care, 😊

I don’t mind touching stuff but not ocd but make sure I do clean. If really touching dirty stuff I like feeling my food though I am very tactile. Orderliness is very important and cleanness I touch stuff all day long so sanitation is important don’t want to make my allergies worse or get sick. Fortunately I live with a family which is rather clean. The worse thing I touch is a dusty surface.

Thanks so much both of you! It means a lot!