Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Am I able to use a cane? Is it wrong? Am I just being stupid? (self.Blind)
submitted by Ratty_Reaper
I am sixteen years old. I have had visual impairment for as long as I can remember, even since I was a little girl, I had to wear glasses and sit as close as I could to the board in class even with glasses. My vision has gradually gotten worse every year. I have glasses for my myopia, but they are so strong they give me headaches, so I wear my contact lenses instead. I have good and bad days even with my contacts which is why I prefer to be up close to class demonstrations and I sometimes get too close for comfort to see people correctly. Overall my contacts give me very good vision I would say, I have a -4.00 prescription, (I cannot see past my middle forearm with my arm outstretched for example) but I don't wear my contacts all of the time.
When I go out in public without contacts (and even with them in, on a bad day) I bump into things, I cannot read labels or signs, I cannot see shop signs, I cannot see store shelves, I trip on stairs and curbs, I cannot see moving or stopping cars, etc. I have voice assistant on my phone most days, I feel as though I should use a cane, but I feel as though it is insulting to legally blind and visually impaired people who have struggles that are greater than mine. I don't even feel as though I am "truly" visually impaired but I still want to hear what you guys think.
When I go out in public without contacts (and even with them in, on a bad day) I bump into things, I cannot read labels or signs, I cannot see shop signs, I cannot see store shelves, I trip on stairs and curbs, I cannot see moving or stopping cars, etc. I have voice assistant on my phone most days, I feel as though I should use a cane, but I feel as though it is insulting to legally blind and visually impaired people who have struggles that are greater than mine. I don't even feel as though I am "truly" visually impaired but I still want to hear what you guys think.
BenandGracie 31 points 2y ago
If you are running in to things, you should be using a cane. Don't feel bad about using one. It will benefit you, and you will be safer when walking. The cane will also tell drivers that you can't see them when crossing a street.
One_Antelope8004 18 points 2y ago
USE IT.
It is not wrong to want to better your life and quality of living.
As long as you are buying your own and aren't stealing other peoples canes... why not?
Stupid, no. Short-sighted in your youth... YES!
It is not wrong to want to better your life and quality of living.
As long as you are buying your own and aren't stealing other peoples canes... why not?
Stupid, no. Short-sighted in your youth... YES!
Pegasaurus8 10 points 2y ago
I’m 32 and I feel the same way. I got an “ID cane” 3 years ago. I often feel “dumb” for using it because I’m scared most people would assume I’m faking it. I have to wear sunglasses outside due to retina issues and I also think people would assume I’m totally blind. It’s awkward because you feel like you’re in the middle.
Ratty_Reaper [OP] 3 points 2y ago
Lol I wear sunglasses too! And stare blankly, and I grab onto my mom's arm in public to lead me, I'm sure its a strange sight in public. Makes me feel even more idiotic than how I think I would feel if I had an ID cane that just said "yeah, I have low vision, mind your business" lmao
cabc79863 9 points 2y ago
You should use what ever helps you to get through the day. You won't offend any disabled person by using aids.
Are you sure that your prescription really gives you "very good vision"? Because your struggles don't sound like that. Do you have vision field loss also or astigmatism? You don't have to tell here, that are just questions you should discuss with your doctor to maybe correct your prescription or find other problems that might be going on with your eye if they haven't been already and if they have, it can be helpful to learn about it.
Being educated about the own health can help to find a way to deal with it better and also find solutions to some problems. Your doctor can maybe also recommend some other aid to you.
Are you sure that your prescription really gives you "very good vision"? Because your struggles don't sound like that. Do you have vision field loss also or astigmatism? You don't have to tell here, that are just questions you should discuss with your doctor to maybe correct your prescription or find other problems that might be going on with your eye if they haven't been already and if they have, it can be helpful to learn about it.
Being educated about the own health can help to find a way to deal with it better and also find solutions to some problems. Your doctor can maybe also recommend some other aid to you.
Ratty_Reaper [OP] 3 points 2y ago
Hi, I have moderate astigmatism in my right eye but I still wear contacts on that eye even though it doesn't help as much as it does my left eye. I am not sure about my field of vision because I have had this vision for my entire life and I am not sure whats normal and what's not.
cabc79863 4 points 2y ago
Hello :)
I would really recommend talking to your doctor about it. The headaches with the glasses are typical for not right fitting glasses (doesn't have to be the reason for you) and the vision might change over time. Bumping into things because of very good corrected myopia is not that normal. I guess you got a vision problem or very high myopia that can't or isn't right now been fully corrected.
If you and your physician don't know about your field of vision that could be an important test, also to find out if maybe any other eye problems are developing or if your vision is stable. Testing that is short and does not hurt.
It helps if you put a paper with all your sight-information in a safe space. Then you can use that to learn about your vision, and you can compare your control exams to that.
Don't forget to use all the aids you need and want to right now. You don't have to worry about it, and I am sure you will love the security a cane might bring you in daily life.
I would really recommend talking to your doctor about it. The headaches with the glasses are typical for not right fitting glasses (doesn't have to be the reason for you) and the vision might change over time. Bumping into things because of very good corrected myopia is not that normal. I guess you got a vision problem or very high myopia that can't or isn't right now been fully corrected.
If you and your physician don't know about your field of vision that could be an important test, also to find out if maybe any other eye problems are developing or if your vision is stable. Testing that is short and does not hurt.
It helps if you put a paper with all your sight-information in a safe space. Then you can use that to learn about your vision, and you can compare your control exams to that.
Don't forget to use all the aids you need and want to right now. You don't have to worry about it, and I am sure you will love the security a cane might bring you in daily life.
Billy-Ruffian 6 points 2y ago
Start learning to use a cane and other O&M skills while you are young. Braille too if there is a chance your vision will further deteriorate. These things get so much harder to learn as you age.
Only1lunatica 6 points 2y ago
if you only have memories of being visually impaired it's easy to get used to it but from the sounds of it a cane could be really beneficial for you. they help enormously with curbs and stairs makes other travelers (cars, bikes, others) aware of you.
you are definitely visually impaired enough and you need to talk with your eye doctor about your sight deteriorating, at some point glasses and contacts won't help anymore.
you are definitely visually impaired enough and you need to talk with your eye doctor about your sight deteriorating, at some point glasses and contacts won't help anymore.
Ratty_Reaper [OP] 2 points 2y ago
I spoke to my optometrist about my deteriorating vision. I got so emotional I nearly cried and she said there was basically nothing to do, but I'm changing professionals this year to have a second opinion. Hoping to have surgery done when I'm old enough.
Edit to say I have astigmatism in my right eye and light sensitivity, if that gives any idea
Edit to say I have astigmatism in my right eye and light sensitivity, if that gives any idea
Only1lunatica 1 points 2y ago
do you have a therapist or psychologist to talk with? losing vision can be mentally hard to deal with and having someone (a professional) to talk with can be good for you and it would help you prepare if the the second opinion doesn't live up to your expectations
Ratty_Reaper [OP] 1 points 2y ago
I do, but I focus more on speaking to him about my childhood trauma rather than my gradual vision loss.
Only1lunatica 2 points 2y ago
sorry if this gets too personal
if you got so emotional you almost cried with the first one and you want to change it to get another opinion and you hope for surgery, yet was told there was nothing to do, it does sounds like you have some things to work out about your visual disability.
I do wish you all the best
(Edited because I accidentally pressed done too quickly)
if you got so emotional you almost cried with the first one and you want to change it to get another opinion and you hope for surgery, yet was told there was nothing to do, it does sounds like you have some things to work out about your visual disability.
I do wish you all the best
(Edited because I accidentally pressed done too quickly)
zosobaggins 5 points 2y ago
Like the others say, definitely use one. It took me being hit by two cars and knocking over a display in a grocery store to admit I needed it. As mentioned, look into an ID/identification cane, they’re generally shorter and lighter and there to do exactly that: identify that you have a visual disability. You might not need it for the traditional “tap and explore” reason, but it’s a safety thing for you and those around you. Happy to help in any way I can!
[deleted] 4 points 2y ago
Its hard to know what is going on here. Are you just diagnosed with myopia? If so and nothing else you need to always wear your contacts. If you're bashing into things with contacts you need to have a full eye exam and make sure your contacts are right for you and make sure nothing else is going on like astigmatism or something genetic.
If you just have myopia, and everything else has has ruled out by by ophthalmologist- then great, you have myopia and should wear your contacts if you don't like glasses..keep glasses on you as a back up.
Canes are an important public indicator and tool for the significantly visually impaired or blind. It really does not sound like you should use one as you evidently do not need to.
On principle it isn't much different from someone who has a sore ankle wanting to use the wheelchair user facilities. If It doesn't medically apply to you, do not use that aid or facility.
If you just have myopia, and everything else has has ruled out by by ophthalmologist- then great, you have myopia and should wear your contacts if you don't like glasses..keep glasses on you as a back up.
Canes are an important public indicator and tool for the significantly visually impaired or blind. It really does not sound like you should use one as you evidently do not need to.
On principle it isn't much different from someone who has a sore ankle wanting to use the wheelchair user facilities. If It doesn't medically apply to you, do not use that aid or facility.
Ratty_Reaper [OP] 1 points 2y ago
I also am not completely sure of using a cane because I have an aid and I have sunglasses as well, which is why I asked anyways. My sight will likely get worse until I am old enough to have a possible surgical option, so I'm considering just waiting it out until I cannot take it anymore.
[deleted] 1 points 2y ago
I'm confused - do you have a government funded Aid because of a diagnosis of a blindness disease or are you only diagnosed with normal myopia?
Ratty_Reaper [OP] 1 points 2y ago
I'm glad you are very honest about this, I plan on having my eyes re-examined this year by a different eye doctor but my appointment is months in advance. I have astigmatism in one eye, but it never much dettered me from using contacts.
[deleted] 1 points 2y ago
Every country usually has months wait list, that's pretty good depending on what country you are in. I make an appointment a year in advance and go every year without fail, its just not worth it to risk being back at the end of the list.
Also remember myopia can progress very quickly- I went from -5 to -7 in one month! Which was a huge change to my independence and ability to see..so it's really important to see a good eye medical doctor every year if you can.
Also remember myopia can progress very quickly- I went from -5 to -7 in one month! Which was a huge change to my independence and ability to see..so it's really important to see a good eye medical doctor every year if you can.
juswundern 4 points 2y ago
Use whatever you need to help yourself.
74bpa 3 points 2y ago
I don't understand why you would go out without your glasses/contact lenses if you bump into things without them? You already have a tool to aid with your vision loss but it sounds like you are refusing to use it... I am blind in one eye and have a prescription of -21 for the other, and I am able to drive, so if you are struggling to see with your contacts in it sounds like you are either psyching yourself out, have the wrong prescription, or have another undiagnosed condition.
Ratty_Reaper [OP] 1 points 2y ago
I'm glad for you, but I am only explaining my current predicament, and I am not sure of what is wrong. I use eyeglasses, but even with them on I get headaches and still bump into things when there is bright light.. I plan on seeing an eye doctor this year about my prescription, but I am obviously not a professional and I do not want to diagnose myself and possibly harm myself even further with delusions of what could be wrong with me. I am only focusing on my current problem at hand.
tasareinspace 3 points 2y ago
It's hard! Especially in middle and high school when you want nothing more than to fit in. But you're not faking it. You're not insulting ""real"" visually impaired people... you ARE real visually impaired people. I have an almost-14 year old who hates using their cane, who's vision is like yours in the fact that a lot of time, you might not notice they're visually impaired, and I also worry that someone might think my kid is 'faking it', even though they've walked straight into a pole in a store so I know they are not. The fact that you want to use it is amazing. You will be able to move around with so much more confidence.
Ratty_Reaper [OP] 1 points 2y ago
I am very afraid of using a cane in school, I am pretty shy and I don't like attention, standing out from people, or generally just being considered "not normal". I know its a form of ableism to think that someone with a disability isn't like a normal person, but obviously some people do not think that way. I am so happy for your fourteen year old, you as a parent and I have the same worries of being accused of "faking" lol
OddRedd 3 points 2y ago
Yes, use it and try to not feel bad about it. You're not alone with this, believe me. It was the same with me but my mobility is so much better and more relaxed since I finally took the plunge and started using it consequently.
I also work with visually impaired clients and more or less all of them who profit from a cane go through this same process. So if you think you are ready to use one, do it.
And if a legally blind person was offended by you being more secure in your mobility they would be a dick.
I also work with visually impaired clients and more or less all of them who profit from a cane go through this same process. So if you think you are ready to use one, do it.
And if a legally blind person was offended by you being more secure in your mobility they would be a dick.
AutisticPearl 3 points 2y ago
Trust me, used the cane also I'm going to give you a suggestion here the national Federation for the blind they give away one free one every six months. Use your feet a nicotine get one I myself can see out of my right eye but I'm behind in my whole left I'm also deaf on my left side and have Asperger's that's why I got the cane because I can't hear on one side if I happen to be crossing a busy street I want to be able to head the cane so people can see the king before they see me and also it makes it more obvious that I'm disabled which I would so that people were more likely this not judge and would likely to help me without me having to ask for help because I'm don't like asking for help.
phillstaf 1 points 2y ago
To add to the comment of obtaining a cane: for Canadians you can get coverage for up to %75 of the cost of one cane every year, and can receive coverage from most disability income programs for the other %25. The nearest CNIB Office will help you with all the paperwork and potentially even get you a cane that day.
TwinPurpleEagle 2 points 2y ago
Yep. If you are bumping into things, you should use a cane. You shouldn't have headaches if your prescription is accurate. I have a whopping -22.00 glasses prescription and I don't have any headaches or eye strain at all even though my lenses are extremely thick.
jaygatsby131 2 points 2y ago
Girl I was in the same position when I was sixteen too. After getting my cane, I even sat in an outdoors restaurant (at night) with sunglasses on for fear of “not being blind enough”. The cane’s there for visually impaired/blind people, you can’t be “too good for it”. Unless you’re actually too good for it, but I digress. ALSO can I just say the BACK PAIN that eases after a cane, no more bent down to see the footpath. Good posture for days my girl.
blind_cowboy 2 points 2y ago
Think of it a different way. You probably don’t ask, “Is it wrong to wear contacts since they help my vision some?” So is it wrong to use a cane that will keep you safer and help you navigate.
ps-im-blind 2 points 2y ago
Hey! I had the exact same problem at your age, actually. There's no real point at which I accepted myself as being "blind enough," but I will say that the more you use the cane, the more comfortable you will become with it. Just try using it (well, make sure you have proper training with it, but go for it)!
Hope that helps!
Hope that helps!
phillstaf 2 points 2y ago
Never let anyone shame you for using a cane, I have much higher vision (20/127 best recorded, but I suffer near total night blindness and extreme light sensitivity) and even then I still always carry it with me, you don't always have to use it but have it with you just in case. Everyone has different needs and different situations, so if you think a cane would be beneficial, then you should use one.
bjayernaeiy 2 points 2y ago
Yes you should absolutely. If you can't see stairs or you trip over them, it's time to bring out the cane. Where you get one will be dependant on where you're from, but as a rule of thumb, unless you live somewhere in a country with no support at all, you should be able to get one at your local organisation for the blind.
Voice assistant..are you using a screen reader on your phone like TalkBack or VoiceOver or it's something else?
Voice assistant..are you using a screen reader on your phone like TalkBack or VoiceOver or it's something else?
Ratty_Reaper [OP] 1 points 2y ago
I use the accessibility setting on my android phone for text through my screen, when I read on paper I bring it up to my nose and read.
FantasticGlove 1 points 2y ago
Get yourself a Cane. It’s super useful and you won’t run into things. It’s not wrong at all. Get yourself trained up on how to use the thing because there is a way to do it and doing it wrong can cause you more problems. I also recommend relying on your hearing more because your sight won’t last long. Tht’s the truth. You’ll be fine. You will just need a teacher.
Opinion-Future 1 points 2y ago
You would need professional training to safely use a white cane
Ratty_Reaper [OP] 1 points 2y ago
Yeah, I would need to visit someone who specializes in O&M from what I know at least
je97 1 points 2y ago
The advice I always give is that the person who knows your needs the most is you. If you feel that using a cane will make your life better and you safer, use one. After all, anybody judging hasn't had to be you.
DrillInstructorJan 1 points 2y ago
For what it is worth I have spent a lot of time persuading people who clearly needed a cane to use one when they really didn't want to so personally I'm more than happy for people to use them. Jeez, if you need it, use it. As someone very memorably said on here once, it's just a stick you hit things with to see if they're there. Don't overthink it. You're fine.
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