Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Afraid of Losing Sight in One Eye (self.Blind)
submitted by Pantsless-Bob
Just under a week ago I had to go to the emergency room because the vision in my right eye became impaired (not to the point that I can't see out of it, but to the point where reading and distinguishing facial features is almost impossible through the eye). While they determined part of the disturbance was due to an optical migraine most of the symptoms have remained. An eye surgeon said he was unable to find anything wrong with the eye and has referred me to a neurologist, but my appointment is more than a week off and I have little to do in the meantime but try to operate normally and worry.
Without any idea of what is actually happening to me, I'm afraid it will not get better, or could get worse, or could spread to the other eye as well. With things as they are I'm able to get around okay and so far have not had huge issues with work, but have found myself getting distracted when viewing screens and either have to look away frequently or squeeze the bad eye shut (screens and light sources have the most distortion, seeming unnaturally bright and intense with a weird multicolored pixel effect--white surfaces have this to a lesser effect as well). This concerns me because I'm a news videographer--most of what I do involves screens, cameras, lights and image manipulation; even running audio is based primarily on sight. I love my job. It makes me happy. I'm terrified of not being able to do it anymore. I've also been finding that I haven't been able to read for long without getting a headache.
What I'm basically trying to say is that I'm afraid of losing the things in my life that I love, and of losing my ability to get around on my own and be independent. I'm just curious to know if anyone has ever experienced symptoms like mine and what happened (I can elaborate if needed), or what experiences people have had with losing partial or all sight in one eye--what they were able to keep doing, what they weren't able to keep doing, what kind of effects it can have in regard to art and photography. I'm mostly just looking for people to talk to about it, because it just seems like nobody I personally know understands.
Without any idea of what is actually happening to me, I'm afraid it will not get better, or could get worse, or could spread to the other eye as well. With things as they are I'm able to get around okay and so far have not had huge issues with work, but have found myself getting distracted when viewing screens and either have to look away frequently or squeeze the bad eye shut (screens and light sources have the most distortion, seeming unnaturally bright and intense with a weird multicolored pixel effect--white surfaces have this to a lesser effect as well). This concerns me because I'm a news videographer--most of what I do involves screens, cameras, lights and image manipulation; even running audio is based primarily on sight. I love my job. It makes me happy. I'm terrified of not being able to do it anymore. I've also been finding that I haven't been able to read for long without getting a headache.
What I'm basically trying to say is that I'm afraid of losing the things in my life that I love, and of losing my ability to get around on my own and be independent. I'm just curious to know if anyone has ever experienced symptoms like mine and what happened (I can elaborate if needed), or what experiences people have had with losing partial or all sight in one eye--what they were able to keep doing, what they weren't able to keep doing, what kind of effects it can have in regard to art and photography. I'm mostly just looking for people to talk to about it, because it just seems like nobody I personally know understands.
carolineecouture 3 points 2y ago
I'm sorry this happened to you. It sounds scary and upsetting. All I can tell you is that you can cope with it no matter what happens because you won't have any choice. I have glaucoma, and it was stable for 30+ years, and then my eye pressure began to rise and was not being controlled by drugs. I then had to have multiple eye surgeries. Several worked for a bit, and then the pressure started creeping up again. I had a procedure that caused inflammation which meant I couldn't see for a solid month. My doctor was sure that the inflammation would \*probably\* resolve. It was scary; all I could do was keep doing what my doctor said and keep calm. I have a good support system, but it was one of the worst times in my life. I wish you well, and I hope this resolves for you.
Pantsless-Bob [OP] 1 points 2y ago
Thank you for telling me about your experience. You said you couldn't see for a month. Did you regain full eyesight afterward?
carolineecouture 2 points 2y ago
Glaucoma damages the optic nerve so I won't get anything back that was lost permanently. The inflammation did resolve so I was back to where I started. You can get through this. Take care.
Pantsless-Bob [OP] 2 points 2y ago
Thank you
Affectionate_Elk8707 2 points 2y ago
I have something very similar. When I was 18 I lost vision in my left eye rather suddenly (not fully, but in large spots). I had partial blindness for about 2 or 3 months before it cleared up, but it left that eye with minor double vision. I did get an MRI testing for MS, which came back inconclusive because of my age. Optic migraines was a suggested cause for my blindness as well. Unfortunately now, 4 years later, it has happened again in my OTHER eye, with the spots being much worse. I'll be seeing doctors about it soon. But I'm going back through all those same fears again and I can tell you - I still can text, play video games, do art (traditional and digital). It just takes me a minute to reas and decipher certain things in low light. Strain can make it worse, so I try to avoid high heat and physical or mental strain for now.
I know it's really scary, but it becomes manageable. It sounds ridiculous but you do get used to it. You adapt, and your brain learns not to focus on the dark spots so much, in my experience.
I know it's really scary, but it becomes manageable. It sounds ridiculous but you do get used to it. You adapt, and your brain learns not to focus on the dark spots so much, in my experience.
Early-Time 2 points 2y ago
I’m mostly if not fully functionally blind in my right eye (it perceived some light and movement). I’m low vision in my left eye too, but can still read. I spend a lot of time on screens for both work and hobbies. I even do digital art for fun and side hussle. Rest assured losing eyesight in one eye will not stop you from continuing what you do. It might change how you do it, you might need a bigger screen and some adjustment time, but you can still do all of these things even if you go fully blind in one eye. Probably not going to happen though, hopefully they’ll figure out what’s going on and it won’t even come to that outcome.
Pantsless-Bob [OP] 2 points 2y ago
Thank you very much for this. I've been worried sick that I would lose so many things I love all at once.
[deleted] 1 points 2y ago
I was born blind in my right eye. Visually impaired I’m my left eye. My whole life until just recently … my left eye has gotten worse!! I can no longer read regular font! That’s with my glasses on! When I wake up in the morning it takes a good 30min for my eye to clear up. I see blurriness/fog the entire time. So knowing that my vision is getting worse rapidly it’s scary!! I’ve always learned to adjust but I feel you on being scared. If i were you I would try to keep calm and think positively until you know certain that your eye is not going to get better. If that unfortunately comes… then we can all give you tips and tricks!! Oh also be careful, you depth perception might be altered!!! Watch them steps! (I have sprained my ankles way to many times) I’m here to chat if you have more questions.
Pantsless-Bob [OP] 1 points 2y ago
Thank you. Staying positive has been so hard. As it stands right now, I can basically do everything I used to, so I know I should be thankful, but I honestly find myself fighting back tears several times a day. When I wake up in the morning and the vision in my good eye is still blurry I begin to panic. I've spent very little time doing things I enjoy like reading or watching movies, or browsing the internet, and I know I should try to return to my normal. Thank you.
PrincessDie123 1 points 2y ago
I know that migraines can last minutes or hours and sometimes days, I’ve had lots of different kinds of them for me shutting down all devices and screens and closing myself in a very dark room with as little stimulation (sounds, lights, etc…) for a day or two is about the only way I can get through the bad ones if it is still an ocular migraine this might help, if you do try this re enter things slowly with one light source at a time so you don’t overload your senses all at once. With constantly being connected sometimes our brains get fatigued and that can cause lots of problems.
I’ve got lots of vision distortion for various reasons and sometimes it looks similar to what you described but rest assured I live alone and manage to adjust most tasks to my needs there are plenty of accommodations for almost any job or hobby, I understand fearing losing your sight as I love looking at paintings and visual art and losing that is scary and sad sometimes but there are blind painters and sculptors and even movie directors.
You might get in contact with the National Federation of the Blind or a Commission For The Blind near you to take some classes to learn how to adapt to your new circumstances these classes would be useful even if this issue is resolvable or intermittent.
I’ve got lots of vision distortion for various reasons and sometimes it looks similar to what you described but rest assured I live alone and manage to adjust most tasks to my needs there are plenty of accommodations for almost any job or hobby, I understand fearing losing your sight as I love looking at paintings and visual art and losing that is scary and sad sometimes but there are blind painters and sculptors and even movie directors.
You might get in contact with the National Federation of the Blind or a Commission For The Blind near you to take some classes to learn how to adapt to your new circumstances these classes would be useful even if this issue is resolvable or intermittent.
Pantsless-Bob [OP] 2 points 2y ago
Thank you for your experiences. What is the longest you've had a migraine last? I've been concerned it won't turn out to be a migraine because it's been going for five days, but I've been having to work throughout.
PrincessDie123 1 points 2y ago
I have chronic migraine so I’ve had some last a week and segue straight into another one. If it is a migraine then the doctor should be able to give you some options and walk you through what to do. Let’s hope that’s all it is 🤞 good luck!
Pantsless-Bob [OP] 2 points 2y ago
Thank you.
PrincessDie123 1 points 2y ago
You’re welcome
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