The totally blind haven't got a monopoly on the cane. If you need it, even just for a few minutes whilst your eyes adjust, far better you use it and avoid both injuries to yourself and the irritation of others.

If you need it use it. If you're accepting guidance and getting injured then it's not as if you need any further excuse, good grief.

It's not like you're affecting anyone else and I think everyone here understands that people's sight can have all kinds of weird problems that express themselves in complex ways.

I have Hemianopsia, so no vision at all on one side the other side is corrected to 20/20. Even without my glasses I can read most things, watch tv.

But I have tripped over tree-pits (holes cut into the sidewalk for trees), uneven side walks, bad pavement. I’m realized that this always on my blind side, it isn’t generally being clumsy or not paying attention.

So I got a cane.

I have a degenerative cornea disease and can see very well during the day and in well lit spaces. I have a drivers license and drive everywhere. However, at night or in crowded spaces, my vision decreases significantly. I also have a difficult time reading small text and signs and lose my depth perception at night/in dark areas. I use a cane in airports, casinos, and any other very busy and crowded area or area where I'll need help reading text (like an airplane, finding my seat) or navigating streets with curbs at night.

If you have fallen and need it, do not hesitate to get one. It will make your experience with the world a lot safer and enjoyable.

I was really nervous when I got my cane and started training. I was worried that I would be putting a target on my back, saying "hey, victimize her, she is vulnerable!"

When I discussed it at the support group, one of the trainers said... "Your cane is a target? Wow! Mine is a weapon!"

When I thought of it that way, it did give me a lot of confidence.

And yes, you need to train to use it. There are a lot of tricks that are helpful. You need to make sure it's the correct length for you, so you are about 3 steps behind what you are processing.

Canes that are collapsible are great. I have a graphite 5 section lightweight that I can fold up an put in my purse if I don't need it right then.

I can also heartily recommend Blind Square for getting around. You might want to find a training program for mobility and orientation.

If you feel you need one than get one

Besides learning to use a white cane to me it sounds like you should be using non-visual skills
Plus learning to use a screen reader