Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Should I use a cane? (self.Blind)
submitted by Icy_Accountant_8197
So I go through bouts of bad photophobia, I sometimes wear dark sunglasses but today even that didn't help. Left me disoriented and almost had to close my eyes just crossing the street which obviously has it's drawbacks lol. On top of my other vision issues (mainly neurological) it got me thinking about how a while back someone suggested I get a cane.
Now I'm sure everyone brings this up at some point, but I hate the idea that I'm not blind enough. Technically not even legally blind given that my actual acuity is correctable with glasses. My real vision issues are much less straightforward and I never got much help for them. Some days I can see pretty fine. Other days like today make me consider it.
I also have issues with night blindness, and just general issues with visual processing and recognition.
What do you guys think?
Now I'm sure everyone brings this up at some point, but I hate the idea that I'm not blind enough. Technically not even legally blind given that my actual acuity is correctable with glasses. My real vision issues are much less straightforward and I never got much help for them. Some days I can see pretty fine. Other days like today make me consider it.
I also have issues with night blindness, and just general issues with visual processing and recognition.
What do you guys think?
FaerilyRowanwind 14 points 1y ago
If you think it will help than use one. That’s it. Ain’t no one gatekeeping canes. Just make sure you learn how to use one correctly.
je97 14 points 1y ago
It doesn't matter what us or anyone else thinks honestly. You know your eyes better than anyone, so if you feel you need to use a cane at times then by all means use it.
intellectualnerd85 9 points 1y ago
Go for it! Canes can be an asset!
BenandGracie 8 points 1y ago
I will give my usual answer to this question. If you think you need one, then use one.
Mamamagpie 7 points 1y ago
I suspect the only people gatekeeping white canes are those really don’t need them.
I’m only visually impaired. What vision I have corrects to 20/20, I have hemianopsia, so I’m blind in about half of my visual field.
I went 36 years without a white cane, bumping into things in my blind side. Stepping into tree pits and bad pavers on my blindside.
I have had my cane for a months now and I do not regret it. Best decision I’ve made in a while.
And your situation reminds me it will be a life send when I get ocultar migraines that leave completely blind, I will be able to go home instead of asking for seat to wait the damn thing out.
I’m only visually impaired. What vision I have corrects to 20/20, I have hemianopsia, so I’m blind in about half of my visual field.
I went 36 years without a white cane, bumping into things in my blind side. Stepping into tree pits and bad pavers on my blindside.
I have had my cane for a months now and I do not regret it. Best decision I’ve made in a while.
And your situation reminds me it will be a life send when I get ocultar migraines that leave completely blind, I will be able to go home instead of asking for seat to wait the damn thing out.
ree96 3 points 1y ago
I use one for identification, so people realize I may not see them. I have photophobia because I have albinism and my vision is very variable. I can legally drive but some days I need the cane when walking on a sunny day so I’d say get one and try it out
ConcretePanzer 3 points 1y ago
Absolutely, if you think it would help. Sometimes you'll get people who make assumptions when using it, but mostly people will be supportive, mindful, and helpful. In my experience, at least.
ConcretePanzer 2 points 1y ago
Plus, you can always do what I do and keep it folded and on your belt at easy access for when you need it.
Aida_Hwedo 3 points 1y ago
If it helps you, go for it!
You're actually not the first person I've seen asking this question, either. Unfortunately, the previous post is somewhere on LiveJournal, so I have no way of digging it up...
You're actually not the first person I've seen asking this question, either. Unfortunately, the previous post is somewhere on LiveJournal, so I have no way of digging it up...
Icy_Accountant_8197 [OP] 2 points 1y ago
Thank you guys for the responses so far. They've been helpful.
laconicflow 2 points 1y ago
If you think it might be useful for you to have a caine to sometimes use, then get one.
A caine isn't an official badge they send you for being blind, a caine is supposed to help a person who needs one. If it will help you, get it.
A caine isn't an official badge they send you for being blind, a caine is supposed to help a person who needs one. If it will help you, get it.
WorldlyLingonberry40 2 points 1y ago
Yes, get a cane and training to along with it. You are safe while walking in familiar areas, but this is not always going to be the case. pull out your cane when you need it.
letspaintthesky 2 points 1y ago
​
Canes are only for people with total sight loss and no light perception
KIDDING! If you're asking if you should use a cane, then the answer is yes. Please get in contact with your local blind society/association/organization as soon as you can and tell them you're struggling to cross roads and walk about safely.
Canes are only for people with total sight loss and no light perception
KIDDING! If you're asking if you should use a cane, then the answer is yes. Please get in contact with your local blind society/association/organization as soon as you can and tell them you're struggling to cross roads and walk about safely.
Dry_Director_5320 1 points 1y ago
This entire thread was so great to come across. I have severe photophobia all the time, to the extent that I had to get a stay-at-home job so I can keep my work and living conditions dark all the time, and navigating during daylight or indoors like the store ranges from difficult to completely out of the question without a guide so days. Some days are better or worse than others. I also really struggle with the “am I blind enough to deserve aide” question, but the visually impaired community has been so supportive of just getting the help I need and accepting that there are a lot of different ways for a person to be blind. I just ordered my first cane and hope using it as needed helps
Icy_Accountant_8197 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Guess we're in similar positions, though mine is much less regular.
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