How do blind people cope?

[ferret50]

It seems, after an afternoon spent at my 'local' hospital's Eye Clinic, that I will lose sight in both eye's very soon.

The only thing that I enjoy that does not need sight for is sex, driving, PC, car spannering and gardening all need decent vision!

In today's world, everything is 'online', if I cannot see the screen, how am I going to deal with banking and investments?

[Tom8]

Gosh that is terrible news, I am sorry for you having to go through this. I can't help but I am sure the RNIB support people going through this. I will follow though as it could happen to any of us and I have no idea how you go about things either.

[alscar]

Would echo Tom's reply and add that is a tough thing to read let alone face .
I believe there are things like screen readers /braille screens and also software that can convert text to oral but know nothing about them.
RNIB would indeed be a good place to start.
Best of luck ( if that's the right word ).

[Granadier]

Losing one's sight must be one of the most difficult disabilities to deal with, certainly something I dread ever happening. I always wonder how blind people find their way around and perform everyday tasks. Having said that, no doubt the 'blind community' for want of a better phrase have evolved the best possible workarounds for many of these things over the years, and technology must be improving all the time too - for instance, apps that read out verbally what's on a screen.

Also remember that even 30 years ago David Blunkett was able to perform successfully as a cabinet minister without sight, with all the pressures and challenges that must have involved, so don't lose hope!

I wish you all the best for finding a way through the difficulties and continuing to live a full and satisfying life.

[shtu]

I'm sorry to hear that. I would imagine that your specialsts can put you in touch with suitable practical and emotional support, take them up on it.

ferret50 said:

if I cannot see the screen, how am I going to deal with banking and investments?

In my job I have occasionally dealt with this issue for others, there are several tools out there to assist, from magnification, high-contrast screen setups, to screen readers. In the screen reader department, JAWS is likely the most well-known.

Also - employers and service providers have to remain accessible, there's laws about this stuff. Your banks and such will all have specialist services to assist you in this.

https://www.freedomscientific.com/products/softwar...
and a banking example - I'd guess First Direct will be st-hot at this stuff bearing in mind their customer service in general,
https://www.firstdirect.com/accessibility/visually...

[Slow.Patrol]

So sorry to hear this.

Will you be totally blind or still have some perception of light and dark?

I have experience of sight loss when I developed something called PCO after a cataract operation. This was during the first covid lockdown and I had to wait six months for the two minute operation to restore my sight. It got so bad the consultant said I would qualify for registered blind.

However, I still had some vision. I had a massive PC monitor dialled up to Fisher Price levels so I could still work but still got headaches with the eyestrain.

I also listened to a lot of audiobooks.

Get in touch with RNIB or Sightsavers. They should help you prepare.

[ferret50]

Thanks to all replys, and the mod who moved this!

As things progess, I'll update.

[garythesign]

So sorry to read this.

We volunteer with Guide Dogs in Ireland and are constantly amazed at how much blind people achieve

As others have mentioned, RNIB is a good place to start, but I would also contact Guide Dogs

Good luck

[RSTurboPaul]

As above, screen reader software is available - I recall some read out the underlying code (so I imagine can be hard work with anything complicated like a forum) but that was a while ago I last spoke to someone using it, and I imagine the latest versions will be easier.

It could be worth investigating / trying them now - having a mental picture of how they communicate the screen contents may assist when you are unable to verify visually.

Likewise, learning braille may or may not be easier with visual assistance - you would have to see how it goes. [edit: Sorry, I should have used a better choice of words... lol]


It could also be worthwhile 'auditing' your home - blindfold yourself, walk carefully around, and work out whether it might be beneficial to alter where furniture etc. is placed to avoid conflict points / accident risk, then make sure to keep it tidy and in that layout so there are no unexpected trip hazards.


If you are able to get to a blind support group, those already experiencing blindness will undoubtedly have some tips to share

Edited by RSTurboPaul on Thursday 11th September 12:02

[ferret50]

I lost most of my left eye three or four years ago, a minor stroke I was told, I've been sat in the conservatory this afternoon watching the birds feed and with my left eye centered on an object I just have a grey area with un focused view around the edges, both eyes and I currently see OK.

So the focus from the medical perspective has been to retain vision to my right eye....optician visit in May saw me refered to the Eye Clinic for three aspects,
Cataracts
Glaucoma
Constant watering of both eyes

The third is the most irritating, giving blurred vision!

I received lazer treatment late July for the glaucoma, follow up appointment in August was cancelled without explanation and yesterday's appointment was the replacement.

The referral for cateracts and weepy eyes was cancelled, again without explanation.

I formed the impression yesterday from the consultant that the pressure of both eyes was very high, giving '30 and 33' and was told that this 'could' lead to permanent damage to the nerve at the back of my eye.
Drops were prescribed, but from an application point of view, even when I can get 'em into my eyes they are immediately washed out!

Consultant also warned me that others in my current condition had 'lost sight within 30 days'....

I'm coming to terms with this, it's dealing with the practical aspects of potential loss that is my concern and a number of others have pointed me in the right direction, thank you.

[TGCOTF-dewey]

Really sorry to hear this OP.

Utterly stty news but your brain does have a high degree of plasticity, so your other senses will adapt, and tech in this area is rapidly developing.

I briefly looked into this technology quite a few years ago now for an alternative application, but you can teach your tongue to 'see'. Sounds bonkers, but it does work, and allows people to see enough to navigate around their environment.

https://www.google.com/search?q=brain+port&oq=...

[OllyAitch]

I know a few people who lost their sight and the early months were the hardest, but with training and support groups they found new ways to stay independent. You won’t be alone in this.

[HelenT]

As an Optometrist in my experience glaucoma is the poor relation of the Hospital Eye Service, delayed appointments and not enough consultants. It sounds like you had a slightly unsympathetic Ophthalmologist.
If I was you I would be going down the Private route or trying to get your GP to push your appointments forward.
Cataract surgery may help reduce your pressures possibly combined with a stent or laser.
Some hospital departments are more pro-active in treating glaucoma than others. Your Optometrist might be able to help.
Try and focus (sorry bad choice of words) on preserving the vision you have.
Also try putting your drops in whilst lying down then close your eyes