(Q) Q & A with a Visually Impaired Person (#AToZChallenge 2021)

My theme for the 2021 Blogging from A to Z April Challenge is to give an overview of what it is like to be visually impaired. I also hope to break misconceptions that still exist about those that are blind or have low vision. In this post I want to give this a personal touch and answer some questions on living with low vision from my point of view. These are my own experiences and should not be generalized.

What is your eye condition?

My eye condition is Retinopathy of Prematurity I was born 3 months early weighing 1 pound and 6 ounces and blood vessels in my retina did not develop correctly.

How does your eye condition impact your eyesight?

I am completely blind in my right eye. I have limited usable vision in my left eye.

Do glasses help you?

I do use glasses with a high prescription. My glasses magnify what I am looking at and they help me identify things around me. However, glasses do not restore my sight to 20/20. I can not see small details because my eye does not focus well on items. I have trouble seeing in bright sunlight and in dim lighting.

Do you use a cane or guide dog?

I use a white cane when I am out on my own. The cane helps me alert others i have trouble seeing them and it alerts me of upcoming curbs, steps and any obstacles in my path I may not see.

What can you see?

*large print
*objects
*faces (but only if I am a few inches away)

I can see:

I can not see;

*eye color
*social cues such as certain looks or facial expressions
*the stars at night
*snowflakes falling

There is more but this is a glimpse into my eyesight.

I will keep this post short. If you have questions leave them below.