How I’m Adapting – Page 3

Falling Down

Posted on 22nd Mar 202322nd Mar 2023 by One Vision

OK. So you will understand in a minute, why I’ve popped a funny post up first for my return, because I’m trying to butter you up for these next 2, quite frankly, miserable ones.

It is what it is, but then they’re out of the way, who knows what’s coming up next. I don’t ☺… Anyway…

Sometime ago. I told my better half that my eyesight was alot worse at night than it had been previously.

Now, he understands this as he has Chlorademia. A genetic eye condition which is sort of the opposite of mine, but similar… Sort of. I help with the distance, he tells me the time and reads me stuff.

Cue to me walking down a path. He was in front, I was behind gabbing on like I do. I was watching the floor to check there wasn’t anything in my way. It was dark, around 8pm with street lamps on.

All good.

Slam.

I’m on the floor. I don’t know why everything was good.

I’m in the road like a dropped bin bag. I’ve got a black long coat on looking like one and very likely to get ran over if I don’t move. He helps me up off the floor I’m upset, hurt and abit shocked to be honest. My arm and my knee really hurt.

I start crying and freaking out abit. I didn’t see the edge of the kerb at all. My first fall due to my eyesight failing.

I know it sounds daft, but I didn’t think I would ever fall. Hadn’t really crossed my mind.

Just thought the path was there. I saw it. At least I thought I did. Suppose I cannot trust my eyes on the dark anymore.

The dark patch is there. The blind spot to the right.

So I calmed down and we set off to the shop. (Rich was very concerned for me, but also concerned about getting some choccy for himself ). Outside the shop I started laughing as I realised I was very lucky not to break my arm or something. Relief probably and you’ve got to look at the positives haven’t you?

We got back to his house and then I was upset again, realising I now felt unsafe wandering around in the dark and I’d fallen due to this bloody eyesight condition I don’t want.

This was several months ago. My arm still hurts but slowly getting better. Just dented my confidence. I’m now very, very, careful if I’m out in the dark.

I maybe shouldn’t have been so cocky.

If you want to read about my fear of kerbs in a short blog post please click below.

Read here about my blog post Visual impairment and kerbs

Low Vision Clinic – Sunglasses

Posted on 12th Jul 202212th Jul 2022 by One Vision

One of the first things I’ve tried is the sunglasses. To help my life be a little easier. I’ve learnt through my ‘people who can’t see good’ group, that I’ve got to be more proactive and organised, because they certainly are. An amazing bunch of people. I was out with a few of them for a drink last night ☺

So the first item that I was very hesitant to use, mainly wear, are my new sunglasses.

PICTURE DESCRIPTION Picture of my sunglasses face downwards.

PICTURE DESCRIPTION Picture of the side view of my sunglasses

I love my ordinary, everyday ones. They form, and are a part of my identity. My usual sense of style isn’t everyones, but it’s my very own. So wearing anything I haven’t picked myself doesn’t sit well. I’m rather self conscious in them so far, but the pros outway the cons rather largely. I’m sure this will fade with time. Sometimes you’ve got to try and accept decisions that aren’t or were never going to be your choice ever, however hard they maybe. As my best mate says. It sometimes looks like I’ve glued myself up, walked into the wardrobe to see what sticks.

I’ve been away for the weekend and tested them out whilst there.

Because I have Photophobia, the sun and glare is a real problem. Even on cloudy, or overcast days. Anytime of year. Usually I stay out of the sun, keep sunglasses on and sometimes still have to deal with pain around my eyes later or an almighty headache. On recent occasions, this has lasted a few days.

So when I was out on Saturday, I popped these on. They have a grey lense as they dulled the brightness for me more than the amber lenses did.

I sat in the full sun by the water for the first time in years as my eyes felt comfortable and it wasn’t bright or didn’t glare at all.

Must admit, I was abit nervous as I continued to sit in the sun other than going into the water nearby. Thinking I would pay for it later on in the day.

I didn’t.

And haven’t since!

So these sunglasses have cured a big problem to me.

They are by Cocoons Sunwear. Black/Grey C402G. Polarised, flexy temples and scratch resistant.A

Aviator style. Side lenses to block out even more of the suns brightness. Sorted!

PICTURE DESCRIPTION Black and white photo of myself looking to camera with my sunglasses on. Lips are red.

How I'm Adapting

Bright eyes

Posted on 18th May 202218th May 2022 by One Vision

Also… I’ve been to the local sight charities group today. For a chat over coffee and biccies.

Met alot of lovely new people and some familiar faces. (once I’d stared at them for abit 🤭)

Young, old and in between.

But… I’ve realised. I’m even trying to hide this… In a sight loss group! 🤷‍♀️

Don’t know if I’m just that used to trying to disguise it, it comes naturally, or if I’m just denying it all to myself. Like I won’t give in to it, as it just makes everything too real for me.

Tonight I’m going to listen to podcasts, or youtube programmes.

Make them all good for tomorrow.

So. If anyone messages me for few days, I’m sorry, I’m going to have to voicey you back instead of write anything.

Just wanted to update the blog before I give my poorly peepers a rest.

Sat inside with the bright artificial light. Stubbornly wouldn’t pop my sunglasses on. There even were people there wearing sunglasses themselves. Me being me, sat there. Didn’t put them on until I went outside #standard

I’ve got light sensitivity and photophobia. So it’s my own fault.

Knew my eyes were struggling, but blimey, do they hurt now!

No… I don’t get it either!