It's normal to feel scared, sad, and helpless when you notice your vision gradually decreasing, or when you see someone you know doing the same. Losing the sight in your eyes that helps us see the world is not easy. But, this is not the end of your life. There are many ways that can help you face this challenge and face life again with strength. Let's talk about that today.
Why is this happening? Is everything the same?
First, we need to understand that there are many causes of vision loss. Some conditions can be treated to preserve or even restore vision to some extent. For example, some conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, which damages the nerves in the eye due to diabetes, can be treated well if they are treated early.
But, unfortunately, there are some eye diseases that cannot be completely cured with treatment. It is at times like these that we face the conditions called "Visually Impaired" or "Low Vision". The first step is to get a clear understanding of what kind of condition you have and whether it is treatable or not. The best person for that is your eye doctor. Don't be afraid to talk to him/her about it openly.
This is a big physical and mental challenge.
How much does daily life change when your vision decreases? Imagine the helplessness you feel when even simple tasks you used to do alone every day, like making tea, choosing an outfit, or walking down the street, are now a challenge. This is the physical challenge.
But there is an even deeper psychological challenge.
- Sadness and Grief: When you feel like you've "lost" your sight, it's normal to feel sadness and grief, as if you've lost someone close to you.
- Anxiety and fear: Thoughts like "Will I be unable to do my job on my own?", "Will I be a burden to others?", "What will my future be like?" can cause great fear and anxiety.
- Loneliness and isolation: You may feel isolated from society and confined to your home. You may lose the desire to go out with friends or attend events.
- Depression: All of these things can combine to create a feeling of disappointment in life and an inability to enjoy anything, which can even lead to a mental state called depression.
If you are feeling these feelings, it is not a sign of weakness. It is a natural reaction to a major life change like this. The important thing is to ask for help rather than keep these feelings bottled up and going through them alone.
Who can be a strength for this journey? What can be done?
You don't have to face this challenge alone. There are many people and methods that can help you.
1. Talk to your doctor.
Your eye doctor is your main guide. Ask him or her about your condition, what changes you can expect in the future, and the treatments and support services available.
2. Seek mental health counseling.
It can be a great relief to see a trained counselor to talk about your feelings, worries, and concerns. This is nothing to be ashamed of. Just as it is important to seek treatment for physical ailments, it is also important to seek treatment for emotional problems. Your doctor can refer you to someone who is qualified.
3. Learn from the experiences of others.
There are people living with vision impairments just like you. There are institutions, organizations, or support groups that they can join. When you join a place like that and talk about how others are dealing with this challenge, it's a great strength to know that "I'm not alone." You can also learn from the strategies they use in their daily lives.
Tools and gadgets that help in everyday life
There are many devices and methods available today that can help you maintain your independence and carry out daily activities, even if you have low vision. We call these ``Low Vision Aids''.
| Sector in need of help | Things and tricks that may help |
|---|---|
| Reading and writing | Magnifying glasses, books printed in large print, computers and smartphones with screen readers, and audio books. |
| Housework | Always putting things in the same place. Labeling items so they can be identified by touch (e.g., identifying a salt bottle with a rubber band). Talking clocks, scales that measure weight. |
| Travel and safety | Learning to use a white cane. Identifying dangerous areas in the home (such as stairs) and using safe methods for them. Traveling with a trusted person. |
| Use of technology | Using voice commands and "Accessibility" features on smartphones. Special apps designed specifically for visually impaired people. |
There are even special training classes and programs to help you get used to new things like this and learn new tricks. These can help build your self-confidence.
Take-Home Message
- It's normal to feel sadness, fear, and anxiety when you lose your sight. Accept those feelings and don't hold them in.
- Be sure to talk to your eye doctor to find out exactly what your condition is.
- Don't be ashamed or afraid to see a counselor for psychological relief. It's a strength of yours.
- Find out about assistive devices and methods that can make your daily life easier (Low Vision Aids).
- You are not alone in this journey. Seek support from your family, friends, and others who are going through the same thing as you.
- You can't get used to all this overnight. You have to be patient and kind to yourself. Celebrate even small victories.
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