Pros and Cons of Living with Blindness: Personal Perspectives and Insights
Living with total or partial blindness can be both frustrating and intriguing, as it challenges a person's perception and sense of reality. This article explores the pros and cons of life with blindness, drawing from personal experiences and insights.
The Reality of Total Blindness
For many, living with total blindness means navigating a world without visual cues. Without the ability to perceive colors, shapes, or even detect ambient light, the frustrations are clear. However, there are also unintentional benefits that come with this condition.
No Visual Distractions
First and foremost, not having visual distractions can be liberating. Imagine a world without constantly checking emails or scrolling through social media. It's a different kind of silence, a silence full of sound and smell. For instance, a visually impaired individual might perceive the outside world through sound. They can 'hear' weather changes by the sound of birdsong, or detect the scent of cinnamon from afar, signaling the presence of French toast.
Unexpected Benefits
A more interesting anecdote involves a blind husband in a crowded beach setting. Here, a sighted person's observation that they carried on an interesting conversation without realising it highlights the joy of interaction, sans visual distractions. Despite facing challenges with public transport and employment, the unconventional joys of being fully engaged with other senses can be a gift in itself.
Personal Experiences with Blindness
Reflecting on personal journeys, various aspects of living with blindness can vary widely. For someone who has lived with partial vision and later lost it, it can be a tale of sudden change and gradual adaptation. Initially, it may feel like an overwhelming mix of frustration and interest. The rapid changes in visibility can make life feel like an ever-shifting puzzle.
Adapting to Partial Vision Loss
Having been legally blind for about 12 years with a retinal vein thrombosis leaving me with limited light perception, the adjustment to using a white cane or a smartphone for navigation can be indispensable. There's a beauty in flexibility—using a white cane or a guide dog like Leif for guidance can offer a sense of freedom and adventure. For me, it's a poignant blend of everyday challenges and unique adventures.
Personal Journey and Proofs of Ability
While there are occasional inconveniences, such as relying on public transport or my wife for carpooling, I also treasure these opportunities to blend into the community through shared experiences. The fact that my guide dog, Leif, a lovable 10-year-old black Labrador, often gets me more attention than some women find worthwhile. This demonstrates the social and emotional benefits of living with a guide dog. For my wife, life with blindness means never having to worry about makeup or appearances. She can dress in old clothes with the assurance of her beauty, free from societal pressures.
Finding Employment and Overcoming Challenges
Despite the hang-ups employers may have about blindness, actively blind individuals like myself are often problem solvers rather than problems. Every day at work is a daily challenge, from organizing documents to ensuring color consistency in printed materials. Experience shows that the ability to think outside the box and adapt is a valuable skill in any profession. For instance, precision in finding a specific item in a closet can be challenging, but the ability to find it through tactile means is a testament to resilience.
Conclusion
The journey of living with blindness is a diverse mix of challenges and advantages. While there are obstacles to navigate, the ability to adapt to new senses and ways of living can lead to unexpected joy and fulfillment. The experience of living with blindness is not just about overcoming challenges but also about embracing the unusual and finding hidden gems of happiness in our daily lives.