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Some experts have likened initial reactions to vision loss to the
"stages of grief,"
defined by Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, after the loss of a loved
one—taking one from denial to anger and depression, and finally,
acceptance. Navigating the various stages successfully begins with
understanding how they affect you and those around you. With
understanding comes the ability to straightforwardly address
conflicts, allay fears, and move forward.
To help with this process, here are a few points to keep in mind at
all times:
- You are not alone. Vision loss affects more than 6.5 million people in the U.S. aged 55 and
over from all walks of life. Don't be afraid to reach out to others experiencing vision loss as well as vision loss
professionals for information,
advice, and encouragement.
- You can continue to lead a full, rewarding life. Again, if you're willing to make adjustments,
there is no reason you cannot continue to enjoy your favorite hobbies and activities, participate in family activities, do
volunteer work, or travel. Indeed, the challenges of vision loss are consistently overcome each day by individuals who have
simply chosen to participate fully
in society.
- You don't have to stop working. With technical
assistance and a few basic adjustments, most people who develop
vision loss are able to remain in the workforce—many even
continue in their current jobs. There are exceptions, of course,
but far fewer than you may realize. Indeed, it's quite possible
that the person who processed your recent electric bill, the person
who upgraded your car transmission, or the person who oversaw your
last stock trade all live with some degree of vision loss. Visit
AFB's CareerConnect
site for more information on employment.
- You can remain independent. Whether you are experiencing a
modest vision decline or are facing total vision loss, affordable and accessible solutions and tools exist to help you to safely cook
your meals,
navigate your home, pay your bills, and perform other essential tasks
on your own. Better still, new advances in technology designed for people with vision loss, such as a scanner that can
read text out loud are entering the marketplace almost daily, while
mainstream products such as computers and home appliances can be
adapted for your use with simple techniques.
For More Information:
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Understanding my diagnosis helped me take control of my vision loss.
