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Life with Night Blindness

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Hello Everyone,

Welcome to The Invisible Vision Project’s Blog.

As you can probably tell from the title, this is a disability-related blog. So today, I’m going to share with you a story about fear, and that is my fear of the Dark. The reason I have this fear is due to an eye condition I have, it is called Night Blindness.

Can you see the stars and the moon at night? Are you afraid of walking home all by yourself in the dark? As for me, I could never see the stars, and the moon has always appeared to be a huge blur. When I think about walking in the dark, I would be so scared that I tremble with fear, and my anxiety level would rise up really high.

As some (or many of) you may already know, I am Visually Impaired, this means that I don’t see too well, like a sighted person can/or do. I have multiple eye conditions in which they affect my vision differently, making it difficult for me to see. Despite this, I still have some remaining useful vision (especially during the day). I am able to navigate the world around me, without too much trouble. However, when it comes to night time, even the useful vision I had during the day would disappear and I would be left seeing nothing at all.

When I was younger, I dreaded of going out at night, or even going into dark places (like a movie theatre); even when I knew my parents would not let me run-into things or have me get hurt in any way. But, as I got older, I felt more uncomfortable going out at night. I don’t want other people to find out this ‘weak’ side of me or see me as a coward, just because I am too afraid of the dark.

Then last year, I started training through Orientation and Mobility in using a White Cane, I find it so helpful, in many ways. For the very first time, I could walk alongside another person, rather than having to hold on to them all the time. I could walk in a normal pace, rather than walking in snail-pace. I could at least feel my way around with my cane, when I see absolutely nothing at all. Now, with the cane as my guide, I know that I definitely feel a lot safer and also a lot calmer when walking in the dark. I feel more independent, and proud of myself that I was able to get out of this fear. It is such an incredible feeling that is beyond the use of words could use to describe them! 🙂

Thank you for reading to the end!

By: The Invisible Vision Project

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11 responses to “Life with Night Blindness”

  1. My Blurred World Avatar

    I can totally relate to this post as I suffer from night blindness too. It’s a very scary and dauting thing. I’m glad to hear that the cane has helped you in some way, even though it seems like a scary thing to use and it’s not that pleasant, it’s helpful and can make you become more independant and that’s amazing. Great post as always hun x

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Invisible Vision Project Avatar

      Awww Thank you so much! And yes, it feels great to hear that people can relate, it makes me feel less alone in the situation! Yes I find the cane helpful, but sometimes it’s still a little scary. And thank you for the comment, and also for the support, always! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. My Blurred World Avatar

        You are very welcome! Yeah I think it gets less daunting as you use the cane more, I’ve definitely found that.

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Steph McCoy Avatar

    I can also relate as the dark is the worst, so bad I sometimes begin hyperventilating or forget to breathe. You are right about the cane though because using it is liberating.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Invisible Vision Project Avatar

      Yes, it is really bad for me that no words can explain *sob* but I’m just glad I have my cane!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Steph McCoy Avatar

        I hear you 😪! And to think I was resistant to using the cane for a while. I can’t wait to receive my new one from Ambutech, I just got the UPS notification today that it’s on it’s way. 😃

        Liked by 1 person

      2. The Invisible Vision Project Avatar

        Oh yes!! Ambutech canes are great!! You’ll love it!!

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Steph McCoy Avatar

        Yeah I had a blue one but list it last year and have been using my backup red/white cane.

        Liked by 1 person

      4. The Invisible Vision Project Avatar

        I’m currently using a Pink one! 😄

        Liked by 1 person

      5. Steph McCoy Avatar

        Mine is green and I think I added another color but can’t remember which one😒

        Liked by 1 person

      6. The Invisible Vision Project Avatar

        :O?! Green?? Oh wow, you’ll have a colourful cane!

        Liked by 1 person

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