Hi! Looking for information on coping with vision loss I found an article that covered something called the Coping with Vision Loss Study. It was covered on the VisionAware.org site.
The study was a small one (n=163) but it had a noble goal: to document the process of coping with vision loss. The information came from people who had gone through the process of vision loss. 45% had macular degeneration.
The study determined the most prevalent emotional reaction to the diagnosis of a condition that would cause vision loss was anxiety. Personally I do not need to ever have panic attacks like the ones I had ever again!
Even though anxiety was a major concern for the greatest number of people, it does not mean other, emotional problems were not present. A fair number of respondents were found to be dealing with moderate to severe depression.
Of course, since the study was about actually coping with vision loss, the emphasis was on factors and strategies for getting by and avoiding these adverse, emotional reactions. The study reported respondents had a variety of suggestions for doing this. These suggestions included seeking out the most competent specialists available as well as getting a second or even a third opinion, following doctors’ directions and connecting with others who have personal experience with vision loss.
These suggestions from the study respondents centered on personal responsibility and becoming your own, best advocate (as opposed to your own, worst enemy!) Be proactive about your life and your condition. Become knowledgeable about the condition. Get your questions answered. Monitor your own vision loss and seek out training so you can learn new skills to increase your independence.
Building support networks was another idea endorsed by the respondents. The respondents specifically mentioned family, friends, specialists and helpful community resources.
Community agencies were also listed as very important. Many agencies for the visually impaired can be helpful in finding support and educational resources as well as help you find the appropriate assistive technology.
Technology does not seem as appealing to the older generations as it does to younger folks. Yet respondents encouraged those who are new diagnosed to embrace the technology that is available. Competent use of iPads and magnifiers can significant improvement the quality of life for the visually impaired.
The article mentions a great many things we have talked about. It reviews the importance of proper lighting and contrast, for example. Finding someone who can help you with these sorts of things is important.
The list of recommendations from the study authors veers off into some things that are more personal and possibly even more essential for adjustment. The list includes things like being patient and gentle with yourself. Adaptation is not an overnight process, often grieving the loss is necessary before moving on. Take time to do so, but try not to get stuck in your grief.
I paint my pigheadedness as positive and call it persistence or fortitude. However, stubbornness can also be a bad thing when it keeps you from experimenting with technology or other strategies for living. The study suggested keeping an open mind and doing what is effective.
Which brings us to the last one I want to mention: there is more than one way to skin a cat (I reiterate: where did that saying come from? Did our ancestors spend that much time hanging out and trying various ways to skin cats? Yuck.) Find new ways to get things done. The idea the only right way of doing things is how I was taught at my father’s knee does no longer apply. Learn to be flexible and do what works.
There are other things that were discovered by the study, but those are the highlights as I saw them. Hope it was helpful!
Written Feb. 4th, 2018