A person wrote me and asked what "semi - blind" actually means. To me, the answer seems obvious, but that's just because I have experience in said area.
So...here's my answer in case anybody else cares to know.
"Semi-blind, or "partially sighted" means that although a person has some degree of vision, they are still considered legally blind (20/100 or worse).
Another fact you may find interesting is that only about 3% of people who use white canes are totally blind. Most people don't know that. Otherwise, I wouldn't get stared at whilst reading a book and leaning on my cane. (Provided I have my contacts in so I can read.)"
Edit: You can wear contacts and still be considered legally blind, if your vision is bad enough.
If anyone has other questions, I will try to answer them for you.
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Comments: 6
Is your blindness going to progress or has it always been the same?
Shawnee - Yes, my vision loss is progressive and I may loose my sight at any time with little to no warning. My vision is 4/200 without correction and I'm seriously near-sighted. I have several eye conditions that I can't remember or pronounce at the moment.
In addition to those, I had to have emergency laser surgury a few years ago because my retinas looked like garden lattace. That's what the specialist said.
He also told me that it is a miracle I can see at all, as I should have went totally blind by age 3, according to statistics. It seems I'm an exception to that rule.
I am thankful for every day I can see. Although I am also afraid a day will come that I can't see. I'm still hoping that medical science will be able to help me one day. Maybe give me bionic eyes or something. Oh, in case you are wondering, my vision is 20/80 with contacts. Although I can't seem to keep a contact in my right eye. It always falls out and when I can't find it I'm screwed. It's about $200 for a set, so I just were one contact and use my cane when I need too. I've tried a thousand ways to try and keep a contact in that eye and it always falls out anyway. I just gave up after a while. It doesn't bother me much to just wear one contact since my eyes are so bad anyway. Plus I prefer my left eye.
Oh dear, I'm rambling again.
My bad....
OMG you're reading.
Why yes. It's a little habit I picked up in pre-school.
Where's your dog?
I have a cat, and he's at home.
How many fingers am I holding up?
What, you can't count your own fingers?
If people want to be respectful, I'll answer their questions, but if they want to be little you-know-what's, I've got my comebacks. LOL
Canada is a great place to be blind and I've run into over 100 others here with varying degrees of blindness. We have the CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the blind -- run by the Lion's club, not the government. There is an audible signal on street light poles so you can locate the intersection. The tone changes pitch when it goes to walk.