As we welcome a new year, we all hope that 2011 will bring a breakthrough for Stargardt's patients! Finger's are crossed!
I have been doing a social experiment over the last couple of months. My mum brought home from work goggles from Vision Australia that a person can put on to see what it looks like to have different eye conditions. Specifically interesting to us were the macular degeneration goggles. Igot friends and family to try on these glasses to see how they react to seeing through the eyes of a person with a macular problem, such as Stargardt's. Their responses were quite interesting:
"I'm never getting in a car with you again!"
"I can't see anything!!"
"There's a big white blob in the middle?! Is that right?"
Everybody was shocked. My eyes are not currently at this stage, but it was interesting to see how people reacted to having their vision impaired. It helped those around me to understand what I see and what I may be experiencing.
In response to my friend who remarked about my driving, I had to remind her I wear glasses for that reason and my eyes are not at that stage at this time! Yet other's can get the gist of what I mean when I say "I just can't see what's in the centre unless I look around it."
I feel that these goggles have been a useful tool and are great for helping others to understand my situation. It would be helpful if they were more widely available so our friends and family could understand our struggles even better!
Has anybody else had any similar experiences?
Those goggles would be interesting to show people as I always find it difficult to explain to people what exactly I see.
ReplyDeleteEasiest way I have found to explain it is to hold up a newspaper or magazine and try and get them to read it out the corner of your eye. You can see the words but can't quiet make out what they are.
Unfortunately my vision is quiet a bit beyond what yours is and I haven't been able to drive for the past 18 months (and probably should have stopped well before that)
Well now I'm just rambling and should probably get back to work.
Toodles
Simon
I like your way of describing it Simon! It is really hard to help people to understand and I have been fortunate enough to get my hands on the goggles!
ReplyDeleteAll the best to you!
Thanks C.R
ReplyDeleteCheck out the support group I created on Facebook if you like.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=17019905511
Has over 500 members now from all over the planet.
I put a lot of recent news and information in there that I find all over the web. Can put your blog in there if you like?
Simon
Yes for sure!! And I'm already a member :) Thanks for the support!
ReplyDeleteI experience that these goggles have been a beneficial tool and are excellent for supporting others to comprehend my circumstance. This blog gives very valuable information.
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