Do you think you know enough about blindness? Are you curious? Let’s start our expedition to learn and understand some facts about blindness and clear some myths about it.
Can you imagine being blind? And being unable to see and discern the beauty of life?
Imagine being unable to capture where you are, who you are with, or what’s been happening around you because you simply cannot see. Imagine a life of seeing mere nothingness, knowing that there’s more beyond this blinded sight.
Blindness makes it quite difficult for individuals to partake in certain tasks. Thus, being fully functional is partly taken away from you once you are unable to see. When you are blind, it’s like you are hampered in the sense that you seem to lack. However, being visually impaired and blind does not imply incompetence.
Most individuals think and assume that when you are blind, it’s instantly the end of the world, but life does not stop there. Life opens a new chapter in your story, another path worth journeying.
An Inspiring Memoir About a Blind Man
“Born Blind: The Traumas and The Triumphs” is a memoir by David Block, chronicling his life as a legally blind individual. Through poignant prose, the author delves into the intricate journey of grappling with his condition, sharing intimate reflections on his familial relationships and personal growth. This interlace of fiction and non-fiction provides a definitive account of the author’s reality and invites readers to acquire insights into the unique experiences of those living with visual impairment.
If you are interested in delving into this story revolving around blindness and gaining awareness of this visual impairment, don’t miss out on the book.
Click here to secure your copy and be inspired by David Block’s story.
That said, through this article, you will be able to comprehend some facts about blindness, and the important things you need to know about this visual impairment will be addressed. Let’s take this opportunity to broaden our understanding and knowledge about this important topic.
Facts About Blindness: Broadening Our Perspectives
Photo by Ante Hamersmit on Unsplash
1. Types of Blindness
There are different types of blindness, which include:
- Partial blindness
- Complete blindness
- Congenital blindness
- Legal blindness
- Nutritional blindness
2. Color Blindness Is Not Blindness
One of the important facts about blindness is that color blindness, often referred to as color deficiency, is not a form of traditional blindness. It’s a condition that affects the perception of color, not the ability to see. This distinction is crucial in understanding the diverse spectrum of visual impairments.
3. Blindness Is Not the Same for Everyone
There are different levels of visual impairment, commonly referred to as blindness. Someone who is legally blind may still have the ability to perceive colors, shapes, and varying levels of light. Remarkably, only approximately 10-15 percent of individuals who are classified as blind experience a complete absence of visual perception.
4. 1 Million Blind People in the U.S.
Blindness is a significant issue that affects people worldwide, including in the U.S. It is a condition that can impact anyone, with approximately 1 million people in the U.S. living with blindness.
5. Blind People Can Have Dreams
Even individuals who are blind can have remarkably vivid dreams during sleep. What’s notable is that their dreams are often characterized by an emphasis on sounds, smells, and tastes, as opposed to visual imagery. This showcases the brain’s incredible capacity to compensate for the lack of visual input by incorporating other sensory experiences into their dreams.
6. Losing Sight Doesn’t Mean the Other Senses Will Get Sharper
Recent studies have challenged the commonly held belief that blindness leads to heightened senses in other areas. While this myth has been debunked, researchers have observed that individuals who are blind may compensate for their lack of vision by placing greater emphasis on olfactory perception.
They appear to dedicate more cognitive effort to processing and categorizing olfactory information, suggesting a potential adaptive response to vision loss.
7. Blind People Don’t Have to ‘Look Blind’
Many people who have visual impairment often feel frustrated when others doubt the legitimacy of their condition simply because they don’t fit the stereotype of what it means to be blind. This skepticism can be hurtful and dismissive of their lived experiences.
8. People Who Are Blind Can Be Successful Too
People who are blind can excel in a wide range of careers and activities with the appropriate technology and support. Ultimately, with advancements in assistive technology and thoughtful accommodations, blind individuals can thrive in fields such as law, medicine, academia, and beyond. The primary obstacle they face is often internal—their own perception of their limitations.
This article is a treasure trove of helpful information about blindness. Thanks for posting this!