Getting the Facts Straight About Blindness

Did you know that there are over 285 million people living with some form of vision impairment worldwide? This number is expected to double by 2050. Despite this large population, many myths and misconceptions about blindness still exist. In this blog post, we will clear up some of these common myths and provide accurate information about blindness and visual impairment. Although Orange County LASIK cannot cure blindness, it is important for you to understand the facts and what simply isn’t true about this condition.

Claim: Blindness means you cannot see anything. Everything looks like a permanent black screen to them.

The truth: Blindness does not mean the contestant has no vision at all; rather it just means her/his eyesight isn't functioning properly due to either genetic reasons (such as a parent's poor eyesight) or disease like glaucoma where pressure builds up inside leading to the loss of daylight perception. Only 18% of those who are legally blind cannot see at all.

Claim: Blindness is always the result of a tragic accident.

The truth: Some people are simply born with a visual impairment, just as it is possible to be born with a multitude of other kinds of disorders.

Claim: All people with blindness read Braille. 

The truth: Not all visually impaired people use this writing system. In fact, less than 10% of the 1.3 million Americans who are legally blind can read it.

Claim: The visually impaired require assisted living.

The truth: While some people with blindness may need additional assistance with certain tasks, this is not true for everybody. There are a number of visually impaired people who are able to live on their own.

Claim: The visually impaired cannot hold down employment.

The truth: There are several career perspectives even for people with visual impairments. Some of these include teaching jobs, social work, and web developers. Talented individuals such as Stevie Wonder have been highly successful despite their condition.

Claim: People who are blind are able to make up for their lack of vision by having one of their other four senses increased, or they may have a “sixth sense.”

The truth: There has been no proof to back up this claim. Rather, people with visual impairments must learn to rely on their other senses.

Claim: All people with impaired vision require a service animal.

The truth: Some people experiencing blindness prefer not to have a service animal because they are creatures who require care, as well. Taking care of a dog costs an ample amount of money, so some may prefer to use canes instead.

Claim: People with blindness cannot dream.

The truth: According to a LASIK surgeon, this claim is ridiculous. Just because one cannot see well while awake doesn't mean that they cannot “see” images while in REM sleep. While their dreams may be slightly different from sighted people, it doesn’t mean they can’t at all. 

While there is no cure for blindness, we can emphasize and understand those facing visual impairment as much as we can so that we can build a more inclusive world for everyone. In the meantime, if you are considering Orange County LASIK surgery, please reach out to Excel Eye today. You can set up a consultation appointment to discuss LASIK eye surgery cost as well as any other questions you may have about the procedure. You won’t regret it!