A Case Of You: September 2010

Imagine living without the ability to rely on one’s sense of sight to notify where one is or where one needs to be. The United States census has, “showed that 2 million people are either completely sightless or have partially impaired sight ( )”. Imagine living in a world where, “Prejudice leads people to think that a blind person will always be less effective than his sighted counterpart ()”. For those of us who aren’t afflicted by loss of sight, imagining a life in darkness remains a very difficult task to accomplish. So often people take for granted seeing, but sight is not a luxury to which everyone is entitled, and without it one must learn to adapt to life despite their handicap. To understand how different life is without sight one must first understand the causes, daily life, and possible cures of those who don’t have to imagine what life is like to be blind; for those who actually are blind.
There is no definite cause of blindness; the catalysts are extremely varied and are subject to individual circumstance. “In the United States leading causes are diabetes, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and accidents ()”. Factors such as age also play a role in facilitating blindness. For example, “Vitamin A deficiency is the leading cause of childhood blindness ()”. On the other hand cataracts and glaucoma are both common in elderly people. Disease is one of the major causes of blindness in fact, “Sexually transmitted diseases and rubella in pregnant women can cause blindness in their infants ()”. Another disease known to cause sight loss is referred to as Glomerulonephritis; “a clot in the blood vessel of the eye ()”. There are also some cases in which uncommon occurrences result in loss of sight. “Retinal detachment” for example, “is a rarer cause of blindness ()”. Contrary to normal cases of individual accumulation of disease, mass populations can suffer from sight loss as well. In one particular case it is stated that, “The high rate of blindness in developing countries is mainly due to malnutrition and infectious diseases ()”. These and many other instances lead professionals to believe that there is not one cause of blindness and therefore there cannot be one universal cure.
The day to day life of those who are blind is significantly different but, if given the proper tools, can be quite functional and productive. “In 1835 Louis Braille introduced his system of raised writing, where projecting dots represent a letter or number and are interpreted by touch, but it took 30 years to gain acceptance ()”. Braille is one of the most common aides for the blind and has allowed for written communication of ideas and information; as an additional convenience “The Braille system has been modified for use in many languages and industries ()”. In order to make maneuvering easier animals, such as dogs, are used as guides. “The companion animal can help negotiate obstacles as well as prevent loneliness ()”. As advancements in technology progress so does the opportunistic inventions created to help the blind. “One is a computer that reads out text audibly as it appears on the screen ()”. Another unique and helpful invention is the Braille printer and labeling machine, in order to aide in the comprehension of unrecognizable items. These items have become immensely important in the lives of people coping with being blind and they will continue to do so as cures continue to be created. ().
As the population of people without sight continues to increase, “There is an intense effort to develop new treatments for blinding conditions ()”. This is a very difficult feat considering the various causes of sight loss. Despite this fact, “Attempts have been made to implant an array of electrodes over the surface of the visual cortex, coupled to a video camera or an optical letter reader, in the hope of bypassing the eye and providing visual sensation by direct stimulation of the cortex ()”.With regard to Macular Degeneration, “Vision is transferred from a worn part of the retina to a healthier site so that vision can be restored ()”. These new procedures give hope to generations of people who struggle with being blind in a world that is not always accommodating.
For those who are granted the use of their eyes, it would seem a tremendous horror to imagine losing this advantage. But those who cannot see are not completely unfortunate. If people took the time to stop judging others based upon what they see, would the world not be a better place? I conclude this thought with the words of the French writer Victor Hugo, “We may remark in passing that to be blind and beloved may, in this world where nothing is perfect, be among the most strangely exquisite forms of happiness. The supreme happiness in life is the assurance of being loved; of being loved for oneself, even in spite of oneself; and this assurance the blind man possesses ()”.

A Case Of You

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

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Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Constantly in the darkness