What is Blindness?

Blindness is the state of being sightless. A blind individual is unable to see. Some may have a limited ability to see objects using special aids or may be able to perceive light or a light source. All people who are blind experience sightlessness to various degrees. Blindness can be the result of a variety of causes; the most common are Cataracts, Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Retinopathy.

 

Worldwide, between 300 and 400 million people are visually impaired. Of this group, approximately 50 million people are totally blind, of which almost 85% in third-world countries. 80% of blindness occurs in individuals of 50 years or older.

 

Discover our aids for blindness.  

 

What are the symptoms of Blindness

Symptoms of blindness may include:

• discomfort in the eyes
• awareness of the eyes
• foreign body sensation
• discharge from the eyes
• pain in the eyes

 

Normal vision vs. Blindness

 

What to expect from Blindness

The level of blindness and the possibility to restore eye-sight is dependent on the cause of blindness. In some cases, such as Cataract, surgery may help to completely or partially restore sight. In other cases, blindness is permanent and cannot be reversed. People who become blind may require re-education and reorganization of their habits to allow them to do everyday tasks in different ways. There are countless people with blindness who, despite significant handicaps, lead full and enriched lives.

 

More information about Blindness

There is extensive information available about blindness. The information included is intended to inform you about the basics of this eye condition, and is not intended as a replacement for information from your physician or eye specialist. Information regarding assistive devices that can help you if you have been diagnosed with blindness is included. Our recommendations can be found under Tools and Resources.

Living with Blindness

Hearing that your sight is affected and that you may be or remain blind may turn your world upside down. When the initial emotions subside, you may be comforted by the knowledge that you are not alone. There are many people in your situation, some that have also just been diagnosed and some that have been living with blindness for years.

 

Many blind people continue to do the activities they always did. Visual aids, text-reading software and Braille books are available, together with a multitude of devices to assist in everyday tasks. In most developed countries, various agencies provide financial assistance to pay for the training and support required.

 

If you are blind, there are devices that can assist you with those tasks that you have difficulty with. These devices will assist you with various visual tasks and will help you in continuing to lead an independent and full life.

Tools and Resources for Blindness

There is extensive literature available on blindness. The internet provides a wealth of information and most countries have one or more associations or support groups for people affected by blindness. Our recommendations:

 

American Foundation for the Blind

• Website
• Facebook
• Twitter: @AFB1921
• Phone: 888 545-8331

 

National Federation for the Blind

• Website
• Facebook
• Twitter: @NFB_Voice  
• Phone: 410 659-9314

American Council of the Blind

• Website
• Facebook
• Twitter: @ACBnational 
• Phone: 800 424-8666

There are many devices that can assist you in a variety of daily tasks if you are blind. Below is a short summary of some of these devices. For more information we suggest you browse through our product assortment or use our easy Help Me Choose assistant to search and filter based on your wishes.

 

 

Products that may be useful if you suffer from blindness:

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