Pages

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

What will you choose?

"My diagnosis still hadn't sunk in...I didn't want to tell my family that I learned I'd be blind within a matter of years. I don't think I am ready to accept it myself."

Like most individuals that are newly blind or those that have a vision impairment, showing some signs of shock and denial to their vision loss is common. According to the American Foundation for the Blind, "ten million people in the United States are blind or visually impaired." The major eye conditions are Cataracts, Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, and Diabetic Retinopathy.

There are many stages that a person may go through, when they find out that their life is going to change because of a visual diagnosis. Usually, shock and denial come first. Patients may become overwhelmed on hearing the news for the first time that they are losing their sight or may become blind. It can take their breath away. They may say "I can see just fine and I'm not going blind." They may even leave the appointment and not tell anyone. Self-pity and anger may come next. "Why me? What have I done to deserve this? Am I a bad person?" A patient may als0 become very isolated during this phase and stop doing activities that they once loved to participate in. This type of negative thinking can lead to the depression stage. They may have a feeling of despair and worthlessness as well as helplessness. At this point it is important for them to talk to someone so they don't give up or feel completely alone. Sometimes seeking professional help or searching out a support group is a helpful option. If at this point they are ready to move a step out of their despair and find a glimmer of hope then they are ready for the reassessment stage. Here is where they can evaluate their situation and try to move forward. Maybe by talking and sharing their experience with others they are able to examine their life and find meaning and realize they are not alone. Others too have felt the same way and have been able to move on and live happy successful lives. Some changes needed to take place and a new vision had to be seen but it's possible. With this kind of open mind and hopeful attitude they may be ready for the coping stage where they will go out and find information on ways to help them live with a visual impairment. They may reach out to their Doctor, support group, or family which leads to the final stage of acceptance. This is where the real healing can begin. Here the patients hopefully will gain some hope, self-confidence, and self-worth and begin to have and understanding with his/her vision loss and move towards a happy and productive way of life.

Having a positive attitude will impact people that are blind or visually impaired. Disability must be perceived as a challenge rather then a weakness. The key to ridding yourself of a bad attitude of helplessness is to clear your mind of all negative inner conversations and replace them with more hopeful messages. It is important to have a positive inner dialogue. While it is true that feeling of anger, resentment and helplessness are normal, it is best to move forward so that your physical debilitation does not override your mental and emotional faculties as well.

Do you see the glass half empty or half full? Those that go through life with a negative attitude will find it more difficult to find happiness. On the other hand, those that have a positive attitude will be able to find some happiness, much more successfully, in living every day. Losing vision or becoming blind is a hard thing to go through but with the right outlook you can go through this challenge. We all have a choice on how we deal with things that happen to us. Are we going to choose self-pity and not live life to our fullest potential or are we going to choose to live no matter what happens and focus on all the possibilities out there. Sometimes overcoming a traumatic experience and moving forward gives us a sense of accomplishment and triumph. Learning a new way of life can stimulate the brain and opens up a whole new and exciting way of life and shows us there is never a dull moment. I would rather learn a new way to live than be stuck in a hole of self-pity and pain. Remember, it's a choice.

What will you choose?

Friday, July 1, 2011

Vision Education

Hey friends! We want to tell you about an exciting and fun opportunity to learn about low vision and maintaining healthy vision at any stage. Vision loss affects many people at all stages of their lives but it does not need to be death sentence. We here at vision dynamics understand and have a light-hearted but successful approach to managing your eye condition. Not only are we knowledgeable but we can also relate because some of us are visually impaired our selves. So sharpen your minds bring a smile and mark your calendars for classes that will inspire and inform. These 2 one session classes are available to those who are struggling with their vision or family members and friends who would like to learn more.
The dates for these classes are as follows
1st Class:
When: Wednesday October 5Th from 7pm to 9pm
Where: Vision Dynamics
470 West Main Street
Cheshire, CT 06410
Course Name: What is low vision and do I have it?
Description: This one time workshop will discuss changing vision and when it becomes low vision. The staff at Vision Dynamics along with a low vision specialist will explain what low vision is and how it can be helped. Many people with Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopothy, Glaucoma or even Cataracts aren't aware of what their condition is or how it will impact their life. Others are just having a little trouble reading the newspaper and could use some help. This program will talk about these conditions and what services and tools are available to help keep your independence and a quality of life. Join us for an evening of hope and laughter as we "Learn to see again".
2ND Class:
When: Thursday October 27Th from 7pm to 9pm
Where: Vision Dynamics
470 West Main Street
Cheshire, CT 06410
Course Name: Maintaining Healthy Vision at an stage
Description: This is a one time class that will explore ways to keep your vision healthy. The staff at Vision Dynamics will present a variety of approaches to healthy eating, exercise, sun protection and a good attitude. Whether your vision is perfect or impaired, everyone can improve the health of the vision they currently have. New research has exploded with information about food and vitamins that can be helpful in maintaining vision. Learn recipes, strategies and tools that can help make a difference.
Registration is through Cheshire Adult Ed 203-250-2450
Website: http://www.cheshire.k12.ct.us/adulted/defaulthtml
Be prepared to have a new vision and don't forget to bring your sense of humor. We like to laugh at Vision Dynamics. Remember, we don't see with our eyes we see with our brains. Can't wait to see you in October!