Simply Seeing..or not....

14/6/2015

Most of the time I can see very well, but I can't anticipate when I will be able to see and when I won't. (I have Age-related Macular Degeneration).

This makes using screens difficult when there is not enough contrast - bank ATM's, mobiles, texting, It is a bit like when you come indoors from bright sunshine and momentarily you can't see much, but it can happen to me at anytime and my eyes don't adjust quickly. If the weather changes suddenly which it does often in UK, I might not be able to see for a bit, or driving along I come into an avenue of trees or the sun comes out from behind a cloud or....

I noticed on our trip in February that I could read some road signs perfectly well, then change direction and not be able to read the next one at all - it would be blank - even huge motorway signs. And sometimes, a grey car on a grey road is all but invisible. A deciding moment came when I was approaching traffic lights and couldn't tell which one was lit. No amount of looking harder made any difference. (Fortunately I was in the passenger seat at the time.. but it scared me!)

So I've had to give up driving. You can't drive when you can only see some of the time.

There have been tears..

(But don't send me sympathy, though I really appreciate your kindness, as it will just make me teary and then I won't be able to see what you have written!)

Today I could see this beautifully!

17 Comments

Lotta link

14/6/2015 05:23:10 pm

Not sending sympathy, as requested! I love what water droplets do on alchemilla leaves and also on rose petals, especially in the early morning light. One of my favourite things about early autumn is the heavy dews that hang on the remaining roses and they absolutely sparkle.
Just a thought (and you've probably already done this), there's usually an option to change mobiles/computers etc to a high contrast setting, it's often under 'accessibility' in the menu.
I hope this doesn't count as sympathy(!) but I'm touched and I admire you for sharing your experiences with this. x

Freda

14/6/2015 05:42:17 pm

Thank you Lotta! I've always had the most basic of phones but the latest technology has such a lot to offer that would be helpful - a supersmart phone is on the list..

Lotta link

14/6/2015 06:44:09 pm

I'd really recommend an iPhone because they're so intuitive and easy to use and you can talk to them instead if you don't want to type/read things. I have funny conversations with mine!

Simple Happy M

14/6/2015 06:36:36 pm

And what a great view this picture is. Thank you for sharing it!

Freda

15/6/2015 04:23:12 am

You can see why it's called Lady's Mantle can't you. It's just like a beaded shawl. (It's Sunday name is alchemilla mollis - mollis meaning softly-hairy) One of my big favourites even though it spreads everywhere!

Lucille link

14/6/2015 07:04:48 pm

It is very useful to have the effects of this condition explained. You may well have helped people to recognise what is going on with their own eyesight at an early stage.

Freda

15/6/2015 04:24:29 am

I'd really like to think it might help someone in some way Lucille..

Cornflower link

14/6/2015 08:28:44 pm

Your positive attitude will stand you in good stead, I'm sure.

Freda

15/6/2015 04:25:29 am

I got some of this attitude from Lucent Imagery (of more later...)

Gail

14/6/2015 08:38:43 pm

Please accept a hug of friendship and a big thanks for your insightful, arty, sometimes whimsical blog.

Freda

15/6/2015 04:26:05 am

All hugs gratefully accepted! Thank you!

Cathy

14/6/2015 08:42:48 pm

No sympathies, but prayers instead. You have a better attitude about it than I would, but I'm sure there are times when you don't. Too many people (meaning my parents) don't want to lose their independence by giving up driving, but really should. You've made a courageous decision.

Love the droplet 'fringe' on the leaves.

Freda

15/6/2015 04:27:15 am

Such a hard thing giving up driving....Thank you Cathy.

cath

15/6/2015 01:30:30 am

Even though I never really liked driving, giving it up was one of the hard decisions to take after my accident. Knowing it would be forever made it harder.
I miss the spur of the moment getting into the car to (whatever tickles my fancy) on my own.
On the other hand, my husband sings while driving, and he has a really good voice.

Freda

15/6/2015 04:29:17 am

I went out to the car and got into the driver's seat the other day, Than I remembered. It hurt.
Will send Barry for singing lessons!

julia

15/6/2015 04:39:37 am

i wonder if one positive side effect of this tremendous change you are exeriencing, freda, is that you are increasingly sensitive to the exquiite nature around you; and increasingly appreciative of the small wonders and pleasures of your life....at least it seems that way to me..this photo woud be a perfect example of what i mean....it is just beautiful.

Liz

15/6/2015 08:13:23 am

Yes, an iPhone is the way to go. A friend who is completely blind and who worked in IT says it's amazing.

Simply Seeing..or not....

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