I’ve faced unexpected twists, I became someone with one eye and that is called “monocular vision.”
When my right eye stopped working due to Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO), it was a big change. Suddenly, life felt different, and figuring out what to do next wasn’t easy.
But I’ve learned how to handle living with one eye, emotionally, physically, socially, and practically.
Here’s my story of conquering NMO’s challenges while embracing this unique perspective, so you too can continue to enjoy life to the fullest as someone living with one eye.
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Emotional Obstacles for Someone With One Eye
Navigating life with one eye presents emotional obstacles that require resilience and adaptation.
These emotional hurdles, while demanding, can be overcome with the right mindset and support.
Here are the top seven emotional obstacles that someone with one eye may encounter, typically appearing in the following order:
1. Loss and Grief: The sudden or gradual loss of vision in one eye can lead to feelings of grief and mourning for the loss of a familiar way of seeing the world.
2. Anxiety and Fear: Coping with the fear of further vision loss or potential challenges in daily life can lead to increased anxiety and apprehension.
3. Self-Esteem and Body Image: Adjusting to a changed appearance due to monocular vision can impact self-esteem and body image, requiring individuals to redefine their sense of self-worth.
4. Dependence and Independence: Striking a balance between seeking assistance and maintaining independence can be challenging, sometimes leading to feelings of helplessness.
5. Social Isolation: The fear of being perceived differently or struggling to participate in activities can lead to social withdrawal and isolation.
6. Frustration and Adaptation: Navigating new limitations can be frustrating, and adapting to these changes requires patience and determination.
7. Optimism and Acceptance: Overcoming emotional obstacles involves embracing a positive outlook and accepting the new reality, which can be a transformative journey.
While these emotional obstacles may initially seem daunting, they are stepping stones toward personal growth and resilience.
By acknowledging and addressing these challenges, individuals with one eye can embark on a path of emotional healing and empowerment.
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Physical Limitations for Someone With One Eye
When I battled Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) and lost sight in one eye, my doctor didn’t lead me through the process of adjusting to monocular vision or provide resources for occupational therapy.
Instead, the responsibility fell upon me, alongside the unwavering support of my friends and family.
Over time, I crafted coping strategies that allowed me to reclaim many of my everyday activities, demonstrating my determination to thrive despite adversity.
In the realm of physical limitations for someone battling both NMO and the loss of my right eye, there is no definitive timetable for adapting after the abrupt loss of vision.
It took me approximately a year for me to acclimate fully to my new life with one eye.
Although the road has been challenging, I’ve discovered ways to triumph over obstacles and rebuild a rich and active life.
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Increased Risk of Falling or Bumping Into Things
Here are some practical approaches that I adapted from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s guidance, to help minimize the likelihood of these types of accidents:
Keep Clear Paths: Maintaining clear pathways throughout your home creates a safer environment. Regularly clear away any objects or clutter that might obstruct your way.
Use Your Senses: Gently touch objects, walls, and surfaces to gain a better sense of your location and surroundings. This tactile feedback can provide valuable information about your environment.
Turn Your Head: Adjusting to monocular vision means learning to turn your head more frequently. This helps you capture a more comprehensive view of your surroundings and potential obstacles.
Mark Stairs and Steps: Apply colored tape or other contrasting markers to the edges of stairs and steps. This visual cue provides an additional point of reference, helping you navigate changes in elevation more safely.
Leverage Handrails: Whenever available, make use of handrails while navigating stairs or inclines. These provide physical support and help you maintain stability.
Retaining My Vision With Exercises
I’ve learned that I can actually train my working eye to take charge of our whole vision.
It’s like teaching it to be the captain!
Here are a few exercises and simple changes I’ve tried to help with the way I see things, especially when my depth perception and range of vision are affected:
Reach for Different Things: I practice reaching for stuff around me to understand how far away they are. It’s like a game that helps my eye figure out distances.
Turn Your Head: I make it a point to turn my head from side to side. It’s like I’m giving my eye a chance to explore more of what’s around me.
Walk the Line: I walk along a straight line on the ground, like a crack in the sidewalk or a piece of tape. It helps me improve my balance, sort of like a fun balancing act!
Play Catch or Aim: I play catch with a friend or throw a ball at a target. It’s not just a game; it helps my eye focus better on things in motion.
By trying out these activities, I’ve been able to give my eye some special exercises that make it even better at seeing the world around me.
Social Challenges for Someone With One Eye
Living with one eye after losing it due to NMO has brought its share of social challenges into my life.
I find myself often self-conscious about my monocular vision, and there are times when I feel a bit anxious or uneasy about interacting with others.
Simple everyday tasks like making eye contact, holding objects, pouring drinks, or even shaking hands can become more complicated.
This can sometimes lead me to feel socially anxious and even cause me to avoid certain social situations.
However, I’ve discovered that joining support groups and communities specifically designed for people like me has been incredibly helpful.
Whether it’s through online platforms or in-person gatherings, groups such as LostEye, VisionAware, and dedicated Facebook communities have provided me with a safe space to connect with others who truly understand what I’m going through.
These connections have been invaluable in helping me navigate these challenges and find a sense of camaraderie and understanding.
My Day To Day Life With One Eye
Living with one eye has led me to adapt to various day-to-day tasks beyond simply walking without stumbling. Here’s how I’ve learned to handle changes in my depth perception and range of vision:
Brighten Up: I’ve made sure my home is well-lit, using adjustable lamps to provide the right amount of light where I need it.
Stay Organized: I’ve organized my living space and assigned specific spots for everything, making it easier to locate items.
Shape Recognition: I’ve become skilled at recognizing the shapes of objects I use regularly, helping me navigate without depth perception.
Medication Management: I keep all my medications in one place, ensuring the labels are easy to read and relabeling if needed.
Appliance Settings: To manage my kitchen appliances, I’ve added caulking, raised rubber, or plastic dots to mark the settings. This way, I can still use them effectively.
When it comes to driving with one eye, I’ve learned that it’s both possible and legal in many states, as long as my remaining eye has good vision.
While there isn’t a federal law regarding monocular vision and driving, individual states have their own rules.
It took practice and time to adjust, so I even explored specialized driving classes in my area to become more confident behind the wheel.
My Final Thought As Someone Living With One Eye
As I journey through life with one eye, I’ve learned that challenges don’t define me – my resilience does.
Coping with changes in my vision has been about finding new ways to adapt and thrive.
From reimagining distances to connecting with others who understand, this journey is a testament to my determination.
Every step I take, I paint a picture of strength. With the support of friends who’ve walked similar paths, I’ve discovered strategies that help me overcome obstacles.
I’ve learned to see difficulties as chances to grow.
As I continue on this path, I remember that challenges are opportunities in disguise.
Through determination, support, and a positive outlook, I’m turning my journey into a story of triumph.
My life with one eye is a canvas where courage and hope create a masterpiece.
FAQ’s for Someone With One Eye
What is the term for individuals with a single eye?
Individuals with a single eye are referred to as having monocular vision.
What is Monocular Vision?
Monocular vision is when a person sees the world using only one eye.
Is it possible to lead a typical life with only one eye?
Yes, it is possible to lead a typical life with only one eye, though certain adjustments may be needed.
What is the visual experience of those with monocular vision?
People with monocular vision perceive depth and distance differently, often relying on other cues.
Does the remaining eye compensate for the loss of the other?
The remaining eye can adapt and enhance vision to some extent, but compensation varies for each person.