Blindness affects more than our eyesight.
Living without vision, or suddenly losing vision, brings physical and mental health challenges, along with changes to our communication and social lives. How do you set yourself up for success when you suddenly lose your sight?
If you or someone you know has recently been diagnosed as legally blind, this resource will help you prepare for the future.
We answer questions like:
What impact does blindness have on mental health?
How can family members and friends help a loved one recently diagnosed as blind?
How do I effectively communicate with someone who is blind?
What plans should be made for a person who is blind when they need to see a doctor or specialist?
Where can I get more information about blindness?
What impact does blindness have on mental health?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vision loss can affect your mental health, physical health, and quality of life. For people with sudden vision loss, these impacts can be stronger.
One of the best things the American Council for the Blind (ACB) recommends for people who are newly blind is to remember that every blind person is worthwhile, no matter how their diagnosis impacts their lifestyle or skill set.
While many people who are blind live happy and fulfilling lives, they are still at a higher risk for:
Depression
Anxiety
Social isolation
Feelings of loneliness, worry, or fear
As many as 25% of adults with blindness report depression or anxiety, and this number increases for young adults. People in their 20s with vision loss are almost five times more likely to develop serious mental health complications.
To learn more about long-term support for blindness and mental health, see Blindness: Long-term.
How can family members and friends help a loved one recently diagnosed as blind?
When interacting with a loved one who is blind, remember that they are the same person you know and love.
Organizations like the Missouri School for the Blind and the Lighthouse for the Blind offer these tips for family members:
Be mindful of personal space. Avoid sudden movements or noises that could startle someone who can’t see you.
Don’t speak for your loved one. A person who is blind often prefers to be spoken to rather than others talking about them.
The person often prefers others to ask them if they need assistance and, if so, what type of assistance they require rather than assuming they know what is best.
A person who is blind often prefers a human escort when going to a new location.
Identify yourself and ask the person who is blind for permission before touching them. If they want physical assistance, allow them to grasp your arm above the elbow.
When escorting a person who is blind, walk half a step in front of them so they can feel your body movements and anticipate turns and steps.
When outside the person’s home, provide an orientation and verbally discuss what you see.
In addition, when guiding a person to a chair, guide their hand to the back, arm, or seat so they can feel its placement and seat themself.
Do not leave a person who is blind when you serve as a guide.
How can I make life at home easier for someone who is blind?
At home, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) recommends that family and loved ones assist an adult with blindness in the following ways:
Help them declutter and remove non-essential items that may cause confusion or even injury.
Help get everything organized. Items should have a specific place and always be put back in that spot. Organization includes everything from remotes to grooming items, kitchen supplies, and the refrigerator.
Do not rearrange furniture without asking and providing an orientation to the changes.
If the person who is blind can see light, change the lighting to ensure the best light for the individual.
If contrast helps, utilize things like dark rugs, brightly colored coffee cups, or even bright stickers on steps.
How does blindness affect communication?
Someone who is blind does not have the same visual cues as a sighted person. This can complicate communication, especially when nonverbal cues like facial expressions or gestures come into play.
A person with low vision or blindness might:
Struggle to understand spoken descriptions or instructions.
Answer questions meant for someone else.
Not know when to speak or not know that someone is talking to them.
Be startled if someone accidentally sneaks up on them.
Struggle with written communication or information presented visually (charts, graphs, slides, etc.).
Not understand sarcasm or innuendo, especially when someone uses facial expressions or gestures to explain their double meaning.
We can work around many of these communication challenges with technology or by changing the way we approach social situations with people who are blind.
For example, screen readers and text-to-speech software can help with written communication, while audio cues like crosswalk signals can help with navigation.
How do I effectively communicate with someone who is blind?
When communicating with someone who is blind, be sure to:
Use their name to get their attention.
Let them know when you enter or leave the room.
Speak directly to the person rather than about them to someone else.
Make sure the person understands you are speaking to them.
Describe where you are in relation to them. For example, instead of saying, “I’m here,” say “I’m behind you, sitting on the couch.”
Only raise your voice if the person says they cannot hear you.
If you think the person needs help, ask before touching them.
Avoid pointing or saying things like “over there.” Use specific auditory directions.
What plans should be made for a person who is blind when they need to see a doctor or specialist?
People who are blind may need access to communication aids, which may include any of the following:
Audio recordings
Braille
Large print materials
Screen readers
If the person who is blind is seeing a new doctor or specialist, call ahead and ask for any needed assistance within each level of the organization, including:
The exam room
The pharmacy
The paperwork at reception
On-site security
Be sure to ask your loved one if they want any accommodations during appointments. To learn more about disability accommodations, see our Disabilities in the Workplace resource set, particularly Employee Guide: How to Ask for Workplace Disability Accommodations.
Where can I get more information about blindness?
Ability Central offers a series of articles to further your knowledge about blindness. See:
If the person who is blind also has a hearing impairment, see Ability Central’s library of deafblind articles, which includes:
