Blindness may result from a disease, injury or other conditions that limit vision.

Legal blindness
means that a person has vision that measures 20/200 or worse, explains the Iowa Department for
the Blind. For example, someone with 20/200 vision sees an object from 20 feet that a person
with perfect 20/20 vision is able to see from 200 feet. Knowing the challenges blindness creates
may help sighted people understand what blind people face each day.
Environmental
People with complete blindness or low vision often have a difficult time self-navigating outside
well-known environments. In fact, physical movement is one of the biggest challenges for blind
people, explains World Access for the Blind. Traveling or simply walking down a crowded street
may pose great difficulty. Because of this, many people with low vision will bring a sighted
friend or family member to help navigate unknown environments.

As well, blind people must learn every detail about the home environment. Large obstacles such
as tables and chairs must remain in one location to prevent injury. If a blind person lives with
others, each member of the household must diligently keep walkways clear and all items in
designated locations.
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Social
Blindness causes considerable social challenges, usually in relation to the activities in which a
blind person cannot participate. All too frequently, blindness affects a person's ability to perform
many job duties, which severely limits her employment opportunities, explains the World Health
Organization. This may not only affect a person's finances, but also her self esteem.

Blindness may also cause difficulties with participating in activities outside of a workplace, such
as sports and academics. Many of these social challenges limit a blind person's ability to meet
people, and this only adds to low self esteem.
Technology
Technology poses a challenge for blind people as well. For example, a blind person cannot read
the information on a web page. Searching the internet requires screen reading software will read
the information on a website, but this may require a significant amount of time to learn the
process. People who have limited vision may have difficulty with viewing websites as well,
particularly the small fonts, icons and screen colors used by many sites, says the University of
Wisconsin. People with low vision may require special equipment that can enlarge a screen
significantly. Other technology, such as music players that require visual selection of music, or
text messages, will also cause challenges for blind people.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/241936-challenges-that-blind-people-
face/#ixzz2Hdig02zO

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Challenges of Blind People

Challenges of Blind People

Mar 23, 2010 | By Virginia Franco
Photo Credit blind enforcer image by Brett Mulcahy
from Fotolia.com
There are approximately 1 million legally blind adults living in the United States, according to
the National Center for Policy Research for Women & Families. While societies have recognized
the unique needs of blind people for centuries, each generation faces a unique set of challenges,
particularly given the fact that the number of blind people in the U.S. will continue to increase as
the adult life expectancy grows.
Activities of Daily Living and Aging
According to the 2004 study titled "Blind Adults in America: Their Lives and Challenges"
published by the National Center for Policy Research for Women & Families, most blind adults
younger than age 75 are able to perform most activities of daily living including dressing,
bathing, eating, toileting and traveling in and out of the home. As a person ages, however, the
ability to perform these activities decreases to the point where one-third of blind women and
one-quarter of blind men are unable to perform personal care activities at all.
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Succeeding with Specialized Services
Specialized services are a key part of enabling blind people to live productive and independent
lives. Examples of specialized services include equipment and literature written in braille to
allow the blind to read, and long canes or dog guides to guide people through public areas. While
available, these items are costly, and public funds are often limited. Without these items, or the
money to pay for them, a blind person's chances of success with regard to independent living are
challenging.
Functioning in a High-tech World
Today's technology is highly reliant on touch screens. Consider cell phones, microwave ovens,
and even GPS navigation systems. All require sight to be able to operate correctly using a screen.
A blind person must come up with alternatives such as screen readers which describe the action
occurring on the screen, or using screen shortcut buttons on a PC because the mouse is useless.
Many times, according to a 2008 article appearing in "Computer World," there is no solution that
is fool-proof for all blind people, rendering much of touch screen and computer technology
useless.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/81878-challenges-blind-people/#ixzz2HdipI8m4
Photo Credit phone talk image by TEA from
Fotolia.com
People who suffer from blindness needs assistance in daily life to achieve independence as much
as possible. Devices exist that can help blind people navigate in the world in different types of
ways. Braille remains a common language device in many transportation modes such as trains,
buses and elevators, as well as in restaurants and other business establishments. Despite
disabilities, a person can function within society and have tools in order to maintain
independence.
Computer Programs
Advanced computer programming allows blind workers to perform research and create solutions
for everyday work problems. These system, many of which use up and down arrows in place of a
scrolling mouse, assist with displaying links by speaking to the person operating the computer.
The digital voice in some programs will change within the movement of the arrows on the
keypad, according to Microsoft.com.
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Smartphone
Mobile, cellular phones such as smartphones offer many advanced personal digital assistant
capabilities. Some of these phone allow blind people to access work-related and other materials,
as well as providing assisted communication capabilities. These phones have built in functions
such as voiceover that assist the person when triggered by a finger rolling over the screen of the
phone. This process allows people who are blind to master photography editing, Wired.com
reports.
Navigation Tools
Handheld navigation tools contain keyboards with Braille and a synthesized voice mechanism
that can help the blind person to navigate to different places as he walks to destinations. This
type of tool cannot replace a guide dog, an important signature protective help for the blind,
Wired.com indicates.
Electronic Cane Device
This type of cane contains sensitive sensors that help the person who suffers from blindness by
making her aware of different variables in the environment as she walks to his destination. The
importance of knowing the variables plays a key safety role in a blind person's desire to get to a
destination.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/185010-devices-to-help-the-
blind/#ixzz2Hdj01uIC
Photo Credit magnifier glass image by Jocky from Fotolia.com
According to the Braille Institute, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic
retinopathy and cataracts are the most common causes of vision loss in the U.S. Some visually
impaired individuals are completely blind while others still have partial vision. Although living
with a visual impairment can be challenging, there are many products available that can help you
to remain independent.
Mobility Aids
Traveling is often one of the most frustrating challenges associated with vision loss. You may be
reluctant to travel on your own if you are afraid of falling or injuring yourself on unseen
surfaces. Using a mobility aid like a cane can help give you the confidence to travel alone. Canes
have a handle on the top, a reflective shaft and a tip on the bottom to help you detect objects in
your path.
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Visual Aids
If you have partial sight, certain visual aid products may help improve your ability to read and
write. Some printed materials are available in large-print sizes that may be easier to see. Paper
with bold, wide-spaced or raised lines may make it easier to write. If you suffer from complete
blindness you can get most of your print materials in braille. Magnifiers are available as small,
hand-held devices, larger desktop viewers or reading glasses. These products magnify the printed
words and images on various documents, prescription labels and photographs.
Talking Products
Talking products may be useful if you suffer from complete vision loss or if trying to read even
large print material strains your eyes. Optical character recognition (OCR) software and
specialized computer scanners can read printed material to you out loud. Most printed materials
are also available in audio formats that you can listen to instead of read. Talking clocks, watches,
caller-I.D. devices, oven timers and thermometers can help you retrieve information right when
you need it.
Household Products
If you live alone, you may have trouble finding things, reading buttons and even fixing your own
meals. Fortunately there are many products that can help increase your ability to function at
home. Using containers with large print labels to organize your belongings can help you keep
track of where and what things are. You can also get products like remote controls and
calculators with large easy-to-see buttons. Making meals can be easier with special kitchen
utensils equipped with safety guards and liquid level indicators. These products can help protect
you from frustrating spills and recurring injuries.
Emotional Aspects
Thanks to advances in modern technology, people who are visually impaired can enjoy more
independence than ever before. However, emotional roadblocks can limit you even more than
your physical condition. Feeling embarrassed about your visual impairment may discourage you
from taking advantage of the many products available. You may refrain from traveling alone if
you are self-conscious about using a cane. You may feel the need to prove to yourself and others
that you do not need help. While it may take awhile to get used to, taking advantage of these
products can help improve your confidence and your quality of life.
Sponsored Links

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/156900-products-for-the-visually-
impairedblind/#ixzz2HdjIiqD0
Photo Credit Computer image by Altmann from Fotolia.com
Anyone who has reduced vision that cannot be corrected is considered visually impaired,
according to the American Optometric Association. But within this category there is a wide
variety of visual abilities. Even people who are legally blind usually have at least some vision,
and with the proper use of low vision aids and rehabilitation, they can improve their quality of
life. The first step is to see a low vision specialist who can figure out the best aids for a particular
vision problem.
Spectacle-Mounted Magnifiers
This is a magnifying lens built into a pair of glasses that helps with detailed tasks like sewing or
reading, according to the American Optometric Association. These hands-free devices allow the
patient the use of both hands for the task at hand.
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Telescopes
This isn't the kind of telescope used for viewing the stars but a miniature one that helps a person
see long distances, according to the American Optometric Association. It can be used for
distance tasks like watching TV or looking out the window to see what the grandkids are up to.
These telescopes can be hand-held or mounted on a pair of glasses.
Magnifiers
These are also used for detailed tasks like reading but usually when it's a quick read--such as
checking out a label or instrument dial. They can be hand-held magnifying glasses that are easily
brought to the store or they can be mounted on a stand. Sometimes they're also lighted to make
reading easier, according to the American Optometric Association.
Video Magnification
These are special systems, often computerized, that provide extreme magnification to make
reading easier, according to the American Optometric Association. They also allow you to adjust
brightness, contrast, color and lighting to make it easier to read. There are both portable and
table-top systems.
Other Reading Aids
There are some solution solutions to reading problems due to low vision such as large-print
books and magazines or books on tape, according to the American Optometric Association. Your
library or a low vision specialist can help you locate these publications. Also, computers can be
used to increase print size or even convert text to speech. There are also devices that scan text
and read it aloud.
Other Aids
There is a large variety of other specialized equipment that can help a visually impaired person
with daily tasks and hobbies, according to the American Optometric Association. These include
everything from talking watches or calculators to self-threading needles. A low vision specialist
can help find the best devices for a particular situation.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/196518-technologies-to-help-the-visually-
impaired/#ixzz2HdjtOQM0

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Ophthalmology / Rehab
Forehead Retina System
by Gene Ostrovsky on Aug 8, 2006 5:51 am






0
inShare

This visual-to-tactile conversion system for forehead skin was just presented at the SIGGRAPH
2006 in Boston.
Developed by EyePlusPlus, Inc. of Japan and Tachi Laboratory in the University of Tokyo, the
system takes into account the fact that forehead skin is supposedly very thin, hence the distance
to tactile receptors.

Nerve Selective Stimulation
There are several types of mechano-receptors inside our skin. If we could independently stimulate each
type of receptors nerves, we could reconstruct complex tactile sensations by combining them. It is
similar to visual color construction method using RGB. Therefore, we call it Tactile Primary Color
Approach. We found out that by appropriately designing electrical potential distribution using multiple
surface electrodes, we could selectively stimulate each type of receptors. In FRS, Meissner corpuscle
that responds to low frequency vibration is selectively stimulated. This is why you feel stable vibratory
sensation while wearing FRS.
High-Speed Switching
In conventional electrical stimulation, coaxial electrode is used. It is composed of central
stimulating electrode and surrounding ground electrode. In this case, the size of the outer
electrode limits electrode density. In FRS, a matrix of electrodes is used. Each electrode
alternates between anode and ground to form virtual coaxial electrode, enabling denser
alignment.

Forehead Stimulation
Though sensory substitution through electrical stimulation was proposed since 1960s, using forehead as
a stimulation area is quite a new approach. However, forehead stimulation is quite reasonable. It is easy
to put on and take off, while coordinate system transformation in our brain should be much easier than
other parts of the body.
Image Processing
Visual image captured by the camera is converted to tactile information through two processes. The first
is a spatial outline extraction to enhance edges. The second is a temporal band-pass filtering to enhance
time-varying information. These are actually what the retina does. FRS imitates pre-process of the real
visual system to facilitate image cognition.
From SIGGRAPH website, details of the inside of the system:
Compared to current portable electronic devices, most of the proposed portable welfare
devices are not portable in reality. They are bulky and heavy, and they have a limited operation
time. By using electrical stimulation, the Forehead Retina System partially solves these
problems. Nevertheless, driving 512 electrodes with more than 300 volts is quite a difficult task,
and it normally requires a large circuit space. The system uses a high-voltage switching
integrated circuit, which is normally used to drive micro-machines such as digital micro-mirror
devices. With fast switching, current pulses are allocated to appropriate electrodes. This
approach enables a very large volume of stimulation and system portability at the same time.

Product page
SIGGRAPH page
More at Membrana.ru (in Russian)
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