The impact of sight loss
Losing your sight, or finding your sight is deteriorating, can be difficult to cope with as it can affect so many different aspects of your life. Although we all react differently to things that happen to us in life, there are some feelings that many people who are losing their sight often describe. These can include feeling depressed or angry, feeling a drop in confidence when every day tasks become a challenge, or finding yourself becoming withdrawn and wanting to avoid people.
Of course this doesn't apply to everyone. Maybe your sight condition is something you are at ease with but you find other peoples attitudes difficult to deal with, and end up feeling frustrated or depressed.
Counselling
Whatever your situation, many people find that counselling can be helpful as a space to explore feelings and work out new ways of living. Our Talking it Over page provides information about counselling and how to find a counsellor, as well as other types of support.
Other kinds of support
Counselling is not right for everyone though. If you would prefer to talk to other people with sight loss, RNIB Talk and Support offers social groups that meet weekly over the telephone.
Sometimes just knowing more about your eye condition can be reassuring. Our eye condition guides provide information to help you understand you own situation. If you need further information or want to discuss your individual needs, our Eye Health Information service (0303 123 9999 / eyehealth@rnib.org.uk) can tell you more.
Your local society for the blind and partially sighted will offer a range of services which may include information, befriending, or the chance to socialise. There are a number of support groups for people with a particular eye condition, for example Macular Degeneration or Glaucoma. Many of these run telephone helplines or have networks of self-help groups around the country. Contact RNIB Helpline (email helpline@rnib.org.uk or phone 0303 123 9999) for more information.
Family and friends
Of course sight loss can have an impact on others in a family. Parents of a child with a sight problem, or the partner of someone who has recently been diagnosed with sight loss can find themselves not knowing which way to turn.
Lighthouse International, an American website, offers a range of information and guidance to people with sight loss, as well as to family and friends. They produce two downloadable publications:
Moving on
Remember that there are many thousands of people with sight problems who have come through the experience of losing their sight and continue to lead full and independent lives. If you would like practical information and advice about living independently, please contact the RNIB Helpline (0303 123 9999 / helpline@rnib.org.uk)