Bionic Eyes are now reality

Aww, :ty: Mrs Bucket! I feel the same way about you. I feel as if I have a very strong connection with you as a deafblind sister. I am so glad to have met you here on AD and would love to meet you in person someday! 90 Love! :hug:
 
If those bionic implants were wireless, would you like them better?
 
Bottesini said:
Don't they need the wires to send the signal? And stimulate the retina with the electrical pulse?
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I was simply pointing out an -IF- scenario.

Nowadays, we've got a lot of wireless technology. It wouldn't be surprising if they came up with wireless bionic eyes.

Know how some people have glass eyes to replace the eye they lost? Well, if they were to insert a wireless receiver and put the camera and transmitter in the eye, then you've got a wireless eye!

(You should watch Babylon 5.) ;)
 
Mrs Bucket said:
:hug: Thank you so much, now I can weep with joy that someone else finally understands both mine and Hear Again's frustrations.

It is very frustrating on some days when we feel overwhelmed with a lot of things on our shoulders. I feel a strong bond with Hear Again and I have yet to meet her physically. I already want to meet Hear Again and just give her a throaty hug.

I would not want this operation because I just don't desire being "fixed" and my trials & tribulations have shaped me for who I am. I have gained a lot of compassion on this personal journey and if it wasn't for this personal journey, I wouldn't have had a lot of personal growth as well.

Thank you again BabyBlue for those words... they help.. a lot. :ily:
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You are so welcome. It is only speaking of the truth. And how I feel.

I am glad that I could make your day. I have yet, to face what you and Hear Again is facing.

But I know there is on day, that I may. I have an appointment with the Ophthalmologists next month. Had my eyes checked last month. I already knew, that I would be referred.

Known for quite some time that I am losing my vision, especially in darkened rooms and night.

But from what they said. Usher syndrome Varies. The optometrist has told me that for my age my vision is still pretty good for someone that "may" have Usher Syndrome.

I have and still somewhat in Denial. I know that it is inevitable. But just still do not comprehend it.

Sounds silly, I know. Almost like I keep putting it off. :(

I really look up to you, and Hear Again. I just feel as long as I can function. I am fine, Sounds lame eh?
 
Babyblue said:
You are so welcome. It is only speaking of the truth. And how I feel.

I am glad that I could make your day. I have yet, to face what you and Hear Again is facing.

But I know there is on day, that I may. I have an appointment with the Ophthalmologists next month. Had my eyes checked last month. I already knew, that I would be referred.

Known for quite some time that I am losing my vision, especially in darkened rooms and night.

But from what they said. Usher syndrome Varies. The optometrist has told me that for my age my vision is still pretty good for someone that "may" have Usher Syndrome.

I have and still somewhat in Denial. I know that it is inevitable. But just still do not comprehend it.

Sounds silly, I know. Almost like I keep putting it off. :(

I really look up to you, and Hear Again. I just feel as long as I can function. I am fine, Sounds lame eh?
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I was like you, almost two years ago.

I kept putting it off because I figured if I could still see during daytime, I was "A-Okay!", if no one suspects, I was fine.

I couldn't see at nighttime and I figured "What the heck, who will suspect?" and I isolated myself at home so no one would suspect. I was literally blind because people started to suspect and notice I isolated myself.

I was protecting myself and only disabling my denial.

In fact.. the more I denied my vision loss, my vision actually deteriorated because I was happy hiding myself away. In fact, I was very sad being isolated. I finally admitted my vision problems when I noticed myself being a real burden on my own family especially my pregnant sister and she gave birth to a baby. I would feign excuses saying I needed sister time with her and it was only because I needed a ride to this and that.

This was when I realised I couldn't keep living with my parents and had to see an ophthalmologist. I encourage you, dear girl, see an ophthalmologist. I was actually afraid of going to the specialist's office & had anxiety attacks but the strange thing is the appointment wasn't as bad as I thought.

It was my own fear causing me anxiety attacks. It was my own fault that I isolated myself and prevented myself from going to the ophthalmologist much earlier.

This is why I encourage people to consider eye check-ups as preventative measures.

Don't put off your appointment and always remember, if you need support .. we're here. Ask questions and we'll be happy to answer.

It's not always hard. It is quite a learning process and you do get to learn about your patience and your personality as you go along your learning journey.

Tactile smile and 90 Love to my new DB sister!
 
Mrs Bucket said:
I was like you, almost two years ago.

I kept putting it off because I figured if I could still see during daytime, I was "A-Okay!", if no one suspects, I was fine.

I couldn't see at nighttime and I figured "What the heck, who will suspect?" and I isolated myself at home so no one would suspect. I was literally blind because people started to suspect and notice I isolated myself.

I was protecting myself and only disabling my denial.

In fact.. the more I denied my vision loss, my vision actually deteriorated because I was happy hiding myself away. In fact, I was very sad being isolated. I finally admitted my vision problems when I noticed myself being a real burden on my own family especially my pregnant sister and she gave birth to a baby. I would feign excuses saying I needed sister time with her and it was only because I needed a ride to this and that.

This was when I realised I couldn't keep living with my parents and had to see an ophthalmologist. I encourage you, dear girl, see an ophthalmologist. I was actually afraid of going to the specialist's office & had anxiety attacks but the strange thing is the appointment wasn't as bad as I thought.

It was my own fear causing me anxiety attacks. It was my own fault that I isolated myself and prevented myself from going to the ophthalmologist much earlier.

This is why I encourage people to consider eye check-ups as preventative measures.

Don't put off your appointment and always remember, if you need support .. we're here. Ask questions and we'll be happy to answer.

It's not always hard. It is quite a learning process and you do get to learn about your patience and your personality as you go along your learning journey.

Tactile smile and 90 Love to my new DB sister!
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What do they do, to actually test you for R.P. or Usher?

Just funny how the optometrist gave me a sad look, and said he is referring me to rule out or diagnose me for R.P./ Usher.


I failed the Field Vision test miserably!!
 
I failed the Visual Field test too. The fancy term for this test is called the Humphrey's test. Hubby was with me three times for this test and each time I took the test, I failed each test worse and worse. Thank goodness for hubby otherwise I knew I would have just bolted out of the office the very first test.

I was so nervous and very sick to my stomach the first time I took the Visual Fields test. The specialists were asking me a lot of questions, my eyes were so blurred from the eye drops and I couldn't understand my interpreter. She tried to tactile with me but she didn't know how to do tactile.

I was so frustrated and hubby knew how I felt. I was so miserable. Second time I took the test, the intern wasn't hiding her concern and that made things worse for me & I just knew I was failing the test.

For the R.P test, they do several tests. They test your retina with two tests. An ERG and an ENG.

I had the ERG [electroretinography] first and I hated this so much Babyblue. You will not like it. It is painful but they will use numbing eye drops for you.

The specialist will place several electrodes around your face and several inside your eyes. They will place it around your eyeball. Yes, it sounds so gross. This is how they test the response of the retina and the muscles.

The second test I had an hour later was the ENG [electronystagmogram] the technician will do a test to record the eye movements using lights & light strobes and pulsating lights with your eyes opened very wide.

A retina specialist did several tests on my eyes as well. All of those tests I had in one day and I got home very ill to my stomach.

If the specialists books several tests in one day, it is best for you to have an SSP that knows ASL so she/he will help you around. You will be very sick to your stomach and you will not have good balance with your eyes so dilated.



first.
 
Mrs Bucket said:
I failed the Visual Field test too. The fancy term for this test is called the Humphrey's test. Hubby was with me three times for this test and each time I took the test, I failed each test worse and worse. Thank goodness for hubby otherwise I knew I would have just bolted out of the office the very first test.

I was so nervous and very sick to my stomach the first time I took the Visual Fields test. The specialists were asking me a lot of questions, my eyes were so blurred from the eye drops and I couldn't understand my interpreter. She tried to tactile with me but she didn't know how to do tactile.

I was so frustrated and hubby knew how I felt. I was so miserable. Second time I took the test, the intern wasn't hiding her concern and that made things worse for me & I just knew I was failing the test.

For the R.P test, they do several tests. They test your retina with two tests. An ERG and an ENG.

I had the ERG [electroretinography] first and I hated this so much Babyblue. You will not like it. It is painful but they will use numbing eye drops for you.

The specialist will place several electrodes around your face and several inside your eyes. They will place it around your eyeball. Yes, it sounds so gross. This is how they test the response of the retina and the muscles.

The second test I had an hour later was the ENG [electronystagmogram] the technician will do a test to record the eye movements using lights & light strobes and pulsating lights with your eyes opened very wide.

A retina specialist did several tests on my eyes as well. All of those tests I had in one day and I got home very ill to my stomach.

If the specialists books several tests in one day, it is best for you to have an SSP that knows ASL so she/he will help you around. You will be very sick to your stomach and you will not have good balance with your eyes so dilated.



first.
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Mrs. Bucket, First and foremost. I appreciate your honesty. I am in tears. I know I need to do this. Hubby, and family, is also riding my backside to get this done.

As scary as it sounds. At least I know what I will be facing when I go. I have put this off for far too long. I have expressed to everyone that I can not see at night. I am thankful for having a supportive family and friends that knows, and believes me when I say I can not see at night, and for them to not laugh at me when I bump into something.

What do they do. I heard that they will load you up on Vitamin A, and other medication to slow down the process is that true?
 
Babyblue said:
You are so welcome. It is only speaking of the truth. And how I feel.

I am glad that I could make your day. I have yet, to face what you and Hear Again is facing.

But I know there is on day, that I may. I have an appointment with the Ophthalmologists next month. Had my eyes checked last month. I already knew, that I would be referred.

Known for quite some time that I am losing my vision, especially in darkened rooms and night.

But from what they said. Usher syndrome Varies. The optometrist has told me that for my age my vision is still pretty good for someone that "may" have Usher Syndrome.

I have and still somewhat in Denial. I know that it is inevitable. But just still do not comprehend it.

Sounds silly, I know. Almost like I keep putting it off. :(

I really look up to you, and Hear Again. I just feel as long as I can function. I am fine, Sounds lame eh?
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Wow! I cant imagine. Here is a :hug:
 
:ty: Babyblue. :hug: You will be just fine if you end up losing more vision. It may take some time for you to adjust, but one can learn to live a happy, productive live with partial or total vision loss.
 
Babyblue said:
Mrs. Bucket, First and foremost. I appreciate your honesty. I am in tears. I know I need to do this. Hubby, and family, is also riding my backside to get this done.

As scary as it sounds. At least I know what I will be facing when I go. I have put this off for far too long. I have expressed to everyone that I can not see at night. I am thankful for having a supportive family and friends that knows, and believes me when I say I can not see at night, and for them to not laugh at me when I bump into something.

What do they do. I heard that they will load you up on Vitamin A, and other medication to slow down the process is that true?
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Babyblue, :hug: to you.

When you finish your testing, you should be acquainted with a team of specialists that will teach you how to take care of your health.

Taking Vitamin A, eating the right kind of food ie red onion instead of white onion, cutting back on mayonnaise, creamy salad dressing and stop smoking to keep the health of your eyes.

You may be encouraged to take Vitalux. Vitalux is a multivitamin that is specifically formulated for the eyes only.

Lutein is what you need to look for as it is the number one natural vitamin for the eyes.

Lutein - Lutein also reduces the risk of cancer but add the benefit of reducing macular degeneration (loss of eye sight) and atherosclerosis as well. The best sources for Lutein are leafy green vegetables.
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source

Quercetin - This is an antioxidant that has anti-inflamatory and anti-histamine properties. There is evidence that is can prevent prostate and other forms of cancer. Quercetin is found in red apples and red onions.

Quercetin is very important for the eye maintenance because you don't want to have watery eyes when you have sneezing fits. My doctors tell me to eat red onions for the Quercetin and I have noticed the benefits. I have not had the full blown effects from the hayfever.

I have also been advised to stay away from creamy salad dressings, mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup as those are really not healthy for the eyes. It contributes negatively to the tear production in the eyes.

I learned a lot and was able to maintain the health of my eyes the natural way.



 
rockdrummer said:
I wonder if some people that are blind view this the same way that some deaf people view the CI as a sort of cultural genocide. Is there such a thing as "blind culture"?
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Yes. I do definately. But I admit there is far less blind people who feel that way. The only other person who feels as strongly about this as me is also deafblind from deaf and deafblind family.
 
Hear Again said:
There has been a great deal of debate in the blind community regarding bionic eyes.

Part of the community (those born totally blind) view it as a way of "fixing" something that does not need to be fixed while those in the other half of the community (adventitiously blind) view it as a way of expanding opportunities.

In many respects, it mirrors the CI vs. ASL debate.
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I didn't become blind until age 18. I still do not approve of these things. It takes money away from rehabilitation and stops people from accepting their lot.

I don't want money to spend on getting a few people fixed. It should be spent on education and rehabilitation instead.
 
If my vision gets severe. I will look into this option. But will also wait and see how well this new technology works.

Who knows. I may change my mind and be content with it. I truly can not say at this confused time of my transition.
 
dreama said:
I didn't become blind until age 18. I still do not approve of these things. It takes money away from rehabilitation and stops people from accepting their lot.

I don't want money to spend on getting a few people fixed. It should be spent on education and rehabilitation instead.
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dreama,

People are not being "fixed" by having this procedure. (Why does everyone think having a bionic eye or a CI means a person is trying to fix themselves??)

Then again, I'm not surprised that you don't agree with this. You don't agree with animal testing either which, like the bionic eye, can improve the quality of one's life.
 
dreama,

If you don't want to have this procedure, you don't have to.

However, saying that you think money should be spent elsewhere is selfish.

If someone feels that having a bionic eye (or a CI) will improve their life, I say more power to them.
 
Here in the U.S. there is a huge debate in the blind community about bionic eyes. It's just as controversial as the CI vs. ASL debate in the Deaf community. While I would never undergo this procedure, I think people have a right to decide for themselves if a bionic eye (or CI) is appropriate for them. Someone deciding to have a bionic eye won't change my life any.
 
rockdrummer said:
I wonder if some people that are blind view this the same way that some deaf people view the CI as a sort of cultural genocide. Is there such a thing as "blind culture"?
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In my point of view, I don't think there is such as a blind culture because the blind people's language is the same as other people's.

BlindDeaf is part of Deaf culture although I don't understand why some Deaf don't accept DeafBlind. Maybe it is the same reason that the general population don't accept the blind?
 
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