Friends
I am still celebrating the release of the audiobook version of my personal memoir, “Rough Places Smooth: Moments In A Journey Through Blindness.” It’s so exciting to accomplish this long-desired step and to see it available on Audible and Apple Books. If you know anyone struggling with vision loss or other challenging issues, I would appreciate your sharing this book as a source of hope and encouragement. I know what it would have meant to me to read a story like this when I was first diagnosed, and I pray the book reaches those who need to hear its message of finding hope beyond hurt and life beyond loss. You can find more information about ordering the book at the end of this post.
I am often asked the question, “What can you see?” Since my diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) at the age of 33, my vision loss has progressed slowly, allowing me the opportunity to learn to compensate for the gradual decline. Because I function independently for the most part, it is often hard for people to comprehend what I can and cannot see. To answer this question, it’s important to first understand how the disease has progressed.
How has my vision loss progressed?
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a genetically-transmitted retinal degenerative disease that causes the light receptors in the retina to die, causing loss of vision in the affected areas. The disease affects the peripheral area of the visual field first, typically starting in the far peripheral area and gradually moving inward, creating what is commonly called “tunnel vision.”
Naturally, I am a bit unusual. My disease process has followed a less typical pattern. Instead of losing vision in the far outer edges of my visual field first, my vision loss began closer to the middle of my peripheral area. At the time of my diagnosis, the retinal specialist explained that my vision loss followed a donut-shaped pattern affecting my mid-peripheral vision. The central vision inside the donut hole remained healthy, as did the vision outside the donut-shaped ring. Simply put, I was missing a ring of vision in the middle.
Some of the vision in that donut-shaped ring was partially damaged, while other areas were completely lost. Over the years, the remaining healthy cells in the mid-periphery have also died. In 2016, the disease turned further inward and attacked the central visual field in my left eye. The same process occurred in my right eye in 2021. As a result, I no longer have any useable central vision. Interestingly, my far peripheral vision remains unaffected by the disease.
How has the disease altered my vision??
I can no longer see to read any type of text material, whether on paper or computer screen. I cannot read text messages on my phone or interpret images like graphics or photos. I cannot read can labels, signs, or money, and fine motor tasks like threading a needle are now impossible.
Because of that initial ring of missing mid-peripheral vision, I have not driven for 32 years. Trip hazards like curbs, steps, or wet floor signs are a real challenge for me, these objects falling into the area where I have lost vision. As a result, I use a white cane for mobility. This handy tool helps me navigate my surroundings and avoid obstacles in my walking path.
How does my vision change day-to-day?
For reasons not entirely understood, I have many days where my vision flickers similar to the effect of a strobe light. Often, there is a haze over my vision as if I am looking through a fogged window. Sometimes, my vision has a green or orange film over everything. Other days, my vision is perfectly clear, and everything comes into easy focus. Needless to say, I celebrate those days!
What can I still see?
Thankfully, there is a great blessing in all this loss. My outer ring of far peripheral vision remains as healthy as it was 32 years ago. That means that I can see images out of the corner of my eye. I can move my eyes up and down, or side-to-side, in order to view the room around me. I can notice a person standing beside me. Outside, I can see the sky, the green grass, and the trees in the distance. I can see objects situated at the right distance, and sometimes see faces or hair color. I can find my chair or locate my cup on the counter. None of these things are clear and detailed, but they are there, and I give eternal thanks for these blessings.
I can see the color and petals of a flower at the right distance. While my color vision is less vibrant than it used to be, I can still appreciate the beauty of a well tended flower garden or the design of a pretty dress. While I am still able to decide if I like a particular shirt, I frequently need help matching up colors in my closet.
What about television or movies?
While television is challenging these days, I can still see some backgrounds and people. The images are blurry, so I listen more than I see.
Most streaming services offer an accessibility feature called audio description. This feature has been a game-changer for movies and some television shows, allowing me to follow the content and enjoy the experience. This feature provides a narrator for every scene and action sequence that does not involve dialogue. The narrator paints the scene with words, and it works like magic!
Can I use a computer?
Yes, I can still read on my iPhone and iPad with the help of several interesting device settings. Apple provides a wide range of accessibility features for the visually impaired. I use a feature called Voiceover to navigate my devices. This feature reads everything I touch on the screen. I use a series of finger gestures to navigate the apps, allowing me to read and type anything I want. Siri and I are on a first-name basis, and I use this feature to read and send text messages, schedule calendar appointments, take notes, or search the web. These accessibility features allow me to do pretty much anything I want to do with my iPhone or iPad.
+++
I am so grateful to still enjoy so many sighted activities. Having a disease like RP makes one appreciate every day’s blessings. When I open my eyes in the morning and I can still see, it’s a good day.
Want more information?
For more detailed technical information on the disease process as well as updates on the clinical research regarding treatment options, check out The FoundationFighting Blindness at www.blindness.org
For excellent video and podcast offerings on coping with progressive vision loss, explore the resources at Hadley Institute for the Blind, hadley.edu: https://hadleyhelps.org/
For real-life insights into the journey through progressive vision loss, check out my inspirational memoir, “Rough Places Smooth: Moments In A Journey Through Blindness” by Anita Peden Sherer. Now available on Amazon in softcover, Kindle ebook, Kindle Unlimited, and as an audiobook on Audible and Apple Books.
-APS 6/27/2025
+++
NOTE: these posts and references are intended to share helpful information and personal insights about coping with progressive vision loss. This content is not intended to replace appropriate medical advice. For specific concerns related to your personal vision, please consult your doctor.
Want to read more of Anita’s story?
GRAB A COPY OF
Rough Places Smooth:
Moments in a Journey Through Blindness
by Anita Peden Sherer
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
AS PAPERBACK, KINDLE EBOOK & KINDLE UNLIMITED
AUDIOBOOK NOW AVAILABLE ON AUDIBLE AND APPLE BOOKS
Faith Beyond Sight 