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MACULAR DEGENERATION
I wrote about this before - see here - when I first discovered there was a problem so I guess this is an update of where I am now.
I wrote about this before - see here - when I first discovered there was a problem so I guess this is an update of where I am now.
I want to explain about the problem I have with reading blogs
that have coloured or white text on black or very dark background. Actually it’s
the background that’s the problem. Anything black or navy defeats me...
clothing, for example. When I wash and dry dark coloured items I can’t see to
fold them ready to be put away. The light always has to go on so I can see what
I’m doing. It never used to be so; I always prided myself on having good
eyesight.
Never take eyesight for granted. We don’t appreciate it until it
starts to decline, as in my case. I thought Macular Degeneration was something that happened to other people, not me. I’m only just starting down the path but
already I’ve stopped laughing. It’s so inconvenient, as well. If I’m shown
something by someone I have to back off because it’s a strain to the eyes to
focus close up. Fortunately I can enlarge the font for most computer work but
typing figures in columns is beyond me since enlarging tends to throw columns
off screen. I had to resign as Joe’s secretary because of it.
One of the hardest things is trying to read blogs with dark
backgrounds and I was very pleased when one of my blogging friends changed the
colour of his font. Thank you, Larry. I appreciate it. Sometimes it’s a struggle but at the moment I’m coping. However, I dread to think what it will
be like in future. I hope bloggers will understand if I disappear from their
blogs. It won’t be for any reason other than being unable to follow what
they’ve written.
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It has its funny side, though. When I type email messages I have
to check and recheck that there are no errors ... even then I miss some. You
see I used to be an ace typist with an official high speed of a hundred-and-something wpm (words per minute). I forget the exact figure but it was high, nearer 200 if my memory
serves me right. Well, I still have that speed but the brain interferes with my
decision of where to place fingers on keyboard. I have told it to stop
interfering but I’m ignored so I’m stuck with typing and reading and fervently
hoping I spot all the errors.
I had no idea this was a problem for people with this complaint Valerie. You might remember that I have had huge trouble with Blogger and I'm unable to change the colours on my blog. I'm just lucky it is readable at all, unlike the link to the comments which comes out yellow on white, or something. I can try to enlarge the font size, although I am not sure if that will work.
ReplyDeleteI value your comments and would like to continue hearing from you (of course I will continue to follow your blog).
No, I have had another go and nothing happens when I try to change the colours or anything else. I'm really sorry.
ReplyDeleteI never knew the term for it. There are some weird background/text color combos out there in the blogworld.
ReplyDeleteMersad
Mersad Donko Photography
I was told I would be blind from Macular degeneration in 5 years. That was almost 8 years ago and I can still pass the vision test at the motor vehicle place (probably the last time). I can't see to drive at night anymore.No matter how big a light bulb I put in the lamps, it always seems dark in the house. That grid they give you and tell you to self test is starting to get real wavy in one eye. I guess it is only a matter of time. I write big on my blog so I can see it. I must confess to magnifying stuff so I can read it almost everyday. While we can still see, make sure you take a close look at babies laughing and flowers and sunsets and your loved ones. Those memories may be very important later on. I wish you the best and you can write me if you ever want to talk.
ReplyDeleteJenny, I appreciate that you use a larger font. At the moment I am okay with it, just a little strained by the blue colour. So I will continue visiting your blog for a while.
ReplyDeleteMersad, you're right... there are various styles of blogs and some colours are just hard to focus on.
ReplyDeleteMr Rat, night driving is out for me as well. I sometimes wonder how I ever did drive after dark. Thank you for reminding me to look at beautiful things.
ReplyDeleteJenny, thank you for trying to help. I just looked at your blog and was able to read it better if I enlarged it first. So for the time being I can continue to visit.
ReplyDelete"Never take eyesight for granted."
ReplyDeleteAmen, Valerie! As I've gotten older, my closeup reading sight has gotten worse. I use reading glasses, however, I think I need to UP the level because (like you) I find myself having to back up when someone shows me something or when I have to read a label on a product in a store. And I also agree with you about reading blogs that have a dark background, they are so challenging to read.
And I too, no matter how many times I check (an email or blog post), will still find that I misspelled a word (or two). UGH!
Hope you're enjoying a splendid Sunday, dear lady.
X to you and Joe
Good afternoon, Ron. I can't read labels, especially in a store with funny lighting. I do see many people using magnifying gadgets to read them so it must be quite common. For close work at home I use a magnifier that clips on the specs, it is great but I'd feel daft using it in the stores.... something I have to get used to, I guess. I hope you get your eyes checked regularly x
ReplyDeleteSo true, our sight is SO precious and we should never take it for granted. I try to remember that, when I'm sitting on the PC for waaaaay too many hours. Now, I take at least one computer/screen free day every week, to give my eyes a rest. I've also started taking a Natural Factors supplement called: Eye Factors, that helps to nourish the eye tissue, I think that's helpful too.
ReplyDeleteMy eyesight is still good, I can read fine print without glasses etc....so I'm sure happy about that. I have people younger than me asking me to read labels in stores etc, so they don't have to dig out their glasses. ;-)
But so many people do have eye problems and that must be annoying to say the least.
Have a sweet Sunday Val, and hugs to you and to Joe too.
Oh dear, you will have to let me know if you have a problem with my blog Valerie please. I will try and get it changed if at all possible, though I read Jenny Woolf's comment and am wondering if I actually can.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy your comments on my blog. If I need to change the font or color on my blog to make it easier for you to read it just let me know. I will be glad to change it for you.
ReplyDeleteI have a hard time reading computer screens myself sometimes. There has been times I have printing the webpage some I could read it. I am glad my laptop screen in easier to read but I still prefer reading out of a book. I hope you will be able to blog for I long time to come.
Hi Denise and Jenny. Re my inability to read on darker backgrounds. It's quite simple - you have to change template which you can find in settings, click on TEMPLATE and go from there. I've changed mine many times just for the hell of getting a new look. Nothing is lost in the process and you are given the 'draft' (for want of a better description) before accepting it.
ReplyDeleteGeraldine, it's good that you act sensibly re eyesight, although in my case I think age is the problem. I was more than fine before the years piled on... smiles. I'm told it's a simple case of wearing out in certain areas. Oh my!
ReplyDeleteDan, the colour of background and size of font are perfect. It was kind of you to offer to change, I appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteThere are just things we have to adapt when our bodies start changing. Sometimes it's so subtle we don't even know we're doing it until we have to make a conscious effort. Keep doing what you can for as long as you can.
ReplyDeleteI have the same problem. When I visit blogs where the letters are very small or the color combination makes it difficult to read, I normally zoom the letters on my computer using the VIEW.
ReplyDeleteSo many changes happen to us as we grow older. For example I have become slower and I admire little children who run, skip and jump. I can't lift very heavy weights. I can't climb over walls or trees as I did when I was young. I need good light to read and I have to pause every now and then while reading.
But life is good and I count my blessings. I can still do many things and I don't hurry like I used to do when I was young. I have more patience and I pause and enjoy watching people and things.
VISION IS PRECIOUS AND WE HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF IT.
Best wishes
I agree. Even under the best of circumstances, black backgrounds don't work for me either.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter keeps telling me to have my eyes checked but I am in denial. At the moment I'm fine but I know that soon I will need reading glasses or something similar.
ReplyDeleteI hope your eyesight doesn't get worse.
Greetings from London.
Cuban, I like being in denial. It's much easier than facing the truth. However, don't neglect your eyesight. Reading glasses can be very attractive.
ReplyDeletePam, it's a relief to know I'm not the only one that can't focus on black backgrounds.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear this, Val. Please let me know if I need to do anything to change my blog because I will do it in a heartbeat because you are one of my favorite folks and I want to continue blogging with you. Take care.
ReplyDeleteHi Matt, I put my reply on your blog but I'll say it again here just in case you go off reading your comments... grins. The pale blue background is fine for me so you needn't change. Thanks for offering though. I appreciate it 'cause I'd hate never being able to read your entertaining posts. Hope all goes well next week.
ReplyDeleteMmmm. I have the same problem with dark backgrounds on blog. Now I wonder if.... In any case a good friend of mine begin a special new experimental treatment for this at UCLA in Los Angeles and its seems to be helping...:)
ReplyDelete