Visibility Through Darkness: Insights from Born Blind Individuals

Have you ever wondered what it's like to see through darkness, or more specifically, what a born blind person sees? In this article, we will explore the unique experiences of individuals who are born blind, the adaptations they undergo, and how they perceive the world around them. This exploration not only sheds light on the specific challenges faced by those with complete or severe visual impairment but also highlights the resilience and adaptability of the human mind.

Born Blind: A Unique Perspective

Contrary to popular belief, individuals who are born blind do not “see nothing.” While it is true that they are unable to perceive the visual world through normal sight, their experiences vary widely. For example, myself, who has been legally blind from early 2010, now paint in acrylics with a style that reflects how I actually see. My paintings are often impressionistic, much like the impressionist art movement pioneered by the artist Claude Monet, who was also legally blind. This artistic style captures the essence of my perception rather than a photorealistic depiction of reality.

Art as a Window into Blind Perception

Some of my paintings, such as Impression of a Pumpkin Flower, reflect the way I perceive colors. Yellow appears vibrant, greens are often black, blues appear grey, and reds remain elusive. The photograph of the pumpkin flower serves as the basis for the painting, but my unique visual interpretation gives it a distinct impressionistic quality. This art form allows me to communicate my perception of the world to those with sight.

Impressionist Art and Blindness

The impressionist art movement, particularly associated with Claude Monet, was both a product of and a response to Monet’s declining eye sight. Similarly, when I paint, I am essentially channeling my own visual experience and adapting to my condition. This approach helps me explore the subjective and often abstract nature of my perception of the world.

Understanding Partial or Low Vision

While there are different degrees and specifics of blindness, it is important to understand the varying experiences. Some individuals have partial blindness or low vision, meaning they can see certain objects, shapes, colors, or details to varying extents. However, they may struggle to identify specific details like faces or objects with clarity.

For instance, a child born with complete blindness would not be able to see any visual stimuli. Their eyes may look normal, but due to genetic disorders, certain parts like the retina or cornea may not fully develop. In such cases, infants with partial blindness or very low vision might be able to perceive certain objects or shapes but still find it challenging to identify their parents or faces.

Proper diagnosis and medical attention are crucial for children with vision problems. A pediatric ophthalmologist can help pinpoint the exact nature and extent of visual impairment and provide appropriate care and management.

The Role of Other Sensory Adaptations

For those who are completely visually impaired, such as my husband, the loss of vision does not equate to a lack of sensory experience. Many individuals develop highly refined tactile and auditory senses to compensate. My husband, for example, relies heavily on touch and hearing to navigate the world. When someone tells him to "look to your right," he points his ear in that direction. At a restaurant, he uses his fingers to locate items like salt, pepper, or hot sauce on the table. This remarkable adaptation showcases how the human body and mind can adapt to sensory deprivation.

Conclusion

Exploring the world from a born blind perspective reveals a rich, multidimensional experience that goes far beyond mere darkness. Through art, sensory adaptations, and a deep understanding of individual differences, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of how vision affects our perceptions and our ability to engage with the world around us. By acknowledging and embracing these unique perspectives, we can foster greater empathy and inclusivity in our communities.