Blindness Awareness Month

Although the month of October is globally known as Brest Cancer awareness month, October is
also recognized as Blindness awareness month. Though many view cancer as a more serious health risk, blindness still affects the lives of many, and the results of how it affects an individual, vary. Blindness Awareness Month was initiated by the Little Rock Foundation, with hopes that it will improve the lives of children who are blind or visually impaired. According to the Foundation Fighting Blindness, (FFB) Over 285 million people are visually impaired, 39 million of those individuals are completely blind. In the United States alone, almost 4 million Americans are blind and 47,000 of those people, which is about 1 person every minute, become blind each year. Unfortunately, hundreds of people have lost lives or have been seriously injured because of their visual impairment, but there are many improvements society has started to make to aid those in need. President Lyndon B. Johnson, signed the first White Cane Safety Day proclamation in 1964.This day was one of the first efforts to show support to the blind community, as well as educate those who were somewhat confused as to how being blind felt. This then opened the door for several individuals to create support groups and organizations to advertise for the visually impaired. Some of these organizations are some of the top organizations that we have today such as the American Foundation for the Blind, and E.A.R.S. for EYES, who has a directory for originations listed by state. When you are blind, it is usually because of the lack of function of the part of the eye. The eye and brain works together to focus on light and images. When the brain or the eye does not function properly, the affects the eye then becomes visually incapable. Cataracts, age related Macular Degeneration, Retinitis Pigmetosa, as well as Glaucoma are all some of the most leading causes of blindness. According to the National Social Security Administration, they only consider you to be legally blind under Social Security rules if your vision cannot be corrected to better than 20/200 in your better eye, or if your visual field is 20 degrees or less, even with a corrective lens. Blindness is usually genetic and the loss of sight is very important because it is usually something that we fear most. Especially the older we become because it sometimes is random in affect. The FBB, Little Rock Foundation, as well as various companies, and organizations that support the awareness of those who are visually impaired, would like everyone to become fully educated on the issue. Use #BlindnessAwarenessMonth to post on social media, to celebrate, as well as educate those who are unaware. If you know anyone who is going blind, has low vision, or that is blind, and does not have the healthcare for treatment or assistance, contact your local health care provider, insurance companies, and even the hundreds of organizations that support the cause. Some can
be provided watch dogs, eye treatments, as well as aid for various doctor’s visits, and home
nurses.