Myths

Some myths and facts about sight loss

There are a number of myths about sight loss and visual impairment. We hope this page will help to clear up some of these misconceptions.

Myth: A person who is registered blind has no sight at all.

Fact: Most people who are registered blind have some useable vision.

Myth: People with sight loss cannot read.

Fact: Large print, Braille, audio books and other digital technologies are available to assist people to read.

Myth: All blind people read Braille.

Fact: Only a small percentage of people registered blind read Braille.

Myth: Sight loss only affects the elderly.

Fact: Sight loss can affect people of all ages.

Myth: Eating carrots will improve your eyesight.

Fact: Carrots are high in Vitamin A, which is important in a balanced diet however, eating carrots or other foods high in Vitamin A will not necessarily improve your vision.

Myth: Blind & partially sighted people are unable to work.

Fact: People with sight loss enjoy a wide variety of careers.

Myth: It is not harmful to look at the sun if you squint or use dark glasses.

Fact: The sun’s ultra-violet light will still damage your eyes. You should never look directly at the sun.

Myth: Blind people develop their other senses to compensate for their sight loss.

Fact: Some blind people may work hard to develop their other senses to compensate for their vision loss however this does not happen automatically.

Myth: You need to speak louder when talking to a blind person.

Fact: Blind people have reduced vision not hearing. Talk to them as you would to anyone else.

Myth: Blind people can always identify you by your voice.

Fact: This is not true and it is always good practice to identify your self when meeting a blind person.

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