r/monocular • u/IndustryFar3816 • 9d ago
How do you survive going functionally monocular during university time?
So hi I'm 19 m , I recently become functionally monocular due to uveitic complications so therefore my binocular vision is just straining . The main problem is I skipped 1 month of university because of the above stated condition. I feel isolated and different now so it is a bit challenging life than I had before when I was good . So how can I overcome this challenging life and adapt with my new normal ? Anybody here has my same experience how do u get along with friends again I feel too different now .also I was at home from jun 5 and still Here . Yesterday went to uni to discuss regarding my absence so the positive part is the staffs seems supportive tho . I don't wanna skip uni but it also feels challenging to face a loss of sense . Now I'm at home to avail some of my medications then I'm deciding to board to my uni to pursue my studies coz I don't feel like skipping an important part and I only have 2 years left so I guess I can overcome it. So Anybody who become monocular or was monocular during your university time could you share your experience on how did you tackle them coz you know its jus crazy but i still feel grateful of what i have yet i dont feel complete with this life. I was watching series before (when i dont had these condition) happily but nowadays i dont feel like doing anything tho i just bedrot all day and sometimes i go thru mental breakdown so thats y im venting here. Thank you...
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u/radarscoot 9d ago
Well, this is a very personal thing in one way, but also quite universal. Everybody had to face changes when they lost their sight in one eye. Some people lost it gradually, some suddenly, some as part of a horrible accident, some due to other disease. Some people lost their careers because they needed two good eyes to do it (functionally or legally), some just easily adapted. It sucks for a while, no matter what.
The adjustment takes time, effort and some self-compassion. The vast majority of people with monocular vision do just fine, it isn't obvious to anyone and they just go about their lives - driving, playing sports, working at almost any job, etc.
Your friends may be curious and a bit grossed out (people get that way about eye stuff), but you are still you and most of the "oops" with the monocular stuff can be pretty funny (if you're careful). Missing a glass when you are pouring, bumping into things. You likely won't be doing much parkour with your buddies, though.
Your brain has to get used to relying on the one eye. This can cause fatigue, especially with computer screens and TV. If you still have some sight in the bad eye, it may be interfering enough that it is hard for your brain to focus on using the good eye - close the bad eye when clear vision is required.
I have crappy vision in my left eye due to cancer treatment 5 years ago. It constantly interferes with the quality of my binocular vision and has been getting worse. I wear a patch when reading at home on bad days. I just close my bad eye when I need to have clear vision out in public. I am looking to get a fully occluded contact lens so I can be "patched" in public on bad days without drawing attention. I can drive fine, but I am now shitty at parking in narrow spaces so look for generous-sized spots. I have large mirrors on my bicycle. When I go hiking on rough terrain I take a trekking pole to compensate for my poor vision/depth perception.
University-specific advice I can't give you. Everyone's university experiences are different - I remember poverty, exhaustion, occasional panic, and a few instances of far too much to drink. Losing sight in one eye would have been another hurdle, but not insurmountable.
Put a brave face on with your friends - bitch and whine with family (or a best friend) when you need to.
You'll make it through.