When we open our eyes, the world is colorful, with blue sky, white clouds, and colorful neon lights. But when we close our eyes, the world is dark, with nothing but the sounds around us. However, even in dreams, we can still see something. So, by extension, is the world of blind people only black? What is the difference between their dreams and those of sighted people? Today, let’s do some hardcore popular science to understand the world of blind people.
According to relevant statistics, there are over 40 million blind people in the world, living in a colorless and monotonous world, with an estimated 250 million people with visual impairments. There is a difference between congenital and acquired blindness. For those born blind, the world is not black because they have never experienced black, and it’s hard for others to describe black to them. Therefore, congenitally blind individuals cannot see black. However, they can perceive light and darkness, but without any color.
For those who become blind later in life, they have seen black and know what it looks like. Some may have seen fireworks, lights, and visual illusions. After losing their sight, these illusions may appear in recognizable shapes, random forms, or colors. Some individuals who lose their sight later describe it as if they have fallen into a black hole, never to come out. In their dark world, there may be sparks of light, but they are not real.
What is the difference between the dreams of blind people and sighted people? Can they see things in their dreams?
When sighted people dream, they see visual scenes that are usually impressions of what they have seen and heard during the day. Congenitally blind individuals also dream, but they do not see images in their dreams; instead, they perceive sounds, smells, and some touch sensations. Acquired blind individuals may have visual imagery in their dreams, but it is brief and fleeting.
Losing one’s sight has a significant impact on daily life, work, and learning. Families with blind members face considerable pressure as they need constant monitoring to prevent accidents. Hence, eye protection is crucial.
Congenital blindness can be caused by the mother’s exposure to chemicals during pregnancy, medication use, smoking, alcohol consumption, or radiation exposure. Therefore, women should undergo regular prenatal checks and avoid substances during pregnancy that can affect the fetus’s vision. Eating carrots and increasing vitamin A intake during pregnancy can aid in fetal visual development.
Acquired blindness has various causes, such as eye diseases (acute glaucoma, vitreous hemorrhage, retinal artery occlusion, etc.), trauma, and improper eye use (such as prolonged smartphone use for several weeks). Prompt medical attention is essential for blindness caused by eye diseases; simply using eye drops may not be effective. Regularly protect your eyes from injury by objects like stones. Manage screen time, take breaks, and avoid binge-watching shows, as they can harm your eyes. Combat dry eyes by resting and reducing eye strain. When in the sun, face away from direct sunlight to prevent eye nerve stimulation.
Eat foods that promote eye health, such as pig liver, goji berries, and chrysanthemum seeds. Vitamin A-rich foods help protect vision and reduce eye problems.
