_{Depth Perception Problems Due to Papilloedema}

You may have noticed that you have difficulty judging the depth of steps or kerbs, and even problems when putting your cup or glass down, this may be more noticeable when you are having high pressure headaches. It can be frustrating and embarrassing, especially when people think you are being clumsy.

There are ways to make this easier for you, at the times when your depth perception is affected. Get yourself a bright coloured coaster or table mat, or even get a set, so that you can have them at friends and relatives for when you visit. That way you will know exactly where to put your cup or glass without worrying that you are going to miss the table and drop it.

When you're coming down the stairs or leaving a kerb, first use the back of your heel to judge how far down you need to put your foot, if you do this for each step you will eventually be able to do this with confidence, and if they are stairs and kerbs that you use regularly, eventually you will automatically know how deep you will be stepping.

How do I know these methods work, I know they work because I was taught by the Partially Sighted Society to do just that, and I have been using those methods for ten years now. I rarely miss the table when putting my cup down, and I confidently use the stairs and steps without falling.

Heidi, I also have a problem with contrast. For ex, I cant see the dips and curves on the sidewalk. This was causing me to stumble and fall alot.And, as I wear glasses as well, I was always afraid.
So, I got myself a walking stick. Best thing I ever did! It has a groove in the handle part, to fit the palm of my hand, so I can feel right away , when it moves downward, for a dip in the sidewalk.
It also has a height adjustment so if I want to wear heels some day, it can be adjusted to suit the height I am that day.

It has a double benefit for me.I have lost a lot of peripheral vision and am forever bumping into people.When they see the stick, they are very kind to me.Its a huge help with escalators, stairs, and generally getting around much safer than with out.It also gives me some degree of independence back.

I now go to my hospital apt on my own.My husband can not take any more days off to accompany me. Its a long trip, involving two buses each way, but I can do it now. Most people , when they see the walking stick, are so good and helpful.

It does take a leap of faith, to use a walking stick, as you might feel ,I am not that bad yet, or be embarrassed by it. forget those thought! Life is so much easier and safer with the walking stick.


Another tip, is, always have your hands free.Buy a handbag that you can wear across your chest.A shoulder bag, can cause you to be unbalanced, and it can swing down your arm putting you on the ground! Never walk with your hands in your pockets! The bad weather we all had proved this point as a lot of the injuries the hospitals saw was from people walking with their hands in their pockets , to keep them warm. when they did slip on the snow-ice, the had a free fall, couldn't protect themselves and ended up breaking bones.Wear gloves in the cold! Keep hands free so if you do fall or stumble, your hands will break the fall. Cath.

I totally agree with you. I too have a stick, and my bags are all over the shoulder ones. Thanks for sharing these tips, they're very helpful and hopefully other members with the same problems will use them to help them, especially after reading your post.