Loss of vision from retinitis pigmentosa limits typical teenage activities, but doesn't crush spirit

Date published: 5/6/2008

I MOSEY DOWN the dim, crowded hall, like every other student. I gather my books from my locker, like every other student. I reluctantly make my way to class, like every other student. Then, I stumble and fall over something every other student could see, except me.

I have retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a genetic disease that affects the photoreceptor cells in the retina and gradually causes blindness. My field of vision is constricted, as if I were looking through a minuscule hole in the wall. I'm legally blind, completely night blind and it has been predicted that I'll lose all vision by the age of 20.

You couldn't tell by looking at me. No one can. My cheerful demeanor would lead you to think all was well in my little world. When I tell people for the first time, they bombard me with questions until they are satisfied that what I've revealed to them isn't a ruse.

One of the effects of RP is loss of peripheral vision; I cannot see what is above, below or to the sides of me. This, of course, has made me one of the clumsiest people you'll ever meet.

For some reason, people feel the need to test my impairment on a regular basis. They'll come alongside me and wave their hands in my peripheral vision. When I don't respond, they explode with hilarity and disappear. Funny? Yes. Mean? You betcha.

As if the games weren't enough, I've been called "Helen Keller," and snide remarks about my vision are constantly made.

There are two ways you can handle a situation like this. You can run and cry, or you can laugh at yourself. After a brilliant fall, I usually break into a roar of laughter and entertain those around me until I arise with the assistance of a friend.

I laugh about my visual limitations, but that does not mean I think it's a joke. RP has already affected my life in many ways.

For most teenagers, getting their license is the key to freedom and independence, but I will never get to experience this monumental moment. As soon as I was diagnosed as legally blind, any dreams of receiving a driver's license were stopped almost before they began.

Skateboarding, roller-blading, biking and any other means of transportation involving wheels has been forbidden. Some of my favorite sports, such as soccer and tennis, are becoming nearly impossible for me to play.

I can't even begin to fathom what my life will be like once I've lost all vision. Will I ever get married? Will I ever be able to move away from my parents? Will I ever be the doctor or journalist or photographer that I so long to be?

I have no idea. And I'm scared to death.

But just because I have limitations does not mean I will let my condition affect the way I live. I will not let it alter my dreams or my goals. I'm going to live my life not as someone who is going to be blind in the future, but just like everyone else.

Jordan Reiche is a freshman at Fredericksburg Academy.

Date published: 5/6/2008

Most recent reader comments:

  Strong and Talented young lady (posted by David_C , May 7, 2008 7:47 pm)    Report this post to admins

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