Suggestions for Those With Visual Impairments

csobod · **#21**

Thank you Joaz for the amazing suggestion; it's really exactly what I've been looking for. That being said, something alarming has happened over the past two days.

My girlfriend was stricken with severe pain in her joints and sciatic nerve, to the point where she felt she should either be hospitalized or, at least, see a doctor. The MD she saw ran tests and they believe she has rheumatoid arthritis, coupled with other autoimmune problems that are causing sporadic chronic pain. They will be running more tests to find out more, but at least she is able to get some painkillers.

While I am taking all this information in (and doubt how related it is to her current problems), if I seem to go dark on this thread it's because I'm trying my best to attend to her health. Thank you all for the help you've given, and I hope this thread will serve to aid others with the same problems.

Joaz Banbeck · **#22**

I hope your gf gets better.

csobod · **#23**

Thanks, they just put her on Celebrex and she's already doing much, much better. Looks like either rheumatism or some degenerative joint disorder is the root cause. Either way, we're just happy to have any positive results. The last week has been a bit of a roller coaster; kind of coincidental that I'd post here just as she's about to have a health meltdown.

csobod · **#24**

Joaz Banbeck wrote:

This is not an eye problem, IMHO. It sounds like a neurological problem. If money were no issue, I'd recommend seeing a neuro-opthamologist.

Due to some recent health problems of my own, I've been forced to become an amateur student of neuro-opthamology.

@Csobod:If you don't mind, I'd like to ask some questions.

1) How old is she?
2) Does she have any other neurological symptoms? ( Numbness? Tingling? Headaches? Ringing ears? Flashes of light in the corner of her eyes upon sudden head movement? etc )
3) Is she a vegetarian?
4) Has she at least seen an optometrist? ( They are relatively cheap and common. You can even find them in Sears and Costco )
5) What does she see when she looks at an Amsler grid?

This is an amsler grid. Ask her cover one eye, and to stare at the dot in the middle. Then switch eyes. What does she see?
Any grey areas? Blank areas? Wiggley lines? Broken lines?

We finally got aruond to doing the Amsler test. In answer to your questions:

1) 23
2) She experiences numbness, tingling, ringing ears (tinitus), no flashes.
2) Not by any means.
4) Last time she saw an optometrist was 3 or 4 years ago. She has to see another one soon because her family doctor believes there could be inflammation in her eyes.
5) When looking at an Amsler grid, she sees a flashing ring.

Annihilist · **#25**

I'd be surprised if no one has yet suggested these:

http://www.ymimports.com/p-1619-jade-color-glass-go-stones-nano-silver-jangstone-80mm-size-30.aspx#.UR-EN6WkRSU

csobod · **#26**

Annihilist wrote:

I'd be surprised if no one has yet suggested these:

http://www.ymimports.com/p-1619-jade-color-glass-go-stones-nano-silver-jangstone-80mm-size-30.aspx#.UR-EN6WkRSU

csobod wrote:

I've looked into the jade colored stones offered at YMI (both the tinted single convex stones and the "green apple" biconvex stones), but I'm not sure which would help the most. I feel that the single convex stones would be the better investment, because I could mark positions on the board during our teaching games. Honestly, I just don't want to spend a lot of money on something that won't help.

First post. But yeah, I'm considering getting them. YMI is gonna send me a sample of like four stones of each and we'll base our decision on that. I just got a reverse-contrast rosewood goban and it seems to be helping her.

Joaz Banbeck · **#27**

csobod wrote:

...
4) Last time she saw an optometrist was 3 or 4 years ago. She has to see another one soon because her family doctor believes there could be inflammation in her eyes.
5) When looking at an Amsler grid, she sees a flashing ring.

Yes. See one SOON.

csobod · **#28**

Joaz Banbeck wrote:

csobod wrote:

...
4) Last time she saw an optometrist was 3 or 4 years ago. She has to see another one soon because her family doctor believes there could be inflammation in her eyes.
5) When looking at an Amsler grid, she sees a flashing ring.

Yes. See one SOON.

Okay, we'll schedule an appointment this week. I just don't see how it could be something as serious as macular degeneration, especially with how young she is.

Annihilist · **#29**

csobod wrote:

Annihilist wrote:

I'd be surprised if no one has yet suggested these:

http://www.ymimports.com/p-1619-jade-color-glass-go-stones-nano-silver-jangstone-80mm-size-30.aspx#.UR-EN6WkRSU

csobod wrote:

I've looked into the jade colored stones offered at YMI (both the tinted single convex stones and the "green apple" biconvex stones), but I'm not sure which would help the most. I feel that the single convex stones would be the better investment, because I could mark positions on the board during our teaching games. Honestly, I just don't want to spend a lot of money on something that won't help.

First post. But yeah, I'm considering getting them. YMI is gonna send me a sample of like four stones of each and we'll base our decision on that. I just got a reverse-contrast rosewood goban and it seems to be helping her.

I'd say get the biconvex glass ones, namely because they are designed specifically to reduce visual strain. With a yellowish shin-kaya board it would look quite nice and be quite tolerable for your girlfriend.

Best of luck.

csobod · **#30**

Annihilist wrote:

csobod wrote:

Annihilist wrote:

I'd be surprised if no one has yet suggested these:

http://www.ymimports.com/p-1619-jade-color-glass-go-stones-nano-silver-jangstone-80mm-size-30.aspx#.UR-EN6WkRSU

csobod wrote:

I've looked into the jade colored stones offered at YMI (both the tinted single convex stones and the "green apple" biconvex stones), but I'm not sure which would help the most. I feel that the single convex stones would be the better investment, because I could mark positions on the board during our teaching games. Honestly, I just don't want to spend a lot of money on something that won't help.

First post. But yeah, I'm considering getting them. YMI is gonna send me a sample of like four stones of each and we'll base our decision on that. I just got a reverse-contrast rosewood goban and it seems to be helping her.

I'd say get the biconvex glass ones, namely because they are designed specifically to reduce visual strain. With a yellowish shin-kaya board it would look quite nice and be quite tolerable for your girlfriend.
Best of luck.

Well, for the reasons mentioned by Joaz in this post, contrasting yellowish and dark green stones with a yellow board wouldn't really be advisable. It makes sense to give it something dark to stand out against, like a marroon board. I ended up getting her the board being sold in the Trading Post by Corazon. She says that the board helps, and it came with some single convex Yunzi to at least get her started. I gave it to her for Valentine's Day.

gomeditate · **#31**

Great gift for her. I do hope she continues to improve, and our thoughts and prayers are with you both.

palapiku · **#32**

That's a really pretty board! I'm really getting tired of the usual yellow color. It is not very easy on the eyes. This looks much more comfortable.

Suggestions for Those With Visual Impairments

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