Staircase in the Sun

Summertime here in the Midwest often revolves around the sun (ha — see what I did there?). There is bright sunshine and blue skies that are often the background of our days.

I have been living with this myopic macular degeneration diagnosis for 5 years, and I am learning more each and every day. I think of this as my Life Lessons, a path that I have to follow. This is sort of my schooling for these days; I will need to follow this path for the rest of my life.

Sun protection is essential

Sunglasses are essential on these summer days. Honestly, I cannot clearly see without them. I even have 2 different lens types: 1 pair for super sunny days and another pair for the overcast day brightness, which can be just as much of a hindrance.

I tend to avoid being out on those brighter days, but if I am, I will don a hat for added protection.

Supplements and a healthy diet

I have added supplements to my days regimen — I will take any extra help to keep my eye health stronger. I have learned that even though these supplements will not necessarily "help" with MMD, my thoughts are that it can't hurt.

I am eating a more green diet and keeping myself strong and fit. These are all part of those lessons I live by.

A confusing moment on a staircase

I recently experienced something interesting. It was a bright, sunshiny Sunday, and my husband and I were in the process of leaving our church after the service. Walking out directly into the sun had an almost blinding effect on me.

There is a set of stairs directly on the outside landing of our church. As we turned to begin the dissent down those stairs, I had a moment.

I am always looking down, especially in situations like this. As I was looking down, I froze and did not move. My eyes and brain were very confused. I clearly saw the stairs, but there was something else. These stairs had a railing on each side with bars running down from said railing. I was seeing so many shadows, causing extreme confusion for me. I could not judge by seeing what was an actual step and what was a shadow.

Thankfully, my very supportive husband immediately picked up on my hesitation. With 1 hand on the railing and 1 hand in his, I began this dissent. One step at a time. Taking each step cautiously and carefully. There are only about 8 steps, so it was not a long, drawn-out process.

Approaching stairs with caution in bright sunlight

So, just like that, I added another lesson to my life. I will always approach stairs outside with an extra layer of caution. I recently had a bad experience with stairs, and I do not want to repeat that experience ever again.

It is with this extra care and foresight that I will be very aware of outdoor staircases on a bright, sunshiny day. I will always need to make note of the confusing shadows that can further complicate my dissent.