Retinal Detachment: Insights from Blind Patients' Experiences - Ophthalmology

Retinal-related consultation

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Hello Dr.
Wang, I would like to ask you a somewhat different question.
Recently, I saw two articles in the newspaper about two patients who are blind due to retinal detachment.
One was engaged in the printing industry, and the other was a woodcarving master.
Why did they develop retinal detachment? After all, retinal detachment is typically caused by severe trauma to the eye or excessive eye strain, but the professions of these two gentlemen do not seem to involve excessive eye use or exposure to external forces.
Could you please clarify why they experienced such a condition? Thank you.
The Taiwan Blind Rehabilitation Institute held a graduation ceremony for the massage technician training class yesterday, led by Director Yang Su-Tuan (far right).
She encouraged students like Li Jin-Hong (second from left) to share their learning experiences with more visually impaired individuals, motivating them to restart a happy life.

"Come out, learn massage, and open a new chapter in life," said Li Jin-Hong, a graduate of the Taiwan Blind Rehabilitation Institute's massage technician training class.
Many visually impaired individuals have stayed at home for over ten years without interacting with the outside world.
After encouragement from friends and family, they finally accepted rehabilitation education.

Li Jin-Hong, originally a woodcarving master from Sanyi, Miaoli County, became completely blind due to retinal detachment at the age of 46 and spent ten years at home lamenting his fate.
Last year, a friend introduced him to the Miaoli County Association for the Visually Impaired, and this year, he enrolled in the massage course at the rehabilitation institute, thanks to the help of a congenitally blind peer, Wu Man-Cheng.
"I am grateful to the rehabilitation institute and Wu Man-Cheng for helping me be reborn," he said.
Wu Man-Cheng, who has congenital optic nerve atrophy and became completely blind at 30, once worked as a protected employee in a garment factory.
After the factory closed, she unknowingly stayed at home for ten years.
Upon learning that the rehabilitation institute offered massage training, she encouraged friends to join her.
Initially worried about her age, she found the learning process was not as difficult as she had imagined.
Director Yang Su-Tuan pointed out that most individuals who become visually impaired later in life were often the economic pillars of their families before their accidents or illnesses.
They face significant psychological challenges, but they should not isolate themselves.
It is essential to step out and participate in community activities and learn new skills, which can help rebuild confidence and achieve economic independence.
The institute offers various free courses and assistive device consultations.
Blind massage therapist Huang Huo-Yun (left) has gained confidence through running and was recognized as an outstanding person with disabilities by the Taipei County Government.

Huang Huo-Yun, a 50-year-old blind massage therapist, began running three years ago and actively participated in various marathon competitions, winning multiple championships at the national disabled sports games.
This year, he was honored by the Taipei County Government for his achievements.
He has gradually built confidence and encourages visually impaired friends to bravely step outdoors, broadening their horizons.
In his youth, Huang worked in color printing for an extended period, which led to retinal disease and severe vision loss.
Although he could initially perceive light, he eventually became completely blind.
Following his doctor's advice, he changed careers and studied massage techniques at the Blind Rehabilitation Institute for a year, eventually opening his own massage studio.
Huang has been a massage therapist for over twenty years and had little expectation for life.
Three years ago, he accepted a friend's suggestion to start running, which sparked a strong interest.
With friends accompanying him, he began training at a track, initially running only 100 to 200 meters a day.
Through continuous practice, he has become a skilled marathon runner, participating in major marathons across the country, including the Taroko Gorge Marathon, Kinmen Marathon, ING, and Shupao Cup, achieving a personal record of running a full 42 kilometers.
Huang shared that at the beginning of his running journey, he struggled to overcome the fear of being blind and almost gave up.
Fortunately, his friends persistently ran alongside him, and family encouragement helped him push through.
Now, he has become more cheerful and optimistic, with improved physical health, hoping to serve as an inspiration to other individuals with disabilities, courageously composing a vibrant life story.

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Chao Ren, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/12/02