For my job, I also read a lot—mostly articles in professional journals or court rulings in my field regarding liability law and insurance law. It’s not exactly relaxing reading, but I do find it interesting. People often ask me, “Can you even read with just one eye?”
A blank sheet of paper
The first book I read after my eye removal surgery was one I really wanted to read, but I just couldn’t. There were far too many letters, which I felt were too close together and therefore seemed to blend into one another. I couldn’t focus on what I was reading. But I wanted to read… My son figured that it might be helpful to place a sort of bookmark made of white paper over the page so that only the sentences or letters I was reading would be visible. He cut a hole in a blank sheet of paper, and I could slide it across the pages so that only a few sentences were visible at a time. It was a brilliant idea—it worked perfectly—and by sliding the white paper along, I was able to finish reading a wonderful book. Admittedly, at a slower pace than I was used to, but I could read again! When Part 2 of the book came out a few weeks later, in my enthusiasm for reading, I completely forgot about my son’s invention and finished the book without any aids.
Other People’s Experiences
I’ve heard from several members of the OOG in OOG Association that reading with one eye takes more effort, that it’s tiring, and that it even gives them headaches. This is especially true for those who started reading with one eye later in life. Perhaps the paper cover is a solution in that case. Another possible solution is an e-reader, which allows you to display only the sentences you’re reading. But I still prefer to hold an old-fashioned paper book in my hands.
Of course, it’s also true that reading comes more easily if what you’re reading is simply fun or interesting enough. I don’t think it’s any different for people who see and read with two eyes. Some people love exciting science fiction and thrillers, others prefer romantic novels, and still others enjoy reading non-fiction or true stories. If a book appeals to you, it’s easier to read, but reading with one eye does require more effort and is therefore
more tiring.
I used to have no trouble reading entire books in a dark corner of the living room couch, with my roommates talking around me and the radio or TV playing in the background. I can’t do that anymore. Now I really need good lighting and a quiet, peaceful spot to be able to concentrate on what I’m reading, no matter what it is. But I’m very happy that I can read.
Answer to the question
My answer to the question “Can you actually read with just one eye?” is definitely “yes,” and depending on who’s asking, I often add with a big smile, “It’s hard work and tiring, but I can read!”
Anita Hol-Bubeck
