when I cannot see straight I will see sideways

Read 5 of the poems online:

In Too Bright Light” — Longleaf Review, Summer 2022
What Can You Say” — Longleaf Review, Summer 2022
Learn to Speak” — Longleaf Review, Summer 2022
When Seen Straight” — Poemeleon, March 2020
My Peripheral Sight Stays” — Poemeleon, March 2020

Cone Dystrophy

Cone dystrophy is a general term used to describe a group of rare eye disorders that affect the cone cells of the retina. Cone dystrophy can variably cause a variety of symptoms including decreased visual clarity in central vision, a reduced ability to see colors and an increased sensitivity to light. In the progressive form of cone dystrophy, vision continues to deteriorate over time. In many cases vision may deteriorate so that a person is considered “legally” blind (i.e., vision that is 20/200 or worse). There is no cure for cone dystrophy. [from rarediseases.org]

I crafted these snellen charts 2 years ago, in 2019. Now, in 2021, I struggle to read them. So, here’s the formless text for these charts: Snellen Charts: Alt-text