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[[File:Geordi La Forge without his VISOR.jpg|thumb|Geordi La Forge was born blind]] |
[[File:Geordi La Forge without his VISOR.jpg|thumb|Geordi La Forge was born blind]] |
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| − | '''Blindness''' |
+ | '''Blindness''' was the condition of lacking visual perception due to [[physiological]] or [[psychological]] factors. There are varying degrees of blindness, ranging from minor visual impairment to total loss of [[eye]]sight. |
== Causes of blindness == |
== Causes of blindness == |
||
| − | Most visual impairments are caused by [[disease]] and malnutrition, though blindness |
+ | Most visual impairments are caused by [[disease]] and malnutrition, though blindness could also be caused by various abnormalities, injuries, genetic defects and [[poison]]ing. Temporary [[vision loss]] could also be a side effect of some [[vaccination]]s. ({{film|11}}) |
| − | *Genetic defects – |
+ | *Genetic defects – [[Geordi La Forge]] was born blind due to a [[birth defect]] |
| − | *Physiology |
+ | *Physiology – Some species, like the [[Aenar]], were born blind |
| − | *Injury – |
+ | *Injury – [[Martok]]'s eyesight was impaired when he lost an eye in a battle with [[Ikat'ika]] |
*Magnetic fields – Prolonged exposure of humanoids to the intense [[magnetic field]]s on [[Galorndon Core]] resulted in [[Synapse|synaptic]] breakdown, which rendered La Forge blind even though his [[VISOR]] worked perfectly. ({{TNG|The Enemy}}) |
*Magnetic fields – Prolonged exposure of humanoids to the intense [[magnetic field]]s on [[Galorndon Core]] resulted in [[Synapse|synaptic]] breakdown, which rendered La Forge blind even though his [[VISOR]] worked perfectly. ({{TNG|The Enemy}}) |
||
| − | *Other intense energy – |
+ | *Other intense energy – [[Tuvok]] was blinded by a detonating [[chroniton torpedo]] in an [[alternate timeline]]. ({{VOY|Year of Hell}}) |
| + | *[[Spock]] was rendered temporarily blind after intense light was used to destroy a [[flying parasite]] infection, his sight saved only due to his [[inner eyelid]]s. ({{TOS|Operation -- Annihilate!}}) |
||
| + | *[[Dukat]] was temporarily blinded by a burst of energy released from the [[Book of the Kosst Amojan]] by the [[Pah-wraith]]s. ({{DS9|When It Rains...|What You Leave Behind}}) |
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| + | * ''{{alt|Leonard McCoy}} asked {{alt|James T. Kirk}} whether he was trying to go blind after the [[captain]] admitted in [[2263]] of the [[alternate reality]] that he was downing the last of the [[Saurian brandy]] they'd picked up on [[Thasus]].'' ({{film|13}}) |
||
== Attitudes towards blindness == |
== Attitudes towards blindness == |
||
| − | On [[Earth]], the practice of institutionalizing the blind in [[asylum]]s had a history extending back into the [[9th century]], and it was not until the [[18th century]] that authorities created [[school]]s where blind children, particularly those more privileged, could obtain an education in specialized settings. |
+ | On [[Earth]], the practice of institutionalizing the blind in [[asylum]]s had a history extending back into the [[9th century]], and it was not until the [[18th century]] that authorities created [[school]]s where blind children, particularly those more privileged, could obtain an education in specialized settings. Despite the negative connotations associated with blindness, many blind Humans throughout history led rich lives despite their handicap, including the famous [[poet]]s [[Homer]] and [[John Milton]], [[artist]] [[Claude Monet]], and [[musician]] [[Stevie Wonder]]. ({{TNG|A Matter Of Time}}) |
| − | [[Romulan]]s |
+ | [[Romulan]]s killed children who were born with blindness or other such defects. When La Forge told [[Bochra]] that he had been born blind, he asked incredulously "''And your parents let you live?''", stating that the Human race was weak because "''You waste time and resources on defective children.''" ({{TNG|The Enemy}}) |
| − | On some [[planet]]s, [[genetic engineering]] |
+ | On some [[planet]]s, [[genetic engineering]] was utilized to ensure that blindness is a condition of the past. On [[Moab IV]], someone with such a disability would have been [[abortion|terminated]] as a fertilized egg. ({{TNG|The Masterpiece Society}}) |
| + | |||
| + | == Figurative blindness == |
||
| + | Sometimes, blindness was used as a metaphor for ignorance, whether willful or not. It could also be used in analogies to describe an ability one previously did not possess. In [[2265]], a changed [[Gary Mitchell]] compared having his new enhanced [[esper]] powers to being a blind man who had suddenly gained the ability to see. ({{TOS|Where No Man Has Gone Before}}) |
||
== Adaptive technologies for the blind == |
== Adaptive technologies for the blind == |
||
[[File:Miranda Jones.jpg|thumb|A sensor web being worn over ordinary clothing in [[2268]]]] |
[[File:Miranda Jones.jpg|thumb|A sensor web being worn over ordinary clothing in [[2268]]]] |
||
[[File:VISOR 2364.jpg|thumb|The VISOR in [[2364]]]] |
[[File:VISOR 2364.jpg|thumb|The VISOR in [[2364]]]] |
||
| − | * A [[sensor web]] was a garment of finely woven [[ |
+ | * A [[sensor web]] was a garment of finely woven [[sensor]] units, typically utilized by the blind during the [[23rd century]]. The web could be worn naturally over everyday clothing, and emitted low-level sonar scans undetectable to the Human senses. The web then translated the return signals into media perceptible by the trained wearer. [[Dr.]] [[Miranda Jones]] wore such a web which she used, along with her [[telepathic]] prowess, to hide her blindness from others. ({{TOS|Is There in Truth No Beauty?}}) |
| − | *The VISOR was an external medical device used in the [[Federation]] to aid patients who had suffered loss of eyesight. The VISOR detected electromagnetic signals across the entire [[EM]] spectrum, and transmitted those signals to the [[brain]] through [[neural implant]]s in the temples of the individual via delta-compressed wavelengths. |
+ | *The [[VISOR]] was an external medical device used in the [[Federation]] to aid patients who had suffered loss of eyesight. The VISOR detected electromagnetic signals across the entire [[EM]] spectrum, and transmitted those signals to the [[brain]] through [[neural implant]]s in the temples of the individual via delta-compressed wavelengths. Geordi La Forge, born blind, was given a VISOR after his fifth birthday. ({{TNG|Hero Worship}}) |
| − | *[[Ocular implant]]s were internal, surgically-implanted medical devices which replaced or enhanced the eyesight of an individual. |
+ | *[[Ocular implant]]s were internal, surgically-implanted medical devices which replaced or enhanced the eyesight of an individual. Geordi La Forge received ocular implants in [[2373]], which eliminated his need for an external VISOR. The [[Borg]] also utilized ocular implants as enhancements for their [[Borg drones|drones]]. ({{film|8}}; {{VOY|The Gift|Unimatrix Zero}}) |
*The [[tactile interface]] was a feature of [[24th century]] [[LCARS]] panels, which altered the normally flat panels (intended to be read) so that beings with visual impairments could use the consoles. ({{VOY|Year of Hell, Part II}}) |
*The [[tactile interface]] was a feature of [[24th century]] [[LCARS]] panels, which altered the normally flat panels (intended to be read) so that beings with visual impairments could use the consoles. ({{VOY|Year of Hell, Part II}}) |
||
== Blind species == |
== Blind species == |
||
| − | *[[Aenar]], intelligent beings native to the planet [[Andoria]], were completely blind, though they had highly-evolved [[ |
+ | *[[Aenar]], intelligent beings native to the planet [[Andoria]], were completely blind, though they had highly-evolved [[telepathic]] abilities that largely compensated for it. |
*The [[Tiberian bat]] was a blind, winged [[mammal]]. |
*The [[Tiberian bat]] was a blind, winged [[mammal]]. |
||
| − | == |
+ | == See also == |
| + | * [[Color blindness]] |
||
| ⚫ | |||
| + | == External links == |
||
| ⚫ | |||
| + | * {{mbeta}} |
||
[[de:Blindheit]] |
[[de:Blindheit]] |
||
[[Category:Medical conditions]] |
[[Category:Medical conditions]] |
||
Latest revision as of 10:38, 5 October 2023
Multiple realities
(covers information from several alternate timelines)
(covers information from several alternate timelines)
Geordi La Forge was born blind
Blindness was the condition of lacking visual perception due to physiological or psychological factors. There are varying degrees of blindness, ranging from minor visual impairment to total loss of eyesight.
Causes of blindness
Most visual impairments are caused by disease and malnutrition, though blindness could also be caused by various abnormalities, injuries, genetic defects and poisoning. Temporary vision loss could also be a side effect of some vaccinations. (Star Trek)
- Genetic defects – Geordi La Forge was born blind due to a birth defect
- Physiology – Some species, like the Aenar, were born blind
- Injury – Martok's eyesight was impaired when he lost an eye in a battle with Ikat'ika
- Magnetic fields – Prolonged exposure of humanoids to the intense magnetic fields on Galorndon Core resulted in synaptic breakdown, which rendered La Forge blind even though his VISOR worked perfectly. (TNG: "The Enemy")
- Other intense energy – Tuvok was blinded by a detonating chroniton torpedo in an alternate timeline. (VOY: "Year of Hell")
- Spock was rendered temporarily blind after intense light was used to destroy a flying parasite infection, his sight saved only due to his inner eyelids. (TOS: "Operation -- Annihilate!")
- Dukat was temporarily blinded by a burst of energy released from the Book of the Kosst Amojan by the Pah-wraiths. (DS9: "When It Rains...", "What You Leave Behind")
- Leonard McCoy asked James T. Kirk whether he was trying to go blind after the captain admitted in 2263 of the alternate reality that he was downing the last of the Saurian brandy they'd picked up on Thasus. (Star Trek Beyond)
Attitudes towards blindness
On Earth, the practice of institutionalizing the blind in asylums had a history extending back into the 9th century, and it was not until the 18th century that authorities created schools where blind children, particularly those more privileged, could obtain an education in specialized settings. Despite the negative connotations associated with blindness, many blind Humans throughout history led rich lives despite their handicap, including the famous poets Homer and John Milton, artist Claude Monet, and musician Stevie Wonder. (TNG: "A Matter Of Time")
Romulans killed children who were born with blindness or other such defects. When La Forge told Bochra that he had been born blind, he asked incredulously "And your parents let you live?", stating that the Human race was weak because "You waste time and resources on defective children." (TNG: "The Enemy")
On some planets, genetic engineering was utilized to ensure that blindness is a condition of the past. On Moab IV, someone with such a disability would have been terminated as a fertilized egg. (TNG: "The Masterpiece Society")
Figurative blindness
Sometimes, blindness was used as a metaphor for ignorance, whether willful or not. It could also be used in analogies to describe an ability one previously did not possess. In 2265, a changed Gary Mitchell compared having his new enhanced esper powers to being a blind man who had suddenly gained the ability to see. (TOS: "Where No Man Has Gone Before")
Adaptive technologies for the blind
A sensor web being worn over ordinary clothing in 2268
The VISOR in 2364
- A sensor web was a garment of finely woven sensor units, typically utilized by the blind during the 23rd century. The web could be worn naturally over everyday clothing, and emitted low-level sonar scans undetectable to the Human senses. The web then translated the return signals into media perceptible by the trained wearer. Dr. Miranda Jones wore such a web which she used, along with her telepathic prowess, to hide her blindness from others. (TOS: "Is There in Truth No Beauty?")
- The VISOR was an external medical device used in the Federation to aid patients who had suffered loss of eyesight. The VISOR detected electromagnetic signals across the entire EM spectrum, and transmitted those signals to the brain through neural implants in the temples of the individual via delta-compressed wavelengths. Geordi La Forge, born blind, was given a VISOR after his fifth birthday. (TNG: "Hero Worship")
- Ocular implants were internal, surgically-implanted medical devices which replaced or enhanced the eyesight of an individual. Geordi La Forge received ocular implants in 2373, which eliminated his need for an external VISOR. The Borg also utilized ocular implants as enhancements for their drones. (Star Trek: First Contact; VOY: "The Gift", "Unimatrix Zero")
- The tactile interface was a feature of 24th century LCARS panels, which altered the normally flat panels (intended to be read) so that beings with visual impairments could use the consoles. (VOY: "Year of Hell, Part II")
Blind species
- Aenar, intelligent beings native to the planet Andoria, were completely blind, though they had highly-evolved telepathic abilities that largely compensated for it.
- The Tiberian bat was a blind, winged mammal.
See also
External links
- Blindness at Wikipedia
- Blindness at Memory Beta, the wiki for licensed Star Trek works