Why does Oedipus insist that it is better to live and be blind than to die?

Oedipus never insisted that it was better to live blind than to die. But he did say that he blinded himself because:

"What use had I for eyes? Nothing I could see would bring me joy."

"What was there for me to look at, to speak to, to love? What joyful Word can I expect to hear, my friends? Take me away, out of this country, quickly, take me away. I am lost, accursed and hated by the gods beyond all other men."

So what he's saying is that he is doom-fated and not even sight would bring him joy.