Did you know that the majority of people who are blind do not have light sensitivity? It is true. The ability to see clearly is just one of the many ways a person might be classified as being blind. In addition to those who cannot see due to optic nerve damage, there are also individuals who are considered blind because they have limited visual field in one or both eyes. For these individuals, vision aids are important in order to achieve as much independence as possible.
These include sunglasses — also commonly known as “oculars” — which serve an important role in protecting the sensitive eyes of those who can see with some degree of light sensitivity; whether it’s directly from sunlight or indirectly through artificial lighting.
5 Interesting Facts About Blind People and Sunglasses
Did you know that people who are blind often wear sunglasses? Apparently, it’s to help them see better. Maybe you have come across this kind of logic before, but still – how does wearing dark glasses help the visually impaired see? Well, we will let you in on the secret.
It has nothing to do with helping them see better. Wearing sunglasses for people who are visually impaired has a lot more to do with protecting their eyes from ultraviolet rays and other harmful light as well as blocking out glare that might be overwhelming for them.
In this article, we will explore why blind people wear sunglasses and what exactly is the significance of these UV-blocking specs.
What Are The Benefits of Sunglasses for the Blind?
If you look at it from a purely medical point of view, wearing sunglasses doesn’t have anything to do with vision. In fact, people who wear dark glasses don’t see any better than those who don’t. Instead, wearing sunglasses for the blind is about protecting their eyes from harmful rays.
The sun emits ultraviolet rays that can be very damaging to the eyes. In fact, it’s the primary cause of macular degeneration, which is a leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 50. Therefore, wearing sunglasses is extremely important for people who are blind. It helps protect their eyes from injuries and damage that could lead to blindness.
In addition to protecting the eyes from these harmful rays, sunglasses can also help reduce glare that can be blinding for people who are blind. Without sight, a person’s other senses become more heightened, so they might be more sensitive to the glare of the sun. Wearing a pair of sunglasses can help block out this glare and make the surrounding world appear less overwhelming.
Why Do People Who Are Blind Need to Wear Sunglasses?
As we have already discussed, people who are blind need to wear sunglasses to protect their eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. However, it’s important to remember that not all sunglasses are created equally. Not all sunglasses are created equally.
In fact, some types of sunglasses won’t provide adequate sun protection. People who are blind need to make sure they’re choosing the right type of sunglasses that can protect their eyes from the sun. A good pair of sunglasses will not only protect the eyes from harmful UV rays, but also reduce glare and eliminate reflections that can hurt their vision.
The best type of sunglasses for people who are blind are the ones that are UV-blocking. UV stands for ultraviolet, and it’s the type of light that comes from the sun. UV rays can be damaging to the eyes, so it’s important to wear sunglasses that can block out these rays. Depending on the brand of sunglasses, UV protection is indicated by the level of UV filtering. A rating of 90-100% is what you’re looking for.
Types of Sunglasses for the Blind
There are a range of sunglasses out there, and most of them will adequately protect the eyes of the blind. However, there are some types that are better for people who are visually impaired than others. The first type of sunglasses worth mentioning is rigid frame sunglasses.
These will provide maximum protection for the eyes from the sun. Next up, we have aviator sunglasses. Aviators are great for the visually impaired because they are large and block out a lot of light. If you want an inexpensive option, try out mirrored sunglasses.
Although they don’t provide a lot of sun protection, they’re very inexpensive and can help reduce glare. Finally, we have sports sunglasses, which are also a great option for the blind. They are designed to fully cover the eyes and provide maximum protection from UV rays.
How Can a Pair of Sunglasses Help a Person Who Is Blind?
As we have already explored, sunglasses are one of the best ways to protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. Unfortunately, most people don’t protect their eyes enough, especially those who are blind. One study found that only 32% of people who are blind wear sunglasses when they’re outside, and only 2% wear them indoors. The numbers are even worse for people who are visually impaired.
Wearing sunglasses is a critical aspect of sun protection for everyone, but it’s even more important for the visually impaired. When you wear sunglasses, you’re blocking out 99% of the UV rays that come from the sun. This significantly reduces your risk of eye damage and macular degeneration, which is a leading cause of blindness. Wearing sunglasses is also important because it can reduce glare.
While sunglasses won’t eliminate glare entirely, they will make it less blinding. This will make the surrounding world appear less overwhelming and easier to navigate.
Tips for Choosing the Right Type of Sunglasses for a Person Who Is Blind
Wearing sunglasses is an easy and effective way to protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. It doesn’t matter whether you’re fully sighted or visually impaired; sunglasses are necessary to protect your eyes. However, there are some things you should keep in mind when choosing sunglasses.
Make sure they fully block out UV rays. There should be a stamp on the sunglasses or a label that says “UV blocking.” The sunglasses also need to be big enough to fully protect your eyes from the sun. If you’re buying sunglasses for a child, make sure they aren’t too big because they could slip off. You also want to make sure the sunglasses are comfortable and not too heavy or tight.
Final Words
There are many benefits to wearing sunglasses, whether you’re fully sighted or visually impaired. Not only do they protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun, but they can also make you look cool.
The best type of sunglasses for people who are blind are the ones that are UV-blocking. You want to make sure the sunglasses are large enough to fully cover the eyes and provide maximum protection. When you’re choosing sunglasses, make sure they are comfortable and that they don’t slip off easily.
