WEB DESK: Sunglasses, often synonymous with shielding eyes from the sun’s glare or making a fashion statement, serve a dual purpose for those with visual impairments. Contrary to popular belief, not all blind people experience complete darkness; only about 15 per cent grapple with total blindness. So, why do some opt to don shades?
Shades beyond the sun
Similar to their sighted counterparts, blind people may sport sunglasses for various reasons:
- Shielding their eyes from UV light
- Reducing glare
- Aesthetic appeal
Moreover, sunglasses offer additional perks for those with visual impairments, such as:
- Diminishing light sensitivity
- Guarding against foreign objects like debris or insects
- Enhancing whatever vision they possess
- Swiftly signaling their visual impairment to others
Eyes protected, vision enhanced
The benefits extend beyond mere fashion. Sunglasses aid those with visual impairments in multiple ways:
- Alleviating light sensitivity, a common issue for many
- Safeguarding against the harmful effects of UV light, crucial for eye health
- Enhancing vision by mitigating glare, a challenge for individuals with conditions like cataracts or glaucoma
- Shielding against potential eye injuries, a significant concern for those with reduced vision cues.
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Communication through eyewear
For some, sunglasses serve as a non-verbal cue, swiftly communicating their visual impairment to others. The simple gesture prompts passersby to adjust their behavior, making public navigation smoother.
Dispelling myths
Contrary to media portrayals, not all visually impaired individuals wear sunglasses to hide their eyes. Practicality and personal choice often dictate their eyewear decisions, just like everyone else.
Sunglasses, far from being mere fashion accessories, play a vital role in the lives of visually impaired individuals. Whether it’s protecting against UV rays, enhancing vision, or signaling their condition to others, sunglasses offer both practicality and empowerment. Each individual’s choice to wear them stems from a unique blend of needs and preferences, dispelling the myth that sunglasses solely serve as a shield from prying eyes.
