What comes to mind when we hear the word “blind people”? We suddenly start to imagine a man with dark sunglasses with a long stick. But have ever wander why do blind people wear sunglasses? Is there a reason behind it? Yes, there are some reason that’s why they wear sun glasses. There are some stereotype that blind people wear glasses to hide there eyes. But it is actually not the reason. Today we will find out why do wear and what are the benefits they get.
Why do Blind People Wear Sunglasses
- Improved vision
- Sun protection
- Protection against mechanical stress
- Aesthetic reasons
1. Improved vision
As for the blind, it is generally accepted that they have absolutely no vision. However, contrary to popular belief, most blind people are not completely blind, meaning they can see or at least perceive certain types of visual cues.
According to the American Foundation for the Blind:
Legal blindness is a level of vision loss that has been legally determined to determine eligibility for benefits. The clinical diagnosis refers to a central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the best eye with the best possible correction and / or a visual field of 20 degrees or less. Often times, people diagnosed with legal blindness still have some useful vision.
There are people who are legally blind but have a very small field of view that allows them to see in a narrow area (often called “tunnel vision”). Special glasses help these people better orientate and identify details in more detail.
2. Sun protection
As with anyone with healthy eyesight, most visually impaired people need shades to protect their eyes from certain harmful components of sunlight. For example, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays can cause corneal inflammation, cataracts, or even some forms of eye cancer. Because blind people have little or no means to determine if their eyes are being bombarded by these harmful ultraviolet rays, the need to wear sunglasses becomes even more urgent.
While some blind people wear regular shades that block harmful UV radiation and reduce the intensity of ambient light, others wear special shades that protect their eyes from certain colors to which their eyes are especially sensitive.
3. Protection against mechanical stress
Another reason blind people wear glasses is to notify others from a distance, especially in crowded public places, that “I have little / no vision.” This, along with the white cane they usually wear, indirectly tells others to be a little more careful with them.
Black sunglasses and white cane helps us to identify the blind person in the public so that we get careful around them. Most of people get the idea that the person next to us is a blind person so they they act with caution. It really helps them to travel safely without fear in public.
4. Aesthetic reasons
Many visually impaired people wear sunglasses to keep others comfortable, especially when talking. Because the eyes of a blind person may not be constantly looking in the direction of the sound source, it can be difficult for blind people to establish and maintain eye contact with others. This is another reason they cover their eyes with glasses to avoid awkwardness in conversation.
Some people lose their sight as a result of tragic accidents or injuries that can permanently scar or disfigure their eyes. As a result, they like to hide their eyes from people, especially on social media.
Therefore, there are a number of reasons why visually impaired people wear dark shades. It is generally accepted that all visually impaired people are completely blind, but this is usually not the case. They usually have a certain degree of vision that helps them in social and everyday life.
