What Are the Benefits of Sunglasses for Blind People?

Sun protection is paramount for everyone, especially those with disabilities. Find out how you can make the most of your sunglasses as a blind or visually impaired person.

Wearing sunglasses is not only a fashion statement but an important part of protecting your eyes—especially if you’re blind or visually impaired. Here’s how to make the most of your sunglasses and keep your vision healthy despite any impairments.

Sunglasses are an essential item for protecting the eyes against the sun’s harmful rays. Very often, the lens polarization that can be very beneficial to the sighted can also make it much easier for blind and visually impaired individuals to distinguish between different shapes in their environment. Because polarized lenses are able to filter out UVA/UVC light, blind people can reap additional health benefits from sunglasses, not just aesthetically-related ones. This added level of protection is especially important when spending extended periods of time outside or in brightly lit environments. With improved safety measures in place, blind people can look forward to greater independence in everyday activities.

Improved Safety:

For many blind and visually impaired people, sunglasses are a very important part of their daily routine. Wearing sunglasses helps those people stay safe while they’re out in public and walking around. They can be used to protect the eyes from dangerous ultraviolet rays, as well as help reduce exposure to bright lights which increase glare for someone who is visually impaired. In addition, dark lenses may help a person orientate themselves better in unfamiliar settings as well.

Reduced Glare and Better Vision Contrast:

Polarized lenses or photochromic (darkening) lenses can provide much-needed comfort and visual enhancement to those with sight impairment. These types of lenses reduce glare, improve clarity, and can enhance contrast to help people detect objects in their path more effectively. This accessory is particularly beneficial for outdoor activities such as walking on sunny days, hiking, fishing, and other activities related to nature.

Improved Confidence in Outdoors Environments:

Wearing sunglasses for the blind can provide increased feelings of safety, security and confidence in outdoor environments. Polarized lenses can help reduce the onset of eye fatigue caused by bright sunlight, which can work to minimize the risk of falls, trips or injuries. People with sight impairment may also be more secure in their everyday environment when they feel they have better clarity and contrast thanks to the sunglasses they are wearing. Such enhanced protection is particularly beneficial in areas of high traffic or near water sources, such as oceans and lakes.

Improved Protection Against UVA/UVC Rays:

Blind or visually impaired people are just as likely to be at risk of UV radiation, and thus need sunglasses to protect their eyes accordingly. By choosing polarized lenses, not only will blind individuals experience benefits from increased visibility, but they’ll also enjoy the added layer of protection from UVA/UVC rays. This higher level of protection is especially beneficial when spending extended amounts of time outdoors or in areas with brighter light conditions.

Possible Improvement to Mood-Related Symptoms:

Wearing sunglasses can have positive effects on those who are blind or visually impaired in other ways, as well. Polarizing lenses can reduce excess glare, meaning certain moments of increased brightness won’t cause mild to severe discomfort. Also, sunglasses can play a role in reducing symptoms related to fatigue and headaches resulting from light sensitivity. Such positive results can help improve overall physical and mental well-being.

Interestingly, research suggests that wearing sunglasses also offers relief from mood-related symptoms such as depression and/or anxiety. Polarizing lenses can help improve visual clarity and reduce overexposure to certain light sources, which can contribute to a better overall mood. For many who are blind or visually impaired, this effect is especially helpful at times when the transition to brightness can become disorienting, possibly leading to negative emotions within an unfamiliar environment or situation. By taking advantage of their ability to cut through the glare, sunglasses have the potential to help mitigate any of these underlying mood issues while enhancing the user’s experience.