Autistic eyewear?

Hi does anyone know if there are any good (reasonably cheap) eyewear out there that helps to reduce light/saturation, and specifically blocks peripheral vision?

I've been looking at different types of welding goggles, or even those fashion steampunk goggles, but I'm not sure whether they'd actually work, and I don't have the money to buy them just to try. Has anyone tried them? How much do they block the top and sides of your vision?

I already have some blue-light-filter glasses, and some sunglasses with side coverings, and they're ok, but they're still quite 'flat,' so they don't really block much of my peripheral vision, which is where I struggle the most with sensory issues. It feels great when I cup my hands over my eyes real close, so they make like little tunnels. When I do that, suddenly my vision becomes so much clearer and crisper, I stop getting flashes and afterimages, and my headaches go away, but I can't exactly go around with my hands over my eyes the whole time!

Maybe binoculars would work, but they can be expensive, and I don't need the added magnification or high tech stuff.

I don't know if I need to add this, but yes I've had my eyes tested, and physically they are fine (although my optician said I strain them a lot). It's so hard to describe this issue I have with light in the peripheral vision (or maybe it's also movement, but I think it's mainly light), but I wondered if other autistics might relate and have any solutions. Thanks!

NAS75625 over 3 years ago in reply to Shardovan

Yes I really struggle in the summer months, but tend not to have as many issues in the winter when it's darker anyway. Sometimes I wish we could hibernate for a bit!
NAS75625 over 3 years ago in reply to Martin

Sorry late reply - that's a good idea too, I hadn't thought of that! Either paint the outsides black or stick some tape over them. I could even stick some over the front visor, depending on how much I need to block out.

Ok sounds like I need to get crafty - thanks for the suggestion.
Martin over 3 years ago

There are online suppliers of prescription safety glasses used in laboratory work. They are either wrap-around, goggle-like or have extra guards that attach to the arms of the glasses to cover the space between the lenses and the side of the face. The guards are usually transparent, but could be easily painted black.
Shardovan over 3 years ago in reply to NAS75625

My blue eyes aren't even pale blue (which often looks amazing, you're lucky in that sense at least!), just a kind of ordinary mid-tone, even relatively dark, blue, and light levels have me tortured so much. Especially at this time of year. At least the days are on the turn soon.
NAS75625 over 3 years ago in reply to Shardovan

That's exactly it - the light seeping in at the sides! Glad it's not just me, although I wish there was a solution. I'm going to try and make some goggles. Ah I have very pale blue eyes too! And pale skin, so I'm just generally very light sensitive. You're right though, all my family are the same and they don't have these issues. They're not autistic though. So is it a brain thing, rather than an eye thing? Can't put shades on my brain though!
NAS75625 over 3 years ago in reply to Lois

Thanks!! I am quite excited to see what I can create! May take me a while, but I'll post the results, if they're not too terrible!
Shardovan over 3 years ago

I understand exactly what you're talking about. And yes, sunglassses, while helpful, don't seal out the light seeping in from the sides adequately. Like you, I've asked my optician in the past about my light sensitivity (this was pre-ASD diagnosis) and got the simple answer 'blue eyes, simple as that'. But if it were merely that, everyone with blue eyes (a ton of people) would be having the same pain and debilitating effects (sensory overload) that you've just described so well.
Lois over 3 years ago in reply to NAS75625

How cool would camera goggles be….. to be fair most of us think In pictures so we would really need a few memory cards in them!!
look online for duck tape… also you tube for duck tape projects!!! There’s tons of colors and themes, you could start a thing!!! You can’t be the only one that feels the way you do!! Also with the way duck tapes are you could be epic!!! Have fun in your designing efforts… the cool thing is that you won’t see anyone side glancing at you so it’s a win win!
let me k ow how you get on !
NAS75625 over 3 years ago in reply to Lois

Hi thank you so much - that's so true about when you don't get any comments, I always think I've said something wrong, haha, so thank you!

Oh that actually might be a really good idea about creating my own 'tunnel vision goggles' with cardboard etc. I might feel a bit embarrassed wearing them out unless they end up looking good, but I could wear them at home. I actually have several spare pairs of reading glasses, from when I forget I got some, so I could use one of those.

That's also a good point about peripheral vision and fight or flight mode. I also don't like it when people sneak up on me, or not being able to consider my environment. So maybe I do just need them mainly for at home in my safe space, when I'm doing focused work. And otherwise just keep using regular sunglasses. Or maybe tinted swimming goggles, I just thought of! At least until I can investigate other options. Would be awesome to get some goggles that retract like a camera lens!

Thanks, that does really help!
Lois over 3 years ago

Hi there,

this is just a thought, if you have an old pair of sunglasses around, why do you design a pair that may suit your issues out of cardboard and duck tape??? Just to see if this helps, or sell tape what ever you have, if it works for you then you can save up to get what you need?

I think I need my peripheries for my fight or flight mode… never know when I need to go ninja… but to be fair when I’m in F or F mode I find that particular view annoying!!
I’m not much help, but there’s nothing worst than a no comment!! Sends me into huge regrets at posting and So I delete them!
X Lois