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Autistic eyewear?

NAS75625

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! 

Parents

  • 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. 

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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!

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