hi there, I'm curious as to if there would be any legitimate reasons for a blind character to use a blindfold.
My post on blind characters covering their eyes [Link]
@cripplecharacters post here on covering eyes linked here, along with links to similar content included in the post
And here is an excellent post along with my reply to it. It discusses use of blindfolds for protection, reiterating the issue of infection, and other concerns [Link]
When it comes to blindfolds, there are probably methods that work better.
TLDR: Probably, but other options are better.
I can’t think of any reason to cover eyes that couldn’t be done better with something else.
Hats, visors, vails, sunglasses make more sense, especially because they don’t all obscure remaining vision completely.
Protection from dirt or debris?
Protecting the eyes is important. Vails, glasses, or goggles provide a more effective barrier against debris, as they don’t hold onto dirt and the like in the same way a fabric wrapped around the eyes would. Vails don’t press on eyes the may blindfolds might, which means they won’t be as much of a hazard. These items can be shaken out or cleaned. A blindfold is more liable to cling to dirt, sweat, etc.
Blindfolds aren’t going to help much here. Glasses or goggles would work better. A hat with a wide or stiff brim might also hit obstacles before they can damage the eyes.
They had their eyes removed?
Prosthetics or conformers serve to preserve the eye socket and eyelid, whereas a blindfold wouldn’t.
Medical bandages are easier to change and clean. The material wouldn’t be a hotbed for infection the way a blindfold would. The only exception I can see here is if a character wanted to decorate their bandages for aesthetics or to reduce effects of medical trauma. In this case, a vail, ribbons, or scarves are an option as long as they can be worn safely.
Does the character want to give their eyes a break?
Eye patches, sleep masks, or sunglasses can reduce eye strain. While a blindfold could be used in this case, it probably wouldn’t be long-term, nor is it the only option.
Blindfolds can be used, but in my experience, most options are better than blindfolds. Why use a blindfold when a hat will do? Why protect your eyes with a blindfold if you have goggles or bandages available? Why obscure your remaining vision when you don’t have to? Why wear a sensory nightmare of a blindfold when you don’t have to?
Writers can probably justify having their character use a blindfold. While providing a reason for it is helpful, the fact that writers want to use blindfolds so badly is a problem.
