Options for those of us who need sunglasses outside

[Nostalchiq]

Good morning! I just had a quick question for those who might know something about this or might have experience dealing with it.

I am a female reenactor and I have a difficult time being outside on a sunny day without sunglasses. My eyes are very sensitive to light and I even have to keep lights dimmed at home most of the time.

I realize that sunglasses are not an option, but could a bonnet veil be used to block out some sunlight? Bonnets from this time period (save for sun/work bonnets of course) are not very good for shielding light from the eyes. They don't seem to be good for much of anything actually, save for being aesthetically pleasing and maintaining propriety.

From what I've read, bonnet veils seem to be primarily used for travel, which makes sense. Could they be used for trips to town, or socializing outside with friends?

Mod Note: a rule of the forum is to sign each post with a full name signature. This is easily done by setting up an auto signature in your profile settings. - Jeremy Bevard

[countzoll]

Re: Options for those of us who need sunglasses outside

Hello.
If you read caption Marcery's 1859 book THE PAIRIE TRAVLER he recommends the use of blue or green glass with wire frames as the best thing to protect your eyes from the sun and to
help prevent snow blindness.
This book was the bible of those traveling on the California , Oregon and other trails. Hope this helps
Richard Johnson

[Jeremy Bevard]

Re: Options for those of us who need sunglasses outside

There is a fishu (netting) that can be attached to a bonnet in a veil fashion. My understanding is a dark, like black, fishu veil will help in bright sunlight. Hopefully someone with real knowledge and experience with this will jump in.

[Elaine Kessinger]

Re: Options for those of us who need sunglasses outside

Why do you feel that sunglasses are not an option?
Spectacles with tinted lenses were prescribed for a wide variety of eye ailments, many of which we'd recognize today.
Sure, the myth and legend is syphillis... but also eye strain, sensitivity, paper glare, sport shooting...

https://books.google.com/books?id=_b1bAAAAcAAJ&dq=blue%20spectacles&pg=PA25#v=onepage&q&f=false

https://books.google.com/books?id=382-UPHrEVgC&dq=blue%20spectacles&pg=PA492#v=onepage&q=blue%20spectacles&f=false

https://books.google.com/books?id=3cMRAAAAMAAJ&dq=blue%20spectacles&pg=PA98#v=onepage&q&f=false

https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbooks.google.com%2Fbooks%3Fid%3DT8EhpUtmRhIC%26lpg%3DPA29%26ots%3DtBrV_RSWX1%26dq%3DOphthalmic%2520Surgery%2520and%2520Treatment%253A%2520with%2520Advise%2520on%2520the%2520Use%2520and%2520Abuse%2520of%2520Spectacles%26pg%3DPA34%23v%3Donepage%26q%26f%3Dfalse&h=ATPRbVo5rsF_RGQpX8welOFGWhGU3rrCC34fY94Jc2g2-N_UQracg5iN5U2tIlS38cd-KSwutWRp67ZAbfYG5bMS2gMZMIh8h47UiHKv1Hrr19tlPew6xzLKFH5WthPPEZ9TYiHcwy7t1es

If you don't want to be constantly busting other people's ignorant myths, then yes, a bonnet veil will serve to lessen the glare a bit. They are specifically shaped pieces, so "any old piece of netting" will not do. Pair it with a parasol and learn to move it with the sun.
If you are portraying a lady of fashion in a somewhat casual setting, with all accompanying frou-fra, then a straw hat from a reputable milliner may be an option. Take great care in selecting your piece and the occasions you wear it, as correct hat use in our period is very context specific for adult women.

[Nostalchiq]

Re: Options for those of us who need sunglasses outside

I see. Thank you all so much for your help! I appreciate it.

[Pennvolunteer]

Re: Options for those of us who need sunglasses outside

I had laser eye surgery and had to wear sunglasses for a while afterward when outside. I actually found a pair of tinted green glasses in an original frame at an antique store. I didn't like wearing them, and apologized to my peers, but Dr's orders....