Our eyes are interesting. No one probably likes light like we do and yet we feel it is problematic many times. For instance, it is incredibly difficult for us to sustain eye contact with people or things. Even as I type this, I constantly take my eyes off that as it tires me out. The same with playing piano or even keeping my eyes on a ball to catch.
On my best days, I am able to keep focus to do something as intricate as sewing. But equally or more, I have days where it is hard to keep my eyes on anything. For someone that uses a letterboard or keyboard to communicate, this can be crippling. Yet this is a world I need to navigate for even basic survival.
It is unfortunate that this is often misconstrued as being shy or not interested in forming meaningful relationships or incapable of certain activities. “Let him do his thing” or, more euphemistically, “Let him enjoy” is what I would hear visitors tell my parents. It would be crushing.
I want to say that if I don’t look at you or move to a different room it is not because of my lack of love or respect for you. Or because I want to be in my own world. It is just my bad eyes.
