Corrective lenses: glasses or contacts?

[mar]

Age gracefully. That's what I say.

I've noticed over my last few physicals that I'm starting to have problems with the eye chart.

I'm still 20/20 but when I was younger I would test at 20/15. The fact of the matter is my eyes are loosing their elasticity and so I'm sure corrective lenses are in the future.

Question: As a working pilot what is the better option?

Glasses or contacts?

I see pros and cons to both of course.

 

[KigAir]

I've never worn glasses while flying only contacts. For me contacts are more convient, especially during the day.

 

[Wiggums]

Contacts and much better. I can't stand glasses because the edges of your field of vision are not corrected. So when you look down at something on the bottom of he panel you can't see it without moving your head.

 

[pilotman2105]

I've tried both. Been blind as a bat (but correctable to 20/20 thankfully) since 2nd grade. Contacts require a fair amount of upkeep whereas glasses you can just grab and go. I had contacts and got some pretty nasty eye infections from them cause I didn't clean them like I probably should have.

If you're careful and take the time to clean the contacts, they're the way to go. I'm too lazy to do that and thus I go with glasses.

 

[cubegirl7]

if i wear contacts while flying my eyes get dry and hurt.
so i always wear glasses.

 

[bobbysamd]

Corrective lenses

I have used some form of vision correction since the third grade. I wore glasses when I started flying and contacts for the remaining years. Contacts are better because you retain peripheral vision. (In my case, I acquired peripheral vision I didn't realize I had!) Disposable soft lenses are great, but take a little experience in learning how to insert them in your eyes. Once you get the hang of it, you never have to take them out except to change them for a fresh set.

As you get older still, you will need reading glasses. I wore reading glasses when needed along with my contacts. Since my work primarily involves reading, working at a computer and close eye-work, and I wore my reading glasses most of the day anyway, I stopped using contacts and started wearing bifocals. Bifocals aren't as bad as they sound; they are made these days without Ben Franklin-style upper and lower lenses and are more like continuous correction.

Hope that helps.

 

[2000flyer]

Re: Corrective lenses

I have used some form of vision correction since the third grade. I wore glasses when I started flying and contacts for the remaining years. Contacts are better because you retain peripheral vision. (In my case, I acquired peripheral vision I didn't realize I had!) Disposable soft lenses are great, but take a little experience in learning how to insert them in your eyes. Once you get the hang of it, you never have to take them out except to change them for a fresh set.

As you get older still, you will need reading glasses. I wore reading glasses when needed along with my contacts. Since my work primarily involves reading, working at a computer and close eye-work, and I wore my reading glasses most of the day anyway, I stopped using contacts and started wearing bifocals. Bifocals aren't as bad as they sound; they are made these days without Ben Franklin-style upper and lower lenses and are more like continuous correction.

Hope that helps.

I second Bobby's comments and will add that I have worn contacts for nearly 25 years now. The problems with glasses are mentioned above, and I'll add the "double" vision of distant lights (such as driving at night). However, I always carry a second set of contacts AND my glasses as a backup. On long, overnight flights (international), I'll start off in contacts but as the night wanes I'll switch to glasses just to give my eyes a rest, going back to contacts for arrival. It sounds like a pain in the rear (and it is), but I've done it for so long it's just a fact of life now. I've arrived at that wonderful age where reading glasses are helpful during night operations (and, sadly, some day ops too).

I would NOT recommend "extended" wear (24-hour) contacts. While they say they're safe, there is still a chance of infection. I tried them several years ago and after three straight days I had an enzyme partical (calcium) build up that turned into an infection. Refuse to ever wear them again. Most manufacturers now make excellent soft lenses. Get ones that are "breathable" and that retain moisture. You'll find in the dry cockpit air, your contacts will dry a bit. Drops or mist helps a lot. If you have the $$$, you can get daily wear that you toss at the end of the day and insert new the next morning.

Hope this helps.

2000Flyer

 

[FL000]

Contacts for sure. I literally felt like I had new eyeballs the first time I used them. Glasses are perfect for around the house, or when your eyes get irritated from pollen/dust.

 

[A1FlyBoy]

Contacts are the way to go. J

ust remember, carry a pair of glases with... incase you loose a contact or have an eye problem. Dust or other debris from a dirty visor, vent, or other can play havolic on contacts.

 

[bigD]

I occasionally use contacts. In the last couple of years, I've noticed that I'm becoming a little nearsighted. Not much - my contacts are -.50 - but it's nice because at night with my contacts in I feel like Superman.

Anyway I'm considering getting glasses. I've noticed that when flying IFR with them in, I have to concentrate more to keep the instruments in sharp focus. It's very subtle, but if I'm on the gauges for much longer than a half hour or so with my contacts, I end up with a splitting headache. Maybe I just need to get used it it or something, but I'm thinking about buying a pair of glasses just to make it easy to take them off when I'm in IMC.