Hi again,
sorry I haven’t had a chance to reply since my last email, thanks for all the additional responses!!!
well, I’ve been doing some research and I’m leaning towards trialling contacts (I also found the contact lenses thread) – mostly because of all the issues with glasses – I don’t want to have to switch between normal glasses and sunnies, and I don’t like the idea of having to look through the frames all the time, then there’s the problem with rain/steam/spray, getting used to glasses+bins, etc.
My research so far indicates the glasses lenses that would be most suitable for birding are the new (expensive) Japanese freeform lenses – these are multifocal but with a wider distance field as I understand it – perfect for birdwatching and also easier to get used to apparently. I thought it worth mentioning for those out there who said they wanted a wider field of view. I might need to wait for these, another reason to try contacts.
I am interested in Judith’s suggestion of putting one contact lense in the dominant eye – I didn’t discuss this with the optometrist though as I was really thinking glasses at that stage, but will do so. Apparently you can also get multifocal contacts now – I’m not sure about those, or how they work.
I do have a question – I thought it odd that the optometrist didn’t think there was a problem using bins with sunglasses (i.e. prescription sunnies) – surely you need light to see through the bins? Both people I talked to in the shop, one being the optometrist, were convinced sunnies would hardly make any difference.
My heartfelt thanks again to everyone who shared their experiences and ideas, there were many points I would not have thought of.
I’ll keep you posted.
Arwen
………………………………….. Arwen Blackwood Ximenes arwenbx@hotmail.com
> From: arwenbx@hotmail.com > To: robert_p_morris@hotmail.com; birding-aus@lists.vicnet.net.au; billstent@gmail.com; davidtorr@gmail.com; greg@gff.com.au; nagrompr@bigpond.com > Date: Thu, 19 Jul 2012 13:32:11 +1000 > Subject: Re: [Birding-Aus] birding and glasses > > > Hi all, > > thanks so much for these … insights… (sorry). > > Very interesting to hear people’s experiences, would be glad to hear more. > Especially good to know about the issue with the multifocals’ gradation, Greg, thanks, glad they work better for you now. > Rob and Dave – contact lenses – yes, I had wondered about those but thought maybe try glasses first – but if it makes such a difference in terms of ease of use maybe it’s worth more consideration. I haven’t looked into cost of contacts – the multifocals are expensive and I already have reading glasses so I could just change the lenses on those if I got contacts or single focus and I think it would be a lot cheaper. > Bill, I have astigmatism too, and glare makes it worse, hence the need for sunglasses in the field (or anywhere) – I thought the fitover ones would be good but it’s probably more cumbersome taking them off to look through the bins, though I won’t be able to buy prescription ones for a while either. > > I’m still thinking multifocals sound like the way to go, I’m just baulking at the price tag. > > sounds like having glasses is going to be very annoying, but if they get rid of the headaches I’ll put up with them. > > thanks, > Arwen > ………………………………….. > Arwen Blackwood Ximenes > arwenbx@hotmail.com > > > > > > > From: robert_p_morris@hotmail.com > To: arwenbx@hotmail.com; birding-aus@lists.vicnet.net.au > Subject: RE: [Birding-Aus] birding and glasses > Date: Thu, 19 Jul 2012 03:08:20 +0000 > > > > > Hi Arwen > > I’ve used contact lenses – now for 20 years. Never had a problem with them apart from a dusty dry trip around India, and my eye sight is near perfect with them. > > I have used glasses successfully but it is an issue in hot and wet climates & on pelagics if there is spray (rain, condensation etc.) and in very sunny conditions you inevitably get light coming in between your glasses and eyes. > > When I have used bins with glasses (Zeiss, Leice and Swarovski)- I can use them interchangeably with the eye-cups down. > > I once got at eye infection birding on a long trip to India (so the contact lenses were a no go) and after a while glasses with bins just become second nature and you barely notice. > > That said, contact lenses are a lot better in general. > > Cheers > > Rob Morris > > Brisbane, Australia > > > > > > From: arwenbx@hotmail.com > > To: birding-aus@vicnet.net.au > > Date: Thu, 19 Jul 2012 12:27:05 +1000 > > Subject: [Birding-Aus] birding and glasses > > > > > > > > > > Dear birding-aus glasses wearers, > > > > Numerous headaches later (especially following birding outings!), I have now been told I need glasses, not uncommon in those approaching 40 apparently!). > > > > I’m interested in hearing what set-up birders prefer. (I have bins with screw down eye cups). > > > > Are multifocals good for birders? (and what its it like to use the fitover glasses whilst birding?) > > What would you go for? > > > > Thanks in advance, > > > > Arwen > > > > ………………………………….. > > Arwen Blackwood Ximenes > > arwenbx@hotmail.com > > > > =============================== > > > > To unsubscribe from this mailing list, > > send the message: > > unsubscribe > > (in the body of the message, with no Subject line) > > to: birding-aus-request@vicnet.net.au > > > > http://birding-aus.org > > =============================== > > =============================== > > To unsubscribe from this mailing list, > send the message: > unsubscribe > (in the body of the message, with no Subject line) > to: birding-aus-request@vicnet.net.au > > http://birding-aus.org > ===============================
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Bob,
In my hoon days, I had a pair of yellow driving glasses. They did seem to improve contrast and bring out detail in shadow.
They also looked pretty cool.
Carl Clifford
Sent from my iPad
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Arwen, photochromic lenses (“Transitions” is a technology version registered by Transitions Optical) glasses are a good idea. They help to cut the glare while out in bright sunlight and adjust fairly quickly to moving into shade. The only real problem can be that they are not fully effective for driving as they don’t achieve their full darkness in the vehicle, however, it is possible to get ‘driving’ glasses with a basic tint and which are also photochromic in full sun. Transitions Optical claim their Transitions lenses also block 100% of UV rays but UV filter coatings can be added to any lens for a reasonable price. Glasses used in full sun should have the UV filter treatment as a matter of course. And birdwatchers who spend a lot of time in the sun should consider wearing UV filter treated sunglasses to protect their eyes. Extended exposure to UV light is a major cause of cataracts. There should be no real problem with reduced light through photochromic lenses while using binoculars as the area covered by the binos will revert to clear fairly quickly. It is quite fascinating to stand in full sun and hold your binoculars to your photochromic lenses for a short while and then check the circle of almost clear lens where the binos had been. Of course, there is a short ‘transition’ time so any one in the habit of only taking glances through their binoculars may be affected more by the momentary drop in light transmission through the binos. However, the pupil of the eye adjusts fairly quickly to variations in light levels.
One thing I have wondered about is using yellow-tinted glasses such as some cricketers use. Apparently the yellow tint enhances ‘contrast” thus making some objects easier to see. Has any one had experience with yellow-tinted glasses?
Bob Inglis Sandstone Point Qld
Sent: Sunday, July 22, 2012 7:40 AM
Hi again,
sorry I haven’t had a chance to reply since my last email, thanks for all the additional responses!!!
well, I’ve been doing some research and I’m leaning towards trialling contacts (I also found the contact lenses thread) – mostly because of all the issues with glasses – I don’t want to have to switch between normal glasses and sunnies, and I don’t like the idea of having to look through the frames all the time, then there’s the problem with rain/steam/spray, getting used to glasses+bins, etc.
My research so far indicates the glasses lenses that would be most suitable for birding are the new (expensive) Japanese freeform lenses – these are multifocal but with a wider distance field as I understand it – perfect for birdwatching and also easier to get used to apparently. I thought it worth mentioning for those out there who said they wanted a wider field of view. I might need to wait for these, another reason to try contacts.
I am interested in Judith’s suggestion of putting one contact lense in the dominant eye – I didn’t discuss this with the optometrist though as I was really thinking glasses at that stage, but will do so. Apparently you can also get multifocal contacts now – I’m not sure about those, or how they work.
I do have a question – I thought it odd that the optometrist didn’t think there was a problem using bins with sunglasses (i.e. prescription sunnies) – surely you need light to see through the bins? Both people I talked to in the shop, one being the optometrist, were convinced sunnies would hardly make any difference.
My heartfelt thanks again to everyone who shared their experiences and ideas, there were many points I would not have thought of.
I’ll keep you posted.
Arwen
===============================
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http://birding-aus.org ===============================
Arwen,
I have been using multifocals with photochromic lenses (maximum tint) with bins for some 25 years, with no perceptible image degradation. There is a slight period of gloominess when you come from sunlit areas to shade, but that only lasts for a minute.
Cheers,
Carl Clifford
Sent from my iPad
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Hi Arwen,
Thanks for your offline response. As I regularly bird with transition lens glasses I know that whilst you do get some colour distortion, it is not a huge issue, though if I am birding in rainforest areas (where it may be bright and sunny on the track, but you are looking at birds in the gloom of the undergrowth) I either use my non transition lens glasses or one contact.
To clarify your query about the one contact option, if you don’t need reading glasses you may still be able to read field guides with both contacts in which would be ideal. The one contact idea is that you correct your dominant eye for near sight/shortsightedness (is that a word?) and the other eye allows you to read. So this suggestion only works if that other eye is good enough to read without the need for glasses. Also be aware that when you first try this the visual effect is really weird! The best way I can describe it is a ‘ghosting’ effect – double vision, but not, if that makes sense. It takes a few days for the brain to adapt to it.
Interestingly, for people with cataracts who have intraoccular lens surgery, my optometrist told me that most people opt to have one corrected for long sight (reading) and the other for short sight (distance) so clearly the brain does adapt to this permanent solution. Roll on cataracts as far as I am concerned! Laser lens surgery costs a fortune whilst cataract surgery is supported by Medicare.
A final point is that you admit to cringing at the thought of sticking things in your eyes. My husband just struggles terribly getting contacts into or out of his eyes! Whilst it is highly amusing to watch his antics, he usually gives up and suffers fogging up as a consequence.
Good luck!
Judith
Hi again,
sorry I haven’t had a chance to reply since my last email, thanks for all the additional responses!!!
well, I’ve been doing some research and I’m leaning towards trialling contacts (I also found the contact lenses thread) – mostly because of all the issues with glasses – I don’t want to have to switch between normal glasses and sunnies, and I don’t like the idea of having to look through the frames all the time, then there’s the problem with rain/steam/spray, getting used to glasses+bins, etc.
My research so far indicates the glasses lenses that would be most suitable for birding are the new (expensive) Japanese freeform lenses – these are multifocal but with a wider distance field as I understand it – perfect for birdwatching and also easier to get used to apparently. I thought it worth mentioning for those out there who said they wanted a wider field of view. I might need to wait for these, another reason to try contacts.
I am interested in Judith’s suggestion of putting one contact lense in the dominant eye – I didn’t discuss this with the optometrist though as I was really thinking glasses at that stage, but will do so. Apparently you can also get multifocal contacts now – I’m not sure about those, or how they work.
I do have a question – I thought it odd that the optometrist didn’t think there was a problem using bins with sunglasses (i.e. prescription sunnies) – surely you need light to see through the bins? Both people I talked to in the shop, one being the optometrist, were convinced sunnies would hardly make any difference.
My heartfelt thanks again to everyone who shared their experiences and ideas, there were many points I would not have thought of.
I’ll keep you posted.
Arwen
………………………………….. Arwen Blackwood Ximenes arwenbx@hotmail.com
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I regularly use bins with sunglasses (on the advice of my opthalmologist) and it does of course make a difference – but the difference is the same as between looking at other things with or without sunnies. If you have polarising sunglasses then it makes a big difference in looking at birds on water on a sunny day.
Of course you are not getting such a bright image – but presumably you are wearing sunnies because it is a bright day!
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