To see or not to see...

That is the question

Published on February 16, 2006 By HC1240 In Misc

After wearing eyeglasses for 20+ years, I finally decided that I'd like to try contact lenses.

What prompted the change? This probably will sound odd to many, but I'm a bit OC when it comes to having clean glasses. I can't stand to have any fingerprints, scratches, or even DUST on my lenses. Drives me absolutely crazy. It even drives me crazy to look at hubby (who couldn't care less) and see HIS specs all nasty. "How can you possibly SEE through those?" I ask, which garners me a solid, "Huh?" in return. *shakes head laughing* Anyway, my constant cleaning is rough on glasses. My last pair kept popping a screw and I know it's because I'm so obssessive about cleanign them (at least in part).

And so I set off to purchase contacts. I was due for a new prescription anyway and figured now was as good a time as any. I went in to pick up the contacts and got a crash course in how to insert the lenses. Now I figured this would be a bit tricky. She'd told me to plan on a decent amount of time, so I did. What I didn't plan on was the level of frustration I would feel at my complete incompetence when it comes to inserting these little discs into my eyes. Dang!! It took an hour to get lenses in both eyes. I was tired, and my eyes were sore from the poking and prodding, but I felt victorious (who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?)

We left to grab a bite to eat and then went back to the office for them to show me how to REMOVE the contacts. Popped 'em right out -- no problem.

Then.

The problem came the next day when I tried once again to put them in. This time my level of frustration was even higher. I thought I'd be more calm in the comfort of my own home without eagle eyes watching every move I made. WRONG. It took 45 minutes and I was ready to fall apart before I finally got them in. Just when I'd be ready to give up -- *plop* -- in it would slide. Who knew this was so difficult? And why didn't you TELL me???????? ROFL

The next day it took a half hour, and then 20 minutes. I'm whittling it down, but geesh! I keep thinking there's got to be some trick to this... that I'm just doing it wrong or something... but I can't find it anywhere. I guess I'll just have to get used to it, and trust that the more familiar I become with the process, the easier it will be. I sure hope so.

I also got new glasses, but I don't care for them at all. They're smaller than what I'm used to and so they cut my line of vision in half. I'll adjust.

I'm still trying to get used to seeing myself in the mirror without glasses. At first it was really strange (and I wasn't crazy about the look of my face without my frames - how ironic is that?), but I like it more and more. It's been a long time since I went without specs (other than when taking pictures - vanity, vanity). But I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE not having to constantly remove them from my face and CLEAN them!!!

Do you wear contacts? In your eyes, what are the advantages and disadvantages to wearing them (pardon the pun)? And can you think of anything I can do that will make getting them in EASIER? LOL.

All in all, I'm pleased. I'll just have to keep plugging away, I guess.

Comments (Page 2)

HC1240

on Feb 18, 2006

btw, I had a student show up in my class wearing his contacts for the first time...he was so proud to be wearing them, although he admitted they felt funny.

They did at first. I'm getting used to them. I can only wear them for so many hours though, and then I know it's time to take them out. Funny.

I forgot I was wearing them once and rubbed my eyes and got scared because I lot a contact at the very back of my eye and had to have help getting it out

I think that would freak me out! *note to self* Do not -- ever -- under any circumstances rub eyes with contacts in!

much like you I would get frustrated and want to give up, and then it would just slide on in.

That's exactly what happens!! I get just to the point of saying, "screw this" and poof -- on they go. I wonder why that is?

So, I went back to glasses. I like them; I think that I look better with them than without them (like Tex I think they break up my plain mug). I like that I can get different shaped frames and they can make me look totally different.

I can't decide if I like my face better with or without the frames. I think I like both (or maybe I don't like either...

). I'm not crazy about my new frames though. Ah well. Pearle Vision... wonder if they have the same policy as lenscrafters. Maybe I can take them back.

The decision to do either frames or lenses is such a personal one. For me, it was more about practicality than anything else. I like not having to clean my glasses every couple of hours. If I weren't so OC maybe I'd prefer the glasses... idk.

I'm happy with the way things are.

And that's what it's all about...

Christine of New Zealand

on Mar 24, 2006

I can identify with your frustration at learning to use contact lenses. It now takes me about a minute (or less) one go for each eye to get them in, but its taken practice. Just keep at it, it's like any new skill, takes practice. I love not wearing glasses! Cn play sports, wear ordinary sunglasses etc, it's great. Make sure the lens is not inside out, hold it on the tip of your forefinger and it helps to look at the other yes in the mirror just before you touch the lens to your eye, stops you blinking.
Cheers

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