Navigating Vision Changes: My Contact Lens and Glasses Journey

Seeing clearly is something I never took for granted, but as I've gotten older, my vision has definitely changed. It's been a journey figuring out what works best for me, and I wanted to share my experiences in case they help others facing similar challenges.

The Contact Lens Chapter

I started wearing contact lenses when I was around 18. It felt so liberating to ditch my glasses! For years, it was the perfect solution. I loved the freedom and the wider field of vision. I could play sports without worrying about my glasses falling off. Life was good.

Then, around my early 40s, things started to shift. I noticed that reading became more difficult. Holding books further away, squinting at menus – the telltale signs of needing reading glasses. I even remember a friend mentioning they had to stop wearing contacts around that age because they needed bifocals. That thought crossed my mind too.

Later, into my late 50s, I still loved my contacts, but I found that my eyes were getting drier, especially when I traveled to drier climates. I remember one trip where my contacts became so uncomfortable that I had to switch back to glasses for the entire vacation. It was a reminder that my eyes were changing, and I needed to adapt.

Then, when COVID hit, and I started working from home, I found myself wearing my contacts less and less. There was no need to impress anyone with my contact lenses during Zoom meetings! It became a habit, and I grew more accustomed to wearing glasses again.

Cataracts and a New Perspective

Unfortunately, around the age of 63, I was diagnosed with cataracts. It was a bit of a shock, and I had to give up my contact lenses. This was a tough pill to swallow since I had worn contacts for so long. I'd been wearing glasses since I was a child and never really liked them. It felt like going back to square one.

However, after discussing options with my eye doctor, I learned something amazing. Cataract surgery involves replacing the cloudy lens in your eye with a clear, artificial lens that can be customized to your prescription. Apparently, many people who undergo cataract surgery find that they don't need distance glasses anymore! This gave me a glimmer of hope.

Finding Solutions for Comfortable Vision

Since I'm spending more time in front of a computer screen, I've also been exploring options for reducing eye strain. I recently discovered Cinily Net's homepage and their range of computer glasses. I've found that even when I'm not wearing my prescription glasses, these can help reduce the glare and blue light from my computer screen, which makes a big difference in how tired my eyes feel at the end of the day. The blue light blocking feature is especially helpful for reducing eye strain.

I was looking for a solution that could provide both vision correction and protection from blue light. I decided to try the Myopia Men's Computer Glasses Photochromic Sunglasses Chameleon Anti Blue Ray Gaming Sight Prescription -1.25 -1.75 -5 -5.5 -6.0 Black-175.

These glasses are great because they adapt to changing light conditions, so I can wear them indoors and outdoors. I have found that my eyes are less strained after long hours on the computer. I feel more comfortable, and I don't get headaches as often.

I also remember one time when I was at an amusement park, and I was so worried about my glasses flying off on a roller coaster. I learned that a good strap will keep your glasses on tight, even on the most thrilling rides. It's a small thing, but it makes a big difference!

Tips for Managing Vision Changes

Here are some tips that I've learned along the way that might be helpful for others experiencing similar vision changes:

• Regular Eye Exams: Get your eyes checked regularly by an eye doctor. This is crucial for detecting any changes in your vision and addressing them promptly.
• Consider Different Options: Explore different vision correction options, such as glasses, contacts, and even surgery, to find what works best for your lifestyle and needs.
• Protect Your Eyes: Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, and consider using blue light glasses when working on computers or other digital devices.
• Stay Hydrated: Dry eyes can be a common problem, especially with age. Make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Take Breaks: When working on computers or reading, take frequent breaks to rest your eyes. Look away from the screen or book and focus on something in the distance.

Weighing the Options: Contacts vs. Glasses

Choosing between contacts and glasses is a personal decision. Here's a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of each:

Feature	Contact Lenses	Glasses
Vision Correction	Excellent, wide field of vision	Excellent, may have limited peripheral vision
Convenience	Can be worn during sports and activities	Easy to put on and take off
Maintenance	Requires cleaning and care	Requires cleaning
Dryness	Can cause dryness	Does not cause dryness
Cost	Can be more expensive in the long run	Can be more affordable

My Experience with Monovision

At one point, I tried monovision with my contact lenses. This is where one eye is corrected for distance vision, and the other is corrected for near vision. My wife jokes that it caused me brain damage! While I can’t say for sure if it did, it's definitely something to discuss thoroughly with your eye doctor before trying.

Final Thoughts

Navigating vision changes as we age can be challenging, but it's also an opportunity to explore new solutions and find what works best for our individual needs. I've learned that it's important to be proactive, to listen to your body, and to work closely with your eye doctor to find the right course of action. Cinily Net has some great options to explore too.

Whether it's contact lenses, glasses, or a combination of both, the goal is to see the world clearly and comfortably. I hope my experiences have been helpful, and I encourage you to share your own stories and tips in the comments below!