h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Forgot to say I always go to a local independent optician too, not these "junk food" opticians. But they only do normal frames and basic tints, which is why I'm now looking further afield.

I must just be lucky with my optician then.

I would certainly agree that daily disposables are more expensive than spaces in the long run. Three month's worth are over £100, but my spec lenses are so thick my eyes look like little piggy eyes behind them, sheer vanity I know. But when you are fairly ordinary looking, every little bit helps even at my age!

I did try what my optician calls monovision, Teaswill, one normal strength lens in one eye and a weaker one in the left. But I just couldn't get used to them and driving wasn't advisable.

So I wear reading glasses at the moment, but the time will come when I will have to consider going back to specs. I don't think Varifocal daily disposable lenses would be justifiable, if they are available, unless I won the lottery!

Oh yes, monovision is awful! Some people cope with it

Hadn't thought of the cost - I expect most multifocals are not disposable.

Ooh come on, they don't have to be that expensive! I am surrounded by contact lense wearers and they are mostly people who are well below average in terms of income.

Dailies are a totally unnecesary. I use monthlies, and spend, oh my god, almost 1.5 minutes putting them in in the morning and almost, nearly... 20 seconds taking them out in the evening! Oh my god the hassle!

They cost about a tenner a month.. a couple of rounds in the pub's worth, and i *never* feel their presence- totally comfortable- i only know i'm wearing them because i can see clearly!

Honestly- take the lenses and sunnies route- much easier and cheaper. As for glancing at the sun... who, as a child hasn't forced themselve to stare at the sun for a second or two? The risks are exegggerated- the second or two you look at the sun in the unlikely event that the plane directly passes in front of it , will do you no long term harm at all.

I would reccommend Oakleys for rap-around sunglasses- they are expensive, but they have a model for every kind of use. In my opinion, they look silly, but they are effective.

I tried wearing contacts a while back...couldn't get used to them *at all*, can't put my finger in my eyes. 1 minute in the morning? I'd be trying for about 20 minutes before giving up. When I went to a different optician he said I should never have been given them as my eyes don't produce enough tears. (Never worried me when watching Bambi though...) So I got my money back. Some of us are destined to wear glasses until we can afford lasers

RF

HuggyBear,

You're not going to convince me. I can't be bothered with contacts and that's that. So prescription sunglasses it is.

Regards looking at the Sun, it's not the danger to my eyes it's the fact that you get after images that last a few minutes. Well I do anyway. It may not do any permanent damage but I certainly can't see properly (in the centre of my vision) afterwards for a little while and when it comes to helicopters you only have to loose orientation on it for a second and it'll be in the ground.

Well then if the plane is heading in a direction in line with the sun, why not try following the plane using your peripheral vision?

It's not actually an Aeroplane, it's a Helicopter. And unlike planes helicopters do not fly themselves. If I'm not looking at it (and using peripheral vision only isn't really an option) in just a few seconds it'll be heading for the ground very fast.

Oh, and if anyone says "if it's heading for the Sun why not just turn it round and go in the other direction".... well.... that would involve my flying skills being up to the task of doing that quickly......

I guess that your only other option is to restrict flying to cloudy days!

That doesn't help either.

The sky is always very bright even on a cloudy day! If you're going to be spending a lot of time looking at the sky then you still need sunglasses of some sort.

Oh I quite agree, a 'white' sky is one of the worst. But at least you won't accidentally catch a glimpse of the sun.

True, but that's only one small reason why I want them.

I still need something to tone down the sky!

Have you tried light sensitive lenses?

They lighten and darken depending on the amount of light in the sky (much like the pair Zaphod beeblebrox wore in hitch hikers, although these wont turn completely black on you....hehe)

Most good opticians should carry them.

Another option is hunting/shooting specs (ie clay pidgeon shooting) They are specifically designed for cutting down sky-glare becoz hunters/shooters spend lots of time looking at the sky. Gunshops or outdoor camping stores could be a goer. (even if it means buying the frame you want from a camping store, and having an optician fit a lense to suit)

Couple of ideas for you there. Good Luck, Have Fun.