O Say Can You See?

Life sure is better when you can actually see what you are trying to look at.    

I’ve gone from bragging in my younger years about how great my vision was to needing multiple types of eyewear to meet the typical goings-on in a day.  

My saga started about 15 years ago when I had to wear “readers,” or magnifying glasses, at work. I picked up the lowest strength (1.0) and, for a year or so, all was right with the world. But then it wasn’t, so I went up to a 1.50...then 1.75...then 2.0, and now I think I’m wearing a 3.50, with all the strengths scattered about the house because I have been too lazy to replace the older readers with the newer ones.

I noticed an additional issue a few years ago when I was driving at night and found myself struggling to see the signs on the road. I was in a tizzy about this, thinking I’m starting to fall prey to old age, and I put off the trip to the optometrist because I was too stubborn to admit it was time for the next step.

Finally, I went, and she said in a kind-of-nice but stern way that my eyesight isn’t going to improve on its own and may continue to deteriorate but this is all normal as we age 😊...Hmmm...Was this supposed to make me feel better? It took another 6 months to get the prescription filled and only 30 seconds of wearing my new eyeglasses to realize what an idiot I was to hold off for so long.

And then several months ago, I found myself squinting once again to read the signs a distance away, this time during the day while wearing my regular sunglasses. As I stewed over this for a few weeks, I noticed that the lenses on my sunglasses were impossible to clean, adding to my inability to see. I went to Sunglass Hut to try to replace them, but that little trip didn’t work out as I had hoped, so I decided to check out my options at Lens Crafters, where my eyecare insurance plan would cover some of the costs.   

Within minutes I ordered a new pair of prescription glasses and then moved on to the sunglass portion of the visit. The sales guy assumed I’d order prescription sunglasses since I had just ordered other prescription glasses, but I let him know that IMO this would be overkill. Inside he was probably saying to himself that I’m out of touch with reality, but he patiently talked it through with me, explaining that regular sunglasses would not help me to see clearly, and wearing my prescription glasses would not protect me from the sun. I started to feel embarrassed when I realized what a no brainer prescription sunglasses were.    

So now hundreds of dollars later I have prescription glasses, prescription sunglasses, and readers. I could have chosen to get bifocals – distance and reading glasses in one so that I wouldn’t have to switch all day long – but I chickened out because I didn’t know anyone who wore them that I could talk to and was afraid of not liking them.   

While I’m pleased with myself that I finally stepped up to act like a responsible adult with appropriate eyewear when driving, I’m still somewhat frustrated that I need so many eyeglasses with me, wherever I go. I also carry an extra pair of readers just in case I misplace one, since I cannot function without being able to read, even if we are talking about menus.

Because of all these glasses and their sturdy cases, I have no choice but to carry a handbag that can accommodate them, which often leads to shoulder and back discomfort due to the weight of these items plus a substantially sized purse. Sometimes I wish I could just wear a fanny pack but there’s absolutely no way this can work with 4 pair of eyeglasses unless I’m taking a walk outside and the only pair I need are the sunglasses I have on.   

Last week, my girlfriend and I went to the magnificent Grounds For Sculpture, a 42-acre sculpture park in New Jersey. When she got out of the car, she was wearing a fanny pack. “Where are all your glasses?” I asked, incredulous that she and I looked like we were dressed for different experiences.

She pointed to the pair on her face and said that everything she needs is right there: they are “transition” lenses, meaning bifocals and sunglasses that can be worn inside and outside, all in one nice tidy package.

Next time I go back to Lens Crafters, I’m taking her with me.