Eyesight

[Grahameeboy]

Apart from the obvious, how do you know whether you need contacts or spectacles?

My job involves more computer work and looking at spreadsheets and my eyes seem more tired and now starting to think whether I need help (don't answer that).

I know I can see long distance because I can see the other riders in the group dissappearing and I can still read number plates from a distance etc.

I have always had 20/20 vision but was told that by your 40's most people, who have got away with contacts / glasses need them.....

Just don't want to go to optometrist and getting stung for check up and possibly glasses which are not cheap....prefer glasses as I am squimish about putting contacts in my eye......

Any insight on this please......you know, how did you finally realise your eyesight was deteriorating...maybe you bought a Honda thinking it was a Suzuki...I dunno...but seriously.....How?

[Pwalo]

Sorry mate there is no easy way. Yor best bet is to get an appointment with a reputable optometrist and get your eyes checked.

It's not a biggie. I've been wearing glasses since I was a teenager. Not a problem on the bike, and it's nice to know that your vision is as good as possible.

[Nasty]

Agree go to a good optometrist ... I have been wearing glasses for computer work for years now (when I bother) as I get tired my eyes hurt the glasses are great for relieving the pressure. I don't wear them for driving or riding ... :)

[James Deuce]

I have to respectfully disagree with Mr Pwalo about glasses on a bike after seeing what glasses to did to the face of a friend 20 years ago. Thankfully he died.

Plus there is an extra layer to fog up in nasty weather.

Contacts or Lasic surgery is my recommendation. The only way you can find out if these things will work for you is to go to an optometrist and find out what the issue is.

[Swoop]

http://www.aucklandeye.co.nz/

:yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes:

[Grahameeboy]

Yep just you hear how once you have glasses you rely on them and your eyes deteriorate........

Mine may be okay so more a case of funds really cause they ain't cheap.

But maybe, if I need them for work to relieve my eyes I avoid using them other times...

[riffer]

I've been wearing glasses for 28 years now.

I also wear contacts on occasion but wouldn't recommend them for use in an air conditioned environment. I find that my eyes dry up in office situations.

The jury is still out on the long-term effects of lasic.

All things considered, I prefer glasses.

[Grahameeboy]

I've been wearing glasses for 28 years now.

I also wear contacts on occasion but wouldn't recommend them for use in an air conditioned environment. I find that my eyes dry up in office situations.

The jury is still out on the long-term effects of lasic.

All things considered, I prefer glasses.

I know my eye reactions are still good which is important....in the UK the Police have this eyesight machine which also tests your reactions too.

I don't do a hell of a lot of reading and maybe the new job is just tiring my eyes but ought to go for check up......I still have a choice.

[yungatart]

Your eyesight does not deteriorate becuse you have become reliant on your glasses....it is age that causes it to fail.
Go to an optometrist.
In my experience, they won't put you in to glasses if they won't benefit you!

[crashe]

Dont be a wuss...... go and get your eyes checked.

As you say you can see long distances... so you may end up in glasses ONLY for reading and close up work (computers).

Eye strain at the computer - take a break every 30 minutes or 1 hour and close them and give them a 5 minute break.

If you are starting to hold a book a bit further away to read it etc..... then you know its time to get glasses for reading.



I can see long distance, but damn it my arms aren't long enough to be able to read anymore. So I have glasses for reading and I have to now remember to take them with me at all times.

Nope I wont ever wear contacts...... I hate anyone or anything going near my eyes...

[kickingzebra]

sounds to me like age onset deterioration. Your Corneas harden, and your long vision gets arguably better, but you lose the plot on up close things, needlepoint, reading etc.
Go see an optometrist, they may simply reccommend 15 dollar reading glasses from the warewhare. For riding the bike, I definitly prefer contacts over glasses. Pereforal vision is lost with glasses, so you need to turn your head more.

In the long run, better to get something done, as the headaches etc will get worse. I found a good well balanced Opto in hamilton, who was able to find me a good compromise, between the ideal prescription, and something that is going to keep my eyes strengthening, rather than wasting them away as they get lazy.

There are also excercises you can do that will improve eyesight a lot, but they require a lot of dedication. Try looking some up on the net.

[Grahameeboy]

Dont be a wuss...... go and get your eyes checked.

As you say you can see long distances... so you may end up in glasses ONLY for reading and close up work (computers).

Eye strain at the computer - take a break every 30 minutes or 1 hour and close them and give them a 5 minute break.

If you are starting to hold a book a bit further away to read it etc..... then you know its time to get glasses for reading.

I can see long distance, but damn it my arms aren't long enough to be able to read anymore. So I have glasses for reading and I have to now remember to take them with me at all times.

Nope I wont ever wear contacts...... I hate anyone or anything going near my eyes...

I got long arms..............

[dhunt]

I know my eye reactions are still good which is important....in the UK the Police have this eyesight machine which also tests your reactions too.

I don't do a hell of a lot of reading and maybe the new job is just tiring my eyes but ought to go for check up......I still have a choice.
Don't know if this would help or not but after doing 5-10 minutes on the computer look in to the distance (Mountains, etc) to give your eyes a chance to refocus etc.

Also are you working on CRT's or LCD's? CRT's are definitely a lot harder on your eyes even if you don't notice any flickering etc. I've just moved from a CRT to some LCD's as I was finding it getting harder on my eyes. Much better now :)

[Grahameeboy]

sounds to me like age onset deterioration. Your Corneas harden, and your long vision gets arguably better, but you lose the plot on up close things, needlepoint, reading etc.
Go see an optometrist, they may simply reccommend 15 dollar reading glasses from the warewhare. For riding the bike, I definitly prefer contacts over glasses. Pereforal vision is lost with glasses, so you need to turn your head more.

In the long run, better to get something done, as the headaches etc will get worse. I found a good well balanced Opto in hamilton, who was able to find me a good compromise, between the ideal prescription, and something that is going to keep my eyes strengthening, rather than wasting them away as they get lazy.

There are also excercises you can do that will improve eyesight a lot, but they require a lot of dedication. Try looking some up on the net.


Yep, will do...have got a few more headaches lately...

[Grahameeboy]

Don't know if this would help or not but after doing 5-10 minutes on the computer look in to the distance (Mountains, etc) to give your eyes a chance to refocus etc.

Also are you working on CRT's or LCD's? CRT's are definitely a lot harder on your eyes even if you don't notice any flickering etc. I've just moved from a CRT to some LCD's as I was finding it getting harder on my eyes. Much better now :)

Yeah I do look away and look at things in distance but no mountains.....

[magicfairy]

In or after your 40s you lose the ability to see close up clearly. This is due to the eye not being able to focus close up and happens to most people sooner or later to some extent. This is "long sightedness" and has nothing to do with needing contact lenses or glasses at a younger age.

Laser surgey won't help - it is the ability of the eye to "accomodate" not a corneal problem. All to do with losing flexibility in the eye.

My optician told me (I have short sightedness, made worse by corneal abnormalities - astigmatism - so no surgery for me) that when I start to have problems reading, different contact lenses won't help, and to buy some cheap reading glasses from the chemist as they can do just as well as anything he prescribes for reading.
But you should get it checked out in case it is not as simple as getting old.
My 2 cents

[Stickchick]

Yep, will do...have got a few more headaches lately...

If you are getting headaches then you really should see an optomerist. I have worn glasses all my life but they do say that staring at a computer will make your eye sight degenerate so its not just an age thing.

I wear contacts a few bit and its not as bad as you think. I swore I would never put my fingers in my eyes but it makes life a lot easier. But in saying that if you don't need to wear glasses all the time like me it wouldn't be my recommendation to get contacts.

[terbang]

If you are over 40 then it's normal. If you are not then wear boxing gloves in bed.

[kickingzebra]

silicon hydragel contact lenses mean you can stick lenses in for up to 7 days and six nights. fingers in eyes twice a week, eyes still breath, no dramas.

[sAsLEX]

I have to respectfully disagree with Mr Pwalo about glasses on a bike after seeing what glasses to did to the face of a friend 20 years ago. Thankfully he died.

Plus there is an extra layer to fog up in nasty weather.

Contacts or Lasic surgery is my recommendation. The only way you can find out if these things will work for you is to go to an optometrist and find out what the issue is.


They aint glass these days.............


Though I have issues in one helmet where my glasses move about with the helmet too much and can blurr visor at pace

[Grahameeboy]

If you are over 40 then it's normal. If you are not then wear boxing gloves in bed.

I am over 40 but still wear boxers in bed........no hope for me then

[Grahameeboy]

Cheers for your feedback guys...it really has helped

[Grahameeboy]

They aint glass these days.............


Though I have issues in one helmet where my glasses move about with the helmet too much and can blurr visor at pace

Speed blurr you mean

[MacD]

Any insight on this please......you know, how did you finally realise your eyesight was deteriorating...maybe you bought a Honda thinking it was a Suzuki...I dunno...but seriously.....How?

Have your arms got too short to read? That's the usual symptom ;)

Your profile gives the most likely answer, but as others have said go and get your eyes checked out, you probably just need some reading glasses, but the risk of glaucoma and other eye conditions also increases with age.

Presbyopia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presbyopia)

[Grahameeboy]

Have your arms got too short to read? That's the usual symptom ;)

Your profile gives the most likely answer, but as others have said go and get your eyes checked out, you probably just need some reading glasses, but the risk of glaucoma and other eye conditions also increases with age.

Presbyopia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presbyopia)

What arms??

Yeah I figured I'd get AIDS being a FAG but life is funny like that eh?

[MacD]

What arms??

Yeah I figured I'd get AIDS being a FAG but life is funny like that eh?

Your age not your location! :rolleyes:

[vifferman]

I dunno - after going to an optometrist myself a couple of years back when I was in the same situation as you, and finding out it was just normal eyesight deterioration, I wish I'd just gone to the Warehouse or a chemist, and tried on some el cheapo reading glasses till I found some that worked.

Yes, there is a chance you have summat serious happening with your eyes, but your case sounds identical to mine. My long sight is perfect, and I can read without glasses during the day, but not first thing in the morning, nor when I'm tired, and really really small text is impossible to read. It cost me mega bux for the eye exam and fancy glasses, and I use them basically only for reading at night or examining very tiny print or objects (like when I can't find my willy).

You've got nothing to lose (except maybe your pride?) by rocking up to counter where they sell those generic reading glasses and trying some out.

[Bass]

Your eyesight does not deteriorate becuse you have become reliant on your glasses....it is age that causes it to fail.
!


Don't know if this would help or not but after doing 5-10 minutes on the computer look in to the distance (Mountains, etc) to give your eyes a chance to refocus etc.



These people are right - age is your enemy.
Your cornea changes shape to alter its focal length - more convex for close up, flatter for longer range.
It is controlled by a ring of muscle around the outside of the cornea. However, the muscle does not act directly on the cornea but through a network of threads, arranged rather like the spokes on bike wheel. As the muscle contracts, the threads loosen and the cornea goes more convex.

The problem is that this system relies on the natural elasticity of the cornea to assume the correct shape for close up work. As we age, we lose that elasticity and so cannot focus as close as we once could.

The brain doesn't know that however, and the eye muscles continue to strain to get the cornea to the right shape. However, all that happens is that the threads go slack. This MAY be part of the headache problem.

Eye exercises - looking at distant objects periodically as suggested - will help slow the loss of elasticity, but it WILL get you in the end.

It's the optometrist for you.

You'll also get a glaucoma check, which is worth the doing

[James Deuce]

They aint glass these days.............


Though I have issues in one helmet where my glasses move about with the helmet too much and can blurr visor at pace

It wasn't glass then either. The frames snapped in the middle, the lenses popped out (unbroken) the frames punctured both eyes and penetrated the eye sockets and one of the arms punctured his temple and penetrated his brain stirring it up a little. He probably wouldn't have survived anyway, but the glasses made sure he died.

[James Deuce]

Yeah, that happened to me too.
Except my bike exploded when I crashed, which killed me some more.

His head clipped the front of a truck that ran wide to take the corner on the right hander (left hander for the truck) heading North at the top of the Rimutakas. Sorry. That wasn't funny. Closed casket funeral.

[vifferman]

Sorry. That wasn't funny. Closed casket funeral.
No, it wasn't.
My apologies.

[imdying]

Apart from the obvious, how do you know whether you need contacts or spectacles?

My job involves more computer work and looking at spreadsheets and my eyes seem more tired and now starting to think whether I need help (don't answer that).

I have always had 20/20 vision but was told that by your 40's most people, who have got away with contacts / glasses need them.....

Just don't want to go to optometrist and getting stung for check up and possibly glasses which are not cheap....prefer glasses as I am squimish about putting contacts in my eye......You already know, by asking this question you're already aware that something is wrong. Eyesight deteriorates very slowly, so if it has done so sufficiently that you're querying it, there's your answer. 20/20 vision just means your vision is average or typical, not perfect. A number people have better than 20/20, I think I'm 24/20 in one eye, 26/20 in the other. All that means is that I can see clearly at 26 feet, what most people can see clearly at 20 feet.


Yep just you hear how once you have glasses you rely on them and your eyes deteriorate........

Mine may be okay so more a case of funds really cause they ain't cheap.

But maybe, if I need them for work to relieve my eyes I avoid using them other times...They've already deteriorated mate, you're just admitting it is all. Your eyes naturally degrade with age... which is why LASIK isn't a permanent solution. It's nothing to worry about, it's just a fact of life for the majority. Someone like OPSM will do the whole thing for a reasonable price, I would be surprised if they didn't do time payments.


The jury is still out on the long-term effects of lasic.

All things considered, I prefer glasses.They've been doing LASIK for about 15-17 years now, they've a pretty good understanding of it. So much so that now they don't even touch the eye, and topographically map it before they even start. There are other drugs you probably take with a worse track record than LASIK.

I'm surprised that after your LASIK you still prefer glasses.


Your eyesight does not deteriorate becuse you have become reliant on your glasses....it is age that causes it to fail.
Go to an optometrist.
In my experience, they won't put you in to glasses if they won't benefit you!This is true.


They aint glass these days.............Glass is still better for photochromatic lenses, although the trade off is weight. I prefer plastic ones myself.


It wasn't glass then either. The frames snapped in the middle, the lenses popped out (unbroken) the frames punctured both eyes and penetrated the eye sockets and one of the arms punctured his temple and penetrated his brain stirring it up a little. He probably wouldn't have survived anyway, but the glasses made sure he died.That is a horrid but pretty rare sort of event. That shouldn't even be a concern that you would take into consideration with glasses. The range of virtually indestructible frames is huge, having them break (assuming you keep them in any sort of decent condition) is not really a valid concern. If you go to an optometrist, they'll give you a set you can twist and try to snap to your hearts content.

The effects of LASIK are incredible, I would encourage you to look into it. Be warned, it is rather spooky to not be able to read 10cm high test from 50cms one moment, then 10 minutes later being able to read number plates unassisted from 20M away. That sounds like an exaggeration, it's not.

[James Deuce]

That is a horrid but pretty rare sort of event. That shouldn't even be a concern that you would take into consideration with glasses. The range of virtually indestructible frames is huge, having them break (assuming you keep them in any sort of decent condition) is not really a valid concern. If you go to an optometrist, they'll give you a set you can twist and try to snap to your hearts content.



Not as rare as you think. A lot of dead people wearing glasses inside a helmet have huge facial trauma caused by the glasses, especially the nose rests. They can dig furrows up or down your face when the front of the helmet takes a big hit.

The twisty frames do not work in a helmet. The lenses end up pointing in odd directions after a couple of hours of moving about in your helmet. I spent $600 on frames that I couldn't wear in a helmet. Very annoying. The need to be rigid to maintain lense orientation and the arms need to have very fitted ear rests.

[Grahameeboy]

Not as rare as you think. A lot of dead people wearing glasses inside a helmet have huge facial trauma caused by the glasses, especially the nose rests. They can dig furrows up or down your face when the front of the helmet takes a big hit.

The twisty frames do not work in a helmet. The lenses end up pointing in odd directions after a couple of hours of moving about in your helmet. I spent $600 on frames that I couldn't wear in a helmet. Very annoying. The need to be rigid to maintain lense orientation and the arms need to have very fitted ear rests.

Maybe you should wear the helmet you wear on your Avator....plenty of room....

[Toaster]

when does your licence come up for review? I just did my renewal.... had to do the eye test and that gives you an indication of how well your left and right eyes are.

[imdying]

The twisty frames do not work in a helmet. The lenses end up pointing in odd directions after a couple of hours of moving about in your helmet. I spent $600 on frames that I couldn't wear in a helmet. Very annoying. The need to be rigid to maintain lense orientation and the arms need to have very fitted ear rests.Might be worth going to an independent optometrist and trying other brands, as the ones I used were fine... and lense orientation was pretty critical to me, having had an astigmatism in each eye, both of which were orientated in different directions :lol:

[Grahameeboy]

Ah well, $350 lighter.

No all was fine, said for my age my eyesight was excellent and that I was very borderline needing reading glasses.....

He just said that having reading glasses would stop my eyes getting tired which is happening at mo...just need to use them for computer work and reading.

Just decided to do it now rather than latter

Pick up Friday.

[James Deuce]

Good man!.

[Grahameeboy]

Good man!.


Well we only have 1 body, 1 set of eyes and 2 sets of teeth........too late for the latter though...

Just did not want to put more strain on eyes and was finding my eyes were sometimes tired when riding.....plus just the feeling of tiredness and odd headaches and have enough things to sort out and need to be at my best

[vifferman]

No all was fine, said for my age my eyesight was excellent and that I was very borderline needing reading glasses.....

Must be a standard line - that's what they said to me. Similar price for test+glasses too.
You should've come to see me - it wouldn't have cost anything apart from glasses from The Warehouse ($15?).


...having reading glasses would stop my eyes getting tired which is happening at mo...just need to use them for computer work and reading
That's what they told me too, but I think it's bollocks.
Ah well; you're officially decrepit now.
And think of all the fun you can have keeping track of where you left your glasses.
And cleaning smudges off the lenses.
And reading really really really small print.

[Maha]

it wouldn't have cost anything apart from glasses from The Warehouse ($15?).


$15???....:gob: thats a bit steep aint it?....i paid about $3.50 at the gold coin shop for some 1.5's.....had eye surgery on both eyes and no longer need the gold plated sort...man im so tight that one pair has masking tape around the plastic bit that goes behind the ear (cos it keeps slipping off) no need to replace them, the glass is ok, at least i think its glass...:cool:

[vifferman]

$15???....:gob: thats a bit steep aint it?....i paid about $3.50 at the gold coin shop for some 1.5's..
It was just a guess.
Now I remember why I was pissed off at being worried my eyes were pharkt and maybe I had some weird disease or summat and should see a professional and forking out so much for the privilege.

[nadroj]

Get your blood sugar level tested as mild diabetes can effect your close up focus. Cutting down / out of sugar & sweets does help. Most optometrists will ask if there is a history in your family & whether you have had a blood sugar test before they do any tests.

[NighthawkNZ]

Apart from the obvious, how do you know whether you need contacts or spectacles?

My job involves more computer work and looking at spreadsheets and my eyes seem more tired and now starting to think whether I need help (don't answer that).

I be a graphic artist and am around computers all day and (night in some forum called Kiwibker :innocent: ) and have been for the last 20 years ex navy with computers and radar screens didn't help either. Switching to LCD screens both at home and at work have helped

I to use to have 20/20/20/20/20 err good looks ummmm good eye sight... and now noticing things aren't in focus as much as they use to be and yup I be nearing the big four zero.

I have to get them tested (this friday the appointment is) and its only costing me $45 for the test to see if I need glasses or not (most likely). I only have the one set of eyes and I don't mind paying for my health. I am pretty sure at this stage I won't need them for driving as the signs on the side of the road are huge :) and I can read them as clear as day a but the smaller things that are at a bit of distance I use to be able to read I no longer can focus on.

Soooo at the end of the day, go get them tested, it won't be as bad as you think and it will save the headaches and struggle to focus...

[beyond]

Old sight mate. Anyone over 40 starts to get it, some take a little longer.
About three years ago it started affecting me. Can spot a rabbit on the hillside at 50 metres but my arms aren't long enough to hold the phone book far enough away to read it :)

Couple of pairs of $10.00 1.5 dioptre glasses from the Warehouse and alls ok, cept I look like an old grany knitting when I wear them :)

Keep a pair in my office at home and normally one at work and a pair in the car. At that price you can stick them anywhere around the house.

[vifferman]

My arms are long enough - the problem was I couldn't read the small print on medicine containers. If I held the label far enough away that it was in focus, it was too small to read. Anything closer than ~30cm from my face is blurry, whereas it used to be about 10cm.

[yungatart]

Glad to hear that you got your peepers checked!
At your age, you should have a glaucoma test done too, I hope you did!