Ronnie
Night lenses chat | 60 SECONDS with Ronnie aged 81
In this interview with Ronnie, the oldest known night lens wearer in the UK, we address the common question of whether someone can be too old for night lenses:
Q. How long have you been wearing night lenses, Ronnie?
Ronnie: I’ve been wearing night lenses since 2006. My optician mentioned them to me, and I thought they sounded great. I’ve always been very active and played a lot of sports, so I thought I’d give them a try.
Q. What did you use before night lenses?
Ronnie: I started with contact lenses in 1963. At the time, I played non-league football at a good level and aspired to play at the top level. I almost made it with Hibs, but that’s another story! I never wanted to wear glasses. Vanity played a big part in that decision, but glasses also weren’t practical for sports and my active life. Someone I knew had contact lenses, so I got them, and they worked really well, except for occasionally dislodging during matches.
Q. What difference have night lenses made to your life?
Ronnie: It’s been a phenomenal difference! When I used to go out socially, I’d have to carry glasses in case my contact lens fell out, along with solution and a contact lens case. Now, I carry nothing. I play golf twice a week and indoor bowls a few times a week – night lenses give me the freedom of being able to see without glasses or worrying about specs of dust getting under my lens. Living in Scotland, it’s often windy or rainy, but that’s never a problem now! Before, when I went swimming, I’d be afraid of losing my lens and being blind. On the beach during holidays, I always had to be careful and keep my head above water. Night lenses give me perfect sight and complete freedom.
Q. If you could have had night lenses at the start of your career, what difference might that have made?
Ronnie: I worked in banking as a stockbroker. When computers came in, I found myself staring at a screen all day, which wasn’t good for my lenses or my eyes. If I had had night lenses, it would have eliminated dryness and discomfort from staring at screens. Football would have been easier too – one less thing to worry about.
Q. Why would you recommend night lenses to others?
Ronnie: I’d recommend night lenses for complete freedom and to regain your sight. All the little hassles I had with contact lenses instantly disappeared. It’s like being born again with perfect eyesight! I tell everyone about night lenses, but nobody believes me! They look at me incredulously – how can you see? I’m 81 now, and I’m about to play golf. It’s windy today, and there’s a bit of rain, but that won’t affect my sight in any way – no rain on my glasses or wind irritating my lenses. I feel normal, as if I don’t have a problem with my sight at all. I see professional football and rugby players stopping mid-game to adjust their lenses, and I talk to others who wear contact lenses or glasses during the day, and I don’t understand why they don’t switch to night lenses and never have to deal with those hassles again. Everyone should have them!
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