Catriona Morrison MBE

Night lenses changed my life | Catriona Morrison MBE

Let’s delve into the captivating journey of Catriona Morrison, a true luminary in the realm of sports. As a Multisport Duathlon World Champion, a recipient of a Triathlon World Championships bronze medal (comprising a 3.8k swim, 180km bike, and 42km run), and a triumphant participant in numerous Ironman events around the globe, Catriona’s legacy is awe-inspiring. Following her retirement in 2015, she channeled her boundless energy into youth projects in her native Scotland. She has emerged as a mentor for young individuals and is also the co-founder of Everactiv, an exceptional sportswear brand dedicated to empowering young women. Through Everactiv, Catriona and her team engage in projects and community initiatives, striving to inspire and uplift young women. Given the aquatic, cycling, and running nature of her sport, night lenses have proven to be a transformative game-changer for Catriona. Our interaction with her unfolded during a Zoom interview, revealing her extraordinary transformation.

Q: Catriona, with your accolades as a multi-world champion in duathlon, long-distance triathlon, and Ironman events, could you share your life motto?

A: My guiding principle is “How much further can I go?” Since retiring in 2015, I’ve been adapting to life beyond the athlete persona. My focus has shifted towards youth projects. From a sports perspective, I’m currently reveling in longer-distance cycling and have signed up for a 500km multi-day biking event in September.

Q: How did you come across night lenses?

A: My journey began with a visit to my Optician, where I expressed my frustration with wearing contact lenses during competitions. Events like Triathlons and Duathlons involve frequent transitions – from cycling to water and then onto the road for running. I required diverse goggles, glasses, and sunglasses throughout the races. Ensuring they remained secure was crucial, and I had to have the right eyewear for each segment of the race. Otherwise, wind could impact my contact lenses or compromise my vision. I was growing weary of this hassle. When my optician introduced the idea of night lenses as a potential solution, I was initially skeptical. I contemplated laser surgery, but concerns arose due to the irreplaceable nature of my eyes. Night lenses presented the ideal compromise, offering flexibility to revert if necessary.

Q: How have night lenses transformed your experience in sports?

A: It’s been nothing short of revolutionary. The fear of contact lenses falling out or needing contingency plans has vanished. Prescription goggles while swimming or eyewear during cycling and running are no longer necessities. All the inconvenience has melted away. The true value of normal vision only becomes apparent when you live it! I wake up each morning devoid of concerns. I don’t even perceive myself as someone with visual challenges anymore. The transformation is truly remarkable.

A: Undoubtedly. Any sport involving sweat, face-touching, or eye-rubbing can pose challenges for contact lens wearers. The risk of dislodging a lens is ever-present. Sports glasses can become sweaty, fog up, or get smudged – further potential distractions. To achieve peak performance, eliminating all possible distractions is essential. Fretting over goggles slipping during a swim or a lens coming loose mid-race adds unnecessary stress. With night lenses, I insert one before sleep and remove it in the morning – it’s that simple. Throughout the day or a race, I have nothing in my eyes. In a competition where countless variables are beyond control, why not manage what you can?

Q: Could night lenses potentially revolutionize sports for wearers of glasses and daytime lenses?

A: Sport is an integral facet of life, and for me, night lenses have revolutionized not only my sports journey but also my overall existence.

Q: Would you ever consider returning to daytime lenses?

A: The only scenario where I might contemplate reverting to daytime lenses is if my physically active lifestyle changes. However, my commitment to an active life remains steadfast. I initially adopted night lenses due to my high level of physical activity and to overcome the challenges of glasses and contact lenses. I did pause using them briefly on two occasions. Interestingly, I grew more conscious of the environmental impact of daily disposable lenses. Night lenses generate a mere set of waste per year compared to the daily discarding of a pair. If environmental consciousness plays a role in one’s decision, this could be an additional positive aspect to consider – less waste, greater sustainability.

Q: To cap off our discussion, would you recommend night lenses to fellow sportspeople, whether professionals or amateurs?

A: Without a doubt.

[Editor’s note: A recurring theme emerges as we hear from night lens wearers excelling in high-level sports. Euan Speirits, the Downhill Mountain Bike Champion, shared in his interview [CLICK HERE to read the full interview] that his achievements wouldn’t have materialized to the same extent without night lenses. Both he and Catriona echo the sentiment of managing the uncontrollable and the importance of unburdened performance. Amidst their towering achievements, their stories are profoundly inspiring, reminding us of the boundless potential within us all. Our conversation with Catriona was an absolute delight.]