Sergeant R is a Sergeant in Birmingham’s City Centre police team. He’s a long term night lens wearer and we thought we’d catch up to chat about how his career with the force has been different since he switched to night lenses – it’s a tale of mud, CS, IMAX and melted glasses frames! It’s meant to be a 60 second interview, but it was so good and useful to police officers, that we kept going ????
Let’s delve into your experience with night lenses, Sergeant R. You’ve been wearing them for about 12 years. Before that, what was your vision correction routine?
Initially, I lived in denial but eventually accepted the need for glasses during university. In my twenties, I switched to using monthly contact lenses.
How have night lenses generally impacted your job as a Sergeant in Birmingham’s City Centre police team?
Being on the front line in one of the country’s most challenging areas, glasses were prone to falling off at inconvenient times. Once, after a knock, my glasses’ arms deformed from melting due to the heat! While contact lenses were an improvement, they came with their own set of problems, like annoying dry eyes, the risk of losing or displacing them, and dealing with these issues in less-than-ideal situations.
Can you recall any instances on the job where not having contact lenses in your eyes proved beneficial during fights or other situations, particularly involving PAVA/CS?
Mostly during the use of PAVA/CS, which can be a miserable experience. Wearing contact lenses seemed to prolong and intensify the effects of CS. Thankfully, when we transitioned to PAVA, I was using night lenses. Even now, PAVA leaves me feeling sorry for myself, and it would likely be worse with contact lenses.
Are there situations you remember (before using lenses) where night lenses would have been invaluable?
During a week-long exercise with the Territorial Army, sleeping in muddy ditches with limited access to hygienic facilities. Managing contact lenses in such conditions was challenging, and glasses were an inconvenience, adding an extra layer to personal admin.
How has the absence of glasses or contact lenses improved your home life?
It’s fantastic. I haven’t owned a pair of glasses for years. There are no barriers to activities like swimming, working out, or driving. It’s as if I have no vision issues at all. The only inconvenience is having to source lens solution when traveling light, but most airport shops have compatible options. Wearing night lenses, my vision is above 20:20, and it’s even higher with the lenses on. Occasionally, wearing them enhances experiences like going to an IMAX cinema where the screen really pops.
What aspects of your life are now easier and better due to night lenses?
It’s like not wearing glasses or contacts at all. I pop them in before bed and take them out when I wake up, involving about 60 seconds of my day. Even if I don’t wear them for a day or two, I don’t notice much loss of vision when I put them in again.
Have you ever considered laser eye surgery, and if so, do you think night lenses have saved you from undergoing it?
I have explored laser eye surgery options, and in fact, discovered night lenses during that exploration. While I never say never, I don’t think it’s worth it. My partner had laser eye surgery and dealt with several months of dry eyes and inconveniences.
Given your experience as a night lens wearer, do you find it odd that people put lenses in their eyes during the day when they don’t need to?
Absolutely. I can’t see why people wouldn’t opt for night lenses.
Are you surprised that some people still don’t know about night lenses or think they are some kind of magic?
Certainly. I get looks of disbelief, especially when I explain it in a layman’s way.
In your opinion, is it safer for officers to use night lenses than to wear day lenses or glasses?
Without a doubt. Additionally, I have six-monthly eye appointments to ensure the lenses are correcting appropriately, providing reassurance that my eyes are regularly checked for abnormalities. People go to the dentists every six months, so regular eye check-ups are equally important.
Why would you recommend night lenses to other officers?
I’d turn that question around and ask, “Why wouldn’t I?” It’s a no-brainer.
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