A: I had spectacles for a solid 30 years, but they were a right pain. When I was out photographing events, my specs would constantly fog up. Playing golf or taking a dip in the pool was a headache with water splashing all over them. I tried day contacts, but my eyes got dry as the Aussie outback, and I had to use drops all the time, which was a pain in the backside. My experience with day lenses wasn’t a good one – felt like I had sandpaper in my eyes, and they’d dry up faster than a puddle in the sun. So, I went back to my trusty spectacles. Then, my optician suggested night lenses could be a game-changer for my work and lifestyle. I was a bit skeptical about how they’d work, but I thought, “What the heck, give it a crack.” The first few weeks were a bit iffy as my eyes adjusted. Being a photographer, I was paranoid – “Could I see clearly through the viewfinder?” “Would it mess up my editing work?” But I stuck with it, and after 6-8 weeks, I thought, “There’s no turning back now; this has been bloody fantastic!” So, I’ve stuck with ’em ever since, and I’ve been stoked.

Q: How long have you been strutting your stuff with night lenses?

A: About 3 years now.

Q: As a snapper, how much of a game-changer have night lenses been?

A: It’s all about the freedom – no more fumbling for a lens cloth to wipe my specs, and no more feeling like I’m boxed in when I’m in different environments without those glasses. Even though I had lightweight specs, I wasn’t a fan of feeling like I had something heavy on my face. The freedom of having nothing on your mug is unreal. As a photographer, it means I can shoot without worrying about bumping into a plastic rim. Plus, when you go from the freezing outdoors into a warm church during winter, both my camera lens and specs would fog up, making it a double steamy situation!

Q: What difference have these night lenses made in your personal life?

A: I’ve been over the moon. Again, it’s all about the freedom from glasses. Even for up-close work, like reading, it’s been smooth sailing thanks to the tweaks my optician made for my left and right eye. I’ve had no real downsides with night lenses – it’s just part of my nightly routine. But like day lenses, once they’re in, you forget about ’em. Even more so because you’re catching some Z’s!

Q: Would you ever consider going back to glasses or day lenses after experiencing night lenses?

A: Unless there’s a major eye overhaul or my optician gives me the red light, I reckon I’m sticking with night lenses. I usually pop ’em in every night, but on occasion, I might skip a night.

Q: Why would you give a thumbs-up to night lenses for others?

A: I’d give ’em a thumbs-up for the freedom they dish out, especially if you’re always out and about. Plus, it’s like going back to your kid days when you could see everything without the headache of wondering, “Where are my glasses?” and “I can’t find ’em!” – only to discover they’re squashed under your bum or hidden in the couch. No more fogged-up, wonky vision. So many reasons to give ’em a shot!

You can check out Paul’s work at https://www.paulwalkerimages.co.uk.