We had a yarn with “John” (keeping it on the down-low to respect his privacy), a 47-year-old legend who spent a solid 13 years on the front line with TSG in Northern Ireland. John recently got sorted with night lenses, and let me tell you, they’ve flipped his life around. He reckons he should’ve got onto them earlier, both for work and kicking back at home. According to John, police work is a breeze – safer and better – with night lenses compared to the daytime alternatives. Check out the full korero with him in the interview transcript, and you can watch the video HERE.
First off, let me say, I’m kicking myself I didn’t know about these gems way back when! When I stumbled upon them, I couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that it was something I could snag. No optometrist ever clued me in. Since I got them, it’s like bad eyesight is a thing of the past. With day lenses, there were moments I had to yank them out and couldn’t see squat. Now, I’ve got clear vision all day, no matter what time it is. It’s a sweet feeling not constantly being aware of them. With day lenses, I was always mindful – whether biking, braving the rain, or hanging with the kids at the beach – constantly aware and careful not to knock ’em out or something.
Feeling liberated now? Any major changes in your life? I heard you talking about hitting the pool, and it sounds like a whole new world.
That’s the game-changer. I used to hesitate with swimming just because I couldn’t see right. Anyone with specs knows the deal – it feels like you’re not wearing anything. Annoying, right? Now, in the last three months, I’ve probably hit the pool more than I have in the past decade. To put it in perspective, it’s like the first time I slapped on specs and everything was crystal clear – the same feeling I had diving into the pool after starting with night lenses, seeing everything underwater with my goggles. It’s like discovering a whole new world!
Tell me about your stint with the police.
Until recently, I clocked in 13 years with TSG up in Northern Ireland.
Sounds intense. Looking back, what’s the difference? Any situations where day lenses could’ve been a headache, and if you had another shot with night lenses, you’d go for it?
TSG is frontline stuff, with early and late shifts. Public order, riots, wild Saturday nights in the city, house and building searches – you name it. I specialized in CBRN, rocking those big suits. During searches, especially in dusty spots or lofts with felt, it was a breeze to get stuff in your eyes or contact lenses. Always on edge, even with the provided goggles – they weren’t foolproof against grit and dust particles. You’d want to wipe your eyes, then feel discomfort in your lens. A common scenario was wiping your eyes when tired and accidentally shifting your lens – pure agony with the soft lenses I used to wear. Happened a couple of times driving at night when fatigued – eyes dried up, wiped them, and knocked ’em out while driving – the worst timing!
What about when things got rowdy? Any worries about your day lenses, and in hindsight, how would night lenses have made a difference with nothing in your eyes during those moments?
Peace of mind, bro. Always conscious of having lenses in, even after 25 years of wearing them. Hoping they wouldn’t get knocked out, whether in a punch-up or a scuffle – even in the rain, you’d stress about them. With night lenses, it’s peace of mind – forget you’re wearing them ’cause there’s nothing in your eyes. That peace of mind when you’re heading out – priceless.
Absolutely, ever since I got my hands on night lenses, I’ve been hitting the cycling scene. With the recent rain, on my first ride, I got a good splash in the face from the guy in front of me. My initial thought was, “I don’t want water in my eyes” – you know how dicey it is for those with soft lenses. Then it hit me – no need to stress about that anymore. Such a relief!
You mentioned in our pre-chat that while out on your bike, you spotted a bird in the sky, a hawk…?
Yep, strange as it sounds, my prescription hasn’t changed, but my long-distance vision seems better. I spotted a peregrine falcon from miles away with a clarity I haven’t had since probably age 10!
This interview is all about spreading the word to fellow police officers and emergency workers – why would you suggest they give night lenses a go?
It just brings peace of mind. No worries about a lens getting knocked out. No fretting about CS, PAVA, or whatever your force throws at you getting in your eyes – I’ve been there with CS before. With CBRN situations, soft lenses aren’t allowed, so you’re stuck with those clunky vision correction gadgets. No concerns about eye-related assaults. It’s just peace of mind, letting you focus on the job without the worry. Honestly, I can’t fathom how folks in my line of work manage with specs. If you can rock these, they’re a game-changer.
After a while, night lens wearers look back, and the idea of popping in a lens when they wake up seems odd – have you hit that point?
Absolutely. I’d never go back to day lenses. It’s a no-brainer, better in every conceivable way.
ASK YOUR OPTICIAN ABOUT NIGHT LENSES
Night lenses are a go for folks with short sight (myopia) less than -5.00D. If you’re curious, just hit up your optician about night lenses, and they’ll walk you through the options. No optician? Click on the ‘Find your nearest fitter’ pic below to locate one.
USEFUL LINKS
– What’s the deal with night lenses and how do they work?
– Dive into stories of others whose lives got a shake-up with night lenses
– Peep this interview on YouTube