Benjamin Griffiths
Night lenses changed my life | Benjamin Griffiths
We caught up with 16-year-old Benjamin Griffiths and his mum Carolyn. Based in Northern Ireland, Benjamin is a tech enthusiast with 4 websites already to his name and a passionate surfer. Benjamin is highly myopic. His eyesight began deteriorating rapidly from the age of 8, dropping by -1.00D every year. By the time he was 13, he was -3.75D and -4.00D. He started using night lenses at the age of 14. Without his glasses, Benjamin’s vision was severely impaired, affecting both his beloved sports and his confidence. Night lenses completely transformed his life. He used to surf relying on feeling the waves rather than seeing them. Now he surfs with ease and is thoroughly enjoying life…
Q: So, Benjamin, what was the first day like with nothing in your eyes?
A: It was almost surreal, the best way to describe it. I looked out of the window, and my mind was blown! As we drove to school, I could read the car numberplates, which was awesome.
Q: You’ve had night lenses now for a couple of years. What is life like now without glasses? And would you ever go back to them?
A: I’d never go back to glasses in a million years. The lenses have seamlessly integrated into my life. It’s natural to go to sleep and let them do their work. I don’t really think about it. The idea of having glasses on my face during the day is a bit weird now.
Q: Would you ever consider daytime lenses now?
A: The idea of having to put lenses into my eyes in the morning and then take them out when I go surfing is really odd to me. Right now, I head to the beach without worries. I can open my eyes underwater. I don’t fret about getting sand in my eyes, which I think is a concern for people with contact lenses at the beach. Also, at school, if my lens fell out or got damaged, I’d be without proper vision for the rest of the day. It doesn’t make sense. Night lenses are convenient. They do the job overnight while I’m asleep, and during the day, I have nothing in my eyes. It’s fantastic.
Q: So, you’re a surfer? How has that changed with night lenses?
A: I can see the waves now! When I was young, my dad used to push me onto waves because I couldn’t see them, so I learned to surf by feeling the wave. I couldn’t see the shore or much around me, so it was a bit concerning when the waves were big and the weather was rough. But now I can see everything. I love being out in the lineup, observing the sea and the world around me. Sometimes I even spot dolphins and seals. It’s my happy place!
Q: How has the adjustment to night lenses been, inserting and removing them, etc.?
A: Initially, it was a bit tricky, but you adapt quickly. It becomes a routine. I did worry that I wouldn’t like having them in my eyes and that I couldn’t manage putting them in and taking them out. But I got over that pretty quickly.
Q: What did your friends think? Did they actually notice your glasses were gone?
A: Not really. They sensed that something was different about me!
Q: Would you recommend night lenses to other teens your age and to fellow surfers?
A: Absolutely, I’d recommend them 100%. They’re hassle-free. And yes, to surfers as well because they remove any barriers holding you back.
Q: So, mom, how did Benjamin end up with night lenses?
A: I was waiting outside his school with all the other moms to pick him up and complaining to another mom who is an optometrist about how many pairs of glasses we had to get him – about 9 pairs in a year – he managed to break them playing soccer and goofing around with his buddies. She mentioned using night lenses which I’d never heard of, but I thought at that point that anything was worth a shot! I didn’t immediately get what they were, but we needed to try something with him. Also, his eyesight was going downhill quickly and it was bothering us. She mentioned that night lenses could also stop that decline, so we figured we’d give them a try. It took him a while to muster the courage to think about putting a lens in his eye, but looking back, the fear was worse than the reality.
Q: Night lenses are often misunderstood. What has been the reaction of your family and friends?
A: Our family immediately saw a big change in Benjamin. He noticeably gained confidence, and everyone was amazed by the difference in him. I’m not sure a lot of his friends and family understand what they are, but I’d love more people to know about it as I’m sure a few of his friends would benefit from them. When you describe them to people, they almost sound too good to be true.
Q: Why was putting Benjamin into night lenses important to you as a parent?
A: In our experience, it has made a world of difference for our son. He has had a lot more freedom with his water sports, in school, during games, and in outdoor activities with his friends like paintballing and kneeboarding. He has found it easier in class and has the freedom to sit at the back now and still see the board! It’s great not having to go to the eye doctor every month with a broken pair of glasses. I wish I’d known about them earlier.
Q: Would you recommend night lenses to other parents?
A: OMG … absolutely!