Ronnie
Night lenses chat | 60 SECONDS with Ronnie aged 81
Currently our oldest known wearer in the UK, this strongly answers the question we’re frequently asked, “Am I too old for night lenses?”
Ronnie, a former stockbroker (and nearly a professional soccer player!) from Edinburgh, was an early adopter of contact lenses in the 1960s. In 2006, his optician recommended night lenses to free him from day contact lenses, and he’s never looked back. We caught up with Ronnie for a 60-second interview about his night lenses…
Q. How long have you been wearing night lenses Ronnie?
Since 2006. My optician mentioned them to me, and I thought they sounded great. I’ve always been very active, play a lot of sports, so I thought I’d give them a try.
Q, What did you use before night lenses?
I started with contact lenses in 1963. At the time, I played non-league soccer to a good level and had aspirations to play at the top level. I almost made it with Hibs, but that’s another story! I never wanted to wear glasses. Vanity played a big part in that, but they also weren’t practical for sports and my active lifestyle. Someone I knew had contact lenses, so I got them, and they worked really well, except when they sometimes dislodged during matches.
Q. What difference have night lenses made to your life?
A phenomenal difference! When going out socially, I used to have to carry glasses in case my lens fell out, along with solution, a contact lens case, etc. Now, I carry nothing. I play golf twice a week and indoor bowls a few times a week – night lenses give me the freedom of seeing without glasses or worrying about specs of dust getting under my lens. Living in Scotland means windy or rainy days, but that’s never an issue anymore. Before, when swimming, I’d fear losing a lens and being blind. On the beach during holidays, I always had to be cautious, keeping my head above water. Night lenses grant me perfect sight and complete freedom.
Q. If you could have had night lenses at the start of your career, what difference might that have made?
I worked in banking, as a stockbroker. When computers came in, I found myself staring at a screen all day, which wasn’t good for my lenses or my eyes. If I’d had night lenses, it would have eliminated dryness and discomfort from screen staring. Soccer would have been easier too. One less thing to worry about.
Q. Why would you recommend night lenses to others?
For complete freedom and to regain your sight. All the minor annoyances I experienced with contact lenses vanished instantly. It’s like a rebirth of eyesight! I sing praises about night lenses to everyone, but no one believes me! They look at me incredulously – how can you see? I’m 81 now and I’m about to play golf in a minute. It’s windy today and a bit rainy, but that won’t affect my sight in any way – no rain on my glasses or wind irritating my lenses. I feel normal, as if my vision problem doesn’t exist. I see professional soccer and rugby players stopping mid-game to adjust their lenses, and I talk to others who wear contact lenses or glasses during the day, and I can’t comprehend why they don’t switch to night lenses and avoid those troubles forever. Everyone should have them!
Related Posts
