Why night lenses are better than day contact lenses for police officers

Night lenses are like magic contact lenses you pop in before hitting the sack. You wake up, pop ’em out, and bam, perfect vision! No need for specs or day lenses during the day, or even going for a permanent laser eye fix. Your eyes get sorted while you catch some z’s through a harmless and temporary process called orthokeratology, or as the medics call them, ‘ortho-k lenses’. Having nothing in your eye or on your face all day gives you total freedom, especially if you’re in a job like the police – dealing with dusty attic searches, working odd hours, intense scuffles, CS gas, CBRN gear, and all that jazz. Day lenses or glasses can be a real headache in those situations.

We had a chat with “John” (keeping it hush-hush), a 47-year-old who spent 13 years on the front line with TSG in Northern Ireland. John recently got hooked up with night lenses, and let me tell you, they’ve turned his world around. He wishes he got them sooner, for both his job and home life. His take is that doing police work feels smoother and safer with night lenses compared to the daytime ones. Check out the interview transcript for the full scoop – you can catch the video HERE.

So, you’ve been rocking those night lenses for three months now. spill the beans – how’s the experience been? Are you digging them? Loving them? What’s the scoop?

First off, let me say, I wish I knew about these gems ages ago! When I stumbled upon them, I couldn’t believe this was an option. 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 deal with blurry vision. Now, I’ve got clear sight all day, no matter the hour. It’s great not constantly thinking about them – with day lenses, I was always mindful, whether I was biking, braving the rain, swimming with the kids, or chilling on the beach. Constantly aware and trying not to accidentally dislodge them.

Feeling liberated now? Any notable changes in your life? I heard you mention swimming – a whole new ball game?

That’s the game-changer. I held back on swimming because of the vision hassle. Anyone who needs glasses knows the struggle of feeling like you’re not wearing anything. It’s frustrating not seeing clearly. In the past 3 months, I’ve hit the pool more than in the last decade. Putting on specs for the first time was mind-blowing – everything crystal clear. Same feeling when I dove into the pool with night lenses, seeing everything underwater with my goggles – like a whole new universe!

Tell me about your gig with the police.

Until recently, I clocked 13 years in TSG in Northern Ireland.

So, frontline action. Looking back, any differences you notice? What situations with day lenses could’ve been an issue, and with night lenses, you’d be all good?

TSG means early and late shifts, dealing with public order, riots, wild Saturday nights in the city, and searching buildings and houses. I specialized in CBRN, rocking those big suits. During searches, especially in dusty or felt-filled lofts, it was easy to get stuff in your eyes, in your contacts. Even with the goggles, grit and dust could find their way in. Wiping your eye and feeling discomfort in your lens was common. Knocking your lens around in your eye, especially when tired, was brutal. For the soft lenses I used, it was excruciating, and in the middle of an operation, you can’t afford that. Happened a couple of times driving at night – eyes got dry, wiped them, and knocked them out – worst timing ever.

What about when things got intense? Any worries about your day lenses, and looking back, how would it have been different with night lenses and nothing in your eyes during those moments?

Peace of mind. Always aware of having lenses in, even after 25 years of wearing them. Hoping not to get them knocked out, whether from a punch or a scuffle. Even in the rain, you’d stress about them. With these night lenses, it’s peace of mind – forget you’re even wearing lenses, nothing in your eyes. Just that calm when you’re heading out.

I know you’re into keeping fit and staying active. How are these lenses holding up for your active lifestyle? Rugby players swear by them for grinding their faces in the dirt, we’ve touched on swimming and watersports – any extra perks in your personal life?

Absolutely! Since getting these night lenses, I’ve been hitting the cycling scene. With the recent rain, I got splashed in the face by the guy in front of me on my first ride out. The immediate thought was, “I don’t want water in my eyes” – a concern for anyone with soft lenses. Then it hit me – no need to stress about that anymore. What a relief!

You mentioned before this chat that you were out on your bike and spotted a bird in the sky, a hawk…?

Yeah, it’s interesting. My prescription hasn’t changed, but my long-distance vision seems sharper. As I mentioned earlier, I spotted a peregrine falcon from miles away with a clarity I probably haven’t had since I was 10!

This interview aims to spread the word, especially to fellow police officers and emergency workers – why would you suggest they give night lenses a shot?

It’s all about peace of mind. No worrying about a lens getting knocked out, or CS or PAVA from your force getting in your eyes – something I’ve experienced with CS in the past. In CBRN situations, you can’t wear soft lenses, so you’re stuck with those vision correction contraptions, which are a hassle. No anxiety about being assaulted in relation to your eyes. It just frees you up to do your job better without the constant worry. I have no idea how people manage with specs in my line of work. If you can rock these, they’re a game-changer.

Night lens wearers often reflect and find the idea of putting a lens in their eye upon waking up a bit strange – are you at that point?

Absolutely. I’d never go back to day lenses. It’s a no-brainer – better in every possible way.

 

ASK YOUR OPTICIAN ABOUT NIGHT LENSES

Night lenses are tailored for patients with short-sightedness (myopia) below -5.00D. Want more info? Just chat with your optician about night lenses, and they’ll guide you through the options. If you don’t have an optician, click on the ‘Find your nearest fitter’ image below to locate one.

USEFUL LINKS

– What’s the deal with night lenses and how do they work?
– Check out other stories of folks whose lives have been transformed by night lenses.
– WATCH this interview on YouTube