Police

Are NIGHT LENSES a game changer for law enforcement personnel using contact lenses and eyeglasses?

EYEGLASSES vs CONTACT LENSES vs LASER EYE SURGERY

For many active police officers dealing with myopia, the choice between eyeglasses and contact lenses becomes quite clear. In intense, wet, humid, or confined situations, glasses can easily be knocked off, shattered, or impaired by steam, water, grease, or other substances that have a knack for finding their way onto your lenses at the worst possible times. And let’s not even start on the frustration of fogged-up glasses due to PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

It’s easy to see why contact lenses become the preferred or even the only option for many officers. Concerns about the potential complications of laser eye surgery or the financial commitment involved can make LASIK a less practical choice.

ON THE JOB: As most officers who wear contact lenses know, daily lenses come with their own set of challenges – they might dislodge during volatile situations or be affected by PAVA spray (which can put you at risk). They tend to dry out and cause discomfort after long shifts (impairing your focus and alertness). They can easily get irritated by dust in lofts during searches, sawdust, grit, sand, and airborne irritants (impairing your ability to perform your duties). Plus, you need specialized equipment to wear them with a CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) suit.

OFF DUTY: They can fall out during intense exercise or sports, requiring prescription goggles for swimming. They are prone to infection in hot tubs and can limit spontaneous beach and pool activities while on vacation. You’re constantly having to think about what you can or cannot do throughout the day.

But is there really no alternative?

Think again!

NIGHT LENSES are special contact lenses designed to correct nearsightedness while you sleep. Simply put them in before bed, take them out in the morning, and enjoy clear vision all day. No need for eyeglasses or daytime contact lenses, and no need for future laser eye surgery. The future of eye care is experiencing natural vision without any eye accessories or surgical procedures. The future is already here.

This innovation is based on a scientific concept known as Orthokeratology, or ‘Ortho-K’ for short. These lenses have been around for about 20 years. Each night, while you sleep, the outer layer of cells on your cornea naturally sloughs off, similar to how your skin sheds. The fresh outer layer conforms to the lens, reshaping your cornea by morning. This allows light to naturally and accurately focus, resulting in perfect vision. It’s a safe and non-permanent procedure – simply repeat it each night. [Watch a 1-minute demonstration of how they work here].

No more worries about lenses getting dislodged during altercations, PAVA spray, dust, grit, and the like. You can open your eyes underwater or in the shower. Say goodbye to dry or itchy eyes from long shifts. You can engage in rigorous, sweaty HIIT classes or workouts, followed by a sauna session, jacuzzi relaxation, and a shower – all without a second thought. Play rugby without concerns about mud splattering on your glasses, swim freely, roll around on the beach with your children, and take spontaneous dives into the sea.

Feel normal again.

Below, you’ll find three interviews with police officers who use night lenses, aimed at providing insights for their fellow officers who wear daytime lenses and eyeglasses:

‘John’ served with TSG in Belfast. CLICK HERE for “John’s” story: glasses > contacts > night lenses
‘Jasmine’ holds a specialized role within The Met. CLICK HERE for “Jasmine’s” story: glasses > contacts > laser (lasted 15 years) > night lenses
“Sarge” – serves as a Sergeant in Birmingham’s City Centre police team. CLICK HERE for Sarge’s story: contacts > night lenses

John and Jasmine have chosen to remain anonymous due to their positions, and Sarge also preferred to keep their identity private. All three agree that, from their perspective, night lenses are a superior and safer choice for short-sighted police officers (under -6D) compared to daytime contact lenses and eyeglasses.

FAQ – QUICK FIRE

• Cost: Comparable to daytime lenses
• Environmental impact: Only 2 lenses to landfill per year (hooray!), as opposed to 720+ daily lenses (not great for the environment!)
• Health & safety: No concerns, as there’s nothing in your eyes, and the effect can last up to 48 hours without a top-up
• Cost to the force (supplement): On par with daytime lenses, but no additional spending on CBRN integration for contact lens users
• New and unproven? These lenses have been available for 20 years. In 2003, they became the first UK CE-approved device. They are widely embraced in the Netherlands and other nations and have recently gained traction in the UK.
• Can children use them? Yes, they can. These lenses can manage myopia and reduce the risk of future eye diseases. WATCH: Rhys, age 8, sees for the first time without eyeglasses
• Is my optician authorized for them? Many opticians offer these – inquire about night lenses with your optician or find a practitioner below

Head round this site for further info, stories and to find your nearest fitter, or quick links to the main stuff below

How do night lenses work – a simple, quick animation demo
Other night lens stories – world champion athlete, watersports, mums, dads and kids
Where is my nearest fitter?