I have worn contacts for a while, most of my life. I am in fact wearing them right now, just like I always am.
I came to a conclusion a few months ago that I don't have to wear the same type of contacts any more, especially for the trail. I was wearing the standard 2 week disposable contacts. The type you put in every morning and take out every night. It was taboo to sleep in them and it was actually briefed and ingrained into us at Basic Military Training that leaving them in for long periods of time could have DEVASTATING EFFECTS. This can be true, with certain contacts that I don't feel like researching.
I saw an ad while watching the Olympics this year. Maybe you saw it, too. Air Optix Night and Day. Contacts you can wear for 30 days and nights. 30 days!! Even while sleeping!! I don't have to attempt to clean my hands of imbedded dirt and grime, then put in icy contacts while confined to my sleeping bag. Just pop 'em in once a month when I'm in town or somewhere I can get legitimately cleaned up. Sounds like a fantasy.
So, I went in made an appointment with an optometrist, got an exam/fitting ,and put them in. I've been wearing these contacts for 2 months (2 different pairs), and I must say; they're pretty awesome. My vision was corrected to 20/10 (I can see those bears from VERY far away).
Note: When I first started wearing them, I would get some lovely eye buggies in the morning. That doesn't really happen anymore.
There are a little pricy. I bought a year supply for $230. I did not pay for these first two pairs. The first pair was a trial, and I asked for another pair when I ordered mine from the optometrists because I was going out of town and it would be a bit before they came in. Two free pairs. I felt pretty good about that, be sure to do the same if you decide to get some.
If any of you were wondering what on eye you were going to do about your contacts out there, I hope this helps open your options.
-Jeremy
Hi, guys. I stumbled across this site from YouTube, and I just want to tell you how cool I think this is. My husband and I want to do this so badly, but we have young children, so it will have to wait. I hope you don't mind if I follow along as you make your amazing journey. Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteAwesome, Andrea! Thank you. We're thrilled to have you follow along! You and your husband will have a chance soon enough. Just make it happen.
ReplyDeleteThe youngest person to thru-hike the AT was a 6 year old boy who went with his parents. They actually did a YoYo or flip-flip, hiking from GA-ME then back in 1980. 2 years later another 6 year old boy and 8 year old sister thru-hiked with their parents. You never know.
Also, not sure if you've seen our website - http://hitchedhike.com
Take care!
Jeremy how did the contacts work out for you? I wear glasses now and hate when it rains on them. Haven't done extended wear lenses for years so I'm curious. Thanks. Congratulations on finishing. Loved your videos
ReplyDeleteHey, Glenn.
DeleteThanks for watching our videos! The contacts were amazing. I think there was only a couple of times that I even noticed them on the entire trip, and that was about the time when they needed to be changed out. It was odd when I first started wearing them. For about 3 days my eyes would be "gooey" when I woke up. My optometrist said it would happen, then my eyes adjusted and I never knew they were there. I highly recommend at least doing the 1 month trial. Even for non-trail use, they are awesome.
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ReplyDeleteThanks for your nice information about the free pair of Airoptix Contact Lenses.You really did a great job on posting.Thanks for sharing, keep it up!
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