Bi-focals in the woods…

[Scott G]

How do you “well seasoned” woodsmen work in the woods with bi-focals? I have been putting this move off for a few years but got to the critical point of not being able to see. Tried traditional bi-focals and couldn’t handle it. Went to “progressive” lenses that have no lines but…

Other than not being able to see my feet, having no peripheral vision and feeling like I’m going to puke if I move my head too fast its not too bad I guess. Stairs and stumps are major issues and the fact of not being able to see my feet raises some slight safety issues running the saw…:eek:

I just got these things yesterday evening so the first full day in the woods should be a hoot…if I survive!

[TBigLug]

Don’t worry Scott, I’m sure like everything else, your body will adjust just fine.

Take above advice with a grain of salt since it comes from a 27 year old who wears single vision glasses. 😀

[CharlyBonifaz]

I just got these things yesterday evening so the first full day in the woods should be a hoot…if I survive!

makes you come up with a lot of no-no-words, you thought forgotten 😉 but in the end you will conquer the feat…..

[Gabe Ayers]

Well being one the elders that had to accept loss of vision (when looking at objects close up) a few years about, at about 45 years of age, I have learned to deal with it.

If your normal vision is still good enough to work safely without bi-focals then just simply don’t use them unless you need clear close up vision. For instance I don’t put mine on unless I am reading small print of sharpening the chainsaw.

Most of the other work of this art and skill doesn’t require close up viewing of details, so I just carry them in my shirt pocket and only use them when needed for the lost of close up clarity.

Now, I once had a high priced pair of prescription no line bi-focals and experienced the same dizzying side vision and stumbling adjustment when looking at the ground. So I just bought a cheap pair of reading glasses the 1.25 version and that way when I crush them by leaning over a log or some other contact with my shirt pocket, I am not out several hundred bucks for new prescription glasses. I think there is a certain determination to not have to wear glasses at all times, if you had normal 20/20 vision before becoming an elder….you may be able to get by with just reading glasses when you need them to aid your aged eyes.

Welcome to the top of the hill brother man, your vision is still much further than your grasp, it is a common situation for all of us older folks.

I think making your eyes work for you without the optical aids keeps them stronger longer. Oh and I should mention I lost the high priced titanium no line bi-focals a few years ago and refuse to by more and came to the cheap reading glasses as an affordable default to be able to read normal print. I wear them when working on this computer too… I just keep a few pair around and the more scratched up ones stay in my work clothes and the newer ones stay on the desk in the house.

Hope this helps,

Sincerely,

[LStone]

Good advice Jason. That is my approach also. I have the same condition and several cheapo reading specs strategically stationed where I may need them throughout the old “Stonestead”. The vehicles, barn, toolbox, desk, and recliner come to mind.

LStone

[Scott G]

Doin’ OK…. didn’t do a faceplant or puke yesterday. Won’t be doing any serious limbing/bucking for a while so we’ll see. Haven’t put the tip of my bar into my boots for about 17 years so we’ll see how it goes…:o

Being someone that is used to having one field of vision; having four is a bit disconcerting…

Might have to start putting pennies in the piggy bank labeled “Lasik”… so I can get by having multiple pairs of stylin’ reading spectacles like you “well seasoned” woodsmen (or is that kiln dried & case hardened?:D).

[mink]

wait til you have to work on something like under the car ……then you’ll really know that they suck…….mink

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