Despite the fact that I should not need or want glasses because I have contact lenses, I do want them and I am convinced I need them; despite the fact that I can survive with two different pairs of dime store glasses, I want real ones and I think this is reasonable.
Despite the fact that I should want progressive lenses, I prefer bifocals; despite the fact that I should care about having the distance clear as well, what I really want is a good pair of single vision glasses for reading and close work, with an anti-glare coating.
Because in fact, for driving, I need to see both far and near, I want a pair of bifocal sunglasses. This, I know, will not cover night driving, but for that I say for that when I am not wearing contact lenses, the nighttime is the right time for a pair of dime store glasses for distance vision, and that at that time, when it is too dark to read maps anyway, they will do.
This combination of glasses is an imperfect solution and the perfect one would be that I accept either progressive lenses or line bifocals. But my aim is to remain, as much as possible, a contact lens wearer, which is also a perfect solution except on days when contact lenses are impractical. I want these two pairs of real glasses, and one pair of dime store glasses, as backup.
Am I insane? Profligate? Insubordinate? I already know what Stringer Bell would say:
Axé.
coldhearted scientist وداد 
You know it!
Look, you’ve clearly laid out all the options with their associated cost-benefit analysis, so there’s not much anyone can add here. I will say this: when it comes to things I wear, I always choose the ones that look the best on me. In the past I’ve gotten pieces of clothing or shoes that weren’t my first choice but were more affordable. Every time I ended up not wearing them at all. Not even once. I’d rather save money and buy one high quality item that I like when I look in the mirror.
I agree but my issue is — I hate progressive lenses. Today I was thinking heck, line bifocals with sun overlay, I will enjoy them more even though they are less beautiful.
Look, you’ve clearly laid out all the options with their associated cost-benefit analysis
– Well, you clearly did last night when I first read this post. I seem to remember some dollar figures associated with each option.
Yes, and I condensed it because I thought the post was too boring. The best look by far is the most expensive – $900 – and I’m not convinced I’d enjoy wearing it.
I’m wearing dimestore single vision glasses a lot. It means better looking single vision ones would improve me (and I’d actually wear them…).
$900 is a lot for me but then I’m a broke-ass graduate student. Does your university health insurance include a decent vision plan?
No vision plan at all!
It means better looking single vision ones would improve me (and I’d actually wear them…).
– I think this seems like the optimal choice then.
Yes, I know. Problem with them is looking over them like a Middle Aged Person every time I am not reading and too lazy to take them off. The other thing is that the prescription would be close enough to what you can buy off the shelf that spending hundreds on them seems sort of weird. It’s one of those no-good-answer situations where in the end one has to just pick something. 😉
P.S. I am grateful for input on this boring and narcissistic topic!
No problem. And I don’t think it’s terribly narcissistic to want to look presentable. It makes me feel good and in my experience people respond to you better if you’re well put together.
Yes — I agree. It is my policy on clothes and if I knew which choice would best extend it to glasses, I’d be home free. 🙂
OK, I’ve ordered glasses in N.O. where they are cheaper and better.
They’re line bifocals but with a larger reading piece than normal. They say I should also have good single vision glasses for reading, and bifocal sunglasses, and truly disposable contact lenses, and use all four of these things as I see fit. I agree.
They say progressive lenses and contacts without backup are for people who don’t read a great deal and aren’t as active as I am. This I agree with too and you see, home in Maringouin nobody will agree because they do not imagine what it is to really read a lot or be active — and if they do, they do not imagine that I could do these things.
Good choice to get the glasses. If you cost it out over the number of hours you spend reading and the eye fatigue that goes with it, it’s the best choice.
I think so, too — and I am going to claim them on my taxes!
OK, I get to pick up those glasses soon. I can’t wait! And they are what I need to concentrate on fine print!
And I convinced them to sell me a new type of contact lenses here right here in Maringuouin.
Having these two things still costs less than that $900 figure. It’s all going to work! 🙂