# People who don't wear glasses even though they need them **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [November 10, 2011, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-dont-wear-glasses-even-though-they-need-them/602510 "2011-11-10T15:15:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 11\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Jaledin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Jaledin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jaledin)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2011, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-dont-wear-glasses-even-though-they-need-them/602510/61 "2011-11-12T21:57:56Z")
I’m nearsighted, but only need them to recognize people from a half-block away, watch a movie see a computer monitor at a slightly greater distance than that to which I’m accustomed, and to drive at night (legally, during the day as well, but I don’t care about that – I see well enough and usually have shades on anyway). I don’t wear them unless I’m going to do any of those things – I don’t like wearing the glasses to read, and my sunglasses are prescription in an emergency like somebody wanting to show me a funny YouTube clip or something. If it’s daylight, I’m wearing sunglasses, so it’s not worth the effort to bring a second pair of regular glasses. ---
**Author:** ![Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/brown_eyed_girl/32/3574_2.png) [@Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brown_Eyed_Girl)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2011, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-dont-wear-glasses-even-though-they-need-them/602510/62 "2011-11-13T03:43:36Z")
> [@Jaledin](#): > > I’m nearsighted, but only need them to recognize people from a half-block away, watch a movie see a computer monitor at a slightly greater distance than that to which I’m accustomed, and to drive at night (legally, during the day as well, but I don’t care about that – I see well enough and usually have shades on anyway). > > I don’t wear them unless I’m going to do any of those things – I don’t like wearing the glasses to read, and my sunglasses are prescription in an emergency like somebody wanting to show me a funny YouTube clip or something. If it’s daylight, I’m wearing sunglasses, so it’s not worth the effort to bring a second pair of regular glasses. Why don’t you get yourself a pair of prescription sunglasses? If can’t pass a driving test without corrective lenses, you don’t belong behind the wheel without them. You’re putting other drivers, road workers, pedestrians and cyclists at risk. Also, hope you don’t ever get into an accident. Your insurer may very well not cover any liability. IMO, it’s a very irresponsible decision. ---
**Author:** ![svd678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/53a042/32.png) [@svd678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/svd678)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2011, 6:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-dont-wear-glasses-even-though-they-need-them/602510/63 "2011-11-13T06:06:40Z")
Re: he 70 year old who reads without glasses - he may have implants after cataract surgery. I have a friend with one eye nearsighted and the other farsighted; he needs no glasses. Concerning the fear of being “sold”- it is possible to find optometrists and opticians who work separately. And during the tests you can tell for yourself whether you need glasses. ---
**Author:** ![svd678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/53a042/32.png) [@svd678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/svd678)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2011, 6:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-dont-wear-glasses-even-though-they-need-them/602510/64 "2011-11-13T06:20:49Z")
I didn’t see VOW above, before I wrote - second page fools me. His remarks are not quite correct - implanted lenses are focused at one distance (experiments going on with lenses that focus) so unless one has the arrangement of my friend you need correction for near or far . I have bifocals; I can read nothing without them; and one/half diopter helps with distance as well. Altho I passed the driving test without glasses. ---
**Author:** ![Farmer\_Jane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Farmer\_Jane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Farmer_Jane)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2011, 6:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-dont-wear-glasses-even-though-they-need-them/602510/65 "2011-11-13T06:27:04Z")
I can easily answer that one - for me, anyway. I can’t afford them. It’s a $100 visit and about $150+ for my glasses, thanks to my apparently complicated eyes. I also need to go to the dentist and I’m saving the $1,100 for that. And it’s my son’s birthday in three weeks. Priorities. ---
**Author:** ![Maiira](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f04885/32.png) [@Maiira](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maiira)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2011, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-dont-wear-glasses-even-though-they-need-them/602510/66 "2011-11-14T03:12:13Z")
> [@BellRungBookShut-CandleSnuffed](#): > > I still don’t really understand people who have terrible eyesight and choose glasses over contacts if it’s a viable option (eg doesn’t hurt to have them in, etc). Don’t you miss being able to see what’s to your left and right? Matter of fact, I started a [thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=504124) about it a few years back. Others have already addressed this point, but I do not have problems with peripheral vision. Nothing is lost by my wearing glasses (and that’s _with_ those smaller, more fashionable frames, thankyouverymuch). I won’t wear contacts because A) I hate putting stuff in my eyes–even eyedrops drive me bonkers–and B) I like glasses too much. They give my face character, and I think I look better with them. ---
**Author:** ![Euryphaessa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Euryphaessa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euryphaessa)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2011, 4:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-dont-wear-glasses-even-though-they-need-them/602510/67 "2011-11-14T04:56:15Z")
> [@Wallenstein](#): > > I’ve been trying to convince myself my lack of clear vision is just 'cos my eyes are a bit tired 🙂 > > But I’m almost at the point where I’ll give in and go get a proper eye test. > > My concern is that the optician is there as a salesman, and they will always come down on the side of “yes sir, you definately need glasses… have you seen our premium range?”. **svd678** touched on this, but I’ll reiterate that it’s not at all necessary to buy your glasses at the same place you get your eyes tested. My optometrist always asks if I want to buy glasses there or get my prescription to take elsewhere, and I always choose the latter. Make sure they give you your pupillary distance along with the other parameters and you’re good to go. ---
**Author:** ![Jaledin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Jaledin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jaledin)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2011, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-dont-wear-glasses-even-though-they-need-them/602510/68 "2011-11-15T22:24:25Z")
> [@Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](#): > > Why don’t you get yourself a pair of prescription sunglasses? If can’t pass a driving test without corrective lenses, you don’t belong behind the wheel without them. You’re putting other drivers, road workers, pedestrians and cyclists at risk. Also, hope you don’t ever get into an accident. Your insurer may very well not cover any liability. IMO, it’s a very irresponsible decision. I did mention I wear prescription sunglasses pretty much permanently outside in daylight. At night, when driving, regular glasses go on. Chillax, woman – I’m doing the right thing! 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2011, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-dont-wear-glasses-even-though-they-need-them/602510/69 "2011-11-16T02:20:52Z")
> [@CanvasShoes](#): > > Oh my heavens, that works! Fabulous, next time I forget my reading glasses I’ll have a “backup”. > > 😃 This is probably the most important thing I’ve learned in 6 years here. The rest is fluff. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/brown_eyed_girl/32/3574_2.png) [@Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brown_Eyed_Girl)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2011, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-dont-wear-glasses-even-though-they-need-them/602510/70 "2011-11-16T03:13:01Z")
> [@Jaledin](#): > > I did mention I wear prescription sunglasses pretty much permanently outside in daylight. At night, when driving, regular glasses go on. Chillax, woman – I’m doing the right thing! 🆒 My apologies. I was confused by your post, apparently. It seemed like you were saying you don’t care that your prescription is required for day driving and can’t be bothered to bring your glasses with you for daytime driving. I admit I missed the reference to your prescription sunglasses. Sorry 'bout that. :o ---
**Author:** ![Invisible\_Chimp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/f05b48/32.png) [@Invisible\_Chimp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Invisible_Chimp)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2011, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-dont-wear-glasses-even-though-they-need-them/602510/71 "2011-11-16T04:15:00Z")
If I hold my arm out in front of me, I can see to my wrist before things get blurry. I actually take my glasses off to read, sometimes when I’m on the computer too. I don’t need them to get around my house unless I’m watching TV, but if I’m leaving, my nearsighted ass better have my glasses on. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-dont-wear-glasses-even-though-they-need-them/602510.md?page=3)