need your feedback on getting new eyeglasses for flying

[kenair]

Hi,
I'm about to start ground school and then the flying part, recreational type flying for me at this time.
I'm 52 and my last two eye exams ( 2 years apart) have been for reading glasses (around +1.25) and my eye glass plan covers ($400) every two years.

I've taken 2 flying lessons and I find I am taking my sun glasses off, putting my reading glasses on to read the checklist or map, and taking them off, over and over.

I find I need sun glasses on sunny days or I squint.

I took and passed my cdn class 3 medical (PPL license) and do not legally need eyeglasses on the medical

My next eye exam is June 4 and I will get new glasses.

I would like to kill 3 birds with one stone, reading glasses, sunglasses and no glasses.

The eyeglass store has progressive lenses, self tinting, etc.

I've gleaned so much other flying information off this site that I would like to hear what pilots that need reading glasses do themselves.

Thank-you in advance for your comments, sincerely, ken in Canada

[skymstr02]

I used some good sunglasses, and got the stick on reading lenses on the bottoms, much like bi-focals. The lenses ran something like $9/pair.

I got some Randolph Engineering glasses because they have the bayonet temples and they allow the ear cups on my helmet and headset seals to seal out the noise better. I also got the polarized lenses because they filter out the haze better.

[bdk]

I flew with auto-darkening glasses and they worked just fine for me. Maybe you can get some with bi-focals.

[Bill Greenwood]

Try those little stick on lens for the bottom of your glasses that Sporty's sells, before making a permanent decision. I still have 20 20 distant vision, used to be 20 10 when younger. I dislike glasses, but need them to read small print or in dim light or if my eyes are tired. I keep one pair of cheap readers on my neck or pocket and another on a strap in the plane. I tried and did not like at all the progessive ones; Most of your time flying is looking outside, and I can usually read the map and list without glasses. I prefer to go all the way to the reading glasses when I need to.

[Mudge]

My medical requires "corrective lenses" so I got Rx sunglasses. Tried the "Auto-tint" but they don't recover quickly enough going to either light or dark.
The Rx shades suit me fine. Haven't done my night X country yet, but when I do, I'll just go to my regular glasses.

Mudge the visionary

[GIJOE290]

Mudge so does mine.

My next pair will be bi-focials, I don't like my progressives. And for sunglasses, I simply clip on my $7.00 Walmart Fliip-up sunglasses.

I would strongly urge that when flying you pack a second pair of glasses that can be easily gotten to and put on. Trust me this can make for an
intresting time when a lens pop's out in flight or when landing.

[Second Air Force]

Kenair,

I totally agree with what Bill posted. I am currently using 1.00 reading glasses and also have the stick-on lenses on my sunglasses. They can be carefully trimmed to the size that fits your glasses for the best reading and scanning vision. Mine are just a small strip on the lower 1/4 of my sunglasses and work very well. For night flying I keep a pair of off-the-shelf reading glasses hanging in my pen holder--you could carry a pair in your flight bag, etc.

Enjoy the training period!!
Scott

[T33driver]

Invest in some Serengeti brand non-polarized sunglasses with their trademarked "Drivers" amber-tinted lense, then get the stick-on lenses for reading your charts. I've found them to be the best for all types of flying conditions whether sunny, high glare, cloudy, flat light are anything in between. The Serengetis with the "Drivers" lense cuts glare while still bringing in ample light, allowing you to read your charts and instruments clear as day. Stay away from polarized lenses since they'll cause you to see splotches on your windscreen and/or distort your view of any glass/EFIS-equipped displays on the instrument panel.

http://www.serengeti-eyewear.com/technology/lenses.cfm

[kenair]

Thanks to all for the feed back, I never knew stick on lenses existed, (that what happens when grow up in the frozen tundra) the lenses are listed on Aircraft Spruces web site, though I will check at a local drug store first.http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/pspages/stickon_lenses.php

Great news, fantastic, yipee, I can keep using my Raybans and Serengetis (I think they are the drivers too).

I knew I would get the info here. :>)
Have a great day
-ken.

[bdk]

And for sunglasses, I simply clip on my $7.00 Walmart Fliip-up sunglasses.

I suspect those won't work well in a Stearman!

[GIJOE290]

And for sunglasses, I simply clip on my $7.00 Walmart Fliip-up sunglasses.

I suspect those won't work well in a Stearman!

LOL. I suppose not. How giving me a ride and we'll find out?

[bdk]

LOL. I suppose not. How giving me a ride and we'll find out?

If I still had it, I would be glad to accomodate. Traded it for my present T-6 project.

[GIJOE290]

If I still had it, I would be glad to accomodate. Traded it for my present T-6 project.

Congrat's! That's very COOL!