The Accurate Reloading Forums
Contact Lens use
10 October 2007, 19:36
Bobby B.Contact Lens use
Many of the photos pertaining to Namibian hunts depict dry dusty conditions. Has any of you been comfortable wearing your contact lens through the duration of your PG safaris? Are a set of 'Rat Patrol' goggles required or would wearing sunglasses prove sufficient for protection from dust? My friend and I intend to hunt the latter part of March 2009.
Bobby B.
10 October 2007, 19:42
Charles_HelmI hunted in contacts in Namibia and Zimbabwe. Good sunglasses are a big help. If you are riding in an open vehicle it will be worse (much worse) than inside the cab of a HiLux. I carry my glasses and a contact case in my backpack on the truck, and after one lesson on old trucks with no mirrors I carry a small mirror as well in case the contact gets out of position. It can be useful putting them in in the morning as well.
Some of the roads in Namibia were extremely dusty, and high winds can be a problem as well.
I also take along an old pair of contacts as back up.
10 October 2007, 22:06
404WJJefferyI noticed a couple of problems with them and don't use them hunting anymore.
You roll out early, 5:30 am and sometimes the eyes are tired or red, not ready for contacts, then you may hunt until 6 pm, to 11 pm if you night hunt, you may wear your contact lenses for 12-15 hours, and after a few days your eyes will suffer from it.
Also, the dust will dry out your eyes and after a while your eyes will crap out on you.
5 also noticed it was a little harder to focus in the scope with contacts that may be just me, but all of the above ended up having me end up not wearing contacts.
______________________________
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10 October 2007, 22:58
SpringMost of the dust is well behind the vehicle when you're riding and not a problem. It's also not an issue when walking around. I wear them on safari and have never had any problems.
10 October 2007, 23:21
CanuckI've worn contacts for about 20 years now. I wear glasses only when absolutely necessary...I HATE wearing them. I had absolutely no trouble with my contacts on 2 PG safaris in RSA or my DG hunt in Tanzania last year.
Good sunglasses and occassional eyedrops usually cover all minor issues.
Cheers,
Canuck
10 October 2007, 23:39
OldcoyoteNo problems with my soft contacts in southern Namibia or Zim. I also wore Transitions glasses except when using binocs.
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11 October 2007, 01:21
Bill CI have worn my 30-day constant wear contacts on multiple trips since 2001 to Africa, Alaska, NWT backpacking for sheep, etc, and have never had a problem (except below*) nor needed to even take them out for cleaning during the trip. No problem on the plane ride either, but they do dry out quick on the plane. I always take 1-2 extra pairs just in case and backup prescription glasses. Several bottles of re-wetting drops area must, and the sunglasses do help when riding on the back of the truck. Of course, if you do not tolerate contacts well, your results may vary. Good luck and enjoy the trip!
* I should add that Avon SSS and at least the long wear 30-day lens are not compatible, as whatever that glop gives off it buggers up the contacts (noting any strong chemical, perfume, etc does the same...I figure if it bothers the contacts then I shouldn't be breathing it anyway). Also the fumes from the buses/trucks when driving in larger towns can be bad...although this is not a problem in Zim these days.
11 October 2007, 03:10
JPKI wear gas permiable hard lenses and have had only a few minor issues with dust in about fifty days of hunting. I put a bottle of wetting solution and a set of spares in a trackers pack the first day and keep the same in my truck bag.
JPK
Free 500grains
11 October 2007, 09:02
Black FlyContacts in the field were no problem. The flight over was more of a problem. I wear soft lens bifocals that should come out at nite. On the flight, I was too excited to sleep and too tired to stay awake. Dry eyes took a lot of rewetting drops.
When hunting, never even used rewetting drops.
Take glasses for the flight, wear your lenses for the hunt.
Bfly
Work hard and be nice, you never have enough time or friends.
11 October 2007, 20:08
Charles_Helmquote:
Take glasses for the flight, wear your lenses for the hunt.
I agree.
11 October 2007, 20:09
L. David KeithAnother consideration is getting an eye lash in your eye. Dry, windy conditions will cause you to rub your eyes more than normal. Be prepared to handle the situation. LDK
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11 October 2007, 20:33
BOWHUNRDitch the contacts and have Lasik done. I did that before my first safari in '01. Best thing I have ever done!!
Mike
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11 October 2007, 21:38
Steve MalinverniHere two photos taken in Namibia this year, I used daily B&L lenses, while during normal life I use montly B&L. Used also mono dose liquid for contact lenses, but I had no problems, bring with you a good pair of sunglasses, I used Polaroid 8835, with rubber frames. They need care, I know, but cover very well the eyes, and work very well on my face.
bye
Stefano
Waidmannsheil
12 October 2007, 19:03
GraylakeBefore I had Lasik done, I wore contacts everyday. I was working in a very dusty area with a lot of sand and after the first summer in the field I had wrecked my pair of contacts.
The Opth. suggested that I get daily disposables for the days that I am in the field and not have to worry about cleaning solutions etc. I did that for the next 3 years and never had a problem with my contacts again. At the time I think it was 2-3 dollars a day.
If I was still wearing contact then I would go that route for the Africa trips. Or any trips for that matter, you always get fresh contacts in the morning and at night you just flick them in the corner.
12 October 2007, 23:15
cable68Wore rigid gas permeables in Namibia in '05. good idea to have some sort of glasses while riding in back of truck.
Caleb
15 October 2007, 22:40
TerryRI've worn contacts on 3 African including one to the Kalahari. No problems.