halcyon100

I used to do lots of riding in soft contacts, which I wore for about 12 years. Back then, my prescription was not quite as bad (-7 to -8) and I was able to wear wrap sunglasses over them and had no problems. I got GPC right around the time I graduated from college (falling asleep in my contacts while studying...). I was told not to wear contacts for at least a few years. Then I hurt my back and didn't cycle for awhile.

Long story short, I've been riding again for the last few years - mostly mountain biking (15 mph or less) in my regular glasses until recently. Now that I'm road biking again, I realize that I need something better for descents so my eyes don't water non-stop.

Spent the last few months trying various type of disposable soft contact lenses, RGP contact lenses and Rayban Daddy-O Rx sunglasses. The silicon hydrogel soft disposables left me with blurry vision, the RGP were crisp in terms of vision, but the pain and cornea-scratching were too much. My eyes were very sore for 24-48 hours after removing the RGP lenses. The Rx glasses got really foggy, had some fishbowl effect and looked super dorky on me. I could deal with the dorky look if they actually allowed me to see better than my regular glasses on descents.

I have read that there are differences in thickness and material with different types of soft lenses. I would love to hear from anyone with a strong prescription that was able to ride okay in a particular type of soft lens? I've also heard about hybrid soft/RGP lenses - curious if anyone has tried that?

Eventually, I may look into PRK surgery, but so far it seems I'm not a candidate due to an autoimmune thyroid disorder (it is a contra-indicator for surgery).

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

AcctHitman

Your eye care provider might be able to order you soft lenses from SpecialEyes | Custom soft contact lenses That company can produce soft lenses that are custom-fit to your exact prescription. I got a trial pair, but did not continue using them since I could not see as well as with my glasses. But if you are looking for something that is good enough for cycling, this might be the solution.

Homebrew01

I just wear regular glasses.

inspclouseau

I think my script is -4.50

I wear accuvue oasys for years and years now. I abuse the heck out of them and are generally fine. Every few months I get sick of them and just wear my glasses for a night and right back to the contacts again.

copswithguns

Lasik. Best money I've ever spent, and the 20/13 vision isn't bad either. The way I figured it, the $3000 I spent is probably less than what I would have spent on contacts and glasses over the next 20 years.

edfungus

I have about the same bad eye sight (-9/-10) and I use acuvue oasys which works well with sunglasses on top.

buffalowings

x2

GuitarBob

I just started using Proclear contact lenses, which I'm told are more breathable than the old Accuvues I wore happily for years. Not sure how I feel about them yet.

I'd think the bigger issue is a good-fitting pair of sunglasses. Just tonight I ordered a pair of Smith Pivlock 90's, as my current pair allows a fair bit of air in around the perimeter...

halcyon100

Thanks for the replies! I have an upcoming vision appointment and I will see about trying the acuvue oasys and ask about custom-made soft lenses.

So far, it seems I am not a candidate for laser surgery - I take thyroid hormone for autoimmune hypo-thyroidism - and I have read that both of these things are contra-indicators - taking hormones and having an autoimmune condition. I haven't yet talked to an eye surgeon, just regular vision doctors when I get glasses.

For those who wear regular glasses while riding, do you choose a certain type of frame for cycling? Do you use polycarbonate lenses? transition lenses? I have a few expensive frames I got over the years that were fit to the shape of my face, so they have oval or rectangular lenses that don't block wind well. I currently have one pair of super scratched up transition glasses for cycling/hiking and another non-transition pair for everything else. My prescription recently changed and it would be pricy to replace the lenses on both.

Looigi

I wear plastic progressive bifocal transitions lenses, but my prescription is only moderate. All legit plastic lenses are rated for impact and UV protection. A prescription as strong as yours does present problems with fitting to a frame, but a good optometrist can be very helpful. Mine had many catalogs of frames and sport frames which I went through and picked out a number for him to get in and try on. One main consideration is that they sit high enough so that you're not looking over the tops when in the drops. Many years ago I found that after I started out riding my eyes got accustomed to the wind and watered less and less.

halcyon100

Thanks Looigi. I don't ride in the drops much, but I do find myself sometimes looking over the top of the glasses. I have also had some neck stiffness that I think may be related to this.

My regular glasses do okay for my commute to and from work. My main issue is with long descents - I had one anxiety-provoking ride on a long and winding descent where I couldn't really see due to the eye watering... I don't use a cycle computer, but I am guessing my speed was in the 35 - 40 mph range... Back when I wore soft contacts, I felt like I had "two barriers" against the wind - the contacts and the sunglasses. The old school soft contacts I used to wear actually allowed me to cut onions without any tearing. But, I think that was due to the low oxygen transmission, and there are health problems with that. I might actually ask about trying the low-oxygen soft contacts again, if they are still made.

ChargerDawg

That is a hefty prescription for sure.

I rear RayBans perscription sunglasses while riding... may not be a cool as a curved frame glass, but it works.

carpediemracing 

I'm in the -8 range. I wear normal glasses. I have one pair of not-bifocal bifocals (progressives) and one non-progressive.

I bought transitions and found them not very effective. They need to have light to darken and the only way to really get them dark is to be in strong light. Since my caps or helmet or whatever shield the glasses from light the glasses never get dark.

For eye watering descents just let the tears flow. After a few seconds I can see pretty well.

sqroot3

i'm with the fungus. at this degree of myopia, soft contacts plus your choice of non-prescription wraparound eyewear are a winning combo. ask your optometrist to work with you toward your specific goals. i'm rocking the acuvue 1-day trueye. i suspect you and your optometrist will eventually find an option that works for you.

wearing normal glasses for cycling is annoying for several reasons: not necessarily wraparound so you may tear more; generally heavier than sunglasses/clear protective lenses; whatever you put on your eyes will tend to get soiled with sweat/dripping sunblock/road grime; fewer choices for sun attenuation.

fireSalt

I have a few quick additions as I have also been looking for solutions over the last few months. My situation is similar, -6.50 myopia, and corneal warping that limits my ability to wear contacts. I've been with the Acuvue Oasys for a couple years and just got fitted for the Ciba Vision Dailies Total1​ (silicone rather then hydrogel). Better oxygen (Dk/t) and wetting (feels slippery) are among its strengths. I recommend trying them out, they may alleviate the irritation. In tandem, I had my optician order a pair of Rudy Perception flip-up Rx (Demo Lens-006 - Matte Black - Perception Flip-up -) with high prescription insert. I can't attest to their "greatness" but they seem to be a solid solution. I can't abide by standard inserts, but these seem acceptable because the Rx inserts are in the frame and the nose pads aren't blocked by an insert. They have several "flip-up" designs and I'm optimistic they won't be overly heavy. Has anyone tried them?

I had a conversation with e-Rudy a minute ago and apparently their insert range is only -7.00 to +4.00 (as of 03/2014). Assuming slightly blurred vision doesn't work for you, then it's not the solution I was imagining. Possibly useful for other readers.'

Edit: Optical labs other than Rudy might be able to put a higher-index material into the insert to accommodate -9.00. Might be worth an inquiry.

caheo883

You must buy a sports glasses, they are the latest must-have accessory for the motorcycle enthusiasts and bikers, and lenses are made of high quality shatterproof PC material that is durable enough for long time using

Campag4life

Most with a monster diopter like that...I too am quite blind btw but opposite + diopter....they forego glasses completely and simply ride with hand extenders and learn to feel the ground like braille. This is the safest approach to riding if legally blind but just like learning to snow ski, it takes a while to develop this tactile sense and of course if riding in the winter and with gloves, my advice, is ride slower because harder to feel the road.
One further caveat...riding in the rain can be confusing but better for the manicure.
HTH

Athens80

The OP may have made their decision since their post three years ago.