Pro and cons of contact lenses

[68Charger]

As I got older (over 40), contacts would help with my distance vision (and better quality vision than any glasses could offer... but I found I couldn't see things up close..

now when I wear contacts, I have to put on reading glasses for up-close work
I'll also add that if you have dry eye issues, contacts will give you problems- much like the dusty conditions.

I wear disposables, but have also worn extended wear in the past... I like the disposables because I don't wear them every day... if I have a problem with 'em, take 'em out and throw them away... go back to glasses.

YMMV

[Punkface]

I forget to take my contacts out all the time. Especially when I drink. Taking them out after a few days or even the next day sucks balls.

I love having clear vision in my peripherals though. That and my glasses are always dirty so not having to clean them constantly is awesome.

I always keep a spare set of contacts handy. I've been debating getting lasik or something similar in the future as well.

[Cman]

I use Air Optix Breathable contacts and I'm lazy, I take them out about every 3 months. I work in a dirty environment - auto mechanic - and I have no problems with my eyes being dry or irritated. I like being able to wake up and see the clock or where I'm going with out tripping over cat toys.

[Hoser]

Fine for general use and handgun/shotgun shooting. Suck for long range shooting.

[Tim K]

See, I disagree with that. Contacts are my preferred way to shoot LR. I hate prescription glasses when behind a scope. Especially for those matches where we're working hard and sweating.

Zach, you doc can write you a prescription for both long term lenses and disposables. The disposables are $1 - $2 a day. I like having a little stock of them for emergencies. I also had my doc write me a scrip for over corrected vision, or in my case 20/15. They're awesome for spotting targets at long range. You're young enough you can probably still see your dope and the scope with them in.

[Wulf202]

Get lasik

[Great-Kazoo]

Get lasik

It's not for everyone. I was informed (2 opinions) IF i was to go through with the procedure, in my situation, i would lose depth perception. However everyone is different.

[The Rat]

I had PRK done and it was the best money I ever spent.

[Zach O]

PRK and Lasik is out of the question for now. I need to pay off some bills first!!!

[XC700116]

I wore the 30 day contacts for about 10 or 15 years, was WAY better than glasses for me, especially at the time when I was shooting Archery competitively vs glasses. I had an eye infection right before a comp once and couldn't wear my contacts. Let's just say it didn't go well. I always felt I had better vision with the contacts, but there was times they sucked too. Hunting trips when we were camping out was one of the worst, because you couldn't properly wash your hands and then trying to take contacts out and put them in with a mirror the size of a credit card wasn't that easy.

One of the nice things about disposables, is the ability to have an extra pair without much extra cost. I regularly would wear my 30 days for around 40-45 days, so I always had a bit of extra cushion on the year's supply. Then I'd always save a couple pair that had been worn for a while for backups (carry on bag, glove compartment, locker/desk at work, etc). Overall I was happy with them but I was only wearing them until my vision stopped/slowed it's degradation and then I jumped on getting Lasik, best $2k I ever spent hands down. I don't know what I'd do if I had to go back to contacts now. I know sooner or later I'll have to get reading glasses though.

Luckily for me, I've had no problems with my night vision, nor any other truly adverse effects. They are slightly more sensitive to bright light, but good sunglasses fix that and I always kind of had that sensitivity. I had it done in spring of 09 so it's been 5 1/2 years now and I couldn't be happier.