Glasses on the field - recommendations

[VALJ]

As the years have gone by and the gray hairs have crept in, the eyes have started to go too, and I’m wearing progressive lenses now.  I have some “multi-focal” contacts that let me see pretty good at any distance, but not perfectly, and I’m worried that I may miss something (a number, or a hand grasp, or something like that that I’d actually need to really see.  Can y’all recommend a good pair of glasses to wear on the field?  Not looking to go full Rec Specs or anything, but something I can use that will be a little more clear.

And fellow “more experienced” officials in this boat, do you need the progressives on the field, or do single focus or bifocals work?

[GA Umpire]

As the years have gone by and the gray hairs have crept in, the eyes have started to go too, and I’m wearing progressive lenses now.  I have some “multi-focal” contacts that let me see pretty good at any distance, but not perfectly, and I’m worried that I may miss something (a number, or a hand grasp, or something like that that I’d actually need to really see.  Can y’all recommend a good pair of glasses to wear on the field?  Not looking to go full Rec Specs or anything, but something I can use that will be a little more clear.

And fellow “more experienced” officials in this boat, do you need the progressives on the field, or do single focus or bifocals work?

I have worn glasses almost all my life, so I have worn progressive lenses on the field with transition lenses.  (my normal everyday pair).  I found the progressives worked for me as I did not have to shift my eyesight up and down and could keep my head still.  (try to at least).
I used a "glasses strap" to keep them in place so they would not get knocked off when bumped by players.

Did this for years.  I now have had cataract surgery and corrected my distance vision, so I only keep a pair of readers in my pocket for when I need to record data on my game card.

I would think you would need to try each in a scrimmage to see what works best for you.

[HLinNC]

I started out 15 years or so ago just trying to get by with readers early on as I only needed them to see my game card but found that they fogged up immediately when removing them out of my pocket, rendering them useless.

My regular RX specs have been progressives.  In 2012 I bought a pair Nike frames from SportRX with progressive lenses that I still use.  They weren't cheap but this will be my 11th season coming up.  The RX is still good.  They are lightweight and don't give you that goggle look.  I don't recall the exact model number but just google "Nike eyeglasses for runners/running" and that should get you started.

I also eventually added clear lenses to my Oakley Flak Jacket sunglasses.  They're a little more obvious but I see them used a lot by NFL and NCAA officials and MLB players.

You might find some much cheaper glasses options at Zenni but I didn't care for the frames that were "sporty".

[Ralph Damren]

There should not be any shame, whatsoever, in wearing glasses on the field. While I wear glasses for reading/typing/whatever, i don't on the field. Several years ago, in a hotly contested regional championship, our crew was leaving the field when we were approached by someone's grandmother. Her head was spinning around like the little girl in the movie The Exorcist, and screaming :

"GIT SOME GLASSES, GIT SOME F@#$%& GLASSES"

The umpire (also NCAA) and I were not wearing glasses. HL,LJ & BJ were. Ump & I figured she was only talking to us. 

[VALJ]

Oh, Ralph, it’s not about shame - it’s about not wanting to wear my $400 glasses that I wear every day out on the field just in case something happens…. The contacts were a great solution when I was still wearing monovision, but I’m just not that sure how well they’ll work now.

[HLinNC]

not wanting to wear my $400 glasses

My first pair-$365.  JV dufus lineman waddled into me after the play.  Snapped the left earpiece off right past the hinge.  I just turned around and put the pieces in my boxman's front pocket.  Fortunately for me,  my optometrist had a set of frames at his office that the lenses would fit.

[Ralph Damren]

WOW, I didn't realize that glasses were that $$$$. My glasses get replaced every couple of years come with a $35 co-pay. Your prices are in the neighborhood of the costs for your entire wardrobe of football uniform. 

UNREALATED, USLESS EYEGLASS/EYESIGHT KNOWLEDGE:

I was at a college hockey game last night and when a call was made against the home team (UMaine Black Bears) the student section would then chant: "I'M BLIND, I'M DEAF, I WANTA' BE A REF!"

Clint Courtney, of the ole' Washington Senators, was the first MLB catcher to wear glasses. 

[HLinNC]

My glasses get replaced every couple of years come with a $35 co-pay.

I dropped eyeglass coverage when I found out I could order glasses online from Zenni for about the same price as I was paying in premiums.  I'm not sure about VALJ but those prices appear to be about what I have paid thru an optometrist.  Progressive lenses are more expensive than bifocals and then there's all the add-ons: anti-scratch, anti-glare, transitions, etc.  A basic pair at my Wally World the last time was still $200+, and that was buying $35 frames.

[AlUpstateNY]

I was at a college hockey game last night and when a call was made against the home team (UMaine Black Bears) the student section would then chant: "I'M BLIND, I'M DEAF, I WANTA' BE A REF!"

Not being able to clearly decipher every (first) emotional, stupid comment on a sideline has proven to be a convenient blessing.  Funny how those type comments that progress, or repeat, come in a lot clearer.  It also helps with some marital comments.  There's no need to respond/react to what you don't clearly hear.  If it's important, it will likely be repeated, clearer.

At a D111 game in Bennington, VT, passing the home team band on the way onto the field, we were greeted by a musically assisted, repeated chant, "The REFS are wonderful guys, The REFS are wonderful guys".  Strange how "positive" encouragment always seems so clear.

[Ralph Damren]

Not being able to clearly decipher every (first) emotional, stupid comment on a sideline has proven to be a convenient blessing.  Funny how those type comments that progress, or repeat, come in a lot clearer.  It also helps with some marital comments.  There's no need to respond/react to what you don't clearly hear.  If it's important, it will likely be repeated, clearer.

At a D111 game in Bennington, VT, passing the home team band on the way onto the field, we were greeted by a musically assisted, repeated chant, "The REFS are wonderful guys, The REFS are wonderful guys".  Strange how "positive" encouragment always seems so clear.

The college bands in Vermont sound much nicer  . for while the UMaine students were chanting "i'M BLIND, i'M DEAF..." their pep band usually plays "THREE BLIND MICE...". While there are only 3 officials in NCAA ice hockey, I'm unsure if there is a "FIVE BLIND MICE..." version for high school football  .

[RDC]

Get lasik eye surgery, best thing I ever did.

cost me $4500 1st appointment to exit exam, the clinic I did it at had a deal with Wells Fargo financing with 0% interest for the 1st two years.

[VALJ]

Get lasik eye surgery, best thing I ever did.

cost me $4500 1st appointment to exit exam, the clinic I did it at had a deal with Wells Fargo financing with 0% interest for the 1st two years.

The whole idea of someone messing with my eyes just gives me the screaming willies.  AND the heebie jeebies.

[Tom.OH]

The whole idea of someone messing with my eyes just gives me the screaming willies.  AND the heebie jeebies.

I'm with you. I'd be the one in how many millions to have it and go totally blind...

[riffraft]

Get lasik eye surgery, best thing I ever did.

cost me $4500 1st appointment to exit exam, the clinic I did it at had a deal with Wells Fargo financing with 0% interest for the 1st two years.

Some of us are so near-sighted lasik will not work.  Only option is Lens replacement (About $15K) and then no guarantee you won't still need glasses. Decided to just wear my contacts and carry a pair of cheap reading glasses in my pocket just in case I need to read something.

[HLinNC]

The whole idea of someone messing with my eyes

   

Me too but after cataract surgery on both eyes, those fears were assuaged.

[GA Umpire]

   

Me too but after cataract surgery on both eyes, those fears were assuaged.

 

[bossman72]

I'm with you. I'd be the one in how many millions to have it and go totally blind...

I was timid to get Lasik and finally made the jump.  Best decision I ever made.
I took the attitude of, "Well, if I go blind, I've seen everything I needed to see in this life already."  lol

[Bernied]

If you're looking for a good pair of glasses to wear on the field as a referee with progressive lenses, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you want to make sure the glasses fit comfortably and securely, so you don't have to worry about them slipping or falling off during a game. Look for frames that are lightweight and durable, with a snug fit.

When it comes to the lenses, single focus or bifocals may work better for you on the field than progressives, as they offer clearer vision for specific distances. You could consider getting a pair of glasses with a single vision lens for the distance you need to see during the game, or with a bifocal lens that allows you to see both near and far.

Some popular brands for sports glasses include Oakley, Nike, and Under Armour. Look for glasses with lenses that are impact-resistant and scratch-resistant, and that provide 100% UV protection. Many of these glasses also come with interchangeable lenses, so you can switch them out depending on the lighting conditions of the game.

Ultimately, the best glasses for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs. It's always a good idea to consult with your eye doctor to get a professional recommendation and ensure your glasses are properly fitted and prescribed. 

[RDC]

The whole idea of someone messing with my eyes just gives me the screaming willies.  AND the heebie jeebies.

procedure is invasive. will not be fun. it's not really really painful, but pretty uncomfortable. was over it in about 6 hours, back to normal in a couple days. dry eyes for a week.

[RDC]

I'm with you. I'd be the one in how many millions to have it and go totally blind...

with what glasses and presripts cost in this year 2023, if you can get it, get it done.

[RDC]

Some of us are so near-sighted lasik will not work.  Only option is Lens replacement (About $15K) and then no guarantee you won't still need glasses. Decided to just wear my contacts and carry a pair of cheap reading glasses in my pocket just in case I need to read something.

bought all that you can do.

[refjeff]

I wear blended trifocals with expensive flexible metal frames that I pay extra for.  I'm vain.  I get a new pair every two years

For football and working in the yard etc  I wear a pair with black plastic frames that I got at Costco.  I get new lenses every other year.

I don't feel that wearing glasses has limited my officiating ability at all.  If it's raining though, I'm in trouble.

Both pair have a Cablz brand adjustable retainer.  I like it a lot better than other things I've used.  Amazon or the fishing section at Walmart.