My eyes used to work so well – now my arms are barely long enough to hold things where I can read them. Reading glasses help but I look so grandfatherly… It really bugs me that I can no longer focus at things close. Clipping fingernails is particularly vexing – I never have my reading glasses with me when I do that. How can I continue to be cool while having to use reading glasses…
James – Ontario
Hi, James,
Our vision is a perfect metaphor for middle-aged guys. One day everything is fine and the next, bang!, the entire universe is crumbling before us. (And then once we’ve acknowledged the crumbling universe, we can decide whether to freak out or just carry on. I’m an advocate for just carrying on.)
I started, like you, by pretending that my eyes were still fine and trying to convince myself that I didn’t mind reading at arm’s length. Then I tried on some reading glasses in the drug store and had to admit that my arm was getting tired. I soon realized these glasses worked fine for reading, but I couldn’t switch between whatever was on my desk and my computer screen.
So I got into the grandfatherly habit of peering over the top of the frames. That’s what makes us look old. Not the glasses themselves. Glasses can be perfectly cool. As long as you get the right ones.
This year I took the big leap and moved from reading glasses to progressives. I hesitated for so long because I’ve got no problem with distance. And I didn’t want to admit that they were just getting worse each year. But now that I’ve grown used to my progressives, I can see everything, all the time! No need to go find my reading glasses since they’re right on my face. If I’m driving or out for a run I take them off, but I don’t need to.
It’s time for you to admit that you’re middle-aged, that like the rest of us your eyesight is changing. It’s now time to start wearing glasses that weren’t purchased for ten dollars at the drugstore. And glasses that don’t make you look like a grandfather.
I am a fan of Warby Parker — not just their style but their business model and their great customer service. (I’m not getting paid to say this.) If you’re going for progressive lenses, then you’ll need to make an appointment for an eye exam. But if you just want to get some awesome-looking reading glasses, then order directly online. They’ve got a great home try-on system. And I love that they give a pair away for each pair purchased.
-R.L.
Chop That Wood
Chop That Wood 