From: MikeHeit@aol.com
Date: Mon May 06 2002 - 15:43:56 CDT
In a message dated Mon, 6 May 2002 4:02:12 PM Eastern Daylight Time, jpsampson1@mmm.com writes:
>
>One of our advisors for 2003 has always worn contacts, and no longer has
>glasses. Has anyone had experience with contacts on the trail, or should
>she purchase a pair of glasses for the trek? With less than ideal sanitary
>conditions and a dusty environment, I would think it would be a good idea,
>but I don't wear either, so really don't know. Any suggestions?
>
Speaking as a (very nearsighted) contact lens sufferer, I advise wearing the contact lenses AND getting a pair of glasses to take along.
For my first trek, I left the contacts at base camp and wore glasses. BIG mistake since my vision is much better with the contacts. And the glasses made my ears and nose soar since I was not used to wearing glasses for extended periods of time anymore.
For next two treks, I wore my contact lenses, but I also carried a pair of glasses, just in case. The last time we went, I had disposable, extended wear lenses. That made the day to day care of the contacts much easier. I put on a new pair the day we left
base camp and carried two sets, then replaced the lenses every 3-5 days. Very little hassle with them.
Check with your ranger, but since most lenses are stored in saline solution, any spare lenses and solutions should go up in the bear bag at night. I did keep a small bottle of rewetting eyedrops hidden in my (very smelly) boot for use first thing in the mo
rning. For cleaning or replacing the lenses, make sure your hands are clean, and do the cleaning at the sump, to make sure the saline goes in there when you rinse the lenses.
With a little practice, handling contact lenses on the trail is not problem if you are comfortable handling them at home.
E-mail me if you want more information, Hope this helps!
YiS,
Mike
-----
Mike Heitmann
Scoutmaster Assistant, Troop 975
Greater St. Louis Area Council
Boone Trails District
http://members.aol.com/troop975
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