Author Topic: Glass or Plastic! (or vision corrective options) (Read 2970 times)

DiscoEd · « **on:** March 31, 2007, 08:40:36 AM »

Greetings,

So I've been wearing my eyeglasses under my HJC Symax modular helmet. This has worked out o.k. I think mostly because my eyeglass frames are very small, thin and fairly flexible.

One problem I've been faced with when riding is that I have no sun shades. This can be difficult when riding westward on an evening (for me this happens often).

I'm just wondering what other eyeglasses wearing riders have done to accommodate their vision needs?

Should I go with prescription goggles?

Should I get an extra pair of prescription sun glasses?

I've been told that the "transitions" type lenses don't work under a helmet visor. Does anyone have experience with this?

Should I consider contact lenses and just get tinted shield or sun glasses?

Regards,
DiscoEd

Uncle Ernie · « **Reply #1 on:** March 31, 2007, 10:25:14 AM »

I would not recommend contacts as something always gets by glasses, shields, and even goggles. I would hate to have something in there scratching the lenses or the eye.
I have had photo-greys for many years, and they are OK for much of the time. I finally got prescription sunglasses (pricey!) and now I'm sorry I waited so long. They are wonderful- no comparison to photo-greys/Trasitions.
Plastic will scratch easier, but glass is LOT heavier. I used to think glasses sliding down your nose was just part of the deal. I'm a slow learner. One thing about sunglasses; no one will steal regular glasses- set you shades down and they're GONE. > POOF <
When fitting glasses, make sure they meet your eyebrows. Otherwise, they may look cool, but on the bike, sun will drill right into your eyes over the tops of the frames. Close all around helps keep wind out in general.
I also have a magnetic strip that is taped to the top of my visor (don't trust the magnetic bit). It comes in handy when riding into the sun because I lower my head some and it acts as a shade. I don't notice it during normal riding. I think you can get sheets of the stuff at autoparts stores (cut strips and sell it to friends), or places like Riderwearhouse have pre-cut pieces, I think.

nickjtc · « **Reply #2 on:** March 31, 2007, 12:29:14 PM »

Definately not glass. These days there are no advantages. Plastic lenses, and especially the higher refractive index lenses, are extremely good ultra violet radiation filters, so even with no tint you are giving yourself good UV protection by wearing them.

The Transitions type of lenses are very effective when worn with nothing between the lens and the sun. As soon as you get into a vehicle, or put on a helmet with a visor, the material of the windshield/visor absorbs the ultra violet radiation which is what stimulates them to change. So unless you have a supplementary pair of clip-on overshades they are not going to be of any use when driving/riding.

The best sunglass lenses are those which absorb 100% ultraviolet radiation and 85% visible light. So with a 'good' pair of sunglasses you should not be able to see your eyes when you look in a mirror. The optimal combination is a polarised lens (grey or brown) in plastic material. Then you get the full meal deal of protection from ultraviolet, visible and horizontally reflected light. The downside of polarised lenses is that they are premium priced and you get some interesting visual effects when you look through glass that has been thermally tempered (rear windows of cars, glass doors in buildings), or at digital instrument displays.

BobbyR · « **Reply #3 on:** March 31, 2007, 01:29:34 PM »

Plastic is the way to go. When picking out my sunglasses I actually went to a BJ's Warehouse and got a pair for a decent price. What you need when wearing a full face is ticker side side so you can slip them between the padding and your face without them deforming. Before you jump on me about going to BJ's, I decided to do that after finding out that the Optical house that supplies my local Optical Boutique also supplies BJ's and the local Walmart.
I tried some polarized clip ons which are great, but behind the face shield you see some odd colors on cars windows. It is a very 1960s acid trip view of the road.

mick750F · « **Reply #4 on:** March 31, 2007, 02:51:52 PM »

When I went to get new glasses last year I found a great solution to the sunglasses problem. There are at least a couple of glasses manufacturers that sell metal glasses frames with sunglasses that attach with magnets. The sunglasses have small magnets that fit into a receiver at the hinges of the glasses. They aren't cheap but it's easier and cheaper than two pair of glasses. The first pair I bought had inherent weak spots and I broke them two times during the warranty period and once after. The optometrist was having problems with other peoples glasses too so it wasn't just me even though I'm rough on glasses. The thing is that the sunglasses on those frames had bigger magnets and were solid when attached. The frames I got to replace the first ones haven't broken in a year so they're a better frame but the sunglasses don't attach nearly as well. They haven't popped off yet but I keep expecting them to.

All in all a great solution for us glasses wearers. Oh and get plastic lenses...the technology is amazing.

Mike

kghost · « **Reply #5 on:** March 31, 2007, 03:54:13 PM »

You could buy one of the modular nolan helmets with the extra flip down shield.....

bowhunter · « **Reply #6 on:** March 31, 2007, 07:11:00 PM »

Do you have a model 3 on the Nolan's?

Bowhunter

nickjtc · « **Reply #7 on:** March 31, 2007, 10:21:01 PM »

Quote from: mick750F on March 31, 2007, 02:51:52 PM

There are at least a couple of glasses manufacturers that sell metal glasses frames with sunglasses that attach with magnets.

But do not wear these with nothing covering them. A strong wind will blow the clip-on off. I lost count of the number of people who came in after crossing on the ferry and had their precious sunglasses blown off!

DiscoEd · « **Reply #8 on:** April 01, 2007, 07:06:59 AM »

O.k. So here where I think I stand on this so far...

Contact lenses - No go! I've had contact in the past and although I could see better with them, I just never felt comfortable with poking them onto my eyes every morning. I also tend to have dry eyes anyway and can imagine that with the road dust and wind that would not help either.

Yes, it is amazing how stuff can get inside your helmet. Last summer I had a wasp fly in through the tiny opening at the bottom of my shield. It was only open about 1/8". So the wasp misses the windscreen and passes through the 1/8" crack to smash into my moustache and fortunately in his unconscious state, he dropped out the opening under the chin bar. WoooHooo!

Magnetic Clip Ons- About ten years ago I had a pair of glasses that had clip ons. They were not magnetic, but had hooks that secured them to the glasses. There are two problems that I don't like about these. First is that the clip on lens tends to rub on the glasses lens and anything trapped in between the two ultimately leads to scratching. Second, When in a full face helmet, I'm already looking through glasses and the visor and that tends to produce some "ghosting" and reflecting of images. I can only imagine that looking through a third set of lenses would only add to this effect.

Modular Helmet with Flip Down Sun Shield - I have been thinking about these. I wonder if this would also have the issue of reflections and ghosting since I would be looking through three sets of lenses. Also, since I've never seen one of these helmets in person, I wonder how durable the sun shade is. I don't want something that going to be dropping down is front of my face especially at night. Does anyone own one of these helmets and could comment on its construction?

The "real" prescription pair of sun glasses is sounding like the best option at this point. It sounds like they would provide the best all around use for me. I would think that I could get them with polycarbonate lenses like my safety glasses have for a little added protection. Perhaps I can find some that kind of wrap around a bit to give a little more relief form the wind.

Regards,
DiscoEd

medic09 · « **Reply #9 on:** April 01, 2007, 08:05:48 AM »

I have big aviator type Rx sunglasses. Just describe clearly to your optometrist and optician what the primary use is; and be prepared to spend a bunch of money. Like Ernie, I wouldn't want to be without mine. On a long ride, a good pair of sunglasses is worth it's weight in gold, especially if your ride in strong sun like we have in NM or Texas.

DiscoEd · « **Reply #10 on:** April 01, 2007, 08:38:23 AM »

Quote from: medic09 on April 01, 2007, 08:05:48 AM

On a long ride, a good pair of sunglasses is worth it's weight in gold, especially if your ride in strong sun like we have in NM or Texas.

Up here in the PA we don't see the sun that often, but when we do it can be very annoying!

Regards,
DiscoEd

mick750F · « **Reply #11 on:** April 01, 2007, 08:52:19 AM »

Quote from: DiscoEd on April 01, 2007, 07:06:59 AM

O.k. So here where I think I stand on this so far...

Magnetic Clip Ons- About ten years ago I had a pair of glasses that had clip ons. They were not magnetic, but had hooks that secured them to the glasses. There are two problems that I don't like about these. First is that the clip on lens tends to rub on the glasses lens and anything trapped in between the two ultimately leads to scratching. Second, When in a full face helmet, I'm already looking through glasses and the visor and that tends to produce some "ghosting" and reflecting of images. I can only imagine that looking through a third set of lenses would only add to this effect.

Regards,
DiscoEd

Ed...I wear my glasses with magnetic clip-ons inside of a Nolan modular helmet. I don't notice any of the ghosting you mention. Of course now that you've mentioned it I'll probably notice it.

The magnetic clip-ons sit away from the frame enough so that there is no contact with the lenses. They're the same shape as the frames so they pretty much look like a pair of sunglasses when on. I wouldn't go with the clip-ons unless you're wearing a full face helmet. To help with the sun I've added "Sun Strip" shield to the top edge of the visor. It's a black adhesive strip that blocks out a lot of the sun. It comes 2" wide and you trim it to the width you want. I left it pretty much full width because my riding position allowed me to. It really helps when the sun is low as you can tip your head down a little and it blocks it out.

Mike

ieism · « **Reply #12 on:** April 01, 2007, 09:41:38 AM »

I have a Schubert helmet with a flip-down sunvisor. This works so good it makes you wonder why not all helmets come with this option.
You don't really look through the visor, but slightly beneath it. But since the sun is above the horizon most of the time when it shines in your eye, this works really well.

DiscoEd · « **Reply #13 on:** April 01, 2007, 12:22:46 PM »

Quote from: mick750F on April 01, 2007, 08:52:19 AM

Ed...I wear my glasses with magnetic clip-ons inside of a Nolan modular helmet. I don't notice any of the ghosting you mention. Of course now that you've mentioned it I'll probably notice it. The magnetic clip-ons sit away from the frame enough so that there is no contact with the lenses. They're the same shape as the frames so they pretty much look like a pair of sunglasses when on. I wouldn't go with the clip-ons unless you're wearing a full face helmet. To help with the sun I've added "Sun Strip" shield to the top edge of the visor. It's a black adhesive strip that blocks out a lot of the sun. It comes 2" wide and you trim it to the width you want. I left it pretty much full width because my riding position allowed me to. It really helps when the sun is low as you can tip your head down a little and it blocks it out.

Mike

Hi Mike,
That is interesting to know about the clip ons. Must be they have changed them a bit since I last had them. I'm lined up to visit the optometrist on Tuesday afternoon. So I guess I'll find out what all of this stuff looks like. I'm sure I'm going to need new specs as it has been way too long since my last visit and I've been letting the crt slowly burn away my retinas.

Do you have a link for that sun strip stuff?

With my Symax helmet, I can usually tip my head down a bit which gives me a bit of shade and relief. When the sun is low on the horizon though, that just doesn't work.

Regards,
DiscoEd

mick750F · « **Reply #14 on:** April 01, 2007, 02:43:04 PM »

Hi Ed...I bought the Sun Strip from DK. This should take you to the item...http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/product_catalog/Product.jsp;jsessionid=U1ELFQ4MAKGPZLA0WTVSM4VMDK0NCIV0?store=Main&skuId=325593&productId=p325593

When I got new glasses last year I hadn't been to an optometrist in about 10 years. I was forced into a visit when it became impossible to read no matter where I held what I was reading...glasses on or off. I ended up with graduated bifocals...no line...with some type of high tech plastic lens whose name escapes me right now. For me the magnetic clip-ons are the best thing since sliced bread.

Mike

Hope · « **Reply #15 on:** April 04, 2007, 08:35:26 PM »

Get you some prescription sunglasses right here: http://goggles4u.com/sunglasses.asp $25.99 shipped to you!

You have to know your prescription for your glasses and your facial dimensions for the glasses in order to order online. Get 5% off
Promotional Code : Easy12

Then you'll have a set of prescription sunglasses to wear while riding. I ordered some regular glasses from them & they are pretty good glasses. They are not glass. They are plastic, scratch resistant, with all those coatings they always offer at the store.

Buber · « **Reply #16 on:** April 04, 2007, 11:06:37 PM »

Hi!
My input - stay with glasses. Plastic and TRANSITIONS! I went to local optician, and he made me plastic ones in a sunglasses frame, but they looked too "radical", so i just used the lenses in my normal frame. I don't know what kind of UV or transition material you guys have over the ocean, but mine are getting dark beautifully under the visor - no problem whatsoever, visor is a classic plastic one, helmet is a local german brand called Streetfighter (cool matt BTW...) heres the link.

http://www.louis.de/_20f8f41e1a773b791c82f5137e01fd26b4/index.php?topic=artnr_gr&article_context=detail&grwgr=150&wgr=837&list_total=9&anzeige=0&artnr_gr=203530

As per glasses - another soultion - check this out as an idea. I bet you could use a pair of older, spare glasses and do this.

http://www.polo-motorrad.de/product/141088/group/1095/dmc_mb3_search_pi1.pos/1/Produktdetail.productdetails.0.html

But I'm a big fun on tranistion lens - works great for me! Had them on my last contract in Caribbean, and i didn't even needed my ususal baseball cap.

Regards!

CrisPDuk · « **Reply #17 on:** April 04, 2007, 11:32:52 PM »

Plastic lenses all the way, if I wore glass ones my nose would wilt under the weight

I've got a Caberg lid with an internal sun visor, I find it so much easier to use than sunglasses, plus there are no gaps at the edges for the sun to sneak through like you get with shades either

jtb · « **Reply #18 on:** April 05, 2007, 05:40:55 AM »

Ed, plastic for weight, and lighter the frames the better. I've been wearing prescription sunglasses for 20 years, and can't live without them. It's a little pain to get them on through the opening in the helmet, but well worth it. Since mine are bifocals, I cant' read the speedo or tach without them.

DiscoEd · « **Reply #19 on:** April 05, 2007, 06:19:37 PM »

O.k. Well, I got the easy part done...

Had the examination and overall it went pretty good. The change in my eyes was fairly small. For my daily wear glasses, I did select some frames with polycarbonate lenses and transisitons coating. I looked at what they had for sunglasses and I didn't like the styles (or the prices). So I'm going still going to have to find some prescription sunglasses that I like.

BTW... Thanks guys for all of the great suggestions and info.

Regards,
DiscoEd

coolcat2002 · « **Reply #20 on:** April 06, 2007, 11:10:44 AM »

I know everything there is know about corrective vision!

http://www.eyebuydirect.com/

http://www.zennioptical.com

And many other sites have inexpensive prescription sunglasses ($20 shipped for me.)

I wear contacts, disposable, colors, regular, extended, day & night
I wear glass & plastic & transisition.
I've gone thru about 20 pairs of glasses.
I've seen a ophthamologist for PRK (way better than Lasik and 3x as much), not a good candidate for me though.

Here's what I learned:

1. Glass fogs up, gets dirty quicker but has best clarity ( if it's clean) sightly heavier but they have super thin glass now.
2. Plastic scratches easily and that's the only down fall.
3. Transisition lose their Light to Dark properties over time and requires UV (doesn't work inside cars) and usually not dark enough.
4. Accutane (severe acne medication) interferes with contacts wearers.
5. The only brand that relieves some contacts irritation are Pro-Clears (but that's just me), sample stuff and don't switch if one works for you.

I tried to be all Tom Cruise riding my bike without a helmet but just my aviators but when I turn my head going 60mph the wind almost blew it off, wraparounds are back in fashion I hear.

francisew · « **Reply #21 on:** April 06, 2007, 04:55:16 PM »

I've been thinking about the whole 'sun in eyes' problem for the last while. I also wear glasses.

I had taken accutane a long time ago, and my eyes are generally pretty dry. I can wear contacts, but it sometimes gets very uncomfortable very quickly. This is something I really don't enjoy when riding. I mean, who needs needles in your eyes when trying to change lanes on the highway. It seems like a good way to get hurt.

Likewise, I've had the wasp in the helmet experience, and I especially didn't like that, since I'm allergic to bee stings (the stung area puffs up mightily and I have lots of trouble breathing). Luckily for me the little guy seemed to enjoy being in my helmet, and after a minute of buzzing around, he got bored and left (uneventfully).

I'm also working with optics a lot (I work with optics in analytical chemistry), and have been thinking about how to best block the sun without annoying visual effects.

I don't want multiple pairs of glasses, and I don't want to use clip ons because of the cost (I'm a research student, so not much spare dough), and because that would mean there are 3 reflective surfaces between me and the road. I can already see the glint of my regular glasses in my visor, so I don't doubt that I'd see the extra sunglasses.

I'm thinking that a polarized helmet visor would be great, since a vertical polarizer will block direct sun reflections from horizontal surfaces (cars, road surface, ect). One key here is to have the polarizer on the *outside* of the plastic visor, otherwise the efficiency will be reduced (because the plastic will act as an optical waveplate, turning the horizontally polarized reflections into circularly polarized light, and causing it to pass through the polarized in some places on the visor).

I haven't seen any visor replacements that use vertically polarized filters... I'll probably make some to test it out using an old visor & post the results. Unfortunately, I don't have any sheet polarizers on hand to try with (they're not expensive, but as stated above I'm cash-impaired at the moment).

Do you guys know of any polarized visors?

Thanks,
Francis

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #22 on:** April 06, 2007, 05:00:10 PM »

You might find this interesting...

http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/polar-optics/polar-optics.htm

francisew · « **Reply #23 on:** April 06, 2007, 05:43:49 PM »

Wow.

That's perfect. I find the issue they raised about not seeing puddles of water and oil really interesting. I hadn't thought of that. I guess the efficiency of the polarizer isn't high enough to completely obscure the reflections, just enough to dim them so they aren't blinding.

Thanks for the link Bob!

Francis

Quote from: Bob Wessner on April 06, 2007, 05:00:10 PM

You might find this interesting...

http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/polar-optics/polar-optics.htm

Hope · « **Reply #24 on:** April 11, 2007, 02:11:25 PM »

Maybe swim goggles are the answer. You can get some prescription swim goggles for $9.99 here: http://www.swimoutlet.com/product_p/7030.htm

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Author Topic: Glass or Plastic! (or vision corrective options) (Read 2970 times)

bowhunter