I need to get an eye exam cause I can't see.

Stooge · March 8, 2018 1:01PM

On Sunday I went to the local Bi-annual Rockford coin show and sat down to look at some dimes. There was a serious reflection coming from the lamp light (Reflecting off of my glasses) and attempting to look at the smallest sized coins around (Dimes), I come to realized that at the age of 50 I need an eye exam. It didn't help that I forgot my loop at home, and yes I've done that before. In the past I've just bought a new loop at the show, but I have 5 loops already and didn't want to get another one. Anyway, the show was a challenge for me visually and I wasn't having any fun. I did buy 2 silver eagles, and I left after about 25 minutes. I looked forward to this show and it turned out to be a chore.

I haven't had my eyes checked in a few yrs, maybe 5, so I'm in serious need for new glasses. I suppose I will be wearing bifocals, which isn't going to bother me, so if it helps, then I'm all for it.

Have you had your eyes checked lately?

KollectorKing · March 8, 2018 1:08PM

many dealers (if not all) will lend you their loupes upon request.

lkeigwin · March 8, 2018 1:10PM

Today we wear "progressives" instead of bifocals. Much nicer for viewing and for their appearance.

I have my eyes examined every few years. It makes a difference.

Pack one of your extra loupes in the bag you usually take to shows and never be without it again.
Lance.

oih82w8 · March 8, 2018 1:11PM

I am overdue, but...I'll get around to it. My present prescription is still ok, although my lenses are getting a little scratched up. Bi-focals were a new thing for me a couple years ago, but it is a definite night and day difference. It is something you should look into.

Stooge · March 8, 2018 1:16PM

@KollectorKing said:
many dealers (if not all) will lend you their loupes upon request.

For me it was more than just needing a loop. It didn't help I forgot mine, but I couldn't even see what I may have wanted to look at closer.

Wabbit2313 · March 8, 2018 1:24PM

At age 45, the close up stuff went very fuzzy. (Now 53) I now wear multi-focal contacts, and they make a big difference. I get my eyes checked every year since that is the only way to get contacts renewed.

I keep an emergency loupe in the car and in my computer bag. I will have one of those no matter where I might be traveling to.

Insider2 · March 8, 2018 1:39PM

One authenticator I have worked with constantly told collectors that they should have their eyes checked!

ms70 · March 8, 2018 2:24PM

Just buy CAC stickered holders, then you don't even have to look at the coin.

mustangmanbob · March 8, 2018 2:39PM

When I was tested in the Army, I was 20/08 in my left eye and 20/10 in the right. The 20/08 was "end of the chart" meaning I could not be tested any better than that.

Fast forward: 40's OK, 50's OK,

60 OK, but had a full blown check everything test. Dr. brings me back, looking at the giant false color 3D images, and asks me if I remember having a problem in the left eye. No, I replied. He pointed out a perfect round scar just off the vision field in the eye. His comment was it looked like a burn scar.

Flashback in time, basic training, an M14 rifle with a blank was fired right in my face basically point blank range. I had to wear an eye patch for a couple days. Apparently, there was a powder grain that burned in, and fortunately it was just outside the vision field. He also said there was something under my eye. Went to a plastic surgeon (my wife is a surgical nurse) and the dr opened up under the eye, and found the "wax" wad from the end of the M14 blank just under the eye.

Still trucking along without glasses, but I can tell I am losing some near vision and night vision.

BryceM · March 8, 2018 2:43PM

The physiologic changes that happen to your eyes with age are real. Many, many people just accept (or somehow don’t notice) the loss and carry on. It’s too bad as the solution is obvious and relatively simple. It’s not the worst thing that happens with age.

ms70 · March 8, 2018 3:06PM

mustangbob, that's an amazing story.

amwldcoin · March 8, 2018 3:09PM

All you guys sound like you got some sortta pass as It was basically instantaneous for me at 40. It was like a switch flipped and I had to start taking my glasses of to look at coins. Grrrrrr! Now I need a loupe! I tried the bifocal...progressive lens thing but it just doesn't work for me.

Stooge · March 8, 2018 3:31PM

I appreciate the comments guys. It makes me feel better knowing that a simple eye exam and new glasses may help. I love collecting coins and would hate to have something diminish that.

DoubleEagle59 · March 8, 2018 3:35PM

Started at 40 for me too.

Now I use the reading glasses sold in our local pharmacy, cost around $20.

Started out at 1.25X, now I need 1.50X.

If I didn't have these with me at a coin show, I might as well bring my guitar and impersonate Jose Feliciano.

Walkerfan · March 8, 2018 3:35PM

I get my eyes checked once a year. Even though I'm getting older my vision is still good and I can still see up close relatively well. I do have to use medicated eye drops, though, so I don't get glaucoma. They do what is known as a visual field test to make sure that my peripheral vision is still good. They also check my optic nerve to make sure that it is still healthy and not diminished.

1Mike1 · March 8, 2018 4:29PM

I get an eye check up once per year. Before I walk out the door to go somewhere I always ask myself what do I need with me when I arrive at my destination. Keep your mind sharp along with your eyes.

bsshog40 · March 8, 2018 5:00PM

58 here and my prescriptions are out of date. I only get readers tho' as I can still see far away. I need to get another exam tho'. Lol I always carry a fold out mag glass in my pocket. Helps me to see dates on coins and as I also like vintage watches, helps me to see lettering on those. I never leave home without it. Lol

Jimnight · March 8, 2018 5:10PM

1.50X readers is all I need..they cost me about 18 bucks.

cecropiamoth · March 8, 2018 5:19PM

@mustangmanbob said:
When I was tested in the Army, I was 20/08 in my left eye and 20/10 in the right. The 20/08 was "end of the chart" meaning I could not be tested any better than that.

You probably would have been a great hitter, perhaps could have even played pro ball. Those numbers are Ted Williams-esque.

from somewhere on the internet:

When baseball player Ted Williams, one of the greatest hitters in baseball history and the last major league player to hit .400, took his physical exam for World War II, doctors marveled at his 20-10 vision.

Jeff

bsshog40 · March 8, 2018 5:32PM

@Jimnight said:
1.50X readers is all I need..they cost me about 18 bucks.

I did these for a while but then as my eyes got a little worse, those Walmart readers started giving me headaches if I wore them too long.

Icollecteverything · March 8, 2018 8:12PM

Well I got the glasses in 4th grade and used to break at least one pair a year. Now at 59 I only need to get new ones every 8 years or so and still no bifocals. I can still see closeup although last night I thought I saw doubling on some pocket change until I got out the loupe and saw Nothing.

logger7 · March 9, 2018 4:58AM

I was picking up cheap reading glasses at the dollar store and also a pharmacy and Walmart, better quality than the buck ones. Then I checked ebay, quality for $5 a pair and they had .75 too. Someone recommended Zenni optical, I ordered a pair, instead of sending me .75 they sent me -.75! I sent them back to get my money back, they refused. I filed with the state of CA to get their attention, still I just got a credit from them, I don't recommend them.

Up the carotene and that might help too. When I used to juice a lot of organic carrots I noticed improvements, you are what you eat to some extent.

CommemDude · March 9, 2018 5:14AM

Everyone should be checked for glaucoma at least every other year after 40, it has no warning symptoms

In our 40s we all need reading glasses (magnifiers) due to the stiffening of the lens inside the eye

Over the next few decades you can expect cataracts to grow and mature, probably because of sun exposure in our youth...... when oncoming car headlights have halos around it, that's likely cataracts.

mustangmanbob · March 9, 2018 5:32AM

@CommemDude said:
when oncoming car headlights have halos around it, that's likely cataracts.

When everyone around you has a halo, you don't need your eyes, or anything else checked again, ever.

ricko · March 9, 2018 5:35AM

I get my eyes checked yearly... been wearing glasses since seventh grade...Cheers, RickO

ElmerFusterpuck · March 9, 2018 6:15AM

Been fairly luck, got nearsightedness around age 12 and it has been pretty much the same since then. At coin shows, I have to take off my glasses to look at coins, since my near vision has held up. That being said, I still bring a magnifier with a builtin light. Having that light is great in shows with so-so lighting.

Overdate · March 9, 2018 6:35AM

@mustangmanbob said:

@CommemDude said:
when oncoming car headlights have halos around it, that's likely cataracts.

When everyone around you has a halo, you don't need your eyes, or anything else checked again, ever.

I would check to make sure I have one and that it's in working order.

BuffaloIronTail · March 9, 2018 9:54AM

@Stooge said:

@KollectorKing said:
many dealers (if not all) will lend you their loupes upon request.

For me it was more than just needing a loop. It didn't help I forgot mine, but I couldn't even see what I may have wanted to look at closer.

Reading glasses, my friend. Save the big money.

Pete

KollectorKing · March 9, 2018 1:42PM

My 72 year old brother swears that glasses from the 99 cent store allows him to see like when he was in his 20s. He has multiples (bathroom, bedroom, car, kitchen, sofa to watch tv, for fishing, for walking, etc.)
For a little more than a buck a pair, what do you have to lose

I need to get an eye exam cause I can't see.

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