I'll add my two bits to this discussion about contacts, glasses, and
binoculars.

I am moderately myopic and I have astigmatism, so my vision with contacts
is less than perfect. I use disposable soft ones for vigorous outdoor
activity (like when there is a ball involved) but I much prefer birding
with my glasses. With my contacts, I can get focused on a bird through
the binocs, but then when I have to switch to spotting them with my bare
eyes I have trouble re-focusing. I use Nikon E-series binoculars with my
glasses, folding back the rubber eyepieces.

I will add that this arrangement only became
really satisfactory when I switched from plastic lenses in my
glasses to high-index glass lenses. The optical quality of the Zeiss
glass lenses I use is so superior to any other spectacles I have had that
I can't imagine going back. I would especially recommend them to those
of you with high quality optics in your binoculars and scopes - it
doesn't make sense to spend the money for good optics and then degrade
their performance with plastic glasses or compromised contact lens
correction. Just beware of dropping glass glasses! I have broken one
lens in five years and it cost me a bunch to replace it!

As for the drips and moisture - I take a corner from a good dish towel along
with me to wipe the lenses when necessary and I almost always wear a hat
with a brim - no sunglasses for this birder! I want to see the actual
colors!

Cheers to all.


Becca Knox