40 mph & 20/500+ vision...

[Cassandra_Cain]

So this past saturday I did the usual - the big mountain climb in the Sandias. I do this ride every week but this time something a bit unnerving happened.

It was 28 degrees at the summit and the descent is pretty high speed, between 30-40mph for 14 miles. Anyway, about 1/4 of the way down I could barely see and then realized I had lost a contact - now that was harrowing

My eyesight is bad, real bad. I have glasses but do not wear them for cycling. I wear sunglasses (pretty standard Ryders brand) and contacts.

A friend suggested ski goggles but that seemed bulky whereas she then mentioned regular goggles, ala swimming. Seems worth considering...

For those of you who have dealt with going fast downhill - any suggestions on how to avoid this whole losing a contact business?

It is hard enough with 2 good eyes, much less without a contact!

[Kitsune06]

This is my fear, too... I have yet to *get* said contacts, but the idea of suddenly losing one on the trail is a scary prospect... and like you, VERY bad vision. I'm thinking very close-fitting, snug glasses. If you're looking for 'cheap' just to get an idea, check out uvex Genesis for ~$14. Very snug, and are used for chemical/splatter/spray protection in the facility I'm working in. I've heard good road reviews for them, too.

[Bicyclette]

I have no helpful suggestions on how to avoid losing your contact lens -

I too wear contacts for riding and although I have not lost one yet (knock on wood) the wind really makes my eyes cloud and tear so I can barely see...

Kit - I checked out those glasses and I am definitely going to try them - for that price how can you go wrong!!! and they come in colors!! - thanx so much for suggesting them

[spokewench]

I wore contact lenses and sun glasses for about 20 years cycling and only lost a contact once. So, I took my chances.

You might try a different set of sunglasses, some block more wind than others.

Any kind of closed goggle, will probably just fog up so bad you won't be able to see anyway. Your sweat just collects like a terrarium on your glasses.

I finally decided to do lasix - actually just had recorrection surgery on Friday to get my eyes to where they need to be. (i was legally blind before I had the first surgery last December). Yahoo freedom from glasses and contacts !

[Veronica]

I've lost contacts twice on descents of Diablo. I wear dailys so I carry an extra set with me.

V.

[Bluetree]

Any kind of closed goggle, will probably just fog up so bad you won't be able to see anyway. Your sweat just collects like a terrarium on your glasses.

That got me thinking about the goggles the jockeys wear. They are clear, lightweight wraparounds that are mostly closed to keep out all the dirt getting kicked in their faces. The goggles have tiny vents on the tops or sides. I don't know where they get them, though.

I finally decided to do lasix - actually just had recorrection surgery on Friday to get my eyes to where they need to be. (i was legally blind before I had the first surgery last December). Yahoo freedom from glasses and contacts !

Welcome to the club. It's sure a liberating feeling isn't it!?

[miffy'sFuji]

bluetree, what a good idea.

I found this website...
http://www.kroop.com/

their googles are used my motorcyclists and mountain bikers.

Cassandra, I'm glad you're okay.