Several years ago, due to relocation, I switched officials associations and the new group seemed a bit more "appearence conscious" than the other. This was a positive and a really well respected commish was in control. A couple of days before a fairly important BV assignment, I took an elbow to the eye area playing pickup ball. Sporting a shiner, with some swelling, and unable to get my contact lens in, I knew I'd be in for some good natured ribbing (or worse) showing up with a black eye and my glasses. Being a newbie in this group, I did not want to turn down any games, but didn't want to make the crew or organization look bad either. Called commish and describes sitch, whereupon he just wants to know if I can see well enough and if so, do I want to stay on game or not. I kept the game and took the comments...funny I remember one coach seemed to be impressed that I actually PLAYED some ball...this is how some coaches think
Back to OP: You've done good to go 24 years and not have knee trouble til now. Do all the stuff the others have said and get a good pair of orthotics in your shoes to keep you tracking correctly. Good luck.