Wearing glasses

[IRISHMAFIA]

You would think the teams would appreciate an umpire doing everything possible to better see the play

[argodad]

Four years ago my vision was great -- just had to squint a bit to read the lineup card. The next year I could read the lineup card better, but the distance vision was worse. Turns out that I developed early-onset cataracts (yet another side effect of chemotherapy).

So two years ago I umpired the first month of the season with glasses, then had my first cataract surgery on the left eye. Two days later I was back on the field without glasses. In the off season, I had the right eye cataract surgery done. I had them set my left eye for distance and my right eye for reading. (I sorta have bifocals -- they're just sideways.) The amazing human brain is able to pick out the good signal and block the blurred one. Now I can see distance 20-20 and read as well.

But I definitely need to wear sunglasses!

[I Ump 2]

I have always worn glasses to call games. I figure if I need them to drive, I need them to see ; I also figure if without them - If I can't read the catchers number - I need the white cane with the red tip.

I use a pair of Bolle glasses called vigalante. They come with 4 interchangeable lenes - clear, rose, gray, brown - the cool thing is you can get an vision attachment that attaches inside the of the sunglasses - and you are stylin'. total cost - sunglasses with 4 lens pair $75.oo, vision attachment & your perscription is about $95. Well, worth the investment.