Contacts vs Glasses

<p>Son is attending NASS III and also applying to USNA next year. His eye's are OK for admission but he still uses contacts for distance. Will he need glasses for plebe year (or Nass) or do they let them continue to wear contacts?</p>

<p>He can wear contacts, and he will be issued glasses upon admission to USNA as a Mid.</p>

<p>Of course, I use the word "glasses" in it's broadest possible sense. Mids refer to them as BCG (Birth Control Glasses), as no member of the opposite sex will come near you.</p>

<p>I read that it those who wear glasses/contacts should bring a glasses strap for plebe summer. Is this really a big deal? I mean, I only use my glasses to see really far away things, like in the classroom, not for exercising. I'm guessing I'll need my BCGs for shooting, right?</p>

<p>If you plan to be wearing glasses during anything strenuous, bring a comfortable soft strap, black in color, and hopefully with no metal in it. </p>

<p>DO NOT bring the straps that when you are wearing the glasses, a loop droops across your neck. You need the ones that go from ear to ear across the back.</p>

<p>You're going to be sweating like a pig, and you never know when you'll have to boogie with them on. You may not have time (or a place) to put them away.</p>

<p>I recommend contacts for those who wear their glasses all the time (like me).</p>

<p>We get to wear contacts again when the academic year starts right?</p>

<p>I wore mine right through Plebe Summer, as well as during the academic year.</p>

<p>Zap, I bet you looked smashing!</p>

<p>Can you believe that back in the 60s and 70s we wore those things on purpose?</p>

<p>Oy, vey! :eek:</p>

<p>so we CAN wear contacts?</p>

<p>Unless they changed the rules sometime after 1991, yes.</p>

<p>I just don't know if they have or not.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Zap, I bet you looked smashing!

[/quote]

Nah. More like I smashed INTO something. :o</p>

<p>Things do vary by company somewhat but you should plan that you will not be allowed to wear contacts during Plebe Summer. You will need to wear the glasses for weapons qualifications or anything else that you need them to see clearly. There are a number of reasons why contacts are not allowed but I was told that one reason is the lack of time during Plebe Summer and the concern for possible infections since cleaning and taking care of contacts is difficult at times. Also, some have been known to fall asleep with contacts in place and the resulting problems that follow. If you are lucky, you will only need to wear the BCGs when good vision is critical as on the shooting range. You can definitely wear your contacts after Plebe Summer.</p>

<p>
[quote]
There are a number of reasons why contacts are not allowed but I was told that one reason is the lack of time during Plebe Summer and the concern for possible infections since cleaning and taking care of contacts is difficult at times. Also, some have been known to fall asleep with contacts in place and the resulting problems that follow.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Well, I was able to take care of mine just fine, and nowadays with extended-wear you can almost pop them in I-Day morning and not take them off until Parent's weekend.</p>

<p>Still, whatever the rules are, the rules are. Bring both just in case, unless it is confirmed one way or the other.</p>

<p>I've heard from every source I've asked that you CAN'T wear contacts during Plebe Summer, and that most companies are pretty strict about it. You can only wear contacts once the academic year starts. A mid can confirm that though.</p>

<p>But aren't the BCG's the Eurkle looking glasses?</p>

<p>Actually, BCGs might be worse than eurkle glasses</p>