Last summer I dropped my glasses in the Bryce visitor center parking lot during a public observing session, then in the dark I stepped on them, too. The glasses landed face-down (of course) and when I stepped on them the hard cinders that the park uses for winter cut really deep scratches in the lenses. While they didn't break, I had much the same experience as you did. Finally last month I was able to get new glasses, and it was a nice, like you said. Still, I may actually be looking forward to the eventual cataract surgery so that I can be rid of the glasses entirely. Been wearing them since 1966. For awhile after I began wearing bifocals/progressive lenses, I tried keeping a second pair for distance only, for naked-eye observing, but that doesn't work anymore because I can't see to even read my watch without the bifocals. I'm grateful to Ben Franklin, but I wish I didn't have to use the glasses at all. By the way, Chuck, congratulations (belatedly - sorry) to you and your bride! Kim -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Chuck Hards Sent: Thursday, January 12, 2012 9:10 AM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: [Utah-astronomy] New glasses After about 5 years, I bought a new pair of glasses. My prescription hadn't changed, but the lenses weren't in optimal condition even though I take very good care of them. The old ones were "OK", IMO, no large scratches but quite a few small "micro" pits. In sunlight the glare was noticeable. They were good for working in the shop and indoors and over time I guess I just got used to them. I tried the new ones outdoors last night and it's a whole new world. Without the light-scattering micro-pits and fine scratches, clarity (resolution) is much improved. I got the anti-reflection coating on these so throughput is much better as well. Contrast is also much better due to the lowered scattering level. My naked-eye astronomy is much improved thanks to clean, new lenses. If you wear glasses, I highly recommend a new pair, and pay the extra bucks for the anti-reflection coating. _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php