Eye focus problem

[MickM]

I'm a begginer and I've had caterac surgery and lens replacement on both eyes. I'm set up for mono vision so my left eye works for close up (I'm also left handed) and the right eye is for distance. It took some getting used to but works out fairly well. Problem is try to shave right side of my face with right hand but right eye does not focus that close in mirror? I've tried reading glasses but the frame is in the way. Anybody ever run into this?

[regularjoe]

I have not run into this. I can tell you that after awhile, you don't need to focus very closely in the mirror. Just so long as you can see well enough to avoid your earlobe, you can do this. It becomes much more tactile with time. It the meantime, perhaps some strategically placed mirrors would help you see the right side of your mug more easily? Just a hopefully helpful suggestion.

[deighaingeal]

For much of my shaving experience my mirror was quite a distance from my face. This kept me from focusing very well (add into the fact that I used to not wear glasses while shaving). I think it can be done, but as your situation will be unique to you, you will just have to try it and see what works.

[Jimbo]

There may be someone here who can help, but if I were you I would consult my optometrist (or whoever).

If the reading glasses solution works for you but for the frame getting in the way, do a search here on glasses. I'm sure I remember some such threads discussing how wearers of glasses cope with such problems.

I wonder if they still make monocles? That could be awesome: a shaving monocle! (uh oh, a new AD..... )

James.

[Havachat45]

I'm assuming that you are a wearer of contact lenses or did they surgically set your eyes up for monovision?

I tried monovision contacts and they didn't work for me - I now have bi-focal contacts that work great - especially for shaving.

I can, however, get by even when not wearing them.

It's something you'll get used to after a while

[ace]

At first, being able to see what you are shaving seems crucial, and at first it may be. But as you get used to straight shaving you'll find that you can sense with your hand where the blade is, and vision becomes less important.

[MickM]

My eyes are surgically set to mono vision so there's no going back now, but it seemed like a good idea at the time! Cheap reading glasses won't work because the other eye does not need correction. A safety razor works because the handle is on the side when I shave but I want to learn to use a straight razor like the big kids!

[maddafinga]

I'm not sure what the solution for you will be, but I can tell you that once you start to get comfortable, you'll need to see exactly what's going on less and less.

After reading your post earlier today, I was thinking about it while I was shaving. Because of that I was paying attention to what I could see and what I couldn't, more than I have since my first couple of months. (I'm 11 months in now.)

What I noticed surprised me. For large sections, I wasn't even looking at what I was doing, but rather feeling. I couldn't even see what I was doing because my hands were blocking my view.

I don't know when this started, and until today I've never even noticed it. I still wouldn't have except for your post.

So keep at it, you can get there.

[thebigspendur]

I'm not understanding this mono vision thing. I've had cataract surgery and my eyes are better than ever. Do you mean you don't have stereoscopic vision? I would imagine you can get glasses or contacts to compensate.

At any rate we have a a couple members who were legally blind and totally blind and they shave with a straight fine so it's just a matter of adapting. You do it mostly by feel anyway.

[Mike12345]

+1 to all here who suggest that eyesight is not a big factor in straight razor shaving. I'm extremely nearsighted and, like others, there are whole areas I shave based on touch and sound alone. My hands are in the way for much of my shave.
Odd, and counterintuitive, but it works for me. It really wasn't something I had to work at. Good luck, and concentrate on safety first. A close, smooth shave will come along on it's own time.