The most famous eyewear in college football is a thing of the past

[Dr. Sak]

Scout.com: The Eyes Have It

Penn State coach Joe Paterno, whose thick-lens glasses had become a trademark in his 44 years at the helm of the Nittany Lions, has had surgery to correct his vision.

“I had trouble reading for the last six months, so I went down to Philadelphia to the Penn Scheie Eye Institute,” the 83-year-old said. “And the guy says to me … I think we can fix that up. So they went in and did it. I don't really need glasses any more.”

The ophthalmologist was Dr. Stuart Fine, who Paterno has known for more than four decades.

But anyone expecting the spectacle of major college football's all-time wins leader showing up on the sideline with a completely new look next fall will be disappointed. Paterno said when he walks around without glasses, “I feel strange.”

“When I don't wear 'em, and I put on a sweater, I reach to take the glasses off and I don't have them on,” he said.

So he had a set of glasses fashioned with similar frames to the ones he wore in the past, only with much thinner lenses.

See Paterno talking about his vision:

Paterno discussed his vision at the Penn State Multi-Sport Facility Thursday, where he and his wife Sue were recognized for their roles as honorary coaches for the Centre County Volunteers in Medicine 2010 Boston Marathon Challenge.

The Challenge raises money to help uninsured citizens of the county receive free medical and dental care. Local runners who participate in the Boston Marathon generate the funds by soliciting donations on behalf of their efforts in the race.

Paterno said it is “nice to be a part of,” then added: “Obviously I'd prefer to be running a little bit, but at my age, those days are gone.”

Even at his age, however, he does have plenty to look forward to. And if he chooses, he can do it without his glasses. As if to prove it, he took them off and provided a demonstration.

“I can do everything now,” he said, rolling up his sleeve and looking at his wrist. “I can see my watch. I can tell you what time it is.”

[cartman]

or not:

But anyone expecting the spectacle of major college football's all-time wins leader showing up on the sideline with a completely new look next fall will be disappointed. Paterno said when he walks around without glasses, “I feel strange.”

“When I don't wear 'em, and I put on a sweater, I reach to take the glasses off and I don't have them on,” he said.

So he had a set of glasses fashioned with similar frames to the ones he wore in the past, only with much thinner lenses.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I can't hardly stand Paterno but that's cool for him.

[cartman]

Since he doesn't need corrective lenses anymore, he should borrow Greg "Fossilman" Raymer's lizard eye glasses.

[RedKingGold]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

I can't hardly stand Paterno but that's cool for him.

Yeah, because he such a image of evil for college football compared to the lollipop lane of the SEC recruiting.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by RedKingGold

Yeah, because he such a image of evil for college football compared to the lollipop lane of the SEC recruiting.

My intense dislike for Paterno goes back roughly 30 years give or take (shoved aside only long enough to pull hard for him/them vs Herschel), and has little to nothing to do to with recruiting and nearly everything to do with him coming across as an smug SOB for most of his career versus the past decade or so when he could (fairly IMO) play the role of potential victim.

[GoldenEagle]

I thought there was an age limit on eye correction surgery.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by GoldenEagle

I thought there was an age limit on eye correction surgery.

Only on the lower end as far as I can find. Most (all?) won't do it on anyone under 18 but otherwise everything I find -- from various providers in the U.S. as well as one from the UK that popped up while Googling -- all say pretty much the same thing, to the effect that "there's no upper age limit, pending the presence of other conditions that might impact the outcome"

[Dr. Sak]

Originally Posted by RedKingGold

Yeah, because he such a image of evil for college football compared to the lollipop lane of the SEC recruiting.

Let's not forget about one of the highest graduation rates for football players in the country.

I can understand why Pitt fans and WVU fans don't like him so much because combined they only beat him...what...8 times

[Suburban Rhythm]

This is what I was expecting find in this thread...then remembered they already were a thing of the past

[Schmidty]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

I can't hardly stand Paterno but that's cool for him.

What????

I'm a Spartan and Big Ten fan, and can honestly say that Joe is my favorite coach. I can't imagine a reason to dislike him. He's the man.

[MrBug708]

Originally Posted by Suburban Rhythm

This is what I was expecting find in this thread...then remembered they already were a thing of the past

I was thinking this too...

[cartman]

Kurt Rambis played college football?

[Passacaglia]

Surprised no one pointed out the irony of JimGA hating someone because they're smug.

[RendeR]

Originally Posted by Passacaglia

Surprised no one pointed out the irony of JimGA hating someone because they're smug.

I figured it was due to being so unbelievably obvious that it didn't require mentioning.

[Logan]

All hail Chris Sabo.