Finally reading Da Vinci Code and feeling a little bit ticked off even at the beginning. It's funny, isn't it, that after all that hype and after how I even managed to bullshit my way through a good few discussions about the book that I've never read, I'm finally getting around to it?

Anyway. What I'm feeling ticked off about is how the character Silas is an albino, and how he's been portrayed like a superhuman (but I'm only at Chapter 22, so this may change). Personal and spiritual strength aside, abinos have very poor eyesight that cannot be corrected with spectacles (even though visual aids like magnifiers and typoscope may make things easier for them, just like for people who suffer from partial blindness due to sight-threatening disease) because of the lack of pigmentation causes eyesight developmental problems and glare problems in well-lighted situations (sunny days, etc) that's akin to overexposure of camera films. Most true albinos have nystagmus, a condition where the eyes is constantly visibly shaking in their sockets as if the eyes are instinctively trying to search for a target or some direction of gaze to make their sight clearer. So not only you have overexposed film, you're having movement blur as well thrown in for the count. Some nystagmus sufferers have poor recognition of people's faces due to their decreased visual function.

Silas is said to have white hair and pink irides, which means that he definitely doesn't have just a mild case of albinism (some albinos have blue irides, which indicate they have some melanin, not the complete absence of it). Why does Dan Brown then portrayed Silas as this man who is so accurate with his gun when... well, have you tried trying to aim at something, anything, if your eyes are constantly flicking side by side (or up and down) to a fast beat? I understand that some nystagmus sufferers can actually shoot a gun and hit the target with practice, but it tends to take them a little longer to aim due to the "beat" and they may need special scopes or peep sights. I know that Silas has so far (by Chapter 22, like I stated)  only shot the curator in his stomach, which is quite a big target I suppose. But he was also aiming for his head, which is smaller and more difficult to get right because of the bony skull. Like, hello?

I guess I'm just easily annoyed by books that over-exaggerate things. I know, I know, it's only fiction and I should chill out. I'm sure the distinctive white hair and pink eyes makes a good visual for a book for a misunderstood villain (the "evil albino" stereotype), but seriously. It would've flown a whole lot better had the man just bleached his hair and worn coloured contacts for the intimidating effect. And I would've been less ticked off. Do your fucking research, Dan Brown!

*steps down from the soapbox*

I went for my contact lens aftercare today morning and am right now trialling J&J Acuvue Advance contact lenses. I've been telling people all this while how to go through their contact lens hygiene routine, but this is so new to me personally. Take lenses out, wash wash wash, rub rub rub, rinse and pop them back into a dry, clean case and fill them up with disinfecting solution.

So much hassle compared to just taking them out and tossing them into the bin. Bah.