Issues With Progressive Glasses

[jyl]

Thank you! I will do that, when the new lenses are put in.

I found this in my records, a prescription from about 4 years ago, but it is noted to be "for toric contacts" (I just typed it in to the address book entry for my previous optometrist). I'm alarmed that it seems quite different from the current one. At 48 y/o, I thought my eyes wouldn't be changing much at all by now.

"Contacts
Biofinity toric

8.7 14.5 -8.00 -1.75 x 010
8.7 14.5 -8.00 -2.25 x 010"

[ddbach]

Contact prescription and glasses Rx look to be consistent with each other. That is where the vertex distance comes into play. At your power the difference in the contact lens power compared to glasses is in the 1.00 diopter range. Add in that for contacts most come in 0.50 diopter steps once you are over -6.00 and the axis for that lens is available in 10 degree steps which may sit slightly rotated on your eyes it appears similar to your quoted glasses.

[ddbach]

Here is a link with a discussion of vertex distance and the math involved showing examples.

Vertex distance compensation

[jyl]

Thank you! You're teaching me more about glasses that I've learned in a lifetime of wearing them.

[red-beard]

Maybe you should try conservative or libertarian glasses. Or just go Ben Franklin!

[Seahawk]

I tried progressives and simply could not adjust to them. Driving with them gave me a headache.

I have three pair of glasses: one for hard use, one for work and sunglasses.

I hate glasses but I'm too big of a candy to get eye surgery.

[red-beard]

You're not being a C-A. My father in law had laser surgery and they burned his retinas. He can get around in the house, but can no longer read or drive!!!

[NY65912]

I've had them for many years, no issues here. Sometimes it's the size/shape of the style of frames that can obscure parts of the lense.

[Rufblackbird]

If the new lenses don't make a difference, have the optometrist lower the distance power a bit to see if your distance vision remains the same. This will also help with reading and computer vision clarity. Also have them remeasure progressive height based on your usual computer/reading levels.

The Ray Ban New Wayfarers have plenty of room in them for progressive lenses, so they're not part of the problem.

[jyl]

You know, I realized that there may be some "Asian face" issue here. These RayBan frames sit very close to my face, such that my eyelashes actually brush the lenses. If I move them out a little, the focus issues get better. I guess that is the vertex distance factor. These are my first plastic frames in forever so I'm not familiar with this issue.

[charlesbahn]

Other factors that might be important are the brand of the lens, or how it is fit in front of your eye.

There are many brands of progressive lenses, some much better (and of course more expensive) than others. Zeiss and Varilux Physio Enhanced, and Varilux Comfort being among the best. Then there are a whole bunch of knock off generics. Unfortunately, the profit margin is a lot higher with the knock off generics so that is what a lot of people get without ever knowing there is a difference.

In your prescription, if the optical center of the lens ("sweet spot") is off by even a millameter, in either or both eyes, it can cause problems. This is the biggest issue I see from places like C....o, or S...s. They get the Rx right, but it isn't fit properly.

Finally, no eye professional wants you to spend your hard earned money on glasses that don't work. Most will change the Rx and remake the glasses, even in a different style (standard bifocal), at no charge for up to a month if you can't get used to them. At least thats how it is here.

Hope that helps,

Charles

[Rufblackbird]

Originally Posted by jyl

You know, I realized that there may be some "Asian face" issue here. These RayBan frames sit very close to my face, such that my eyelashes actually brush the lenses. If I move them out a little, the focus issues get better. I guess that is the vertex distance factor. These are my first plastic frames in forever so I'm not familiar with this issue.

if you move them out, this is the same thing as lowering the power. however, with an "asian nose" a plastic frame without nosepads will generally sit closer to your face, and are not really adjustable. Are the glasses comfortable? do they slip down?

[jyl]

They are comfortable, don't slip at all, I like the frames a lot.

I should get the new lenses in a week, I'll keep all this advice in mind while assessing them.

I confess this is making me think about LASIK or PRK again. Like Seahawk, I've always been chicken.

[Rufblackbird]

the good thing about lenscrafters is that they have a pretty good money back guarantee. make sure you're completely satisfied with your glasses, or get your money back.

[red-beard]

Originally Posted by jyl

They are comfortable, don't slip at all, I like the frames a lot.

I should get the new lenses in a week, I'll keep all this advice in mind while assessing them.

I confess this is making me think about LASIK or PRK again. Like Seahawk, I've always been chicken.

They have a good advertisement on the radio here in Houston. This eye surgeon is one that is on the cutting edge of things. He only recommends laser for 20-40 years old. Older than that, the best thing is replacement of the actual lens. It is an implant to replace the natural lens and also will eliminate any need for cataract surgery later.

[sammyg2]

Must .... resist ... PARFing this thread up ......
Ok it passed.


seriously, I got talked into a pair of progressives once. I wore them for a month and went back to my old glasses.
Never again.

[Jim Richards]

Originally Posted by jyl

Anyone having trouble with getting progressive lenses made right?

Hi John,

I have problems with the lower quality lenses used by the chain stores (Lenscrafters, Costco, etc.). What I typically experienced was that while the cheaper lenses provided both crisp/clear distance and close-in vision, my ability to see the ground under my feet was all goofed up. Walking was daunting with those lenses. This happened to me multiple times with a few different companies. I've had to use more expensive lenses to overcome this, such as the Carl Ziess vision lenses. I'm completely satisfied with how well they work for me.

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by jyl

I'm having a weird issue with progressive eyeglasses, and was curious if others have had this or other issues with them.

I tried them a few years ago, took them back. They were driving me crazy (useless) and giving me headaches.

I'm using tri-focals now, it beats the alternatives.

I second going with the best lenses you can get and avoiding the chain stores.

[dave 911]

I got some progressives at Costco last year, and they don't work at distances - like others have mentioned. The up-close/lower optic works fine, but the top blurs distant objects. I mentioned it to the optician at the time who said 'you just have to get used to it'. I should have pushed the issue, or returned them, but I didn't, so I use them as readers only. My distant vision is still 20/15 and I don't want to screw that up, just can't read worth a durn anymore...dang getting old!

[flatbutt]

I hate the durn things. I was always getting visually confused. The final straw? That day in the men's room at work....while I was standing at the urinal admiring the big one, the little one was pizzing on my sneakers!