any optometrists here?
 

I have worn glasses for about 15 years now and just got new ones. I've had graduated bifocal before but the new prescription seems to have changed the focal length from what was probably 18" + to 12" to get a really clear view of what I'm reading especially on the computer. Is this normal for some prescription changes or do I just have to work at getting more accustomed to the new glasses. The other issue is that one eye seems to be more difficult to focus than the other. I've been working with them for almost a month and still can't make the adjustment and I need to go back and get something changed if they are not correct. Am I crazy or is it possible the lenses were made incorrectly.

Same thing happened to me recently. New glasses, couldn't get one eye to focus, tried them for a few days, headaches from the eyestrain.

Went back to the opthalmologist, and his assistant discovered the lenses were incorrect. They sent them in to be redone, and I picked them up a few days later. This time we made sure they were correct by having me read the eye-chart. No problems focusing, and I've had no problems since then.

_

Having the focal length move closer for reading as you get older is normal. Having one eye focus at a different distance than the other is usually not, so glasses probably not made right.

Most places will fix such a problem at no charge, take them back in and tell them you cannot wear them.

Charles

Good question. I have a pair of safety glasses that as soon as I put them on, I feel some eye strain. Didn't always feel that way until the past six months.

I'm at the doctor's office getting a recheck right now. One of the pleasures of getting older.

The safety glasses are almost certainly polycarbonate which has a different index of refraction than what you are probably used to. It is common for this to cause eyestrain. This can be accentuated if the frames get bent or twisted even a tiny bit. Get them checked for the Rx, frames adjusted. If you don't need the strength of the polycarbonate, ask them to remake them in traditional plastic.

But polycarbonate is a better material for safety glasses since it will stop a bullet.

Widgeon13, do you happen to have your prescription handy?

Alex

I have the prescription but have to find it now. The recheck did cause the change of the prescription and I will get a new lens for the right eye in about 5 days.