I decided I was tired of not being able to read the instructions on the medicine bottles, so I finally went in to get an eye exam, and get my first pair of prescription glasses (from LensCrafters).
My main problem was in reading close-up, but also some correction was needed for distance too. My left eye is significantly worse than my right eye.
So here is the issue… At the recommendation of the optomitrist, I got progressive lenses. The concept sounded reasonable.
I’ve been wearing them for three days now. It definitely makes reading better, but I’m experiencing an annoying phenomenon that I was wondering is usual. When I read a book or a magazine, to make the text look great, I need to look right through the very bottom of the lenses, right near the frame. It’s annoying to constantly have that frame “right there” as I read the line. I guess I was expecting a bigger usable zone for reading. Also, as I type this at the computer, I find that I’m pulling my neck back to look through the correct part of the lenses.
So, to all of you progressive eyeglass wearers, what should I reasonable expect from glasses like these?
That sounds about right - basically you have to learn to look through the proper part of the lens for whatever task you’re doing. It’s harder to manage with smaller lenses, I’m told, due to the obvious size limitations.
Good luck to ya. I’ve tried progressives twice now and both times have ended with me taking them back and having the lenses replaced with single-vision lenses. They pretty much turned out to be instant-headache-inducing for me; giving them many days to “get used to them” simply didn’t work for me. The optician suggested this might be because I have such a big difference correction between my two eyes. My sub-optimal solution is to carry the alternative pair with me in my purse… a pair for computer use vs. a pair for driving. Which works well enough, though if I’m stopped at a traffic light and have to read a map, I have to remove my glasses.
There are different brands of progressive lens that focus somewhat differently. The first pair I had I could only read through one spot on the lens. I could not turn my head to the right or the left and still be able to read.
The next pair I had (from a different company) Once I get to the correct point vertically for the focus distance, I can turn my head from side to side and still read through my book.
Unless you are holding the book very very close to your face, in neither case should you be at the bottom of the lens. In my case reading a book puts my line of sight between about 3/4"-1" above the bottom of the lens.
My progressive lenses were pretty easy to get used to. I do read towards the bottom of the lens, but, OTOH, I have “rimless” glasses, so I don’t have that annoyance of having the rim “right there”.
The only problem/complaint I have regarding mine is this: if I angle my eyes downwards as I’m walking down steps, or even on the sidewalk, the steps or sidewalk seem to be sloping away from me, and I can trip. In order to keep my balance, I have to look straight ahead!
It took about a week before I was used to mine but I do have to warn you: LensCrafters isn’t necessarily the best place to purchase glasses. Next time choose a small reputable optical shop. Your ophthalmologist can give you recommendations.
I love my progressives, but the reading correction is very slight. I think it’ll get bigger this next time, though. For reading, I just very slightly tilt my head down, and I’m automatically within the reading zone. For everything else, I look through the upper part of the lense, tilting my whole head if I want to look down at the ground/steps/feet/whatever.
It’s also partly the styles that are available/fashionable today. Most “designer” frames now have very narrow lenses. Say what you will about the aviator styles of 10 or 20 years ago, at least they covered your whole visual field.
Amen to that. At least in my experience. Especially if you have a prescription that is in any way “tricky.” Mine has to compensate for nearsightedness, presbyopia AND astigmatism. I got lenses for a while at a Lenscrafters and/or Pearl Vision and was never as pleased with the results as from an optician that was not connected with the opthalmologist.
My husband gets his lenses at Sears & Roebuck, and claims they’re fine. However, I notice he has to go back several times before they get it right.
Also the lower-cost progressives in my opinion have a smaller area for the reading section. When I went back to the brand I like best - Varilux – it was much better.
Some people never get used to progressives. I love them. The only disadvantage is that all printed material has to be read while looking down. If someone walks over and says, “Take a look at this,” while standing next to me I cannot see the page clearly.