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Luthier Needs Aid with Near Vision
Mario wrote:
Hi, I'm 45, and like most others, my arms are becoming too short! I have worn glasses since my late teens. I can still read normal text with regular glasses, but some smaller text is becoming near impossible. Also, my work (I'm a luthier, meaning I build and repair stringed musical instruments) requires me to work to very fine tolerances, often to within 0.001". For this, I have had a second pair of glasses for the past 5 years, which at first gave me a focal length (not sure if that is the proper term) of 6" to approx. 36", which was perfect for work, but even with these glasses today, I can't focus nearer than 12-14", and at times, this is too far to really see what I need to see. My optometrist recently made me some bifocal glasses, but after a month of trying them, on and off, I now know for sure I can't wear bifocals, nor could I use progressives. I have a very limited range of movement in my neck, due to long-term disc problems, and the bifocals require me to move me neck way too much, causing me extreme pain and discomfort, literally immobilizing me for a day or more after only a few minutes' wearing the bifocals. What are my options? Small town, one optometrist, and he just shrugs and says it's bifocals, or keep swapping between different pairs of glasses. I don't really mind swapping glasses at work, but it's impractical when shopping, cooking, etc... I asked about wearing contact lenses to correct my near sight, and wearing regular glasses over these for my regular (far?) sight; with this, I could just look under or over my glasses, or remove or raise them temporarily to see up close. He’s never heard of anyone doing this, and didn't want to "go there". Help!!
Dr Langis Michaud's response:
You are right when you suggest contact lenses as a good option to correct your problem. This is the only practical way to address your vision’s problems, at far and to wear appropriate glasses at near. I hardly see why your optometrist is not interested doing so. If you can travel a bit, consult someone who fits contact lenses on a regular basis and look for his opinion.
Another option could be laser surgery to correct your far vision. I would not recommend in your case to be corrected with monovision (one eye at far and one at near) as they do for presbyopic patients with laser, because you will lose your 3D vision, which is essential as a luthier. But to be corrected each eye by far makes sense and again you will rely on reading glasses to work at near.
Good luck
Dr Langis Michaud, O.D. M.Sc. FAAO (Dipl)
Professeur Agrégé
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