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Re: Going from “Hidden Bifocals” to Single Vision Lenses
Aimee wrote:
I have worn glasses since I was 12 and fulltime since I was 31-32.I have always had 1 pair of glasses that I used for everything.2 years ago my optometrist started me on hidden bifocals.I couldnt stand them so this time when I went back in nov I told him I didnt want hidden bifocal and just wanted my normal lenses back.So I got them(or so I thought) and I cant use them on computer at night*(I always could with all my previous glasses)These make my eyes seem blurry .I have transitions glasses for the first time could that affect them?.Also when I read now I have to take them off,cant read with them.Ive never had this problem before ever.I have always had 1 pair that did it all/So I called and told them I couldnt read with them or anything. They said bring them back and I will pay 130.00 to put hidden bifocals in!!!I dont want hidden bifocals.I have a feeling they really messed up here and I shouldnt have to pay to correct their mistake.Why all of a sudden after all these yr s cant I read with them? Which is exactly why I got them in the first time when I was 12. TY for any help you can give,Aimee
Dr Joan Hansen's response:
Aimee, Since you have not mentioned your current age, I will write this with the assumption you are in your 40s, the time when most everyone needs some help with focusing up close. I will also assume that the “hidden bifocals” are progressive lenses. By the time we all reach our 40s it becomes difficult to see print at normal reading distances. Those who are short sighted (Myopic) can often take their glasses off to read, but this is not very convenient in many situations. Those who are far sighted (Hyperopic) have no choice but to get reading glasses of some sort. Help for reading comes in several versions – separate reading glasses, old fashioned lined bifocals, or todays Progressive lenses (also called Multifocal lenses). There is no going back unfortunately, we have not yet found a way to restore focusing ability as you had in your 30s. So yes, I am afraid that you will need progressive lenses from now on. Dr. Joan Hansen, Optometrist for CAO
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Re: Progressives vs. Bifocals for Computer Use
Ruby wrote:
Hi. I am far-sighted and have add +2.25DS. I'm currently using 2 eyeglasses: 1 bifocal for reading and 1 with full grade lens for computer use. I use the computer almost the whole day at work. Problem is, I switch from one eyeglass to another when I have to get up from my desk because with the computer glasses, everything is blurred beyond an arm's length. My optician has recommended progressive. But would this solve my problem, can I use the progressive for computer work? I understand it's the lower part of the lens that I would need for computer-distance. Would that not strain my neck as I would have to tilt my head to use that part? I'm supposed to buy the glasses in 2 days, so I would appreciate your advice. Thanks.
Dr. Virginia Donati's response:
Hi Ruby, Progressives would solve your problem as they actually have three different powers – distance, intermediate and near. All distances will be clear with these lenses. There is a different prescription for the computer than there is for reading. With progressive lenses the top part of the lens is for distance, and then it gradually changes into an intermediate prescription and then into reading at the bottom of the lens. The intermediate portion is part way down the lens. Therefore to look at the computer screen you will have to look slightly down, but not all the way to the bottom of the lens. You do need your computer monitor in the right position for progressive lenses to work optimally. Ideally you want the top of the monitor to be at about eye level, that way you are naturally looking down at the monitor. If your monitor is too high you will be forced to tilt your head up. The only thing you may notice in going from a strict computer lens to progressives is that the clear area will be narrower and in one spot, versus the computer lenses, which allow clear vision for the computer through any part of the lens. Dr. Doman
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Re: Optometrist Doesn’t Want Patient to have Bifocals
D. George wrote:
My optometrist has said I must have two pairs of glasses instead of bifocals. Until now I have only used reading glasses. I can't understand his explanation. Heavy accent, keeps saying it the same way! :-) Small town, only one optometrist. Why would an optometrist not want me to have bifocals.
Dr. Sonja Gascoyne's response:
Dear D. George There might be a medical or work related reason why the optometrist suggested two pairs of spectacles instead of bifocals. Bifocals and progressive lenses do take a little bit of time to adapt to the way they work. The progressive lenses work with the distance vision at the top of the lens, intermediate near the middle and the reading area towards the bottom of the lens. If you look to the side the vision will be blurred so you must move your head and your eyes for the correct position. Initially, you will do this with thought but afterwards it will become second nature. The reason the vision is blurred at the sides is due to the change in the lens power of your prescription. The bifocal has only two distances: far sight at the top portion of the lens and near sight in the little segment portion. You must be careful when you change your viewing distance from far to near as you move down the lens objects will appear to jump up towards you. If you are still keen to try bifocals/progressive lenses, then do so but keep in mind a period of adjustment to get used to the new way the lenses work. It is sometimes easier to have one pair of spectacles rather than two. You can also go back to two pairs if bifocals/progressive lenses do not work for you.
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