BS: new specs - will I get used to them?

Subject: BS: new specs - will I get used to them?
From: Mo the caller
Date: 22 Mar 07 - 04:33 PM

I'm reading my laptop with my chin in the air at the moment, as the woman in the Optician persuaded me that it was silly to have 3 pairs when one pair of varifocals would do it all.
She didn't tell me about the need to waggle the head to bring things into focus, and the way most things seem blurred. They saved that info for this afternoon, when I collected them.
Then a different employee said, if you read a lot you might be best to use reading glasses for that.
Grrrr ... it was only the reading glasses that needed changing.
So now I've got 4 pairs.
How long does it take to get used to it?

Subject: RE: BS: new specs - will I get used to them?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 22 Mar 07 - 04:44 PM

Varifocals are great, I think you've been stitched up by your optician, and I'd complain. Yes you will get used to them, but let me tell you I worked in optometry for a few years and your optician is talking crap.
G.

Subject: RE: BS: new specs - will I get used to them?
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 22 Mar 07 - 05:05 PM

I followed my opthalmologist's advice, and got a set of trifocals. A big mistake for me as well, since readers are what I need most of the time- also lots of reading and close work. And 'chin in the air' made my neck sore.
Not long afterwards, I got my second lens transplant (one eye already had received one), and the expensive trifocals went to the eyedoctors working in third world countries. Now some poor peasant will have a sore neck.

Subject: RE: BS: new specs - will I get used to them?
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 22 Mar 07 - 05:11 PM

I have been wearing varifocals for a few years now. It takes about one to two weeks initially to get used to them but having had the problem you're describing when using the computer I now have reading glasses which I keep by the computer. It nearly drove me mad before I got them, trying to work on the computer - it's brilliant now.

Subject: RE: BS: new specs - will I get used to them?
From: Rapparee
Date: 22 Mar 07 - 05:14 PM

I wear bifocals with "The Line". That is intentional so that I KNOW when I'm using the "other" lenses. It took some getting used to, but I adapted fairly quickly.

I also have "computer glasses" and I use clip-on sunglasses.

Subject: RE: BS: new specs - will I get used to them?
From: North/South Annie
Date: 22 Mar 07 - 05:39 PM

I had used reading glasses and bi-focals with no problems, but then I recently got some varifocals and try as I might I couldn't get used to them and seemed to be suffering from something akin to sea-sickness whilst at the same time everything with parallel sides eg doorways, windows, TV screen etc was completely skewed so that eg a square looked like a rhombus. I returned to opticians who got a different person to re-test my eyes and lo and behold I had been given the wrong prescription. However, even after a re-make of the specs things weren't OK and I ended up with two pairs of specs instead of the varifocals, so now its always a case of 'The Wrong Glasses'! On a serious note I have since discovered four other people who have had similar problems with this same chain of opticians - I won't be going back there again!

Subject: RE: BS: new specs - will I get used to them?
From: Mo the caller
Date: 22 Mar 07 - 06:19 PM

Giok, you say "I think you've been stitched up by your optician, and I'd complain."
What should I complain about?
Annie, are you going to tell us whether this chain of opticians are know by initails near the beginning of the Alphabet.

I didn't try to drive in my new pair today, but I noticed that I could see the mileage counter etc. better than when I put my distance glasses on. Up to now I just worn reading glasses, and distance for driving, and put up with things being slightly blurred otherwise. Oh, and the third pair for reading music, especially when sharing a stand and you can't choose how near you stand.

Subject: RE: BS: new specs - will I get used to them?
From: redsnapper
Date: 22 Mar 07 - 06:25 PM

Yes you will! I've wearing a single set of varifocals for some years now after many, many years before with different sets for distance and reading.

The waggling your head around thing is typical at the start but after a few days your brain will reinterpret and everything should become natural and the head movements unconscious. A full transition can be from a couple of days to a couple of weeks depending on the wearer and the prescription.

RS

Subject: RE: BS: new specs - will I get used to them?
From: Rasener
Date: 22 Mar 07 - 07:11 PM

I have been wearing varifocals for at least 10 years. I thin k they are great.

The problem with the computer is that you need to get the screen on a sort of chest high level, so that you are looking slightly down on the screen. If that doesn't work, you need to get the screen to a level that stops you having to bend your head back.

I have my screen set like that and I have no problems at all. I also have my keyboard at waist level, which makes it easy to type and see the keyboard.

Subject: RE: BS: new specs - will I get used to them?
From: s&r
Date: 22 Mar 07 - 07:18 PM

Varifocals are great if you accept that they have some small limitations. There is some distortion of straight lines, which may matter to some people, and reading labels on high shelves is hard

Stu

Subject: RE: BS: new specs - will I get used to them?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 22 Mar 07 - 07:44 PM

we call them multifocals here!

I've been wearing multifocals for years (10???) & my eyes have never had any trouble adjusting.

My first pair were a bit funny for a few minutes, then perfect. All future pairs were perfect too. I've also have multifocal computer glasses for years, maybe not as long. BUT ...

1. An older friend who got a pair before me had to take them back & get bifocals as she never got used to them, & a lot of folks find it difficult to adjust to a new pair.

2. I'm getting 2 pairs of new lenses made at the moment & can hardly wait as these computer glasses I'm wearing are no longer right for me. Did someone mention sore neck? & wiggling head about to focus properly?
I was diagnosed with early cataracts Feb 2005 & have noticed the deterioration in my eyes since then. Formerly I saw my specialist every 2 or 3 years, & had my lenses replaced, now I need new lenses each year.

Part of the problem is my computer setup (almost impossible to change due to furniture & space), the other part is my eyes as I also have problems with my other glasses.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: new specs - will I get used to them?
From: terrier
Date: 22 Mar 07 - 08:28 PM

My first vari's were useless for reading as the reading bit was far too small and I kept getting high back pain trying to look at computer screens (with my head tilted right back!). When I went for a retest a few weeks ago, I decided, this time, to get a pair of reading glasses as well. With my new vari's, the close up bit at the bottom of the lens is much bigger and I'm having no trouble with reading now, so the reading glasses are still unused in their case!
I think the rule here is to specify EXACTLY what you want when you go for your eye test. Vari's are very useful but they can be set up in different ways and, unfortunately, until you've tried them, you won't know how is best for you.

Subject: RE: BS: new specs - will I get used to them?
From: MartinRyan
Date: 22 Mar 07 - 08:29 PM

First day I wore varifocals, about 10 years ago, I went to park my car in a carpark - and gently drove it into the kerb... Couldn't judge the distance at all. It was a cheap lesson and I've never looked back since (except when necessary!). Persist - it is worth it in the end, provided the optician has ensure your lenses are big enough to cover the range.

Regards

Subject: RE: BS: new specs - will I get used to them?
From: Metchosin
Date: 22 Mar 07 - 09:28 PM

We call them progressive lenses in Canada and I've been wearing them for about 6 years. They're great as far as I'm concerned, but it did take me 3 or 4 days to get used to them. I had problems initially with some distortion of straight lines too, but the optometrist made some adjustments and the distortion disappeared.

Make sure that lenses are big enough or you are going to hate them. Small and stylish won't reward you when using progressives.

I currently get a stiff neck because my computer screen is now about 2 inches too high for me after we did an office reno. I'm getting a new monitor this week that will be adustable for height, so that should solve the problem.

Subject: RE: BS: new specs - will I get used to them?
From: jacqui.c
Date: 22 Mar 07 - 11:27 PM

I've been wearing varifocals for some years now and was lucky in that I took to them straight away. I agree with The Villan - you need to have the computer screen set lower to avoid the aching neck.

Subject: RE: BS: new specs - will I get used to them?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Mar 07 - 11:59 PM

I wore them for a while, and stopped before they crippled me.

I didn't wear glasses until about 10 years ago. After a couple of years I got a no-line bifocal that the optometrist convinced me to try, of the type you're describing, whatever they're called. I never really got used to the head wagging (why couldn't I just move my eyes, not my whole head? Because the only part of the expensive lens that is ground is down the center in a sort of hour-glass shape. In the middle of the distance and close ground lens is a narrow "middle distance" area ground in). I couldn't focus through the viewfinder of my camera and suffered through a couple of years of fuzzy photos. And I felt like I was going to be crippled if I had to spend long periods of time at the computer, with my head tipped back to read the screen. One day I was talking to a friend, trying to find a spot in the lenses where I could see him. He asked if I was wearing that kind of glasses, because he's seen other people go through the same difficulty with the focal range.

I did two things. I got bifocals, the old-fashioned kind, with the line, like Rapaire says. I don't like having a line there, but it gives me a lot easier time figuring out where I am visually in relation to the glasses. The field of vision is back to the entire lens again, so I can move my eyes, not my head. And I got a couple of pairs of office glasses. This does use that no-line vari/multi/whatever focal feature with my Rx, but it only grinds them for middle distance and reading, and for some reason, when they do the Rx this way the field is more of the lens, not that hour-glass shape in the middle only. Now I look straight at the computer and glance down at pages or my hands, and everything is in focus. No tipping back the head.

Now, on those occasions when I see another glasses wearer tipping the head back to read a screen, I'll ask if they have a stiff neck. And if so, I'll mention asking about office glasses. It makes a huge difference.

I have one pair of straight distance lenses that I sometimes use for driving (my sunglasses are also that way). They also work if I'm lying in bed watching tv, so I don't have to see through the close reading part of the lens from that position.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: new specs - will I get used to them?
From: Metchosin
Date: 23 Mar 07 - 02:09 AM

Odd that the progressives didn't solve your problems SRS or perhaps I should just consider myself fortunate that they work so well for me, because I still find it way easier to only have to keep track of one pair of glasses. Also I only have to keep a single pair clean. I used to be a head tipper when I wore bifocals and drove my kids nuts when I spoke to them, because I was always tilting my head and looking down my nose at them.

At one time, I only wore reading glasses for close up work, but it would frustrate me not to be able to look away from my work and focus on the rest of the room clearly, particularly since it is better for your eyes to change focal lengths every once in awhile while working.

I was constantly flipping them on and off and also misplacing them, or knocking them off the top of my head, until I finally wore them on a cord, only to find when they weren't in use, they hung at chest level collecting crumbs and other debris.

The progressives have solved almost all my former annoyances regarding wearing glasses. As far as the computer screen is concerned, I was informed that the top edge of the monitor should ideally be at eye level so you are able to look slightly downward at the screen. Right now, with this current screen, my eye level is just above the midpoint, hence my temporary difficulties.

For sunglasses I just use the little clip on ones that I keep in the car.

Subject: RE: BS: new specs - will I get used to them?
From: catspaw49
Date: 23 Mar 07 - 02:21 AM

My experience after wearing the lineless/varifocal design for the past ten years? If they are ground correctly and the frame fits correctly, they're great. I've had poorly cut lenses in the wrong design frame that either doesn't fit well or gets loose easily.....and they suck.

While the above may be true for any pair of glasses, it is especially true of this type. The ones I now wear can't be beat. I think it was two pair ago that were horrendous.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: new specs - will I get used to them?
From: Metchosin
Date: 23 Mar 07 - 02:42 AM

That perhaps explains why I initally didn't like my current pair as much as my old ones, Spaw. I thought it was because my new ones had a smaller glass area in which to compress the various magnifications. I was surprised that although they were the same prescription, I had to get used to them all over again, as if I had never worn progressives before. Think I will get my old ones repaired again, so that I at least have some back up.

Subject: RE: BS: new specs - will I get used to them?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 23 Mar 07 - 03:26 AM

"waggling your head around thing is typical at the start but after a few days your brain will reinterpret and everything should become natural and the head movements unconscious."

I suggest you might try sitting in your lounge chair watching TV and reading - with your head pushed back against the chair - this will force your brain to adapt faster - you may still get some headaches for a while though.



Some time after 1975, I acquired contact lenses (hard type), after having worn glasses since primary school. I got new glasses too - but was totally unable to wear them once I got used to contact lenses. I was working in a compactus - those sliding shelves - getting documents out all day long - and my normal strong glasses prescription made everything have curved lines - I couldn't drive with them - I would just 'go blind' and be totally unable to see anything, even though I could see that the world was out there! No optician or specialist could assist.

About 10 years ago, I was convinced to move to soft contacts - that was a nightmare, as my eyes heavily mucus at times, and the silicon in the lenses causes me to be allergic and the lenses completely 'white out' after a few hours! Finally found a type that is wearable!. A couple of years ago, as I was spending much time in the house, I started wearing the glasses again, as I didn't want to put the lenses in while at home - also they are more optimised for 'driving distance' and watching TV and reading was just a bit close for that, and was tired of stumbling around not being able to focus more than a hand span in front of my nose....

After a year of two of wearing exactly the same glasses that I could not tolerate years ago, suddenly my eyes are comfortable, and I can wear them around the house all the time now. Can even legally drive in them, but having got used to the much wider apparent 'field of clear view' of contact lenses, I prefer to wear them.

Hang in there!


As the Optician said 'you see mostly with your brain, not your eyes!'

Subject: RE: BS: new specs - will I get used to them?
From: GUEST,redhorse at work
Date: 23 Mar 07 - 03:54 AM

Subject: RE: BS: new specs - will I get used to them?
From: GUEST,redhorse at work
Date: 23 Mar 07 - 04:04 AM

Don't know what happened there

Varifocals are great in general, but will always have a problem where your head position is fixed relative to the object you are looking at.
With a book, you can always move the book in your hands to put it in the right area of your field of vision: not so easy with a computer screen

On my last set of varifocals I got a second pair adjusted for driving as I'd found that in the slightly reclined sitting position in the car I was having to dip my chin and getting neck strain on long journeys. The optician dropped the optical centre by about a millimetre. Made driving a lot more comfortable. Mind you, the glasses aren't so good for general use, as I have to look down further for reading.

It's all about compromise.

nick

Subject: RE: BS: new specs - will I get used to them?
From: GUEST,rock chick
Date: 23 Mar 07 - 10:20 AM

I have had varifocals for some years and i found i got used to them quickly, although it can take a while for some people. I think its great not having to keep changing glassess. Carful though as you dont always see whats very obivious!

rc

Subject: RE: BS: new specs - will I get used to them?
From: JennyO
Date: 23 Mar 07 - 10:32 AM

As Sandra said, we call them multifocals here in Oz. I'm shortsighted and only need glasses for long distance. My close-up vision is brilliant. A few years ago, when I needed some new glasses, I got one of those two-for-the-price-of-one deals, and was persuaded to make one of my pairs multifocals, while the other pair was standard.

Well, I tried them, and persevered with them for a few weeks. When I turned my head from side to side the room swam and I felt seasick. Because there was only a narrow band that was right for middle distance, I found myself having to turn my head back and forth to follow things I was doing with my hands, like ironing - or have my view in and out of focus all the time if I didn't. I felt that my peripheral vision for driving - particularly when reversing, was bad enough to be dangerous, because the sides weren't right, and when I wanted to read a street directory or something close up, I found having to look down my nose a big strain and I could feel a headache coming on, so I would take them off, same as I used to do before I had them. Eventually I gave up, put them away, and went on using the standard pair.

All was well until a couple of years later, the frame of my standard pair got a crack, and the lens fell out, smashing on the floor of the supermarket I was in at the time. So I was forced to go back to the multifocals as I couldn't afford more glasses.

Now, a couple more years on, I have sorta got used to them, to the point where I don't think about what I am doing with them, but I still take them off for close work, and find sometimes I am wagging my head about to get the best focus for the computer screen, which is thankfully in a good low position. Occasionally I have had to do something on John's computer - his screen is much higher because it sits on his box (it's a pretty old computer), and his chair is low. Fortunately I don't have to spend much time on it - it would drive me nuts if I had to - it really is a strain on my neck, even for a short time. I will adjust where the monitor points sometimes, which helps a bit, and adjust it back up again when I leave. It's not worth trying to change anything else because it seems to suit him as it is.

I suspect that when I finally buy myself some new glasses (and they will be the standard kind for short sight), I will be so delighted with the change that I will wonder how I put up with these ##%**@#& multifocals for so long!

Subject: RE: BS: new specs - will I get used to them?
From: terrier
Date: 23 Mar 07 - 02:50 PM

I checked my new specs against my old ones and the new lenses are several mm deeper, so that probably acounts for the larger reading area, but I have found that the side to side focus is more restricted than my old ones, hence a lot more side to side head turning whilst driving. My problem with normal distance specs is that when I'm driving, I can't see the dashboard instruments. Interesting thread ,this, I'm making a note of all the questions I need to ask the optician next time I need new specs. In the mean time I'll keep on nodding. 8)

Subject: RE: BS: new specs - will I get used to them?
From: gnu
Date: 23 Mar 07 - 03:33 PM

Rap... and whoever.... re clip-on sunglasses.

Try a pair of "Fitovers". The CNIB (Canuck Natl Inst for the Blind) sells them cheaper than the retailers (optometrists). And... make sure they are real Fitovers and not the ones made in China with the CHEAP vinyl case. I got screwed the last time I bought a pair... forgot my glasses. Fitovers will protect the eyes much better than clip-ons.

And, they look cool, dude. Especially on an 80 year old lady in the grocery store when someone leaves their grocery cart in the middle of the aisle and blocks the rest of the aisle with their fat ass. SMACK. Oh, I'm sorry... I thought you left enough room to get by.... ;-) Of course, this works best if you have a 280# Irish walking behind you... with Fitovers on. Some of them other little old ladies are nastty and tough!

Subject: RE: BS: new specs - will I get used to them?
From: Rasener
Date: 23 Mar 07 - 09:06 PM

I have the Kodachrome lenses as well as the varifocal. The two work great together. I don't need sunglasses at all.

I am very sensitive to light, so the quick changing sunglasses part is brilliant.

Subject: RE: BS: new specs - will I get used to them?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 23 Mar 07 - 10:55 PM

gnu - I have a pair Coverspecs (same as your fitovers) for everyday use & a pair of clip-ons for winter.

I can't do without the big sunnies in summer cos I get headaches in bright sun & glare.

Sydney's winter can be almost as bright & glary as summer, but the big sunnies are overkill, so I bought the little ones.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: new specs - will I get used to them?
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Mar 07 - 11:16 PM

I've used those kind of sunglasses for years and have been asked numerous times if I'd just had eye surgery! Couldn't make it without them in the summer here, either.

Tried the progressives several years ago, hated them. I've never had to wear glasses to read, just for distance, so I just have single vision. Sometimes I use my old glasses of lesser strength when at the computer.

Subject: RE: BS: new specs - will I get used to them?
From: JennyO
Date: 24 Mar 07 - 09:50 AM

All my glasses for many years now have had photochromic lenses. I don't realise what a difference it makes until I take them off on a bright sunny day. You certainly do need them in the white glare of our Aussie sun. My multifocals may be rippling and out of focus in places, but at least they got that part right!