Ur web site gave me Full Sight. I am exploring 2 buy a Progressive Lens 4 myself . I have sent links to my friends too.
Murugesan
Shell wrote:
March 28th, 2005
I just wanted to let you know that I found your web site infinitely helpful in assuring me that I’m not just being obstinate or insane that I’m so very unhappy with the progressive lenses I was prescribed (and have had re-made once due to poor measurements and readjusted several times with no real improvement). I have made an appointment with a new optometrist and a certified optician who took a good deal of time with me to explain about the differences in lens manufacturers and what she has to offer (unlike the first). I have high hopes that a “do-over” will be productive. I might not have pursued a second try had I not read all your information. Thank you.
Luis wrote:
March 30th, 2005
Thank you for your information!
I am having problems with my “progressives” and your article has help me a lot -
I have got Hoya (Trivex) now - They are very good but I think I will change them for Varilux - My optician said that Trivex is better than Varilux (I don’t think so…)
Again… thank you very much
Lorrie wrote:
April 4th, 2006
Hi,
I don’t know who you are or what your age, but I was so relieved to find someone else had problems – whatever they are/were –and that I’m not crazy. I thought I was being such a pest going back to the eye doctor again and again and again. I think everyone in the office wanted to run and hide when they saw me coming!
I’m 67, have been wearing glasses for 30 years, and progressives for 10 or more years. In 2001. I had a problem getting fitted. I started with a verilux comfort lens, but I was having problems (don’t remember what) so after many visits, they switched me to an Adaptar lens (I called to ask after reading your website!). I think I also changed to a frame that held a little bigger lens than what I chose originally. After a lot of back and forth, I was fine for 4 years until I went to get new glasses a few months ago.
This time I selected a frame that was in style (narrow,rectangular) and asked several times if the frame would work with progressive lenses. They said yes. After four months of torturing my eyes (badeyestrain, only able to wear the glasses for 6-8 hours a day) and numerous visits trying to fix the problem, we all threw in the towel and gave up. I had every confidence in the optometrist and his opticians, I believe they are very knowledgeable, did their best, but the glasses didn’t work. And what I had picked out was not cheap!
Last week I went to a new optometrist with a good reputation and didn’t tell him of my problems. Again, before picking out aframe, I asked if the new stylish narrow frame would work for progressives. I was told yes. I picked up the glasses and low and behold, I have the same problem all over again – eye strain and limited wearing hours. He checked the prescription again and that was not the problem. I asked if I could pick out a new, larger frame (boo hoo –I’m not going to be stylish – I just want to see!) so that’s where I’m at now. I’m waiting for the new glasses. I hope the larger frame makes the difference.
Based on whatever troubles you had, do you have any further suggestions? I don’t know what prompted you to create a website, but I do want to tell you I certainly appreciate all the information you have on it.
Jenny wrote:
May 2nd, 2006
Thanks for all your work on this. It’s comforting to know that I’m not the only one that has had problems.
martha wrote:
May 27th, 2007
First I’m 68 and one sighted due to an auto accident when I was 18. Through the years I’ve had a varity of problems with my lens. Then the Verilux came out about the same time my ophthalmologist put me in bi-focals. It was like looking through a wet window and when I told my doctor he tells me about the Verilux and put me in that which cleared up the problem. I was told that because I was one sighted that was what was causing the distortion in my sight. I was informed to never use anything but the Verilux and since then I have told the people making my lens to use only Verilux.
Well, now I’m being told that the polycarbonate is Verilux but I can’t see clearly through it. I’ve been reading about the different materials and am most difinitely confused now. Is the polycarbonate by Verilux?? I would really like to have my ducks in a row before confronting the glasses shop..
martha
ellen wrote:
May 27th, 2007
Hi Martha,
Polycarbonate is a material. Varilux is a manufacturer; they have a lot of progressive brands, and you can get most of them in a few materials. But everything I’ve read says to STAY AWAY FROM POLYCARBONATE. Get plastic, or if that’s too thick, get high-index (thin) plastic. Polycarbonate has the worst optics. I’m not a professional, but I’ve read that so many times.
I’m wearing Varilux Physio (brand) now (not Physio 360, which is different, though probably as good or better) and like them more than the other Varilux (Comfort) I used to wear.
Anyway, what I think you should ask for is Varilux but NOT polycarbonate. If the optician says polycarbonate is as good, find another optician.
Optidonn wrote:
September 6th, 2007
Pretty interesting. There is alot of misinformation floating around and I’m sad to say that some
it has been printed here. People who argue against the optics of polycarbonate are people who just do
not understand optics.
ellen wrote:
September 6th, 2007
Hi Optidonn,
Thanks - can you be more specific. I definitely don’t know about optics, and tried to be very clear on this site that I was just repeating what I’d read or picked up - that I have no professional training or credentials. Please let me know what I have wrong; I’d be happy to fix it.
Paul wrote:
September 22nd, 2007
Hi
I am having problems with my lenses which I believe are called ‘interview’ - they sound like they are supposed to work in the same way.
My problem is that I think the lenses may have been fitted into the frames upside down - is that possible? What I mean by this is that I can see close up better if I look through the top of the lens and similarly my middle vision is better using the bottom of the lens?
My lenses have markings > and
ellen wrote:
September 30th, 2007
Hi Paul,
That definitely sounds like upside down. I’d go to a good optician and ask them. The numbers in the markings should be right-side up, if you can see them.
Good luck with it - there’s no reason to put up with lenses you’re not comfortable with, even if they’re made right. I learned that the hard way, but I’ll never do it again.
Richard Rose wrote:
March 19th, 2008
I have been wearing Verilux lenses for well over 10 years. My new pair (Verilux Comfort) produces a chromatic aberration when outside in natural light. The edges of objects appear gold or blue depending on the sun angle. The lenses have been remade 3X but it is still there. I don’t notice it when wearing polarized clip or overall sunglasses. The optical shop is completely perplexed with this. Has anyone else encountered this problem and if so is anyone aware of the cause and how to correct it?
Thanks!
ellen wrote:
March 19th, 2008
Richard,
You’ve probably thought of this already, but what material are the lenses made of? Can you try a different one - less high index or something?
Angela Sanders wrote:
March 27th, 2008
I have just had a new pair of Verilux lens “spider web” crack in an upper corner.
It is in the interior of the lens.
The optometrist is “so surprised”.
He uses only progressive Varilux in this store.
Wallmart has had many complaints for this on a web site that I read, but they do not use Varilux, I’m told.
I wonder?
ellen wrote:
March 27th, 2008
Angela, You should be able to look at the lenses and make sure they’re Varilux. Look on this page and you’ll see where to look for the markings. Varilux lenses have a marking that looks like a lowercase “e” at an angle (and may be flipped, depending on which side of your glasses you’re looking at). If you click the lenses on that page, you’ll get some charts that show you.
If you didn’t get what you paid for, I’d suggest talking to your credit card company, your state’s Attorney General, and anyone else you can think of. There’s no reason to let crap like that happen.
Good luck with it.
kevin hurd wrote:
April 10th, 2008
I have just recieved a new pair of glasses that are poly carbonite, I too am having a severe polychromatic effect. The effect , most notcible around white objects, puts a yellow border to the outside of an object and a blue one inwards ,toward my nose, of an object. I notice this effect more in the sunlight but I can also detect it in other indoor light conditions. The further angle I veiw an object from the center the of my lenses the worst the effect is. At extreme viewing angles through my lenses I can even make out a red hue next to the yellow on that appears. While driving I can turn any white car into a taxi colored yellow by shifting to my peripheal view.
Most optometrists and opthamologists are under 55 years of age and don’t recognize that “older eyes” respond differently than younger eyes. The Phoropter tends to have a pin-hole vision effect and gives a prescription that is too strong. My new 65 year-old optometrist spent an additional 45 minutes with lens frames getting the correct prescription after I complained that the 25 minutes using the phoropter at best produced a distorted image that was too strong. He also explained that the “clear area” of undistorted vision with my new progressive glasses is about 1/3 the width of my computer monitor which is why I have “computer glasses” with undistorted vision for seeing 1 to 4 feet that I use only when I am working. My computer glasses have let me go back to work and be productive for the first time in five years.
I am trying to contact someone at Verilux because they need to do a study of Induced Dyslexia to verify why “old people” are having problems with progressive glasses and need a better solution such as computer glasses or a wider 3 foot distance vision field.
If anyone has contacts with Verilux where I could propose a study, please contact me at: allanhytowitz@hotmail.com.
Denise Alter wrote:
June 26th, 2008
I’m also having a lot of trouble with yellow lines. I see them on the side of the road and billboards when I’m drivings. Less frequently I see a yellow line to the left of an object and a blue line to the right. My glasses also don’t work well for close-up work - I have to hold my nose ‘way up and look through the very bottom of the lenses. I wore contacts for forty years, until dry eye became a problem, and I’m kind of disappointed that I spent so much money for an incomplete solution.
I’m glad to hear from other people with the same problems. It’s frustrating.
Don wrote:
September 14th, 2008
My wife bought Verilux lenses at Sams for $425.00 and in less than 2 years the anti-reflective coating is coming off. The folks at Sams Club said they are only guaranteed for one year. My wife, Pat, is unusually carefull with her glasses; this is not a case of abuse. This was a poor product that they have not seen fit to stand behind.
Rich wrote:
November 5th, 2008
I have used Hoya high index eyeglass lenses for 5+ years and have been satisfied. I have gone to a new Dr and optical shop to replace and they have recommended Verilux high index. Is one brand considered to be better than the other.
Lindagail wrote:
April 14th, 2009
I have had two pair of glasses remade and I too am having a yellow glow on the top of objects and a “hyperlink blue” color underneath. I have seen red on a crow. There has to be an explanation for this. The store, Vision World, says they have never had a problem like this and it must be the anti-reflective coating. No one would order anti-reflective coating if this were the results. It appears a couple others on this site have had this issue. Does anyone know the reason?
nancy wrote:
June 27th, 2009
i have the same yellow outline at the top and blue outline at the bottom problem!! it is very frustrating and i also had my lenses redone several times. i don’t think it is an anti-reflective coating issue as i have had that on previous prescriptions and never had color outline problems. i have researched this to no avail. if there is someone out there that knows the answer please help!
Chris wrote:
August 17th, 2010
I am supposed to pick up my glasses today and I am scared to go. This is the third redo now.
The first time I picked up my glasses I had a thick blue outline to everything, looking straight on not out of the corners of my glasses. They were the polycarbonate. So they decided I was sensitive to the Poly and would have to go with plastic.
So the second time I went to pick up the glasses the lines were thinner but still there, it was decided that it was the transitions so that had to go.
The third time the line was again thinner that the previous time but Still there. This time they are removing the anti reflective.
I’m not sure that If the glasses work this time that I should accept them. Do I have to go without the transitions? Do I have to go without the anti-reflective? I mean is it My Eyes or their manufacturer?
Ellen wrote:
August 23rd, 2010
Hi Chris,
I wish I knew. The only thing I’ve ever found that works with lenses is trial and error. Some of us just don’t seem to have much tolerance. I know people who can wear the cheapest lenses with no remakes. And then there are people like us, who can’t seem to handle much at all. All I can suggest is keep trying, and definitely look for an optician who will work with you to get what you need. Good luck with it,
Ellen
March 8th, 2005
Thank u Mr. Ellen,
Ur web site gave me Full Sight. I am exploring 2 buy a Progressive Lens 4 myself . I have sent links to my friends too.
Murugesan
March 28th, 2005
I just wanted to let you know that I found your web site infinitely helpful in assuring me that I’m not just being obstinate or insane that I’m so very unhappy with the progressive lenses I was prescribed (and have had re-made once due to poor measurements and readjusted several times with no real improvement). I have made an appointment with a new optometrist and a certified optician who took a good deal of time with me to explain about the differences in lens manufacturers and what she has to offer (unlike the first). I have high hopes that a “do-over” will be productive. I might not have pursued a second try had I not read all your information. Thank you.
March 30th, 2005
Thank you for your information!
I am having problems with my “progressives” and your article has help me a lot -
I have got Hoya (Trivex) now - They are very good but I think I will change them for Varilux - My optician said that Trivex is better than Varilux (I don’t think so…)
Again… thank you very much
April 4th, 2006
Hi,
I don’t know who you are or what your age, but I was so relieved to find someone else had problems – whatever they are/were –and that I’m not crazy. I thought I was being such a pest going back to the eye doctor again and again and again. I think everyone in the office wanted to run and hide when they saw me coming!
I’m 67, have been wearing glasses for 30 years, and progressives for 10 or more years. In 2001. I had a problem getting fitted. I started with a verilux comfort lens, but I was having problems (don’t remember what) so after many visits, they switched me to an Adaptar lens (I called to ask after reading your website!). I think I also changed to a frame that held a little bigger lens than what I chose originally. After a lot of back and forth, I was fine for 4 years until I went to get new glasses a few months ago.
This time I selected a frame that was in style (narrow,rectangular) and asked several times if the frame would work with progressive lenses. They said yes. After four months of torturing my eyes (badeyestrain, only able to wear the glasses for 6-8 hours a day) and numerous visits trying to fix the problem, we all threw in the towel and gave up. I had every confidence in the optometrist and his opticians, I believe they are very knowledgeable, did their best, but the glasses didn’t work. And what I had picked out was not cheap!
Last week I went to a new optometrist with a good reputation and didn’t tell him of my problems. Again, before picking out aframe, I asked if the new stylish narrow frame would work for progressives. I was told yes. I picked up the glasses and low and behold, I have the same problem all over again – eye strain and limited wearing hours. He checked the prescription again and that was not the problem. I asked if I could pick out a new, larger frame (boo hoo –I’m not going to be stylish – I just want to see!) so that’s where I’m at now. I’m waiting for the new glasses. I hope the larger frame makes the difference.
Based on whatever troubles you had, do you have any further suggestions? I don’t know what prompted you to create a website, but I do want to tell you I certainly appreciate all the information you have on it.
May 2nd, 2006
Thanks for all your work on this. It’s comforting to know that I’m not the only one that has had problems.
May 27th, 2007
First I’m 68 and one sighted due to an auto accident when I was 18. Through the years I’ve had a varity of problems with my lens. Then the Verilux came out about the same time my ophthalmologist put me in bi-focals. It was like looking through a wet window and when I told my doctor he tells me about the Verilux and put me in that which cleared up the problem. I was told that because I was one sighted that was what was causing the distortion in my sight. I was informed to never use anything but the Verilux and since then I have told the people making my lens to use only Verilux.
Well, now I’m being told that the polycarbonate is Verilux but I can’t see clearly through it. I’ve been reading about the different materials and am most difinitely confused now. Is the polycarbonate by Verilux?? I would really like to have my ducks in a row before confronting the glasses shop..
martha
May 27th, 2007
Hi Martha,
Polycarbonate is a material. Varilux is a manufacturer; they have a lot of progressive brands, and you can get most of them in a few materials. But everything I’ve read says to STAY AWAY FROM POLYCARBONATE. Get plastic, or if that’s too thick, get high-index (thin) plastic. Polycarbonate has the worst optics. I’m not a professional, but I’ve read that so many times.
I’m wearing Varilux Physio (brand) now (not Physio 360, which is different, though probably as good or better) and like them more than the other Varilux (Comfort) I used to wear.
Anyway, what I think you should ask for is Varilux but NOT polycarbonate. If the optician says polycarbonate is as good, find another optician.
September 6th, 2007
Pretty interesting. There is alot of misinformation floating around and I’m sad to say that some
it has been printed here. People who argue against the optics of polycarbonate are people who just do
not understand optics.
September 6th, 2007
Hi Optidonn,
Thanks - can you be more specific. I definitely don’t know about optics, and tried to be very clear on this site that I was just repeating what I’d read or picked up - that I have no professional training or credentials. Please let me know what I have wrong; I’d be happy to fix it.
September 22nd, 2007
Hi
I am having problems with my lenses which I believe are called ‘interview’ - they sound like they are supposed to work in the same way.
My problem is that I think the lenses may have been fitted into the frames upside down - is that possible? What I mean by this is that I can see close up better if I look through the top of the lens and similarly my middle vision is better using the bottom of the lens?
My lenses have markings > and
September 30th, 2007
Hi Paul,
That definitely sounds like upside down. I’d go to a good optician and ask them. The numbers in the markings should be right-side up, if you can see them.
Good luck with it - there’s no reason to put up with lenses you’re not comfortable with, even if they’re made right. I learned that the hard way, but I’ll never do it again.
March 19th, 2008
I have been wearing Verilux lenses for well over 10 years. My new pair (Verilux Comfort) produces a chromatic aberration when outside in natural light. The edges of objects appear gold or blue depending on the sun angle. The lenses have been remade 3X but it is still there. I don’t notice it when wearing polarized clip or overall sunglasses. The optical shop is completely perplexed with this. Has anyone else encountered this problem and if so is anyone aware of the cause and how to correct it?
Thanks!
March 19th, 2008
Richard,
You’ve probably thought of this already, but what material are the lenses made of? Can you try a different one - less high index or something?
March 27th, 2008
I have just had a new pair of Verilux lens “spider web” crack in an upper corner.
It is in the interior of the lens.
The optometrist is “so surprised”.
He uses only progressive Varilux in this store.
Wallmart has had many complaints for this on a web site that I read, but they do not use Varilux, I’m told.
I wonder?
March 27th, 2008
Angela, You should be able to look at the lenses and make sure they’re Varilux. Look on this page and you’ll see where to look for the markings. Varilux lenses have a marking that looks like a lowercase “e” at an angle (and may be flipped, depending on which side of your glasses you’re looking at). If you click the lenses on that page, you’ll get some charts that show you.
If you didn’t get what you paid for, I’d suggest talking to your credit card company, your state’s Attorney General, and anyone else you can think of. There’s no reason to let crap like that happen.
Good luck with it.
April 10th, 2008
I have just recieved a new pair of glasses that are poly carbonite, I too am having a severe polychromatic effect. The effect , most notcible around white objects, puts a yellow border to the outside of an object and a blue one inwards ,toward my nose, of an object. I notice this effect more in the sunlight but I can also detect it in other indoor light conditions. The further angle I veiw an object from the center the of my lenses the worst the effect is. At extreme viewing angles through my lenses I can even make out a red hue next to the yellow on that appears. While driving I can turn any white car into a taxi colored yellow by shifting to my peripheal view.
May 29th, 2008
I went through about 5 years of being disabled from working because of my progressive glasses being too strong and misalligned.
See http://www.induceddyslexia.com
Most optometrists and opthamologists are under 55 years of age and don’t recognize that “older eyes” respond differently than younger eyes. The Phoropter tends to have a pin-hole vision effect and gives a prescription that is too strong. My new 65 year-old optometrist spent an additional 45 minutes with lens frames getting the correct prescription after I complained that the 25 minutes using the phoropter at best produced a distorted image that was too strong. He also explained that the “clear area” of undistorted vision with my new progressive glasses is about 1/3 the width of my computer monitor which is why I have “computer glasses” with undistorted vision for seeing 1 to 4 feet that I use only when I am working. My computer glasses have let me go back to work and be productive for the first time in five years.
I am trying to contact someone at Verilux because they need to do a study of Induced Dyslexia to verify why “old people” are having problems with progressive glasses and need a better solution such as computer glasses or a wider 3 foot distance vision field.
If anyone has contacts with Verilux where I could propose a study, please contact me at: allanhytowitz@hotmail.com.
June 26th, 2008
I’m also having a lot of trouble with yellow lines. I see them on the side of the road and billboards when I’m drivings. Less frequently I see a yellow line to the left of an object and a blue line to the right. My glasses also don’t work well for close-up work - I have to hold my nose ‘way up and look through the very bottom of the lenses. I wore contacts for forty years, until dry eye became a problem, and I’m kind of disappointed that I spent so much money for an incomplete solution.
I’m glad to hear from other people with the same problems. It’s frustrating.
September 14th, 2008
My wife bought Verilux lenses at Sams for $425.00 and in less than 2 years the anti-reflective coating is coming off. The folks at Sams Club said they are only guaranteed for one year. My wife, Pat, is unusually carefull with her glasses; this is not a case of abuse. This was a poor product that they have not seen fit to stand behind.
November 5th, 2008
I have used Hoya high index eyeglass lenses for 5+ years and have been satisfied. I have gone to a new Dr and optical shop to replace and they have recommended Verilux high index. Is one brand considered to be better than the other.
April 14th, 2009
I have had two pair of glasses remade and I too am having a yellow glow on the top of objects and a “hyperlink blue” color underneath. I have seen red on a crow. There has to be an explanation for this. The store, Vision World, says they have never had a problem like this and it must be the anti-reflective coating. No one would order anti-reflective coating if this were the results. It appears a couple others on this site have had this issue. Does anyone know the reason?
June 27th, 2009
i have the same yellow outline at the top and blue outline at the bottom problem!! it is very frustrating and i also had my lenses redone several times. i don’t think it is an anti-reflective coating issue as i have had that on previous prescriptions and never had color outline problems. i have researched this to no avail. if there is someone out there that knows the answer please help!
August 17th, 2010
I am supposed to pick up my glasses today and I am scared to go. This is the third redo now.
The first time I picked up my glasses I had a thick blue outline to everything, looking straight on not out of the corners of my glasses. They were the polycarbonate. So they decided I was sensitive to the Poly and would have to go with plastic.
So the second time I went to pick up the glasses the lines were thinner but still there, it was decided that it was the transitions so that had to go.
The third time the line was again thinner that the previous time but Still there. This time they are removing the anti reflective.
I’m not sure that If the glasses work this time that I should accept them. Do I have to go without the transitions? Do I have to go without the anti-reflective? I mean is it My Eyes or their manufacturer?
August 23rd, 2010
Hi Chris,
I wish I knew. The only thing I’ve ever found that works with lenses is trial and error. Some of us just don’t seem to have much tolerance. I know people who can wear the cheapest lenses with no remakes. And then there are people like us, who can’t seem to handle much at all. All I can suggest is keep trying, and definitely look for an optician who will work with you to get what you need. Good luck with it,
Ellen