I recently had new lenses put in my old frames, and even though the refractive index of the “high index” material is 1.60 (almost identical to the old polycarbonate lenses they replaced) and the prescription is a bit stronger, there is MUCH less color fringing at the periphery. I’m glad the optician suggested not using polycarbonate again, but puzzled by the reason for the improvement. Am I right in thinking the Abbe numbers of optical plastics (which you said indicate of the lens’s tendency to make color fringes) are not proportional to their refractive indexes?
Ellen wrote:
April 29th, 2008
Hi,
I’m not sure - I don’t think it was me who wrote about the Abbe numbers. Maybe a commenter, or someone I linked to. I know I’ve read a lot of stuff that says to stay away from polycarbonate; maybe that’s why.
Tom wrote:
June 17th, 2008
Hi,
I am trying to get used to my first pair of progressives, and can’t seem to get it. I have a pair from Walmart Optical, made by Nokia. It seems that when one eye is in focus, the other is out. Am I crazy, or is this normal? Is there a chance the prescription is wrong?
John wrote:
June 21st, 2008
I am not an eyecare professional, but I have been doing my homework on this subject for a few years now –
Kristi - Yes the higher index lenses have worse Abbe values (i.e. more chromatic aberration) in general. The exception to this is polycarbonate, which has both low index AND bad Abbe. It’s just about the worst material to make eyeglasses out of from an optical point of view. The only thing it has going for it is its strength, i.e. it makes good safety glasses. Next time have your lenses made out of Trivex. It is just as strong as polycarbonate, and has very good abbe.
Tom - What you describe is definitely not “normal”. It sounds to me like they got your PD (pupilary distance) measured wrong. But it could be due to other things too. Go back to Walmart and don’t give up until you can see right!
lauri wrote:
July 16th, 2008
thanks for the help. i got mor information from you than the optometrist. they need to do a better job of explaining how the progressive lenses work.
Adjustable focus eyeglasses correct presbyopia by providing on-demand wide field dynamic focus. Spectacles of this type are currently available only under the trade name ‘Trufocals.’
Alternative eyeglasses intended for presbyopes are static (and typically zonal; for example: bifocals, or progressive lenses). Adjustable focus spectacles, however, are neither static nor zonal; instead they offer on-demand adjustable {sometimes called ‘variable’} focus over the entire lens area. Focus is volitionally controlled by the wearer, via movement of a small “slider” located on top of the bridge. Hence wearer gaze can be conveniently directed at whatever is, at any time, of primary importance — wherever it may be located.
Adjustable focus eyeglasses are suitable for a wide range of every day needs and environments. They combine high quality rigid ophthalmic lenses carrying the user’s complete distance correction (see eyeglass prescription), with flexible lenses that change shape to deliver on-demand optical ADD …thereby enabling sharp focus at every distance. The appropriate ADD range depends on the user’s level of presbyopia, which is closely related to age, and can be as high as 3.00 diopters. A tiny mechanism, actuated by the slider, simultaneously controls both flexible lenses to assure appropriate ADD tracking in both eyes (binocularity).
History
Since the youthful human eye provides dynamic focus, and since presbyopia is the age-related loss of that ability, the notion that adjustable focus would provide ideal vision for presbyopes has long been recognized. Achieving that goal, however, has proved difficult …primarily because practical spectacles must be rugged, lightweight, and quickly offer binocular optics of ophthalmic accuracy
Two approaches can be found in the literature: electro-optical (often utilizing liquid crystals as the active medium) and opto-mechanical. As to the former, one seminal US patent is Berreman 4,190,330; more recently a somewhat similar approach was undertaken by e-Vision which has morphed into PixelOptics. To date no commercial electro-optical eyeglasses have been announced. As to the latter, perhaps the most comprehensive early work was that of Wright {US Patent 3,598,479 and Trans Ophthal Soc UK (1978) 98, 84} which, while well received, unfortunately fell short of practicality. In 2008, after licensing and refining the intellectual property resulting from of a 10+ year development activity, Zoom Focus Eyewear brought to market practical spectacles offering on-demand adjustable focus: ‘Trufocals’. {For related technical details, see http://www.trufocals.com}
Advantages
• Optimal vision over the entire field of view, in any direction, and at every distance: far, near, or
in-between. Users can see clearly, for example, when looking downward —and, therefore, are less likely to trip over steps and curbs— or when playing sports, such as golf and tennis.
• Ideal ADD power can be achieved with precision ….because the dynamic lenses are continuously variable, simulating the focusing action of the youthful human eye.
• Elimination of the need for head tilt and/or rotation associated with bifocals and progressive addition lenses
• Adjustable focus spectacles also eliminate:
> image-jumping within the visual field, as created by bifocal and trifocal lenses
> the distortions inherent in even state-of-the art “no-lines” progressive addition lenses (PALs)
…and thereby avoid the associated visual discomfort.
• Fitting is quick and less prone to errors. Unlike bifocals and progressive lenses, there is no need for precise lens positioning relative to the wearer’s pupil location.
Disadvantages
• Like the dynamic focus lenses in professional cameras and binoculars, each adjustable focus lens must be circular, and rigidly held, thus limiting the number of styles available.
• User-adjustable focus eyeglasses are a high technology product, including a rugged mechanism and precision dynamic optics; accordingly they should be expected to cost somewhat more than eyeglasses incorporating progressive, or bifocal, lenses.
• The adjustable focus mechanism is controlled by a slider located on the ‘bridge’ which spans the user’s nose; these glasses are therefore not suitable for use when wearing a helmet (for example, when riding a motorcycle).
• On-demand user-adjustable focusing requires a brief learning period (typically a few minutes). Most people find that using the slider is intuitive …and very rapidly becomes “automatic”, thereafter occurring without conscious thought.
Rich wrote:
November 6th, 2008
Have used hoya high index eyeglass lenses 5+ years. Have had verilux high index eyeglass lenses recommended. Is one considered better than the other?
Ellen wrote:
November 7th, 2008
Rich -
I wish I knew. Hoya has really good recommendations - I just got a new RX and was doing research on lens brands. I wanted Hoya, but my optometrist, who makes my glasses as well as doing my exams, was a little leery of them, and suggested Seikos instead. Which I got, but I don’t think I like them quite as much as my previous brand, which was Varilux Physio. I wish I could compare a lot of brands, but there’s just no way to. Everything I’ve read says that different brands work better for different people and different prescriptions. Mine is very high myopia and a little astigmatism, and I really want progressives to have the best distance. I don’t care much about the medium range, since I wear PC glasses for most of my work.
You might also ask the person who recommended the Varilux why they did.
Good luck,
Michael wrote:
December 3rd, 2008
Hello! Great site.
I have my very first pair of glasses (I’m 42). After my eye exam my optometrist prescribed what they called “single vision” glasses. My laptop screen and other close things look GREAT! But things further away are hard to focus on. He told me I could wear them all the time.
I called them today (I got the glasses yesterday) to ask why my further vision is worse now. They looked at my records and noted I have a slight astigmatism and that the glasses should be giving me better vision at all ranges. I verified if I should be wearing them always and they said yes.
Does this sound right? Do I just need to get used to them to see things further away?
Thanks!
Jeff wrote:
December 17th, 2008
Hi,
Great site. I have to go to progressives for the first time (plud 1.00 add) and have high astigmatism. I had standard varilux and it’s not working for me—I went back to single vision glasses. Sometimes I am ok with vision, but lately the intermediate and close ups have been a challenge. I was recommended the physio 360. I understand most wear just Physio. Is the physio 360 better for high astig? Someone also said to do Shamir. can you please help me understand what the better choice might be—I understand everyone can respond diff to a specific brand/type. Will eye strain occur if I stay with single vision glasses—I feel at times I have eyestrain—although I probably should get better sleep. I appreciate any feedback/guidance. Thanks again for a wonderful site.
Jeff in NJ
John wrote:
December 31st, 2008
Why not purchase progressive lenses on-line?
I am a certified optician. I do not see a problem with this. You can save a lot of money by purchasing lenses on-line. One, if you already wear progressive lenses they will copy your segment height and PD from your existing lenses, if you are replacing your old Rx with a new one.( make sure your old progressive lenses functioned for you when the Rx was new)Second, if you are purchasing or sending in a new frame all you have to do is mark your pupils in the demo lenses for segment height( you can have a spouse or friend mark the center of your pupils using a permanent marker) You can obtain the PD from your Doctor or Optician.(Remember segment height and PD are not the same thing) progressive lenses are not for everyone and I agree that if you are a first time progressive wearer you should obtain your first pair at a local optical shop and only because progressive lenses require a good 14 days to adjust to and you may have to see your optician several times for adjustments.(buying progressive lenses from your local retail shop does not guarantee proper fit, make sure you see a certified or qualified optician in any case.Ask for credentials they must be posted)I can tell you I have seen many patients with messed up lenses from places like Walmart, LensCrafters,Pearle vision and Doctors Vision Works just to name a few( Walmart being the worst) They do not hire qualified or certified opticians at most of those large retail stores ( depending on state regulations) And if they do have a Qualified Opticain only one has to be staffed.I recommend that everyone does their homework and research all your avenues before buying your lenses from anyone. Call or stop by the optical shop and ask questions specific to your needs. I work at a full service optical lab and we offer our services to the public here locally and nationally through our website. We provide services to many of the local retail optical shops.The key to proper dispensing is with qualified Opticains and not with the place you purchased your lenses. Please don’t let your readers disqualify on-line retailers as an option especially in this economy. I would advise your readers to educate themselves on the optical resources available to them via the internet.Most local optical retail stores accept insurance and this is the reason most people pay such high prices for their frames and lenses( even with insurance coverage) The prices are controlled by big insurance companies that pay very little to the independant or large retail stores, hence the jacked up prices!You will find in most cases those retail shops who do not accept insurance will provide you with the biggest saving overall.Just a side note,The large retail optical stores such as LensCrafters and Pearle Vision are owned by the Largest EyeCare insurance providers!Do your research! On-line services are not for everyone but they can save you a lot of money and the Quality is the same as those provided locally!Most local optical shops will not replace lenses in your old frame, they want you to buy new ones. We do not require our customers to buy new frames nor do we pressure our customers into lens materials that are not needed. Such as putting everyone into the most expensive lenses availabale. We provide a service to meet our customer needs.
If you would like more information for your readers contact,
I did not include our company name so that you can publish this.
Ellen wrote:
January 2nd, 2009
Thanks, John. My personal experience has been that my progressives do need a few adjustments, which I wouldn’t be able to get with an online dealer. But I agree with you that a lot of ‘in person’ optical places just aren’t qualfied to dispense lenses. I’ll never go back to Lenscrafters, and haven’t even tried the others. I definitely agree that people should get as much information as they possibly can. Thanks a lot for writing.
Ashley Smith wrote:
January 27th, 2009
Hi Ellen,
My name is Ashley Smith and I was doing some research on corrective lenses when I came across your website. I recently found out I’m nearsighted, so I figured I better do my research. Your website has helped me out a ton, especially your links page- http://www.visionover40.com/links.php. I have a much better understanding of eye maladies now. Although while I was clicking through the links I came across a couple of broken ones, I hope you don’t mind me pointing them out here:
Eyesight, Optics and Vision Test and Computer Eye Strain
Additionally while I was searching I came across a few helpful articles. Here is one that I found particularly helpful and optimistic: http://glassescrafter.com/information/foods-that-improve-vision.html. I realize it may be wishful thinking to think food can cure my eyesight. However, I sure want to give eating for eye health a try! I just thought since I found it helpful some of your other site viewers might want to know what foods promote good eye health. Thanks for your time and consideration.
Gary Johnson wrote:
February 3rd, 2009
Whereas
My eyes are 55 and they are used to certain comforts, and
I do not tolerate change as well as I use too, and
I am getting older and my vision is getting worse, and
I have been wearing progressives for over 10 years now:
It is not a good idea to switch to progressive lens that are smaller.
–
Please feel free to correct and amplify this.
I am not sure whether, its the depth of the lens or whatever, but going to a smaller lens area for different zones, when your over 50, is literally giving me a headache
Gary Johnson wrote:
February 8th, 2009
I love this site, but I would ask you to take a step and back and write us a “Do this” and a “Don’t Do This” section. Something that is concise and easy to remember. Since finding your site I have been trying to come up with a very short list of things that I need to keep in mind.
Set up a good ergonomic computer workstation.
Set the distance from you to your computer display, a distance of 20 to 24 inches is recommended
Set the top of the monitor screen 1″ below the height of the operator. When you are wearing progressives, your eye height is the intermediate zone of your lens.
I good investment is a separate display stand that lets you adjust the height, distance, tilt. and swivel of your display
Know and use all the Monitor adjustments
Clear Type for LCDs
Color Management and Brightness and Contrast Management
Adjust background lighting
Consider progressive lenses made especially for computer use that have a wider intermediate zone.
Do not go from a regular progressive lens to a short(er) corridor lens.
Always
Wear your new glasses high on the bridge of your nose and as close to your face as possible.
To look at an object, turn your head (and not just your eyes) toward it.
Move your head vertically until the object glides into focus.
And thanks again for doing this.
telya wrote:
February 16th, 2009
I wanted to thank you and to say that there are not enough people like you that just wanted to fill people in on the info they had learned while themselves looking for glasses or whatever the info might be regarding.
I try very hard to help people that ask me things about say having cataract surgery which I just did and not need
progressive lenses. You sure helped me and I just wanted to know your take on anti glare or no anti glare.
I keep hearing people say that it scratches and is hard and expensive if you even can have it removed then.
Again, thank you so much.
I am probably getting the Physio like you.
Robin wrote:
May 5th, 2009
Thanks for the information. My optometrist recommended progressive lenses but I only have trouble reading tiny print on coupons. My sister let me try her reading glasses from Walmart and they were amazing. I have always had trouble with glasses (getting the lenses right) so I had lasik 10 years ago for my long distance vision. I’m glad I didn’t go down the road of disappointment trying to find the right progressive lenses. Walmart, here I come!
bob wrote:
May 6th, 2009
I am an optometrist in the UK - for general advice and guidelines on glasses including the different types, see: http://www.youreyeguide.co.uk/glasses/index.html - This is not my website but i have read all the content and it gives clear, easy to understand advice. Also, a point about buying glasses online - its quite easy to buy your prescription from your optician and then saves lots of money by buying the frame online. You can walk into many opticians and have the frame adjusted so that the fit is also right.
We have many other articles on popular eye care topics such as dry eyes, glaucoma and keratoconus available on our website as well. We hope you and your readers find them useful.
Hi,
I have a website called Mia Accessories. We sell a range of designer frames and i was wondering if i could be added to your “frames online” section
I only offer frames and as per your comment, recommend that lenses should be fitted by a local optician.
I have been looking looking around for this kind of information. Will you post some more in future? I’ll be grateful if you will.
Ryan wrote:
July 9th, 2009
I am an ophthalmic surgeon and I find your site excellent! I will be referring patients with progressive problems to your site.
You mentioned that you do better with the computer if the monitor is a little bit lower. In my opinion, 90% or more of our problems with “eyestrain” from computer work are do to the eyes drying out. If we use the “ergonimically correct” position of the computer monitor, we are looking straight forward to see the monitor, with our back straight and our head erect. In this position, the eyes are wide open. However, an object in the hand will require down gaze for you to examine it. The eyes are nearly closed in this position. In downgaze, the eyes dry out a lot slower. In addition, with visual attention, our blinking frequency drops. Less blinking means more dryness. If your eyes are open only a slit, as in downgaze, the change in blinking frequency has less of an impact on the dryness.
From an optical point of view, a laptop is a better choice than a desk top.
Ryan wrote:
July 9th, 2009
New lenses in old frames.
As an ophthalmologist, I get many patients asking about putting new lenses in old frames. I do not recommend doing this because the older frames break easier than new ones. A good fit requires a tight purchase of the lens by the frame. This puts strain on the frame material. Plastic gets brittle with age and metal gets fatigued the more it is bent. This stress on aged material makes the frame more likely to break. The lenses, for most patients, are the most expensive part of the glasses, not the frame. If your old frame breaks, the new lenses are worthless because they usually cannot be reground to fit a new frame. In addition, sometimes an old pair of glasses are very useful. Sometimes, we shoot ourselved in the foot trying to save money.
[...] Click here to read the first group of emails and comments I’ve received on the site. [...]
Jim Jackson wrote:
August 29th, 2009
I you are having trouble with progressive lens the biggest reason is that they do not line up the intermediate correctly. This will give you clear vision in one eye and blur in the other or blur at the firings. If you are having trouble reading, then most likely they are cutting the reading prescription off.
April 26th, 2008
I recently had new lenses put in my old frames, and even though the refractive index of the “high index” material is 1.60 (almost identical to the old polycarbonate lenses they replaced) and the prescription is a bit stronger, there is MUCH less color fringing at the periphery. I’m glad the optician suggested not using polycarbonate again, but puzzled by the reason for the improvement. Am I right in thinking the Abbe numbers of optical plastics (which you said indicate of the lens’s tendency to make color fringes) are not proportional to their refractive indexes?
April 29th, 2008
Hi,
I’m not sure - I don’t think it was me who wrote about the Abbe numbers. Maybe a commenter, or someone I linked to. I know I’ve read a lot of stuff that says to stay away from polycarbonate; maybe that’s why.
June 17th, 2008
Hi,
I am trying to get used to my first pair of progressives, and can’t seem to get it. I have a pair from Walmart Optical, made by Nokia. It seems that when one eye is in focus, the other is out. Am I crazy, or is this normal? Is there a chance the prescription is wrong?
June 21st, 2008
I am not an eyecare professional, but I have been doing my homework on this subject for a few years now –
Kristi - Yes the higher index lenses have worse Abbe values (i.e. more chromatic aberration) in general. The exception to this is polycarbonate, which has both low index AND bad Abbe. It’s just about the worst material to make eyeglasses out of from an optical point of view. The only thing it has going for it is its strength, i.e. it makes good safety glasses. Next time have your lenses made out of Trivex. It is just as strong as polycarbonate, and has very good abbe.
Tom - What you describe is definitely not “normal”. It sounds to me like they got your PD (pupilary distance) measured wrong. But it could be due to other things too. Go back to Walmart and don’t give up until you can see right!
July 16th, 2008
thanks for the help. i got mor information from you than the optometrist. they need to do a better job of explaining how the progressive lenses work.
July 22nd, 2008
Adjustable focus eyeglasses correct presbyopia by providing on-demand wide field dynamic focus. Spectacles of this type are currently available only under the trade name ‘Trufocals.’
Alternative eyeglasses intended for presbyopes are static (and typically zonal; for example: bifocals, or progressive lenses). Adjustable focus spectacles, however, are neither static nor zonal; instead they offer on-demand adjustable {sometimes called ‘variable’} focus over the entire lens area. Focus is volitionally controlled by the wearer, via movement of a small “slider” located on top of the bridge. Hence wearer gaze can be conveniently directed at whatever is, at any time, of primary importance — wherever it may be located.
Adjustable focus eyeglasses are suitable for a wide range of every day needs and environments. They combine high quality rigid ophthalmic lenses carrying the user’s complete distance correction (see eyeglass prescription), with flexible lenses that change shape to deliver on-demand optical ADD …thereby enabling sharp focus at every distance. The appropriate ADD range depends on the user’s level of presbyopia, which is closely related to age, and can be as high as 3.00 diopters. A tiny mechanism, actuated by the slider, simultaneously controls both flexible lenses to assure appropriate ADD tracking in both eyes (binocularity).
History
Since the youthful human eye provides dynamic focus, and since presbyopia is the age-related loss of that ability, the notion that adjustable focus would provide ideal vision for presbyopes has long been recognized. Achieving that goal, however, has proved difficult …primarily because practical spectacles must be rugged, lightweight, and quickly offer binocular optics of ophthalmic accuracy
Two approaches can be found in the literature: electro-optical (often utilizing liquid crystals as the active medium) and opto-mechanical. As to the former, one seminal US patent is Berreman 4,190,330; more recently a somewhat similar approach was undertaken by e-Vision which has morphed into PixelOptics. To date no commercial electro-optical eyeglasses have been announced. As to the latter, perhaps the most comprehensive early work was that of Wright {US Patent 3,598,479 and Trans Ophthal Soc UK (1978) 98, 84} which, while well received, unfortunately fell short of practicality. In 2008, after licensing and refining the intellectual property resulting from of a 10+ year development activity, Zoom Focus Eyewear brought to market practical spectacles offering on-demand adjustable focus: ‘Trufocals’. {For related technical details, see http://www.trufocals.com}
Advantages
• Optimal vision over the entire field of view, in any direction, and at every distance: far, near, or
in-between. Users can see clearly, for example, when looking downward —and, therefore, are less likely to trip over steps and curbs— or when playing sports, such as golf and tennis.
• Ideal ADD power can be achieved with precision ….because the dynamic lenses are continuously variable, simulating the focusing action of the youthful human eye.
• Elimination of the need for head tilt and/or rotation associated with bifocals and progressive addition lenses
• Adjustable focus spectacles also eliminate:
> image-jumping within the visual field, as created by bifocal and trifocal lenses
> the distortions inherent in even state-of-the art “no-lines” progressive addition lenses (PALs)
…and thereby avoid the associated visual discomfort.
• Fitting is quick and less prone to errors. Unlike bifocals and progressive lenses, there is no need for precise lens positioning relative to the wearer’s pupil location.
Disadvantages
• Like the dynamic focus lenses in professional cameras and binoculars, each adjustable focus lens must be circular, and rigidly held, thus limiting the number of styles available.
• User-adjustable focus eyeglasses are a high technology product, including a rugged mechanism and precision dynamic optics; accordingly they should be expected to cost somewhat more than eyeglasses incorporating progressive, or bifocal, lenses.
• The adjustable focus mechanism is controlled by a slider located on the ‘bridge’ which spans the user’s nose; these glasses are therefore not suitable for use when wearing a helmet (for example, when riding a motorcycle).
• On-demand user-adjustable focusing requires a brief learning period (typically a few minutes). Most people find that using the slider is intuitive …and very rapidly becomes “automatic”, thereafter occurring without conscious thought.
November 6th, 2008
Have used hoya high index eyeglass lenses 5+ years. Have had verilux high index eyeglass lenses recommended. Is one considered better than the other?
November 7th, 2008
Rich -
I wish I knew. Hoya has really good recommendations - I just got a new RX and was doing research on lens brands. I wanted Hoya, but my optometrist, who makes my glasses as well as doing my exams, was a little leery of them, and suggested Seikos instead. Which I got, but I don’t think I like them quite as much as my previous brand, which was Varilux Physio. I wish I could compare a lot of brands, but there’s just no way to. Everything I’ve read says that different brands work better for different people and different prescriptions. Mine is very high myopia and a little astigmatism, and I really want progressives to have the best distance. I don’t care much about the medium range, since I wear PC glasses for most of my work.
I don’t know what to tell you, except to get recommendations from a professional that you trust, and who bases them on your RX. You can get info about the Varilux kinds (they have a few) at http://www.varilux.com/Vision+Care+Professionals and Hoyas at http://65.161.187.167/index.php?SID=48ebbfbdb17b8861707103&page_id=8986 but neither one is going to tell you what you want to know.
You might also ask the person who recommended the Varilux why they did.
Good luck,
December 3rd, 2008
Hello! Great site.
I have my very first pair of glasses (I’m 42). After my eye exam my optometrist prescribed what they called “single vision” glasses. My laptop screen and other close things look GREAT! But things further away are hard to focus on. He told me I could wear them all the time.
I called them today (I got the glasses yesterday) to ask why my further vision is worse now. They looked at my records and noted I have a slight astigmatism and that the glasses should be giving me better vision at all ranges. I verified if I should be wearing them always and they said yes.
Does this sound right? Do I just need to get used to them to see things further away?
Thanks!
December 17th, 2008
Hi,
Great site. I have to go to progressives for the first time (plud 1.00 add) and have high astigmatism. I had standard varilux and it’s not working for me—I went back to single vision glasses. Sometimes I am ok with vision, but lately the intermediate and close ups have been a challenge. I was recommended the physio 360. I understand most wear just Physio. Is the physio 360 better for high astig? Someone also said to do Shamir. can you please help me understand what the better choice might be—I understand everyone can respond diff to a specific brand/type. Will eye strain occur if I stay with single vision glasses—I feel at times I have eyestrain—although I probably should get better sleep. I appreciate any feedback/guidance. Thanks again for a wonderful site.
Jeff in NJ
December 31st, 2008
Why not purchase progressive lenses on-line?
I am a certified optician. I do not see a problem with this. You can save a lot of money by purchasing lenses on-line. One, if you already wear progressive lenses they will copy your segment height and PD from your existing lenses, if you are replacing your old Rx with a new one.( make sure your old progressive lenses functioned for you when the Rx was new)Second, if you are purchasing or sending in a new frame all you have to do is mark your pupils in the demo lenses for segment height( you can have a spouse or friend mark the center of your pupils using a permanent marker) You can obtain the PD from your Doctor or Optician.(Remember segment height and PD are not the same thing) progressive lenses are not for everyone and I agree that if you are a first time progressive wearer you should obtain your first pair at a local optical shop and only because progressive lenses require a good 14 days to adjust to and you may have to see your optician several times for adjustments.(buying progressive lenses from your local retail shop does not guarantee proper fit, make sure you see a certified or qualified optician in any case.Ask for credentials they must be posted)I can tell you I have seen many patients with messed up lenses from places like Walmart, LensCrafters,Pearle vision and Doctors Vision Works just to name a few( Walmart being the worst) They do not hire qualified or certified opticians at most of those large retail stores ( depending on state regulations) And if they do have a Qualified Opticain only one has to be staffed.I recommend that everyone does their homework and research all your avenues before buying your lenses from anyone. Call or stop by the optical shop and ask questions specific to your needs. I work at a full service optical lab and we offer our services to the public here locally and nationally through our website. We provide services to many of the local retail optical shops.The key to proper dispensing is with qualified Opticains and not with the place you purchased your lenses. Please don’t let your readers disqualify on-line retailers as an option especially in this economy. I would advise your readers to educate themselves on the optical resources available to them via the internet.Most local optical retail stores accept insurance and this is the reason most people pay such high prices for their frames and lenses( even with insurance coverage) The prices are controlled by big insurance companies that pay very little to the independant or large retail stores, hence the jacked up prices!You will find in most cases those retail shops who do not accept insurance will provide you with the biggest saving overall.Just a side note,The large retail optical stores such as LensCrafters and Pearle Vision are owned by the Largest EyeCare insurance providers!Do your research! On-line services are not for everyone but they can save you a lot of money and the Quality is the same as those provided locally!Most local optical shops will not replace lenses in your old frame, they want you to buy new ones. We do not require our customers to buy new frames nor do we pressure our customers into lens materials that are not needed. Such as putting everyone into the most expensive lenses availabale. We provide a service to meet our customer needs.
If you would like more information for your readers contact,
John Rojas ABOC( optician)
Jprohaus@yahoo.com
I did not include our company name so that you can publish this.
January 2nd, 2009
Thanks, John. My personal experience has been that my progressives do need a few adjustments, which I wouldn’t be able to get with an online dealer. But I agree with you that a lot of ‘in person’ optical places just aren’t qualfied to dispense lenses. I’ll never go back to Lenscrafters, and haven’t even tried the others. I definitely agree that people should get as much information as they possibly can. Thanks a lot for writing.
January 27th, 2009
Hi Ellen,
My name is Ashley Smith and I was doing some research on corrective lenses when I came across your website. I recently found out I’m nearsighted, so I figured I better do my research. Your website has helped me out a ton, especially your links page- http://www.visionover40.com/links.php. I have a much better understanding of eye maladies now. Although while I was clicking through the links I came across a couple of broken ones, I hope you don’t mind me pointing them out here:
Eyesight, Optics and Vision Test and Computer Eye Strain
Additionally while I was searching I came across a few helpful articles. Here is one that I found particularly helpful and optimistic: http://glassescrafter.com/information/foods-that-improve-vision.html. I realize it may be wishful thinking to think food can cure my eyesight. However, I sure want to give eating for eye health a try! I just thought since I found it helpful some of your other site viewers might want to know what foods promote good eye health. Thanks for your time and consideration.
February 3rd, 2009
Whereas
My eyes are 55 and they are used to certain comforts, and
I do not tolerate change as well as I use too, and
I am getting older and my vision is getting worse, and
I have been wearing progressives for over 10 years now:
It is not a good idea to switch to progressive lens that are smaller.
–
Please feel free to correct and amplify this.
I am not sure whether, its the depth of the lens or whatever, but going to a smaller lens area for different zones, when your over 50, is literally giving me a headache
February 8th, 2009
I love this site, but I would ask you to take a step and back and write us a “Do this” and a “Don’t Do This” section. Something that is concise and easy to remember. Since finding your site I have been trying to come up with a very short list of things that I need to keep in mind.
Set up a good ergonomic computer workstation.
Set the distance from you to your computer display, a distance of 20 to 24 inches is recommended
Set the top of the monitor screen 1″ below the height of the operator. When you are wearing progressives, your eye height is the intermediate zone of your lens.
I good investment is a separate display stand that lets you adjust the height, distance, tilt. and swivel of your display
Know and use all the Monitor adjustments
Clear Type for LCDs
Color Management and Brightness and Contrast Management
Adjust background lighting
Consider progressive lenses made especially for computer use that have a wider intermediate zone.
Do not go from a regular progressive lens to a short(er) corridor lens.
Always
Wear your new glasses high on the bridge of your nose and as close to your face as possible.
To look at an object, turn your head (and not just your eyes) toward it.
Move your head vertically until the object glides into focus.
And thanks again for doing this.
February 16th, 2009
I wanted to thank you and to say that there are not enough people like you that just wanted to fill people in on the info they had learned while themselves looking for glasses or whatever the info might be regarding.
I try very hard to help people that ask me things about say having cataract surgery which I just did and not need
progressive lenses. You sure helped me and I just wanted to know your take on anti glare or no anti glare.
I keep hearing people say that it scratches and is hard and expensive if you even can have it removed then.
Again, thank you so much.
I am probably getting the Physio like you.
May 5th, 2009
Thanks for the information. My optometrist recommended progressive lenses but I only have trouble reading tiny print on coupons. My sister let me try her reading glasses from Walmart and they were amazing. I have always had trouble with glasses (getting the lenses right) so I had lasik 10 years ago for my long distance vision. I’m glad I didn’t go down the road of disappointment trying to find the right progressive lenses. Walmart, here I come!
May 6th, 2009
I am an optometrist in the UK - for general advice and guidelines on glasses including the different types, see: http://www.youreyeguide.co.uk/glasses/index.html - This is not my website but i have read all the content and it gives clear, easy to understand advice. Also, a point about buying glasses online - its quite easy to buy your prescription from your optician and then saves lots of money by buying the frame online. You can walk into many opticians and have the frame adjusted so that the fit is also right.
May 17th, 2009
Hello,
We really like your site. There are a lot of good links here. We have an article on Visual Ergonomics – Setting Up Your Computer Workstation For Maximum Visual Comfort that gives recommendations for patient on how to set up their computer workstations to provide the most comfortable work environment.
We have many other articles on popular eye care topics such as dry eyes, glaucoma and keratoconus available on our website as well. We hope you and your readers find them useful.
June 9th, 2009
Hi,
I have a website called Mia Accessories. We sell a range of designer frames and i was wondering if i could be added to your “frames online” section
I only offer frames and as per your comment, recommend that lenses should be fitted by a local optician.
Regards
Derek
July 6th, 2009
I have been looking looking around for this kind of information. Will you post some more in future? I’ll be grateful if you will.
July 9th, 2009
I am an ophthalmic surgeon and I find your site excellent! I will be referring patients with progressive problems to your site.
You mentioned that you do better with the computer if the monitor is a little bit lower. In my opinion, 90% or more of our problems with “eyestrain” from computer work are do to the eyes drying out. If we use the “ergonimically correct” position of the computer monitor, we are looking straight forward to see the monitor, with our back straight and our head erect. In this position, the eyes are wide open. However, an object in the hand will require down gaze for you to examine it. The eyes are nearly closed in this position. In downgaze, the eyes dry out a lot slower. In addition, with visual attention, our blinking frequency drops. Less blinking means more dryness. If your eyes are open only a slit, as in downgaze, the change in blinking frequency has less of an impact on the dryness.
From an optical point of view, a laptop is a better choice than a desk top.
July 9th, 2009
New lenses in old frames.
As an ophthalmologist, I get many patients asking about putting new lenses in old frames. I do not recommend doing this because the older frames break easier than new ones. A good fit requires a tight purchase of the lens by the frame. This puts strain on the frame material. Plastic gets brittle with age and metal gets fatigued the more it is bent. This stress on aged material makes the frame more likely to break. The lenses, for most patients, are the most expensive part of the glasses, not the frame. If your old frame breaks, the new lenses are worthless because they usually cannot be reground to fit a new frame. In addition, sometimes an old pair of glasses are very useful. Sometimes, we shoot ourselved in the foot trying to save money.
August 17th, 2009
[...] Click here to read the first group of emails and comments I’ve received on the site. [...]
August 29th, 2009
I you are having trouble with progressive lens the biggest reason is that they do not line up the intermediate correctly. This will give you clear vision in one eye and blur in the other or blur at the firings. If you are having trouble reading, then most likely they are cutting the reading prescription off.