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Medical Forum / General / Vision / December 2005Possible silly question about bi-focals
First time visiting this group. I had an eye exam yesterday (at Sears optical). It was determined that I need glasses. I have astigmatism in both eyes, the right more so then the left. The doctor suggested that because my work involves computers he would like to write a prescription for glasses that would better my eyesight for monitor distances instead of longer distances. There was a difference between the two and longer distances (20 feet or so) was a bit blurrier then the settings for the closer distance. So I thought fine, I asked if I could also have a perscription for the long distance also so I could buy a pair a glasses for driving and doing everything else that doesn't involve sitting in front of a computer monitor and the doctor agreed. I didn't pick out any glasses yesterday after the exam but did get prices on what they offered (about $275.00) and how long it would take to get the glasses (about 2 weeks). After talking to my girlfriend (she wears tri-focals) about the exam and the 2 different pairs of glasses she was a littled confused as to why I would get two pair instead of just getting bi-focals. As for me, after reading glasses and the technology behind them I'm starting to wonder the same thing. The doctor doesn't work weekends and I'm pretty sure that any questions brought to the person working the counter in the optical department will just get me a blank stare. So I thought I would ask the question here so I could be more prepared come Monday when I talk to the doctor. Would bi-focals be the better choice for me so I can see both near and far and avoid having to buy / juggle two pairs of glasses (which would mean 4 pairs of glasses if I wanted to buy a backup pair). Thanks for any advise that you guys or gals can give me. I have a feeling that this is a no brainer type of question but it's my first experience with presription glasses and I'd like for it to go as smoothly as possible. Also I hate making costly mistakes because of being un-informed. Andre It's not a no brainer. Lots of variables, but one of the biggest is if you use a desk top computer with a high set monitor, you might be "craning" your head to get into the near part of a bifocal. Personally, I do both, wearing a progressive for general wear, but a good old single vision lens for computer. If it's only a laptop, then the bifocal might be best. Although it's a bit risky for me to guess at your age which can affect this a lot, you might start with a pair of single vision lenses that correct whatever distance you have the most problems with, and go from there, depending on how it works out for you. Keep an open mind. I actually regularly use 4 different glasses (clear progressives for general wear; dark bifocals for sun; single vision for computer; and a pair of computer bifocals for serious computing and paper work). w.stacy, o.d. > First time visiting this group. I had an eye exam yesterday (at Sears > optical). It was determined that I need glasses. I have astigmatism in [quoted text clipped - 34 lines] > > Andre Thanks for the reply. I knew I would leave something out of my original message. I can think of no times where I would be working with a monitor that is above eye level. Just looking at my monitor here at home it sits at about nose level. The same is true for my monitor at work and pretty much every other workstation or server that I would work on. Also my current age is 38. At 38 I'd just start with a distance single vision lens and see how it works for you at all distances. You might not yet need an "add" for near. w.stacy, o.d. > Thanks for the reply. I knew I would leave something out of my original > message. [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > Also my current age is 38. > Thanks for the reply. I knew I would leave something out of my original > message. [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > Also my current age is 38. Sorry. Bifocals won't work. They work at "lap" level, not "nose" level. I can imagine very few circumstances where a monitor is actually above eye level. The other poster was referring to "nose" level. If you actually have a lap top, and you look way down at it, bifocals might work. I would strongly suggest that you post your prescription(s) here. Otherwise the advice you get on this group might be just plain wrong.  SignatureDan Abel dabel@sonic.net Petaluma, California, USA > Thanks for the reply. I knew I would leave something out > of my original message. [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > Also my current age is 38. "nose level". Top or center of the monitor? The way that bifocal/progressive spectacles work is that as you gaze downward you look through the higher powers. You don't want to have to tip your head back to do this. Most people are looking downward when reading printed material but this is not so much the case using a computer. There are tradeoffs for the convenience of bifocal/progressive lenses where you end up looking through the wrong section. Walking up or down stairs, playing golf, etc. They consider everything from about 21 feet to be infinity. Then there is the distance where one holds a book and now there is the common distance for a computer monitor. Since computer work is very visually demanding many people opt for a specific pair of glasses just for that. Then if you're presbyopic (you're due... happens at about 40) bifocals/progressives for other stuff. If you get into contact lenses there are a plethora of solutions. My advice: if you need something now get a pair of cheap drug store readers for your computer work and read up and understand the options available before buying prescription lenses. Think about your usage, preferences, and what you are willing to trade for convenience to decide on the best solution for you. -Quick > Thanks for the reply. I knew I would leave something out of my original > message. [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > Also my current age is 38. I use bifocals for TV and general outside use, when the reading part is just for emergency usage. I have single-vision glasses for reading/computer. This has worked out well for over 20 years. Tilting yuor head back to see something out of the bottom of your bifocals is about the best way on earth of making you look and feel like an old fart. Trust me on this! SignatureCheers, Bev ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ "Friends help you move. *Real* friends help you move bodies." --A. Walker I'm going through the same thinking right now. As part of my vision therapy thing, they want me to get some bifocals with an extra +1 for near. My close work is almost all computer, and my monitor is just barely below eye level (eye level is about 3/4 up the screen). I was really more receptive to getting dedicated computer glasses, but she wanted me to try it this way first. The idea is that if I get a separate pair, I'll be likely to forget or be lazy and not switch - since I can see fine with my distance Rx anyway. I'll find out how it's going to work shortly. How much difference in optimal Rx between monitor distance and book distance? > It's not a no brainer. Lots of variables, but one of the biggest is > if you use a desk top computer with a high set monitor, you might be [quoted text clipped - 48 lines] > > smoothly as possible. Also I hate making costly mistakes because of > > being un-informed. Andre On 12/10/05 9:05 AM, in article 1134234318.206708.143950@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com, "andreoutlaw@usa.net" > First time visiting this group. I had an eye exam yesterday (at Sears > optical). It was determined that I need glasses. I have astigmatism in [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > else that doesn't involve sitting in front of a computer monitor and > the doctor agreed. I can tell you what works for me. I have two pairs bifocals. One for distance vision and another for computer work. I leave my computer glasses at my computer. Using a retaining cord, I let my distance glasses hang on my chest while using my computer. For both pairs, I used frames that I already had, thereby avoiding the cost of new frames. Before that, I was recovering from cataract surgery. I did not want to get glasses before my eyes stabilized. I just used my distance bifocals. For computer use I got cheap reading glasses of strength suitable to make the screen look as if it were at infinity. I put them in front of my distance glasses. I worked out well. I told people to call me "six-eyes." Bill -- Ferme le Bush Again thanks for all of the replies. The top of my monitor is level with my nose. But I can understand what everyone is saying. And the more I picture just how I position my head when using my computer the more I can see why I may want to have a pair just for computer use. It also caused me to think back to when I first entered the computer field (about 11 years ago) and a co-worker that had bi-focals. I remember how he would have to move his head back when he was trying to focus on something that was on the monitor. Though he also had lots of problems with his eyesight due to damage from watching his father weld. So it may have been a matter of also positioning the image to an undamaged part inside the eye as well. I will also speak with the doctor again on Monday and see what he has to say on the matter. He didn't bring up bi-focals at all after the exam and I just wasn't thinking about it. While I was sure that I would need glasses. I wasn't thinking that I would need my sight corrected for both far and near (as in just beyond arm reach) sight (I really need to start writing down a list of questions for events such as this before hand and just not ask the ones that are irrelevant). > Again thanks for all of the replies. The advice you get anywhere will be more meaningful and reliable if you include the prescription for distance vision, as well as your age. And all the advice in the world means nothing if there's no problem to fix. I can't find where you've mentioned blurry vision, headaches, discomfort or reduced performance that might benefit from glasses. While I don't know your prescription exactly, it's a safe bet that you see pretty well without glasses. -MT, OD > Again thanks for all of the replies. You are welcome. Please post your prescription(s). You won't get good advice without this. If you don't want to, that's fine. Your doctor knows what it is. You'll just need to get your advice from him. > The top of my monitor is level with my nose. But I can understand what > everyone is saying. And the more I picture just how I position my head [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > It also caused me to think back to when I first entered the computer > field (about 11 years ago) and a co-worker that had bi-focals. Bifocals are great. They make many people happy. I have worn them a few times. They didn't work for me. I don't wear them. I spent a lot of money on a pair, but only wore them a few times. I couldn't handle them. I don't use crutches either. Why would I? Lots of people use them. My wife and kids have used them. If I had some problem, and my choice was crutches or being housebound, I know what my choice would be. Crutches are great. I've never used them and hope I never have to, but if the time comes, I'll be happy to use them so I can get around. > I will also speak with the doctor again on Monday and see what he has > to say on the matter. He didn't bring up bi-focals at all after the [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > need to start writing down a list of questions for events such as this > before hand and just not ask the ones that are irrelevant). It's good that you are thinking about this. I think having a list of questions is a good idea. However, if he didn't mention bifocals, there just might be a reason for that. Be sure to talk to him before, during and after the exam. He can tailor the exam to meet your needs. SignatureDan Abel dabel@sonic.net Petaluma, California, USA >Again thanks for all of the replies. > [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] >need to start writing down a list of questions for events such as this >before hand and just not ask the ones that are irrelevant). Do you really need different glasses for computer? It's usually not until you get to age 50 or so that the different distances become a bother. I've always just had ordinary distance glasses and been able to see computer perfectly well. Ann > >to say on the matter. He didn't bring up bi-focals at all after the > >exam and I just wasn't thinking about it. While I was sure that I would > >need glasses. I wasn't thinking that I would need my sight corrected > >for both far and near (as in just beyond arm reach) sight (I really > Do you really need different glasses for computer? It's usually not > until you get to age 50 or so that the different distances become a > bother. I've heard that it starts at 45, and maxes out at 65. Of course, everybody is different, so this is just a guideline. I did a quick Google: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001026.htm Maybe there is a reason that the OD didn't mention bifocals? SignatureDan Abel dabel@sonic.net Petaluma, California, USA >> >to say on the matter. He didn't bring up bi-focals at all after the >> >exam and I just wasn't thinking about it. While I was sure that I would [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > >Maybe there is a reason that the OD didn't mention bifocals? I think age 45 or so reading close will become difficult but as a computer screen is further away it shouldn't become a problem until at least age 50 I would have thought. I'm older than that and I still don't have a problem with computers but as you say everyone is different. I suppose I still have that joy to come! Ann > Do you really need different glasses for computer? It's usually not > until you get to age 50 or so that the different distances become a > bother. I've always just had ordinary distance glasses and been able > to see computer perfectly well. I've wondered about that too. I'm 64. My reading/computer glasses are either +1.5 or +2.25, depending on which contacts I'm wearing. I use them for distances between 15" and 30" or so. SignatureCheers, Bev ===================================== "Incontinence hotline, can you hold?" >First time visiting this group. I had an eye exam yesterday (at Sears >optical). It was determined that I need glasses. I have astigmatism in [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >like to write a prescription for glasses that would better my eyesight >for monitor distances instead of longer distances. For you and all those discussing this: How about something like this http://www.sola.com/professionals/access.shtml which I am considering as I heal for cataract surgery on eye #1, awating surgery on eye#2 tomorrow. (Single distance IOLs in both eyes) Seems to me a good consideration for we computer users. Have no idea what this costs, or whether someone else could provide something similar. Have located several local providers (tho none is myeyedoc) so I will "look around" during the ensuing weeks until my vision stabilizes. > How about something like this > http://www.sola.com/professionals/access.shtml > which I am considering as I heal for cataract surgery on eye #1, > awating surgery on eye#2 tomorrow. (Single distance IOLs in both > eyes) > Seems to me a good consideration for we computer users. I was thinking two-pane glasses (I think they are called "Franklin" or "Library" glasses) with add +1.00D uppers and add +2.00 lowers. It turns out those kinds of eyeglasses do not exist anymore, or are deadly expensive. Turned out that my implants make me ~0.75D myopic in each eye quite well. Walgreens +1.25 readers then bring my little eyeballs to ~+2.0D which is good for a close computer screen, but a mite close for music notation on the piano stand. I mail-ordered a pair of cheap reading glasses: OD-SPH: +1.50 OD-CYL: -0.50 OD-AXIS: 90 OS-SPH: +1.75 OS-CYL: -0.50 OS-AXIS: 75 representing add +2.0D to my distance numbers. They do not seem much different, or much better, than the Walgreen readers, though a bit more expensive, since the Walgreen readers were on sale (and are again this week) for less than 5 bucks. The Access eyeglasses seem very interesting, and I am thinking about them, because I have not spent much on glasses, yet, since my implants. But I don't seem to need them. (Medicare bought be a pair of eyeglasses for driving at night.) Maybe, when you find out now well your eyes are going to work, you won't need them either. Happy seeing! -- Dicky > I was thinking two-pane glasses (I think they are called "Franklin" > or "Library" glasses) with add +1.00D uppers and add +2.00 lowers. > It turns out those kinds of eyeglasses do not exist anymore, or are > deadly expensive. They do exist, aka executive bifocals, and are generally less expensive than the near progressives. w.stacy, o.d. > http://www.sola.com/professionals/access.shtml > which I am considering as I heal for cataract surgery on eye #1, [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > so I will "look around" during the ensuing weeks until my vision > stabilizes. other similar brands exist: Gradal RD by Rodenstock, AO Technica, etc. These near only progressives can work well, although personally I prefer an ordinary bifocal with the uppers set at 25 inches and the lowers at 17 inches, and I've tried a lot of different lenses. Regular bifocals are a lot cheaper, too. w.stacy, o.d. > After talking to my girlfriend (she wears tri-focals) about the exam > and the 2 different pairs of glasses she was a littled confused as to [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > pairs of glasses (which would mean 4 pairs of glasses if I wanted to > buy a backup pair). first off, i don't wear glasses, so feel free to completely disregard anything i say on the matter. lol. i think i may need a pair soon, but i'm holding off because i dread the potential trials and tribulations required if: the prescription is wrong, or the glasses are made wrong, or my daily habits change, or my assessment of unusual tasking are wrong, all of which may contribute to the strong likelyhood that i'll go through a dozen pairs before i find the right combination. however. on one fine day, i'll take a step down toward that long promised road of optical bliss: Long Promised Road Beach Boys So hard to answer future's riddle When ahead is seeming so far behind So hard to laugh a child-like giggle When the tears start to torture my mind So hard to shed the life of before To let my soul automatically soar But I hit hard at the battle that's confronting me, yeah Knock down all the roaddblocks a-stumbling me Throw off all the shackles that are binding me down Sew up the wounds of evolution And the now starts to get in my way So what if life's a revelation If the mind speaks of only today So real, the pain of growing in soul Of climbing up to reality's goal But I hit hard at the battle that's confronting me, yeah Knock down all the roaddblocks a-stumbling me Throw off all the shackles that are binding me down Long promised road Trail starts at dawn Carries on to the season's ending Long promised road Flows to the source, gentle force, never ending Never ending So hard to lift the jeweled sceptre When the weight turns a smile to a frown So hard to drink of passion nectar When the taste of life's holding me down So hard to plant the seed of reform [ tell me about it. ] To set my sights on defeating the storm So I hit hard at the battle that's confronting me, yeah Knock down all the roaddblocks a-stumbling me Throw off all the shackles that are binding me down Oh, yeah-eah-eah-eah Hit hard at the battle that's confronting me, yeah Knock down all the roaddblocks a-stumbling me Throw off all the shackles that are binding me down Oh, yeah-eah-eah-eah Hit hard at the battle that's confronting me, yeah Knock down all the roaddblocks a-stumbling me Throw off all the shackles that are binding me down I'd love to see you I'd love to see you I'd love to see you... |
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