Yup. I'm old. 48 to be exact.
I've worn glasses since I was about 10 years old (for being nearsighted). A couple of years ago my ability to see things close-up deteriorated quickly and my optometrist prescribed bifocals.
Not knowing much about bifocals, I opted for progressive lenses. I got them at a chain called Empire Vision (might only be a northeast chain, I don't know).
The change from single-vision lenses to the progressive bifocals was drastic...and difficult at the start. But, like most things, I got used to them...but still maintained that certain activities (like watching TV/movies on my HDTV!) were sometimes a challenge. Mostly, because I needed to be looking directly at my focal point or else the image was blurred. Anything that wasn't "straight in front of me" was not in focus. I could compare it to the "sweet spot" on a baseball bat.
I recently slipped on my last pair of single-vision lenses and was stunned by how clear everything (at a distance) was! It was visually exciting! All the sudden everything within my main field of vision was clear (except, of course) for what's up-close.
It struck me today that it's almost like the difference between pan-and-scan & widescreen. With the progressive lenses, I can only focus on one part of the entire image at a time. But, with the single-vision lenses I have opened up a beautiful 2.40:1 Cinescope epic extravaganza!
My question for anyone-who-can-help is: Can you make any recommendations for how to improve my current situation?
As I see it, my choices are:
1.) Stay with progressive lenses.
2.) Try traditional bifocals.
3.) Get a pair of single-vision lenses and a pair of reading glasses or bifocals for reading, etc. And swap them out as needed.
Option #3 seems like a pain. Option #2 seems like a pain as well (the idea of having a visible line horizontally cutting across your field of vision doesn't thrill me).
So, if I'm left with Option #1 do you have any recommendations for on how to improve my situation?
An Empire Vision employee once told me (after I was grumbling about my peripheral vision) that maybe a different brand of progressive lens would suit me better. They explained that just like Ford & Chevy each make cars that are the same basic things, but different...the same is true of progressive lenses.
My place of employment has a vision plan...which has just changed. So, I won't be going back to Empire Vision...but likely to a similar operation. Among the places on the available list are: Lenscrafters, Pearle Vision and various optical departments at department stores like Sears, Penneys, Boscov, Target & Wal-Mart. There are also some smaller shops located near me thrown into the mix.
Any advice would be hugely appreciated. I am eligible under my insurance plan to get something done now.
I've worn glasses since I was about 10 years old (for being nearsighted). A couple of years ago my ability to see things close-up deteriorated quickly and my optometrist prescribed bifocals.
Not knowing much about bifocals, I opted for progressive lenses. I got them at a chain called Empire Vision (might only be a northeast chain, I don't know).
The change from single-vision lenses to the progressive bifocals was drastic...and difficult at the start. But, like most things, I got used to them...but still maintained that certain activities (like watching TV/movies on my HDTV!) were sometimes a challenge. Mostly, because I needed to be looking directly at my focal point or else the image was blurred. Anything that wasn't "straight in front of me" was not in focus. I could compare it to the "sweet spot" on a baseball bat.
I recently slipped on my last pair of single-vision lenses and was stunned by how clear everything (at a distance) was! It was visually exciting! All the sudden everything within my main field of vision was clear (except, of course) for what's up-close.
It struck me today that it's almost like the difference between pan-and-scan & widescreen. With the progressive lenses, I can only focus on one part of the entire image at a time. But, with the single-vision lenses I have opened up a beautiful 2.40:1 Cinescope epic extravaganza!
My question for anyone-who-can-help is: Can you make any recommendations for how to improve my current situation?
As I see it, my choices are:
1.) Stay with progressive lenses.
2.) Try traditional bifocals.
3.) Get a pair of single-vision lenses and a pair of reading glasses or bifocals for reading, etc. And swap them out as needed.
Option #3 seems like a pain. Option #2 seems like a pain as well (the idea of having a visible line horizontally cutting across your field of vision doesn't thrill me).
So, if I'm left with Option #1 do you have any recommendations for on how to improve my situation?
An Empire Vision employee once told me (after I was grumbling about my peripheral vision) that maybe a different brand of progressive lens would suit me better. They explained that just like Ford & Chevy each make cars that are the same basic things, but different...the same is true of progressive lenses.
My place of employment has a vision plan...which has just changed. So, I won't be going back to Empire Vision...but likely to a similar operation. Among the places on the available list are: Lenscrafters, Pearle Vision and various optical departments at department stores like Sears, Penneys, Boscov, Target & Wal-Mart. There are also some smaller shops located near me thrown into the mix.
Any advice would be hugely appreciated. I am eligible under my insurance plan to get something done now.
, so it's bifocals for me.
It's all progressive, progressive, progressive.
That must be some kind of record! 
