ACK!! I am wearing my new trifocals and I cant see a thing.

[commander bunnypants]

I am dizzy and feel sick. I hope I get use to them soon.

:cry: :cry:

CB

[Midlodemocrat]

1. I feel for you. I can't get used to the bifocals.

I can't use them at all for the computer.

[commander bunnypants]

2. Thanks

CB

[DontBlameMe]

5. You probably won't be able to use them for computer work.

Bifocals are designed for 12-18" focal distance. For computer work you should use lined tri-focals or progressive lenses. They have an intermediate range of approximately 36".

[zanne]

12. I wear my bifocals upside down at the computer.

Sometimes I'll forget that my glasses are upside down and people will look at me funny.

[DontBlameMe]

14. You know, you can always get a pair of $10...

readers just for the computer. Especially if you don't have a high astigmatism.

[zanne]

15. I wear reading glasses when I wear my contact lenses.

Works out just fine.

[DontBlameMe]

16. Actually, that's what a bifocal is.

When we surface the lens blank, we choose the blank based on the "add", which is the bifocal power.

If you look at your prescription it wil look like:
OD +1.00 -.50 x180
OS +1.00
Add +2.50

So, if you just want reading glasses you'd buy a pair of +3.50 readers. If you want computer glasses, divide the add by 2 and add that to the OD/OS (right/left) power. So, in this case you'd want a +2.25 for computer work.

Of course, most opticians won't tell you this so they can sell you an extra pair. I always preferred giving the patient what they need, not just trying to make a sale. And, in 13 years, I never had a patient leave me.

Edit to add:
In the above example, the -.50 x 180 is your astigmatism. If, however, your cylinder (astigmatism) is more than about -1, you would want a custom made pair. -.25 or -.50 or so is no big deal for part time close work, but anything too much higher may cause problems.

[DontBlameMe]

3. How long have you had them?

When was your last eye exam? Was this a large change in Rx? Do you now have a correction for astigmatism? Did you get a high index lens, or ultra thin or whatever they call it at you OD's office?

As a former optician maybe I can point you in the right direction.

[commander bunnypants]

4. last night

They are thin progressive lenses. Bad astagmatism

CB

[DontBlameMe]

7. Have you worn progressives before?

And, did they give you any instructions on how to get used to them?

Also, where did you get them? A local OD or Lenscrafters, etc.

[commander bunnypants]

9. lens crafters

They said I will need to use my noggin more. Should I change into my old specks every now and then?

CB

[DontBlameMe]

13. Well, a couple of things.

First, put the things on AS SOON as you wake up in the morning. That will make a big difference.

Second, be sure to point your nose at anything you want to look at. One of the few drawbacks to progressives is their peripheral zone. They've gotten clearer over the past few years, but it can still be disorienting.

Third, for the next few weeks, when going down stairs, tilt your head down so as to look through the "sweet spot" on the lens and be sure to use the hand rails. I can't tell you how many patients I've seen who damned near broke their neck because they were in a hurry.


Now, in your earlier post you said you were feeling dizzy and sick. That's not that unusual. However, if you feel that your eye is being "pulled", take them back and have them check the fit of the frame. Make sure they "spot" the lenses, which means marking the invisible spots on the lens to make sure that the optical center is directly over your eye.

Progressive's are a great lens, but if you have a crappy optician they can be an absolute nightmare. I've never had a patient return a pair that I fit, but a lot of that is knowing WHEN a patient will be able to adapt. You don't switch a 97 year old patient who's worn bifocals their whole life to a no line lens.

Hope this helps.

[AutumnMist]

6. It Takes Time

when I first got my bifocals I couldn't even drive for the first week. It felt like the world was spinning. LOL. I just wore them over short periods of time and used my old glasses when I wasn't wearing the new ones. It took about two weeks before I fully got used to them. Good luck and hang in there. Hopefully it will get better.

[commander bunnypants]

8. thanks

CB

[In_The_Wind]

10. I went back to bifocals.

I still take my glasses off to go down stairs or when I'm walking on an uneven downward terrain.

I hope your transition is an easy one.

[reyd reid reed]

11. You'll get there

And, when you do, you'll be glad.

I just ordered my bifocals a few days ago. Ten to fourteen days before they're here and, now that I've broken down and actually ordered them, I WANT THEM.


NOW, dammit!!

I haven't been able to see for too long...the single-vision hasn't been cutting it and this off-and-on business is driving me crazy.

[NewWaveChick1981]

17. Hubby has progressive lenses, and it took him a while to get

used to them. He's got progressives instead of straight trifocals. If they aren't working after a week or so, I'd take them back for reevaluation.