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Post Your Prescription

Sal 04 Jul 2009, 03:53

I got my new glasses about 3 days ago and am really enjoying the crisp clear vision. Could not get the aspheric lenses this time, got some 1.6 high index,, but they are really much thicker than my previous ones, and a lot less peripheral vision.

I like the trifocals, for the first time I have only one pair of glasses.

We got some good news last week, my fiancee was approved for a cochlear implant. Her hearing has been really bad since she had memingitis as a 13 yo. She gets implanted 7/13 and activated in mid Aug.

Happy 4th all!

And 03 Jul 2009, 15:31

Ash, have you noticed you can now see things/people/detail that you didn't realise you couldn't see !

03 Jul 2009, 11:08

Ash rx is further down the page.

Rachel 03 Jul 2009, 06:05

Ash. What rx are you now?

Ash 02 Jul 2009, 23:29

Well I have worn my glasses quite a bit this week. Twice at work, when we have had to sit through presentations, the cinema and tv a few times (the tv in my room is very small and I was having difficulty with the print and seeing fine details). Mostly positive comments about the glasses. Although my boss at work told me to be careful not to wear them too much (I had only worn them twice at the time, both or distance and not just whilst I was sat at my desk!) or I would end up needing them all the time. I told him that I wasn't planning to wear them all the time but distance vision had become a lot clearer with them so had decided to start wearing them more. I am still getting a few headaches but hopefully they will reduce now I'm wearing glasses more.

Cactus Jack 30 Jun 2009, 06:52

Steve,

There are several parts to a prescription that do completely different things. Asking about overall Rx is like saying I have 3 apples and 2 oranges. If I combine them, how many appnges will I have.

The sphere component usually corrects for a mismatch between the plus power of your cornea and crystaline lens (about +40 combined) and the length of your eyeball. Yours, right now, is about 2 mm too long which is corrected by the -2.00 sphere.

Astigmatism is usually caused by uneven curvature of the front surface of the cornea. Yours has greater curvature in one direction (actually +1.25 more) than it does in the direction 90 degrees away from it. Sort of like an American football, but to a much lesser degree. The -1.25 corrects that.

Your average or overall Rx is about -2.67, but that doesn't mean anything. If you tried wearing glasses with a -2.67 Rx, it would be clearer than without glasses, but would still not be as good as wearing the correct Rx.

Lens thickness is affected by three things. The Rx, the size of the lens, and the index of refraction of the lens material. You probably have CR-39 lenses, which is inexpensive, has a low index (about 1.49), but superior optical properties. If you want thinner lenses, you need to go for higher index lenses that are smaller, but be ready to pay more. There is a direct relationship between the index and the cost of the lens.

May I ask your age and where you live?

If you have more questions I need your complete Rx.

steve 30 Jun 2009, 05:58

they stick out 5mm from my frame ihreard that over -1 astig is called moderate astigmitism what is my overall rx

Cactus Jack 30 Jun 2009, 05:11

steve,

No and No. Define "thick".

steve 30 Jun 2009, 04:20

my rx is now -2.00 with -1.25 astigmitism is that a large amount of astigmitism and is my ovarall rx -3.25 because my glasses are quite thick

Cactus Jack 29 Jun 2009, 08:25

dan,

Your eyes are probably rather good, they just like to focus at about 26 inches or 67 cm. which makes things farther than that, blurry. Then, the astigmatism makes it even blurrier.

Overall, the prescription is pretty low. Glasses will fix that very well.

dan 29 Jun 2009, 05:27

hi i just got 1-50 myopia and -1.25 astigmitsm how bad are my eyes

Ash 25 Jun 2009, 08:16

Cactus jack,

Thanks for all your help. I don't think my eyesight is bad enough to warrant contacts but I will keep in mind to try and wear my glasses more often- I think Im probably straining my eyes at work. We often have to sit through presentations that I feel myself squinting at. Will bite the bullet and wear specs next time : )

Cactus Jack 25 Jun 2009, 04:52

Ash,

Wearing your glasses is ALWAYS your choice. Prevention is much better than a cure, if you think you are going to be in a situation where you might develop a headache, you could prevent it by putting on your glasses a half-hour before.

Before you started wearing glasses, your brain had probably given up on seeing clearly and was no longer even making the effort. One of the reasons you may be getting headaches is that your brain has re-discovered the pleasure and comfort of seeing effortlessly, using two eyes, rather than straining to see clearly with each eye individually. Human beings quickly adapt to labor saving devices and are reluctant to go back to the old ways. You glasses are a labor saving device for your brain, and it is rebelling against having to strain to see.

If you REALLY don't want to wear your glasses, you might discuss contact lenses with your Optician. Even if toric contacts are not an option for you, it may be possible to do an acceptable compromise using sphere only contacts. They are easy to wear for most people.

Ash 25 Jun 2009, 00:45

Cactus jack,

Thanks for the advice. So when should I be wearing them, whenever I get a headache? It mostly happens at work and I would just put up with it if I was off out somewhere. So I may stick with my current glasses as they are only 6 months old.

Cactus Jack 24 Jun 2009, 15:53

Ash,

Vanity is generally ascribed to females, but when it comes to wearing glasses I'm about convinced that the males may have you beat. Maybe it is the Macho image.

You do have a very significant advantage in the frames department. Attractive frames can be a very important fashion accessory. Fortunately, your Rx is not very strong and it does not require very thick lenses. You probably chose you frames thinking that you would not wear the much and never in a social setting. Consider getting some frames that accent your beauty. I think rimless frames (similar to the style Sarah Palin wears) can really make a young woman even more attractive than she already is. Your optician friend should be able to advise. If there are budget issues, consider ordering on line. You have your Rx, all you need is your PD which is easy to measure if you don't have it handy.

You are thinking of glasses as a liability, turn them into an asset.

Ash 24 Jun 2009, 13:43

Cactus jack

I am female- perhaps why the vanity! I actually got an eye test after my fathers friend, who owns an opticians, noticed me squinting slightly at some distant view and gave me an eye test for free! Previously I had noticed that if I shut my left eye, it was quite blurry, but thought it was ok as my vision with both eyes seemed fine.

He told me I was only very slightly short sighted so would just need glasses for driving and distances. There was never any mention about astigmatism although I have read a little about it here, or wearing them for any other activities.

Cactus Jack 24 Jun 2009, 12:28

Ash,

Monovision is usually done intentionally to avoid wearing bifocals. One eye is corrected for distance vision and the other eye is corrected for reading and close work. Mostly it is done using contact lenses and occasionally it is done with implanted replacement lenses during cataract surgey. With monovision you typically see with only one eye at a time. The brain switches between the eyes to use the clearest image for what you are doing, without your being aware of it.

Normally, monovision does not cause headaches, but uncorrected astigmatism does. The problem with astigmatism is that no matter how hard your brain tries to provide you with clear vision, it simply cannot do it without external correction using glasses or contact lenses.

You might possibly be able to wear what are called toric contact lenses, but they don't always work well for low levels of astigmatism. The problem with low cylinder toric contacts is that they are expensive and tend to move on your cornea as you blink. Your astigmatism may not be enough to stabilize them.

To correct astigmatism, the axis of the cylinder corection must be very close to the axis of your astigmatism. If it is not, it actually makes your vision worse.

The best solution is to wear your glasses even though you may not like them. You and your associates will soon get used to them and you will enjoy the comfort. The alternative is to stock up on headache rememdies.

BTW, I had natural monovision similar to yours when I first got glasses at 14. I am 71 now and have had cataract surgery. I intentionally selected the implanted lenses for monovision and I also wound up with a bit more astigmatism than you have. I can function without glasses, but I prefer the comfort of glasses and don't care what others think.

Please don't let vanity keep you from having comfortable effortless vision.

May I ask your gender, Ash is sort of gender neutral.

Ash 24 Jun 2009, 11:37

I am 22. Had the last eye test around 6 months ago which was when I first got glasses. What is monovision, is that what is causing the headaches?

Cactus Jack 24 Jun 2009, 11:31

Ash,

I would suggest that there are two problems. One is the difference in the sphere and the other is your astigmatism.

What is happening is that you are primarily using your left eye for distance and the right eye for reading. That is pretty much what monovision is all about. The problem is your astigmatism. Unfortunately, there is no way to compesate for astigmatism except corrective lenses.

May I ask your age and when you had your last eye exam

Ash 24 Jun 2009, 09:36

Cactus jack- thankyou for the quick reply. My prescription is L eye sph -0.50 cyl -0.75 x 105 and R eye sph -2.00 cyl -0.75 x 60. I have started wearing them a little more now, but I'm not a massive fan of myself in them!

Cactus Jack 24 Jun 2009, 09:22

Ash,

You may have some astigmatism which changes what is typical. What is your prescription.

The fact that you find wearing the glasses more comfortable than not wearing them should tell you something.

Maybe it is time for a new exam and perhaps new glasses and more frequent wear.

Ash 24 Jun 2009, 09:08

Hi. I have what might be a slightly weird question but not sure where else to ask! I have glasses because I'm very slightly shortsighted but never wear them really- I don't have a car and I just move closer if there's something I can't see properly. However recently my eyes were feeling a but strained and I have been getting headaches so I wore my glasses for a couple of hours to a work presentation. As well as being able to see, my eyes felt lots better and the headache disappeared. But I have read here that short sighted people shouldn't get headaches without glasses. I have tried it a few times since when I've had a headache/ strained eyes and it's worked every time. Anyone any idea what might be going on?

Dan 24 Jun 2009, 06:59

Rachel,

Yep, definitely! I doubt I will ever get to that prescription.

Rachel 24 Jun 2009, 03:37

Dan. Wow I bet. You are still really low though compared with me. RE -11.75 x 1.50 x 150 LE -12.50 x -2.00 x 180

Dan 23 Jun 2009, 19:20

Got an eye exam today and got a new prescription.

Old:

OD -.50

OS plano -.50 x 90

New:

OD -1.00 -.50 x 90

OS -.50 -.75 x 90

The optometrist showed me a trial frame with my new prescription versus my old one and the difference is so amazing...I can't wait to get my new prescription!

Chrissi 23 Jun 2009, 17:47

Thanks for the tips Cactus Jack and R Ed.

I do have an appt booked in August, one for my ophthalmologist at a hospital and one who can get me measured for contacts.

My CL rx is 2 years old (but my -11.25 for glasses are only 8 months old).

I will be needing an increase when I go back in August.

R Ed, you're right, I might have issues reading up close when I get my distance rx for contacts updated.

I might get glasses to wear for reading if it comes to that.

Thanks for the help!

R Ed 23 Jun 2009, 14:12

Cactus Jack and Chrissi,

CJ- Please don't be concerned with "butting in"; I certainly respect your very helpful comments to all on Eyescene.

Chrissi,

CJ's estimate of 1.66 add for you is likely correct over your CL's. You might test this by trying on readers at a pharmacy ( or chemists if you live in the UK). You may wish to ask CJ if there are adverse consequences, short and long term, of reading with your distance correction

Cactus Jack 23 Jun 2009, 07:28

Chrissi & R Ed,

Not to butt in, but the -9.50 contacts are pretty close to what is required for a refracted -11.25 distance Rx. If you like wearing the -8.75 glasses for reading, that would be pretty close to the effect of wearing +1.66 reading glasses. You might try wearing some +1.50 or +1.75 readers with the contacts for reading and close work. The differences are caused by vertex distance effects which are related to the glasses Rx squared (^2).

R Ed 23 Jun 2009, 07:00

Chrissi,

You mentioned earlier you only wear glasses around the house. That being the case you already have what you need; -11.25 for distance and -8.75 for reading.

You say you can read "all right" with -9.50 CL's. Do you feel eye strain? Are your eyes fatigued after long periods of reading? Since the experiment with your old weaker glasses suggests you need "add +2.50" which is certainly significant; maybe your current CL's are a comprise; a little weak for distance, a little strong for reading but you can accomodate. How old is you CL Rx? Maybe it needs updating for distance and that would make reading without bi focals more difficult. If I were you I'd visit my eye care professional soon.

Chrissi 22 Jun 2009, 16:36

Thanks R Ed for your advice.

Should I still then, get bifocals, if I can read with my -11.25 glasses, but just not as comfortably as with weaker ones?

Because when I wear my contacts, -9.50, I can read all right.

R Ed 22 Jun 2009, 06:46

Chrissi,

If I understand correctly your best distance Rx is -11.25 and you are most comfortable reading with -8.75 glasses. Bi focals would be a huge help for you. The difference between these two numbers is 2.50. If you had a bi focal prescription it would state "add + 2.50".

I believe there are two ways to deal with this. With CL's one eye would have he distance lens -11.25; the other the reading lens -8.75. I believe this approach is called monovision. I wouldn't take this approach but I know people who do and they accept it.

The second approach is bi focal glasses. Progressive bi focals (with no visible line) are excellent; I've had them for many years.

Which approach do you think you'll take?

Aubrac 22 Jun 2009, 00:41

Had the biennial eyetest yesterday but nothing really exciting.

My contact lens scrip has been the same in both eyes for over ten years,

-5.00 +2.00 add, small change in glasses scrip, now

R -5.25, add +2.00,

L -5.00, -0.75 axis 166, add +1.75

Ther was a little concern that the eyeball pressure was slightly over the limit in the left eye, apparantly in the UK this has recently been reduced so more people are being referred. However, after the third test nearly an hour later, it had gone below the limit.

Must say a very thorough and unhurried test by a nice young lady optometrist.

Chrissi 21 Jun 2009, 16:32

I apologize for any misunderstanding.

Due to budget issues, I haven't been able to get new contacts (which is why they're still in the old rx), but my -11.25 is my real prescription.

Chrissi 21 Jun 2009, 16:29

Oh and don't get me wrong, I love my glasses, but the reason I wear contacts is that it's just easier to get around for me.

I consider them more of an intimate thing, I suppose.

Chrissi 21 Jun 2009, 16:26

Thanks for everybody's input.

My -11.25 is about an 8 month old prescription.

I actually wear -9.50 contacts (which convert to about -10 in glasses). I rarely wear my glasses, only at home.

When I read, I wear my -8.75 glasses.

It is easier for me to read just because it takes the pressure off my eyes. The letters appear to be farther away when I wear my -11.25.

Sal 21 Jun 2009, 12:29

Chrissi:

R Ed's idea is a good one you can also try a pair of +1.5 or +2 OTC readers over your glasses and see if there is less strain. Once you get into college, probably with a still higher prescription, you may find bifocals helpful. My siblings and my fiancee are very happy with them for intense studying.

In fact, when I was an undergraduate I roomed with an architecture student. By the time we were seniors, almost every architecture student had glasses of some type for close work.

Rachel 20 Jun 2009, 01:01

R Ed. No I haven't actually, cos I find reading and close work OK with my single vision lenses and I desperately need the high minus for my distance vision. Maybe one day I will have to give in and get some bifocals, but until then I want to persevere with single vision.

R Ed 19 Jun 2009, 13:49

Chrissi,

My idea, 2 posts earlier, would just give you an indication if you may benefit from bi focals. The authoritative way would be to visit your eye care professional.

Rachael,

Thanks for your support. Have you tried my suggestion? If so, what were your conclusions?

Rachel 19 Jun 2009, 11:03

Chrissi. That's a good idea of R Eds. try it

R Ed 19 Jun 2009, 10:51

Chrissi,

If you feel eye strain when reading small font in dim lighting then you may need bifocals.

You may be able to run a test if you have an old pair of your glasses with a lower Rx. Do you have something in the -9.00 to -10.00 range? Do you feel less eye strain? Do the letters seem larger?

Rachel J 19 Jun 2009, 08:39

Sal. That;s not too big an increase for her thankfully.

Sal 19 Jun 2009, 08:22

RachelJ

My sis' prescription before the change was -16, not -15.

Rachel J 18 Jun 2009, 23:00

Chrissi.

I'm 16 and my current RX for glasses is very similar to yours R.E -11.75 and LE-12.50. At the moment I don't have any problems at all with single vision lenses either for reading or close work, so I reckon you should be O.K. with them for quite some time yet. Are you having problems, or is -11.25 a very recnt rx? Sometimes opticians recommend bifocals at quite an early age in an attempt to slow myopic progression. Someone I chat to who is 22 was prescribed some, but she wasn't very happy with them now she has gone back to single vision lenses again and prefers them. It would be good to hear your experiences.

Chrissi 18 Jun 2009, 17:30

Hi, I'm new to posting but I've been reading threads for about a year now.

I'm 14 and my rx is -11.25 for glasses.

I was wondering about bifocals; when does a myope know when he/she needs them?

Rachel J 18 Jun 2009, 01:55

Sal, Has Jen gone up to -16.50 and -17.00 from -15.00? If so that is quite an increase I would say and she must have been really struggling with her old glasses. Her astigmatism is pretty severe as well isn't it? Is she having high index lenses fitted into her glasses? I don't blame her for not wanting contacts to be honest, because I don't fany them despite my mother banging on about them all the time. I'm sorry to seem more interested in your sister's prescriptions, but I don't know much about hyperopia, except one of my friends at school has it and her current prescription is now R.E. +6.00 and L.E. +6.50. I don't know what the rest of the numbers are, but she seems pretty happy with it now. She kept putting off having her eyes checked for a long time before she got her new glasses, because she didn't like the idea of her eyes looking even bigger through them, but now she's accepted it.

Sal 17 Jun 2009, 08:20

Well, my sister Jen and I had our exams and both got increases, Jen's a little less than in the recent past, mine about what I expected. Jen is not going to get contacts, she just doesn't tolerate them at all.

My new script is R: +10.50 +2.25 x105 13.00BO L: +10.25 +3.50 x095 13.00BO add +3.00 with trifocals.

Jen's new script is R: -16.50 -5.00 x050 L: -17.00 -4.25 x020 add +3.25 with trifocals (this is the first time I ever knew Jen's full prescription).

My fiancee, Susan, also recently had an eye exam and had no change in her script.

Rachel 17 Jun 2009, 07:05

Cactus Jack. I thought you must mean that. Yeah I suppose with such a high rx you will need -3.00 more for glasses than for contacts. It bumps your rx up quite a bit more actaully. Sal's sister Jen is pretty high isn't she?

Cactus Jack 17 Jun 2009, 05:51

Rachel J,

The -15.75 was a typo that is why I corrected it in the next post. The reason I said -18.50 or -18.75 was because of potential errors in the formulas. You have to start with the refracted Rx that the patient has said was the clearest and that is very subjective. The examiner can't tell what you see, only what you tell him you see.

Cactus Jack 17 Jun 2009, 05:47

Andrew and Rachel,

The difference between a glasses Rx and a CL Rx is caused by the vertex distance of the lens. Vertex distance is the distance from the front surface of the cornea and the back surface of the lens.

Except in rare instances, the vertex distance of a phoropter and glasses is pretty close, about 12 mm. That being the case, the Rx as determined by the phropter is pretty close to the Rx of the glasses without any adjustment for the difference. However, CLs have a vertex distance of Zero (0) which means that the CL Rx must be adjusted for the difference.

The formula for the adjustment is pretty simple, but it involves a couple of steps:

Refracted (or Glasses) Rx ^ 2 (squared) and then divided by 1000. This will yield the amount of Rx change per mm of vertex distance. Then multiply the change by the vertex distance. This final number is then added to or subtracted from the refracted Rx to give the CL Rx. If the refracted Rx is minus, you subtract. If the refracted Rx is plus, you add.

Note that you start with the refracted or glasses Rx. If you start from the CL Rx, you have to guess at the glasses Rx and do the calculations until you arrive at the CL Rx. The reason for this is that you are dealing with exponential functions and the square of the refracted Rx will be different than the square of the CL Rx. Also note that at refracted Rx below 5, the difference is so small that no adjustment is necessary and accommodation will usually make up for slight errors.

There are two problems with the calculations. The errors get large at high Rx and it is very hard to measure or estimate vertex distance. There is an instrument for doing this, but it is a bit pricey and few ECPs have them. Usually, there is a small calibrated prism on each side of a phropter that will allow the examiner to read the distance from the front surface of the cornea to the back surface of the first lens in machine.

Rachel 17 Jun 2009, 02:08

Cactus. I should have put -3.50 MORE

Rachel J 17 Jun 2009, 02:06

Cactus Jack. Do you mean -3.50 for glasses, if your contacts are -15.00? What do you mean by -15.75 then? I was only -1.00 with my assumption though.

Andrew 16 Jun 2009, 09:39

Is there a set formula for working this out? I know my glasses Rx is based on a lens to pupil distance of 10mm., and I have been told today I now need a -7.50 contact lens for one eye (other would have risen to -7.25, but they don't make them). Given that, how strong are my next glasses likely to be (am due an eye test in October, and am pretty sure a change will be needed)?

Cactus Jack 16 Jun 2009, 07:46

-18.50 or -18.75

Cactus Jack 16 Jun 2009, 07:45

Raches J,

Glasses would actually be closer to -18.50 or -15.75 if she wears -15 contacts.

Rachel J 16 Jun 2009, 07:26

And. I think Sal means that her sister Jen is getting -15.00 contacts and then her glasses will need to be a higher prescription. Probably about -2.50 more, making her glasses prescription something like -17.50. That's because with contacts being actually on your eyes, they don't need to have as much minus as glasses, that are about an inch away. I know it sounds complicated but it's not really. It makes sense when you think about it.

And 15 Jun 2009, 09:49

Nothing wrong with being 5'3" or wearing glasses ! Do you mean Jen will wear contacts and glasses together ? That sounds complicated.

Rachel 14 Jun 2009, 22:47

Sal.

Are those "hard" contacts your sister is getting (RGP)? -15.00 is really strong for contacts isn't it? Usually contacts are a lower rx than glases aren't they? What rx glasses will she need now with such a high rx for contacts?

It's amazing how quickly your hyperopia is increasing. Are you wearing your double digit glasses all the time then now instead of your normal ones? If so that shows you are in for an increased rx again. I love the big eyes plus lenses make you have. I sometimes wish I was a hyperope. I hope your sister Jen likes the extra clarity she'll experience when he gets her new specs!! I bet you can't wait either!

Sal 14 Jun 2009, 12:40

Rachel:

Thanks for the wishes, my exam is tomorrow. Jen is going for her exam before her learning permit and since I am taking her they are working me in. Jen is getting RGP contacts -15 with the rest of her prescription in glasses.

I don't have a problem with the double digits, I have almost been wearing them now since I am wearing my computer glasses most all of the time, and they are not quite adequate, and they don't really work for computer either. I am like you, can't function without glasses. I even have to put them on to see my bedside clock at night.

Me being a hyperope and the rest of the family myopes, the doctors explain is due to my size. I am the runt of the family, I am only 5'3" while the other guys are over 6' and Jen is 5'11". I was small at birth, was cross eyed and have short small eyeballs (although they look big through my lenses). The doctors say my hyperopia will increase for a while yet as well. There were other problems I had earlier in my life but not vision related, so I won't bor folks here with them.

Rachel 10 Jun 2009, 23:50

Sal.

Good luck with your eye exam. Let me know what rx you get to. Do you want double digits?

Rachel 10 Jun 2009, 23:48

Sal.

It's quite weird that your brother and sister are really myopic and you are the opposite I think. Usually brothers and sisters are the same. Jen must be coping ok with he bifocals by now and also Jim. I suppose of its just a case of doing what the opticians recommends. I have heard it where they recommend bifocals to try and prevent myopia increasing too much, because doing a lot of close work looking through minus lenses can help to do that. (That's why some people who wnat higher rxs do read a lot close up wearing minus lenses.) I'll probably get bifocals pretty soon myself, if my distance vision carries on deteriorating like it is doing at the moment. I wonder if bifocals also help to take some of the pressure of your retinas as well. maybe that's why opticians recommend them to high myopes too.

Sal 10 Jun 2009, 12:22

Rachel:

Yes my sis does have problems with peripheral vision. It is true with high myopes and hyperopes too. I have the same problem and have to look through the very center of the lens, and it will get worse when my prescription increases. The prisms make it even more pronounced, my lenses are thick in the middle and at the edges.

Our eye doctor thinks bifocals are required for myopes over 10 dpt, that's why Jen got them when she was 12, and why Jim got them at 18. Also the doctor says hyperopes over +6 need them so I started again with them when I was 14.

I have an eye exam scheduled at the end of the month and will probably be into double digits myself.

Rachel 10 Jun 2009, 05:56

Sal. Wow, Sal your sister's myopia is real bad for 16. I'm the same age but my latest rx is only RE-11.75 and LE-12.50 with some astigmatism. Poor girl having to get bifocals at 12. So far I have been ok with single vision lenses and don't have any probs reading small print even with my high minus rx. maybe one day I'll need them though, which I have now reluctantly come to terms with. Some people think bifocals look pretty cool, especially if the have a straight line across the middle of the lenses. I reckon they could take a bit of getting used to, especially coming down stairs and things like that. Like you may not be able to see the stairs clearly through the bifocal part especially if it is quite a bit weaker. I suppose its just one of those things you have to adapt to with wearing glasses. Does your sister have difficulty with her peripheral vision at that rx like i do? Mine looks really curvy unless I turn my head and look directly though he centre of my lenses.

Dave 09 Jun 2009, 18:25

Thanks Sal

Maybe a slight increase will help the spelling!

Dave

Sal 09 Jun 2009, 12:51

I am embarrased, can't spel meteorology and I are won.

Sal 09 Jun 2009, 12:50

Dave & Clare

Sory to be slow in posting. I got glasses very young, about 9 months. I was born very cross eyed, followed by 3 surgeries in18 months. First glasses were +3, then +4 with +2 add in kindergarten. About 3-4th grade the bifocal went away and then had about +3.5. In high school I was +5 and back to a minimal bifocal and started with prisms. Since then over about 10 years I have seen a slow but steady increase to where I am now.

I have a pair of glasses about 1dpt stronger for computer and they seem to work well for distance, so I think I need a change soon & trifocals.

As for my family, everyone else is myopic. Mom & Dad -6 and -8 respectively with bifocals. Brother Bill is 23 and an Army officer, was -6 but got lasik, now he has to wear +1.5 for reading. Brother Jim is 19 and in college, he has -11 and just got bifocals. Sister Jen is a 16 yo high school student, wears -17 glasses and got her first bifocals at 12 yo.

My fiancee is 1 year behind me in a graduate program (doctorate in meteriology), she is very myopic at -14, wears trifocals and lost an eye in an accident as a kid.

Yavanna 08 Jun 2009, 07:17

The three pairs of glasses (-1.25, -1.5, -1.75) I ordered after posting here about a month ago finally came in a couple weeks ago, and I've had some time to play with switching around between them.

The first thing I noticed was that without the anti-glare coating my regular glasses have, there were lots of annoying reflections, so I wouldn't be settling for any of these, they'd just be good for backup and checking what prescription I need.

First I wore the -1.75s for awhile, when driving and to a concert. Things do seem a bit clearer with them. But I think that even though I could wear them (if they had anti-glare) comfortably, they're a bit stronger than I really need, since if I totally relax my accommodation it blurs a bit even in the distance. Surprisingly, in comparing the different prescriptions, the biggest difference that was really helpful was between my old glasses (OD -1.25, OS -1.25 +0.25 057), and the prescription I was given last month (-1.25). I hadn't thought that -.25 of astigmatism correcting being swapped for an extra -.25 spherical would make much difference, but it does, even if it's subtle.

Now I'm getting ready to get a new "real" pair of glasses, with all the coatings and stuff that I want, and frames that I'm sure I really like. My insurance covers transitions lenses, which is probably enough on its own for me to want to go with a place that takes it (VSP). The big chain places don't take it, only optometrist's offices do.

If I could get anything I wanted without verification, I'd probably get -1.5, just for a bit of extra sharpness, but I don't know if I can get away with faking my prescription. I've already scanned it, and could easily enough make it look like what I want (as a graphic designer it's part of what I do for a living, after all). But I wonder if they'd be likely to call the place that gave me the prescription to verify? Especially if I have to go the optical shop at an optometrist's office, and not something like Walmart or Lenscrafters. I'm thinking I'll probably just go with my legit prescription of -1.25 to save myself the hassle. That would be more a bit more comfortable for near vision when I'm tired, anyway. But slightly more minus would be nice for driving, especially at night. I might order sunglasses online, since I'm less picky about how they look, and insurance won't cover them anyway, and get them in -1.5, or even -1.75.

Rachel 06 Jun 2009, 23:02

Hi Ricky. I'm glad to hear you like extra minus as much as I do and love the sharpness and clarity it gives you. I suppose my eyes are still at the stage where they can focus at all distances with single vision lenses. Like you say the thought of bifocals seems like a sign of ageing!! I suppose no one who is pretty myopic ever wants give in and admit that they can't see to read with strong glasses. It's like admitting you don't really need all that minus! I don't know if you have chatted to Emily in Lenschat but she is around -14 now and when her optician pescribed her bifocals she didn't really like them or need them so now she has gone back to single vision lenses with an even higher rx. Even so if I get to a situation where I eventually need them I'll definitely give them a whirl. I suppose having the line right across the middle of your lenses does look pretty cool when you're quite young.

Ricky 06 Jun 2009, 05:50

Good day Rachel. I started wearing glasses at age 10. My teacher saw squinting and called my parents. Since all my brothers were wearing glasses, it was expected that Ricky would follow suit. Like you, I enjoyed getting stronger glasses on a regular basis. The sharpness and crispness was (and is) always great. My presccription reached -13 in one eye and -14.50 in the other. At about age 28, a co-worker of mine asked why I was looking over the top of my glasses to read up close. I really had not noticed I was doing that--but thought it must be normal. Then I saw on ths website that some others were taking glasses off for close-up work. When I mentioned this here, I was told that I probably needed bifocals---but my immediate response was that I was too young for the bifocals. After thinking about it, had my eyes examined and the eye doctor told me that I should not have to remove my glasses to read up close. Prescribed bifocals---a +2 add. Felt strange wearing bifocals at age 28, but no one even noticed. About two years later, began to have difficulty with mid-range vision---you guessed it--trifocals. A +1 in the midrange and +2.25 in the add. Trifocals at 31 (my age now). Looking back on it--I think if I had not been pusing for a stronger and stronger minus, I would not now be earing trifocals But, anyway, bifocals/trifocals normally arrive at age 40---mine just came early. So Racchel, I think with your prescription, you will be a premature bifocal babe. Men will love it.

Rachel 06 Jun 2009, 01:50

Puffin. You can see what I've written to minus 5 who luvs girls with glasses. Before my last test I've been having increases of around -1.00 every six months since I was 15, but at Easter this year I really went for it in a big way. Dr. Quinn that usually tests me was away on holiday and I had her new optician Chris. He seemed really sympathetic with me and when we had got to what I knew was another -1.00 I asked him if he could just go a little bit stronger. He notched it up another -0.25 and asked me if that was better, so I said "Please could you just go a bit stronger still," and to my surprise he did!! If it had been Dr. Quinn she would have told me, "No, we have gone strong enough for now Rachel."

Rachel 06 Jun 2009, 01:42

minus 5 who luvs gwgs. (continued) Everything looked really minified and I simply couldn't read the card the receptionist put in front of me but I lied to her and said I could. After that she adjusted the ear-pieces and when my new glasses were back on, she said stand up and walk around in them for a while in here, as they may take a bit of getting used to with having such a big increase. I did as she said and then told her they were fine and when I walked out of the opticians the doorway sides looked kind of curvy!! Once I was outside in the street the pavement looked miles away, so I walked all the way back home trying to get used to it. Luckily by the time I got home my eyes seemed to be adjusting quite well to the extra minus and I manged to help my mum prepare supper without any problems. It felt really weird though, because everything looked so small and my mum kept looking at me a lot. I think she was shocked at how much stronger my lenses were, but all she said was, "Can you see a lot better with your new glasses Rachel" and I simply answered, "Yes they're fine mum." That was over two months ago now and my new glasses are still brilliant. Everything looks so crisp and clear and I don't have any problems reading even quite small print. It's simply great.

Rachel 06 Jun 2009, 01:26

minus 5 who luvs gwgs. Hi, the extra minus you wear sounds great. I'm not sure what my rx was at 7 when I first got glasses but I think it must have been quite a bit over -1 because it made such a difference. I kept telling my mum I needed glasses because I was having problems seeing the blackboard at school but at first she didn't believe me. She thought I only wanted glasses because another girl had got glasses. In the end my teacher suggested she take me for an eye-test and after it I ended up with glasses and I can remember how much better I could see with them. After that I needed stronger lenses each year and by 12 I had reached RE-5.25 and LE-5.75 (That's when I started saving all my prescription forms and trying to fake my tests.) Since I was 15 I've been going for check-ups every six months which has probably helped to push my rx up even higher. The last increase I got was at Easter (-1.50 in each eye.) I think this was about -0.75 more than I needed because I got quite a shock when I went to collect my new glasses and first tried them on.

Puffin 05 Jun 2009, 17:56

Hey Rachel, how much does your prescription go up by each time? And how much do you over-estimate your inability to read things?

btw you've got some way to go before you're forced into myodisks, usually between minus 20-25 or so, depending on high index lenses and small frames.

minus 5 who luvs gwgs 05 Jun 2009, 11:07

Thanks Rachel I started with my right eye at the lowest I believe it was -0.50 my left eye was -1.00 by the time I was 16 I was up to -1.50 and -3.00 with slight astigmatism it progressed to about -3.00 and -4.00 by the time I was about 44 it then jumped to about -3.50 and -5.00 in a few months it now seems stable but to get the sharp vision we both love I now wear -5.00 and -6.00 As regards the higher prescriptions just look at Sandra from Germany a lovely lady with very high minus So what did you start at ?did you realise at 7 you needed glasses or was it a teacher or doctor What had you got to by age 12 By the way on another thread you mentioned swimming you can get prescription swimming goggles which would be better than wearing your glasses

Rachel 05 Jun 2009, 08:18

minus 5 who luvs gwgs. Thanks, it interesting to hear about your progress. Urm,, I really took to minus in a big way at about age 12 or 13. Like you I just love the crispness it gives when you first have an increase. The problem is with me it never seems to last long. I suppose it all to do with my age and stuff. My eyes keep changing and all that. I never know if getting extra minus makes them change quicker, or if they would just change anyway. I suppose its anyones guess! All I know is I like it... more minus I mean. I don't want to get to the myodisc stage though!! ...no way! I hope not anyway if I can possibly manage without. Love to hear back from you.

Rachel 05 Jun 2009, 08:06

Ricky. No, never. I just keep my glasses on for everything. When did you first get glasses and how old are you now? (If you don't mind saying lol)

minus 5 who luvs gwgs 05 Jun 2009, 07:47

Rachel I wore glasses first at 8 years old unlike you although glasses fascinated me I was very shy about wearing them and like a fool tried to do without however from about 12 when I became interested in girls I have always been attracted to gwgs the stronger the better i have been out with two girls who were around minus 15 my first wife was about minus 4 my current wife is a minus 2 with significant astigmatism while my girl friend is minus 6 when I saw her cut in and power rings I could not resist!!! I suppose i like someone who has something in common so hyperopes do not float my boat there is just something about a nice powerful minus lens with the cut in power rings minification and that lovely glint like diamonds they really are like face jewellery Myself I just like the super crisp vision that slightly increased minus gives me thank goodness you are a proud gwg just like my gf who would never consider contacts or laser Please do not worry about any eye problems a relative of my wifes got to 89 and she had myodiscs i think around minus 25 and apart from extreme myopia had no other eye problems

Ricky 05 Jun 2009, 05:32

Interestingly enough Rachel, your prescription is very close to the same strength as mine. Do you ever take your glasses off to read small print up close?

Rachel 04 Jun 2009, 22:36

Ricky. Well thats probably me Ricky. Another Rachel mentioned bifocals, but that definitely wasn't!

Ricky 04 Jun 2009, 22:33

Rachel, your postings are eerily similar to another Rachel. Talking about your mother trying to keep you from wearing glasses all the time; your strong obsession with glasses--all sounds hauntingly familiar. I guess that many Rachels love their glasses.

Rachel 04 Jun 2009, 22:19

minus 5 who luvs gwgs. Well I got my first glasses at 7 for school. I was so surprised how much better I could see I kept them on as much as I could even though my mum kept telling me to take them off. Then my eyes just got worse every year, so I always looked forwards to getting stronger lenses. By 12 I was really into strong glasses and my obsession with them has just gone on from there. I can't help it but I simply love it each time I get another increase now, than I need if I possibly can. What do you like about minus glasses best?

minus5 who luvs gwgs 04 Jun 2009, 07:15

Well I am a guy Rachel who would love to hear of your myopic progression and at what age you first got glasses and how you found out you needed them

Rachel 04 Jun 2009, 03:17

Dave. Are you interested in myopes as well? At the moment I'm wearing glasses with RE-11.75 and LE -12.50 with quite a bit of astigmatism. I'm happy with my rx at the moment but I reckon that in another six months I'll probably be gagging for more. lol.

Dave 03 Jun 2009, 14:06

Hi Sal

Welcome!

Would love to hear more about your glasses "story". Starting wearing, progression, your feelings towards your glasses, funny stories, contacts experiences, etc etc etc.

Best Wishes

Dave

Clare 03 Jun 2009, 12:50

Sal - welcome. I'm sure someone here will be able to answer your questions.

Sal 03 Jun 2009, 08:34

I found this site a few days ago looking for info about prisms which i have had for years due to esotropia. I am a 25 yo grad student. My prescription is R: +9.50 +2.25 x105 12.00BO; L: +8.75 +3.50 x090 12.00BO add +2.50.

Cactus jack 30 May 2009, 14:58

GarethUK,

That is a judgement call that only you can make. I think I might be strongly tempted to order the new Rx from Zenni to see if I liked the Rx enough to spend more money. I don't know what the price would be where you live, but in the US it would be under $10 for the cheap frames plus shipping.

If you like it, then you could have the Rx filled where ever you wanted to.

All you need is the Rx, your PD, and a credit card. Let me know if you want to try it and need help.

GarethUK 30 May 2009, 14:18

Thanks for the response Cactus Jack, given that it's only a small change is it worth getting the prescription made into a new pair of glasses?

I'm 28 and it's been two years since my last test

Cactus jack 30 May 2009, 02:32

GarethUK,

Your old Rx was written with + cylinder and your new one is written with - cylinder. I have converted your old Rx to - cylinder so you can make a more accurate comparison:

Old

R. -4.50, -0.25, 0

L. -4.25, -1.25, 175

New

R: -5.00, -0.25, 5

L: -4.50, -1.50, 175

Some practitioners use phropters or trial lenses with + cylinder and others use - cylinder. The results are the same with either, they just look different. When a lens maker gets a + cylinder Rx, they convert it to - cylinder and make the glasses. Looks like you have a =0.50 sphere increase in your right eye and a -0.25 sphere and -0.25 increase in astigmatism in your left eye, Not very much, really. May I ask your age and how long it has been since your last exam?

GarethUK 30 May 2009, 00:08

Hi,

I went for my eye test yesterday and due to my old optician retiring I went to a different one. My old prescription was:

R: -4.75, +0.25, 90

L: -5.50, +1.25, 85

According to the optician I saw my eyesight has got worse and I they have recommended that I get a new pair of glasses but when I got the prescription it looks like one eye has got a lot better. My new prescription is:

R: -5.00, -0.25, 5

L: -4.50, -1.50, 175

Can anybody please explain as i'm a little confused as to whether my eyesight has actually gotten worse or not

Clare 29 May 2009, 11:39

Last post from me!

29 May 2009, 11:39

father of gwg - Aubrac is right, people 'see' things differently. I also think that, at lower levels of myopia, how much people want/need to wear their glasses depends on how comfortable they feel with how they look in them.

New 28 May 2009, 12:14

Test

father of gwg 28 May 2009, 08:12

Thanks to all for your informative posts. From everything that has been said it seems as if our eyes are an inexact science when it comes to how they change over long periods of time. I now realize that it is impossible to know how bad my daughter's eyes may get over the next 10-15 years. All we can do is make sure we continue to follow-up with our eye doctor every year or so and see what happens. Thanks again to all. I have really enjoyed learning about this subject. I will keep everyone updated on future developments of my daughter or anyone else in the family who may have problems seeing.

Aubrac 28 May 2009, 07:53

Father of gwg

I have posted before to you but would like to add an anecdote that shows every individual situation is different.

Years ago one of my house mates was a lovely bare-eyed girl in her mid-twenties. We got around to talking about glasses one evening and she said she had worn glasses since was 12 and then moved to contacts fulltime as she did a lot of stage work. She remembered being about -2.00 and at an eye test at age 22 was told she no longer needed contacts as she could read all lines on the chart without lenses, she went for a retest six months later and result the same � no need for glasses!

One the other hand, I used to have French lessons with a lovely French lady in her late twenties. One day I arrived and she was wearing les lunettes � glasses! We got to talking about them and she said had always had glasses for a small amount of astigmatism, and wore them very little for reading when she was tired. However she suddenly realised that she couldn�t read road signs or see the titles of books on her shelf, and an eyetest showed a -2.25 scrip plus cylinder. She was now almost FT dependant and that was within only one week of getting them.

Opposite sides of the coin show anything can happen.

Rachel 28 May 2009, 03:16

RL. Thanks for the info on myodiscs. Sometimes I feel pretty daunted at the prospect of needing them eventually but maybe they won't look too bad. Even cool from what you say!

Clare of 27 May 2009, 12:37

father of gwg - my prescription was stable (around -1.25) for the first few years. Then I had a jump to -2 (both eyes, I think), then -2.25 both eyes, after that they seemed to change at different rates before I got to my current prescription a couple of years ago. I always wondered if I didn't quite see as well as I should - when I took my driving test at 17 I had to have a couple of attempts to read the car number plate, very embarrassting!

I started to wear contacts regularly when I got into the -2s, before that I managed just wearing glasses when I needed to. At -2 I never felt my eyesight was bad.

Compared to others my eyesight isn't bad now either. At home I need glasses to watch TV but can roam around the house without. Outside is alot different although I'd go for a walk without, could go shopping assuming I don't want to read signs in the aisles, but would probably ignore a few people along the street! I don't do it often but certainly could if I had to. At my prescription I think the reality is that most people choose not to, which is understandable.

I read bon's post in Acuity and Prescription and their optician recommends wearing glasses fulltime at a much lower prescription.

Clare of 27 May 2009, 12:37

I started to wear contacts regularly when I got into the -2s, before that I managed just wearing glasses when I needed to. At -2 I never felt my eyesight was bad.

I read bon's post in Acuity and Prescription and their optician recommends wearing glasses fulltime at a much lower prescription.

RL 27 May 2009, 07:56

One more thing; I find the field of vision to be great because the myodiscs fit really close to my eyes. The edges don't dig into my face like my full-field glasses. And having them fit closer improves the vision as well. Every so often I'll get a comment or question about them, but like I said; they're exotic.

RL 27 May 2009, 07:53

Rachel,

The best thing about myodiscs is that they are thin and light especially if you can get them in plastic. Mine have 30mm bowls (that's the circle in the center of the lens where the prescription is) with a slightly plus carrier (that's the outer portion of the lens.) The fronts are slightly concave, about a -2 and the edges are thin enough that they don's stick out of the frames at all. My full field glasses by comaparison are 11 mm thick at the outer edge. There is very little edge distortion because there is no thick edge. The only thing is that you have to get used to keeping your eyes looking through the center of the bowl. I don't find this bothersome at all. Mine are in black plastic frames and I think they look pretty cool. The power rings are mimimal and it's hard to detect the unusual lens design unless you know what you're looking for. Since the outer portion of the lens magnifies the edge of your face and your eyes look really small through the bowls, there is quite a contrast. I've decided they're exotic, and I like them a lot. Hope this helps.

Rachel 26 May 2009, 23:36

fatherof gwgw. Clare is probably right. If your daughter can read without her glasses comfortably encourage her to do so. Sometimes doing a lot of close work wearing glasses can make myopia increase more rapidly. It's probably because your eyes get used to focussing on close things through correction and then they need more correction to see at a distance. Look at my post to Catcus Jack on Hyperopic progression to see the physical implications of myopia. You will probably find it helpful. Tell me how your daughter re-acts.

Rachel 26 May 2009, 23:30

RL. Thanks for your latest post. You are right once you get into the habit of looking trhough the centre of you glasses everything is OK. Like when you cross roads, you need to turn your head instead of just glancing sideways. Myodiscs fascinate me actually. Tell me more about them. How much field of vision do you actually get with them and is the distortion as apparent? It looks as though I will probably end up with some by the time I'm in my mid to late teens. They can look pretty cool I reckon if you get the right frames.

father of gwg 26 May 2009, 18:34

Clare,

At what rate did your myopia increase? When your perscription did increase say by .50 or so did it make a noticeable difference in your vision? Did you realize that your eyes weren't very good prior to finally being diagnosed in your twenties, or do you think that's when your eyes started to deteriorate? Also, when you were -2.00 can you describe how you saw things without correction to give me a better understanding of what my daughter sees uncorrected? Lastly, now that you are -3.00 what is your uncorrected vision like?

Clare 26 May 2009, 13:56

father of gwg - I've been in the -2s for quite a few years and am now at -2.75 and -3 with a bit of astigmatism (-0.50). Although I wear contacts lenses 90% of the time it's not impossible for me to go without correction, especially for reading so your daughter may easily be able to accommodate for that despite her astigmatism. I have a friend who has a prescription of -3.75 with -0.75 of astigmatism who is happy to read without glasses but at her prescription she has to hold material quite close to her eyes.

I was in my early 20s when my myopia was discovered, I am now in my late 30s and expect that my prescription has stabilised. I think that it's likely your daughters prescription will increase but it may not be much more than mine, and that's not too debilitating so don't be concerned. Apparently I'm unusual in that I developed myopia relatively late and reached a moderate prescription (so my optician tells me).

It seems to make sense that she doesn't wear them if she doesn't need to for close work but she will decideas it's a very subjective thing.

RL 26 May 2009, 11:41

Rachel,

Yes, there is some distortion at the edges of my lenses, but I've gotten used to looking through the centers, and I currently have two pairs of myodisc glasses in the old Rx that help since the prescription is confined to the center 28mm of the lenses. I thought I would try the new Rx in a full-field lens first, but I will probably get it done in a myodisc as well. It keeps the lens much thinner at the edges. I think the new ones will be over 10mm thick at the edges even in hi-index plastic. We'll see. I'll keep you posted.

Rachel 26 May 2009, 10:05

RL. Sure. My rx make things look smaller when I first get an increase. However it goes it the sharpness and clarity which I really like. Do you get quite a bit of distortion with your peripheral vision now, like I do? It can be a real pain until you get used to it and concentrate on looking through the centre of your lenses all the time.

RL 26 May 2009, 09:26

Rachel and Puffin,

The Doc said long ago said that I have "high resoultion retinas" which allow me to see small things at a distance. It's just the optics of my eyes that are off. Actually I see about the same in both eyes, though things in the left (stronger Rx) eye appear slightly smaller. Not a problem since I've worn glasses since I was ten and have adapted quite well. At one point when I was in college, the difference between my eyes was 5.25 D. That was a little weird, but then my right eye "caught up." Current Rx is R -11.50 +.50 X 106, L -14.00 D/S. So I'm only up by 1D for the new one, not too bad for waiting two years.

Cactus Jack 26 May 2009, 09:04

father of gwg,

It might be useful for your daughter to consider wearing some glasses with a reduced Rx for reading and close work. The lower Rx will reduce her accommodation stress while reading and studying and could slow her myopia. I would suggest 1 diopter lower in the sphere correction. The cylinder and axis should remain the same. The small reduction in sphere Rx will still require her to accommodate some, just not as much.

If she has contacts that correct both her sphere and astigmatism, a pair of +1.00 or +1.25 reading glasses worn over the contacts will accomplish the same thing.

You could order glasses with a lower Rx on line at considerable savings, if you wish and we can help you with the order.

Puffin 26 May 2009, 08:55

RL, 20/15 is really good with that rx. is it better with the -12 eye or no difference?

Rachel 26 May 2009, 08:41

father of gwg. I agree with Aubrac. Wearing glasses for girls is no big deal these days. I for one love looking at all the trendy frames that keep appearing at my opticians. I can never resit going in when i pass and trying some on even when I'm not due for my check up. I reckon she could get to around -6.00 and by then she will be pretty dependent on glasses but the fact that I'm totally dependent never stops me having fun. Like Aubrac says all she needs is her confidence boosting about wearing glasses fulltime and help in choosing some really cool frames. It's no good her missing out on seeing a lot of stuff.

Rachel 26 May 2009, 08:26

father of gwg. I know astigmatism can be a problem when reading, that's why I always wear my glasses for reading as mine is quite bad.

Something that may interest you though about myopic progression is that when my aunt was in the sixth form she decided to try wearing hard contacts, because another girl told her they would stop her myopia increasing as quickly. Her optician was non-committal on the subject but was willing to prescribe her some. In fact they did, because for about six years her rx only increased by about -0.50 every year. Then after she gave birth to her little daughter Sophie she decided to go back to glasses again because of problems with dry eyes. As soon as she did her myopic progression really took off and after 6 months she was desperate for an increase which was -1.25. Six months later she needed another -1.00 but thankfully her eyes have now settled down again to a steady -0.50 more per year. So probably specs4ever is right in saying that constant wear, especially contacts, does make myopia progress more rapidly.

Aubrac 26 May 2009, 08:12

father of gwg

It is pure speculation on anyone's part as to when and at what level a prescription will stabilise. However it is unlikely that myopia will stabilise at age 17.

From the wide experience of the many people on this site, we can only base estimates on what we know, which may be different for any particular situation.

Your daughter's rate of increase does not seem very high and so she is less likely to finish with a scrip of say above -6.00. However, it is quite possible to expect an increase of -0.50 every two years for another ten years or so. This is why people have speculated that her final scrip could be about -4/-5.

Your concern is obvious from your posts, but may I suggest that regrettable though it may seem, wearing glasses/contacts is no big deal - millions of people do so.

I suggest you just take it in your stride, and help her choose some nice frames as an occassional alternative to wearing contacts - buying online will greatly reduce the cost of this.

At -1.75 without correction she will miss out on a lot of detail, texture, etc, find signs difficult to read, and wont pass an eye test for a driving exam. The most important thing is for her not to be worried about this and enjoy good vision with either glasses or contacts.

Rachel 26 May 2009, 08:05

RL. Wow that's really good. I can only ever get down as far as the 20/30 line after I've been prescribed my new rx. And when I get to it my optician tells me I've done really well. Your eyes must be miles better than mine, lol.

RL 26 May 2009, 07:35

Rachael, I'll let you know when they come in. It will be nice to see really clearly again. I was able to read the 20/15 line with the new prescription, much to the surprise of the opthalmologist.

father of gwg 26 May 2009, 07:00

Thanks to all for the informative posts. Is there a chance that my daughter's eyes stabilize now and she never becomes full-time dependent on her glasses and contacts? If so what percentage would you put it that her perscription stays below -2.00? Also, I've spoken to her about not using the glasses for near work, but the doctor told her that the astigmatism affects work at all distances.

Rachel 26 May 2009, 01:19

Father of gwg. I think Aubrac is correct regarding inheriting myopia via the female line. Like his sister's kids needed glasses and not his. Similarly I needed them because my mum's sister younger needed them and now her little girl who is only 5 needs them. Aubrac's sister's progression from the age of 12 has not been as great as mine from the age of 7, resulting in her only having about half the rx I have. Like Aubrac I'm pretty sure your daughter will only reach around -4.00 or perhaps -5.00

Aubrac 26 May 2009, 01:04

Father of GWG

There have been many useful contributions but may I add a couple of points.

You did mention the hereditary angle. I am not a geneticist and do not know how this works, I can only say that my parents and all relations had, as far as I know perfect eyesight, and none of them wore glasses. My Mum was shocked to find at about 12 my sister needed glasses, she has since progressed to about -7 and I am at a well stabilised -5. My ex had perfect eyesight and we have 3 kids all with perfect eyesight, whereas my sister (her husband has perfect eyesight) has four kids with scrips ranging from -2 to -6.

From observation it seems a couple with highish scrips will have a child who will also have a high scrip. From what you said about your daughters new prescription and age, it is quite possible your daughter may eventually go to -4/-5 but maybe not more than that.

Hope this helps rather confuses the issue.

Rachel 25 May 2009, 23:14

Wow RL that sure is some rx!! I bet you can't wait to try your nw glasses on when they arrive at your opticians! I'd love you to post to your first reactions in another week.

Rachel 25 May 2009, 23:10

father of gwg. I think what specs4ever has posted about kids is probably quite true. When I first got glasses at 7 I was so thrilled with how much better I vcould see I fell into the trap of "leaving" them on most of the time even though my mum kept nattering me to take them off. Watching TV was much better, and seeing things clearly when I was out, and as I had no problems reading with my glasses on, I couldn't see the point of keep taking them off and risking forgeting taking them to school. In fact I once did and my teacher had to phone my mum to ask her to bring them for me and you can imagine how embarrassed I felt when she walked into the classroom in the middle of a lesson to hand them to me! So I supposed I've paid the penalty for being a full-time wearer from a very early age. As my mum's younger sister, who is also very myopic, told me recently "Once you start on the slippery slope there is no going back!" However like Specs4ever I am convinced your daughter's rx will get no where near as high as mine is now as she only started with glasses in her mid-teens.

RL 25 May 2009, 13:32

Got a new Rx last week. Up a little to: R -12.00 +.50 X 106, L -15.00 D/S.

Ordered the new glasses in 1.67 High index lenses, black plastic frame. Should have them in a week or so.

Andrew 24 May 2009, 11:32

I realize that contact lens technology has changed a lot in the last few years but I wore my contacts most of the time from the age of 18 until about 25, when I was told I had to stop wearing them for a while to give my eyes a break. For a while after that, I was only allowed to wear them for 5 hours a day. Now (I'm 43), I can wear them most of the day if I need to, but if I'm indoors and not doing sport, or it's not raining really hard, I go for the glasses option.

father of gwg 24 May 2009, 07:54

Specs4ever, thanks for the reply and the detailed explanation. Would anyone else care to comment on this subject. This information is very helpful to me and my family. I don't know if the doctor commented on any of these things as my daughter went by herself for her exam, and I'm sure she didn't ask any questions at all. If anyone else has knowledge on this subject please share it.

specs4ever 24 May 2009, 06:14

Father of GWG, I am again just a layman, but I will try to answer that question as to if your daughters eyes will ever become as bad as Rachel's I would suggest that it is not very likely. In most cases a high prescription has already manifested itself by the age of 17. She has worn contacts without giving her eyes a break for long enough that if she was really succeptible to myopia, her myopia would already have started to climb. Most parents don't know, and most kids don't care at the time, to realize that one of the worst things they can do to their eyes is to wear a low(and yes, even with the increase your daughter's prescription is still very mild)minus prescription full time. The hours spent doing schoolwork and the other nearpoint visual tasks our kids are faced with at a young age tend to mean that kids are more likely to become nearsighted. If they are slightly nearsighted, wearing a correction for their myopia full time means that they are looking through a lens designed for distance vision even while they read.

You will find confirmation of what I just told you if you search the web. But I can almost guarantee you if you were to ask your daughter's eye doctor if her prescription will get worse or not, he, or she, will be unable to answer you, and will give you a statement something like "Well, no one can really tell. We will just have to wait and see what happens." That is because the doctor doesn't know for sure, anymore than I do. However, I am basing my thoughts on years of observation and research.

I would suggest that your daughter should remove her contacts when she return home from school. She should do her homework, or any other close visual tasks without wearing any correction. This is even more important for when she gets to college.

Until her prescription reaches -4D or greater, she should be able to read comfortably at a reasonable distance. After -4D - if she even reaches that, she could consider bifocals for her around home glasses, even though a dioctor would be reluctant to prescribe them.

Rachel, on the other hand, is likely destined for a prescription in the low -20's, and there really isn't much she can do about it.

Sorry I am so long winded, but this is a favorite topic of mine.

father of gwg 24 May 2009, 03:10

Rachel, back in the 7th grade it was very dramatic when my daughter was perscribed glasses. She got both glasses and contacts that first time and wore her glasses some, but when she got comfortable enough with the contacts she turned to them everyday. When she took them out at home she didn't find it "necessary" I guess to wear her glasses. As a matter of fact, I don't remember seeing her wear her glasses since she had gotten into high school 3 years ago. Until this most recent increase she only kept up with the contacts (saving me a pretty penny)which she religiously wore everyday for school and going out. At her exam on Monday the doctor told her that only relying upon contacts on an all day everyday basis could be harmful to her eyes in the long run so she was encouraged to get new glasses as well for the first time since her original visit 5 years ago. Now that she realizes her vision is worsening she has accepted the fact that glasses are going to be necessary some days, actually probably everyday for at least part of the day. She has been wearing her new glasses around the house almost exclusively for the past day or two. I paid good money for a nice black plastic Armani stylish frame, and we all think she looks great in the new specs, including herself. She has noticed the increase and has commented how clear her new vision is. I have shared with her your answers to my questions, and I think she has accepted the fact that her dependence will only become greater with time. The thing she keeps saying is how unfair it is that my wife and I and our freshman and fifth grade son all have very good vision and how the heck did she get stuck wearing glasses. I'm sure she will continue to wear her contacts most of the time, but as a concerned father I hope she accepts the advice of the doctor to give her eyes a rest from her contacts sometimes. She also has expressed some fear that her eyes could keep increasing to a perscription of your magnitude. Is that possible?

Rachel 23 May 2009, 23:20

Can anyone tell me about the rate of increases someone with a plus prescription can expect, if they start wearing glasses at about the age I did? i.e. aged 7.

Rachel 23 May 2009, 23:10

father of gwg. Hi, I got my first glasses when I was 7. I'm not sure what prescription they were now, but I remember they made an enormous difference to my vision when I started wearing them. I reckon they must have been getting on for -2.00. Probably RE-1.50 & LE -1.75 or something like that. My mother didn't like me wearing them as much as I did because she thought hey would make my eyes go worse, but they went worse anyway,so she was obviously wrong. After that I had increases every year until I was 13 and since then I've been getting them every six months. I hope this helps. I think you daughter should stabalize at around age 21 or 22. By the way, does she like wearing glasses or prefer her contacts?

father of gwg 23 May 2009, 11:54

Rachel, thanks for the reply. When did get your first pair of glasses and what was the script? Do others agree that I can expect my daughter's eyes to worsen to about -3 or -4 based upon her age and the increases she has had thus far. At what age can we expect her eyesight to stabilize?

Rachel 23 May 2009, 05:53

father of gwg. An increase of only -0.50 in her teens is pretty good for your daughter. I'm 16 and my last increase was quite a lot more. With a prescription of under -2.00 still, she will not be totally dependent on her glasses or contacts yet. However with such a low prescription and increase of -0.50 will improve her distance vision considerably. She will probably end up eventually at around -3.00 or -4.00 and by then she will definitely need glasses or contacts fulltime. I hope this helps. For comparison my latest prescription is RE-11.75 x -1.50 x 120 and LE-12.50 x -2.00 x 180

father of gwg 23 May 2009, 00:08

Today my seventeen year old daughter got her new glasses and contacts. Her perscription increased in the last year from R-1.25 -0.50 L -1.00 -0.75 to the new script of R-1.75 -0.75 L-1.50 -0.75. Her first perscription back in the 7th grade was R-1.00 -0.50 L-1.00 -0.50 and that seemed to stay pretty steady until this latest increase. Will she notice a big difference in her vision? She recently had made comments about not seeing as well. Is this a normal increase in a year's period for someone this age? Will this move her a lot closer to full-time dependence? When can we expect her vision to stabilize because I just spent a pretty penny on anti-reflective lenses. I've been following this site for a few months, so I know there are many out there who can help answer these questions. Thanks.

Clare 21 May 2009, 09:43

ph - good luck, be audacious. It's hard to go from no glasses to full time even at the best of times, so good luck and let us know how it goes!

ph 20 May 2009, 20:13

No, I wasn't wearing them full time. Mostly in private or out of town... nobody knows about them except for my signifigant other. She is cool with me going full time though, I guess I'll just "go get an exam" and come home with glasses (already been checked though..20/20). We'll see, they shouldd arrive soon!

A. 20 May 2009, 17:55

Hello,

What a nice site!

My prescription is -6 for both eyes. I sometimes wear glasses, but mostly I wear contacts.I'd love to wear glasses all the time,because I like the feeling,but contacts are simply more comfortable.And besides,I hate when strangers ask what my prescription is..it's so sexual and private :P

Clare 20 May 2009, 02:23

ph - so were you wearing the -2.25s full time before they got scratched? And how will you introduce the new ones to friends and family? Good luck!

Rachel 20 May 2009, 01:11

ph. To be honest even at 31 I think you eyes would comfortably accommodate -3.50, especially if you stick strctly to wearing glasses all the time. Who knows then, you could easily end up permanently short- sighted, which is obviously what you really want. I say definitley go for it.

ph 19 May 2009, 18:58

thanks for the words of encouragment. though I'm actually 31... I've been using some -2.25 glasses with and without contacts, I can compensate fine but I prefer using contacts as it creates a need for the glasses and I don't have any trouble reading when tired. I just ordered a pair of -2.5 which will hopefully wind up being my "introductory pair" (the -2.25 pair got scratched). hopefully they won't look too strong -yet strong enough!

Rachel 18 May 2009, 09:12

ph. I am certain that at 21 your eyes will easily accommodate -2.00 without wearing any contacts at all. Just get some glasses made up at that rx and wear them all the time. Once you feel entirely comfortable with them then you can go for more.

Clare 17 May 2009, 22:50

ph - I wouldn't say -2 is too strong, an ex of mine got glasses at 21 and went straight to fulltime wear. I don't remember that they were very strong so they were probably slightly less than that. Some people might not wear glasses fulltime at -2 but many would so go for it!

ph 17 May 2009, 18:56

I've been doing GOC off and on for a couple years but I've never "gone public", However now with my wife's approval I'm ready to go full time.So what would be a good Rx to start doing full time GOC with? I'm thinking about -2.5 (the weakest combo I have), anyone think that's too strong for a "first pair of glasses"? Also I've been working with online eyeglass stores but would love to get a fake Rx so I could actually go in a store and pick out my glasses but unfortunatley my vision is perfect. Anyone got any blank Rx forms or perhaps a simple Rx of around -2 that we could just change the names on??

Thanks!

eyespy 16 May 2009, 04:03

Michael - I presume that you have -3.5 sphere in one eye and -1.75 sphere -0.50 cyl in the other. It means you're moderately shortsighted in one eye and mildly shortsighted in the other. In one eye you also have half a diopter of astigmatism (that's the -0.50) at 90 degrees. The angle (or degrees) of the astigmatism can determine how noticeable it would be. The astigmatism effectively adds another half diopter to your overall prescription.

I'd expect that you notice a big difference in what you can see with each eye. I imagine you've been recommended to wear glasses fulltime. A friend of mine was prescribed -2 and -3.5 and that's what she was told. Hope that helps!

Rachel 16 May 2009, 00:51

Michael.

Yes it is strong for your first glasses. There should be an rx for both your right eye and your left eye. Usually it says R.E. then 3 sets of numbers and then L.E. and three sets of numbers. The first numbers are the amount of dioptres you need, then the astigmatism then the cyl.

Guest 15 May 2009, 13:51

That's a strong prescription for a first timer Michael. Were you told to wear them full time? How do you find your uncorrected vision now?

Michael 15 May 2009, 13:07

I just got glasses for the first time and was was written on -3.5 and then -1.75 -0.50 and 90 anyone help me in explaining it?

Rachel 15 May 2009, 08:54

I just got an increase of -1.75 to RE -11.75 and LE-12.50

Bela 15 May 2009, 08:36

Hi, my prescription is:

OD -0.75,-2.25x065

OS -1.00,-2.25x170

Age:24

Location: South Africa ;-)

Phil 13 May 2009, 04:53

Aubrac,

I think fulltime wear for Maria is on the horizon, if not overdue. If she can't read the Snellen chart without correction, she shouldn't be driving bare-eyed. And the fact that she wears them throughout her time at work (not only to read, but to perform middle-distance tasks) is another indicator.

She looks gorgeous in her new frames. And she likes them herself. She also likes her chap to wear specs. So maybe we'll rather readily convince each other that we are both now fulltime wearers. She's getting me to have a new test and is going to choose me some frames.

Aubrac 13 May 2009, 04:25

Phil

Even different people in their forties with the same plus prescription will have diffwerent use patterns.

In a restaurant the other day a mid-forties couple came in, he was wearing about +2 glasses while she was bare eyed, she took out a pair of at least +3 glasses to look at the menu and then kept them on to look at the view from the window. When the food arrived he took his glasses off and put them in his pocket. When they left, he was bare eyed and she was still wearing her glasses!

You would think +3.50 indicated FT wear but this isn't always the case.

Phil 12 May 2009, 01:40

Her rx only increased slightly. But is it plausible that someone with +3.50 and 0.50 cylinder, in her 40s, can survive without wearing glasses fulltime? How much hyperopia can someone cope with bare-eyed at that stage of likfe?

aubrac 12 May 2009, 01:23

eyespy

I don't profess to be a great expert on astigmatism but believe that at .75 and above, it does start to give real problems, also the angle of correction i.e. from 10 to 180, can seem to make a difference.

I had an ex-girlfriend who had sligh hyperopia but high astigmatism, she said that without her glasses it was a bit like looking in a distorting mirror, which made the proportions and angles of things look different.

Vertical lines would appear at an angle and squares would appear to have different length sides

eyespy 11 May 2009, 13:47

Aubrac

Astigmatism is a weirdly wonderful thing isn't it?

I've got -0.50 of it but on top of my Rx I can't really tell if it makes a difference or not! When I take my glasses off the world's blurry anyway.

Guess that -0.50 only makes a difference if you're bordering on full time wear. Would you agree?

eyespy 11 May 2009, 13:45

Phil

What was her previous Rx?

Phil 11 May 2009, 07:20

Aubrac, After Maria got her rx of +3.5 I questioned whether she is safe driving bare-eyed. She revealed that she can only see with "heavy frowning"! She has just picked up her specs. I plan to flatter her and urge fulltime wear. I hope I am pushing at an open door.

Aubrac 11 May 2009, 07:14

LT Lurker

A very similar story, my wife is 40 and wears R+1.50, -0.50, 30 L+1.75, -0.75, 130. The astigmatism makes reading letters difficult at all distances.

Like yours and Onlooker's wife, she is rather touchy about discussing her vision, and when I last suggested a re-test, it was met with a rather tetchy 'nothings changed and I'll know when it's needed'.

However she does wear her glasses much more these days, and always makes sure she has a pair with her. FT wear will eventually become a need.

Cactus Jack 08 May 2009, 16:14

John11,

-1 astigmatism isn't "bad", but it is enough to be really annoying for reading small print at any distance and it needs to be corrected for comfortable vision. Check out and experiment with the simulators listed on the Hyperopia and Presbyopia Progression Thread. A picture is worth a thousand words.

john11 08 May 2009, 15:46

is a -1 a bad astigtism?

LT Lurker 07 May 2009, 15:09

Hi Onlooker, It appears that your wife is in a similar situation to my wife.+1 with astigmatism, although a very small amount -0.25.

If your wife is over 40 , mines 41 then it is most likely that the +1 sphere will start being a hinderance to daily tasks.

My wife wore her glasses for computer and religiously for reading in the evening.All of a sudden she has dropped the reading useage.As,like yours,she refuses to sensibly discuss her vision,Iam of the belief that she is entering into the final phase of denial.Reading without them means she reads for a maximum of 10-15 minutes where as before she read for 1-2 hours.

This will no doubt become more tiresome as will watching TV.When she first got her specs 2+ years ago she was advised by someone to watch TV whilst doing a near task ie crotchet so as to keep changing focus.This she tried the other night and it seems that doing this is only possible for 10 minutes now. I think she should have an eyetest as she is due but she says she knows when she needs new glasses!

So I guess the bottom line is, that like me you just have to wait.But I think I will happen.+1 is difficult to overcome at 40+.Was your wife cyclopleged? if not she may be a bit more than +1.

Cactus Jack 07 May 2009, 06:48

On Looker,

Also, what is her complete Rx? Just saying she is +1 with some astigmatism doesn't tell me much.

Cactus jack 07 May 2009, 06:45

On Looker,

What is your Rx for distance?

Yavanna 07 May 2009, 06:27

I ordered a few cheap pairs from Zenni Optical, in -1.25, -1.5, and -1.75. Now I just have to wait, hopefully it won't take too long for them to get here. From what I've read it sounds like ordering from them might be a gamble, but I figured it was cheap enough to be worth it. Once I figure out what works best for me, I'll get something nicer.

OnLooker 07 May 2009, 04:32

My wife has just been found to be +1 with astigmatism. Now i'd love to know what it looks like to be +1 especially that she is in denial phase and doesn't want to talk about her vision at all. She keeps saying that she can see fine at a distance and that she needs glasses for closeup to avoid eye strain and ehadache. She says her vision is still OK without glasses. Is this true? A question for hyperopes.

Filthy McNasty 06 May 2009, 21:54

I would have guessed somewhat into the mid-teens. Perhaps it is wishful thinking. She is certainly lovely.

Tim 06 May 2009, 20:48

About -10, methinks, certainly in the right eye.

antonio 06 May 2009, 13:09

How strong might the glasses be, she wears ?

best regards,

antonio

SZ6 06 May 2009, 07:51

Oops, that should have gone in "Seen on the web" - sorry!

SZ6 06 May 2009, 07:50

Cute 20ish brunette with strong minus glasses:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4y9OIOWSu_Y/Segyeeb87TI/AAAAAAAAAI4/bA_nkl-WQfM/s1600-h/IMG_1212.jpg

Yavanna 05 May 2009, 09:30

Cactus Jack,

Actually that had occurred to me, that my accommodation might get better if I started using it. When I first got these glasses, I found them uncomfortable for close work, so I always took them off, and usually left them off during the day at work. It was annoying not having them when getting up and walking around though, and also annoying taking them off every time I sat down to eat or something. So a few months ago I started wearing them more, and now I'm comfortable with them either on or off when I'm at my computer. Reading is still more comfortable without them, but I'm okay with them, too. I figured if I never really had to accommodate, I might end up dealing with presbyopia sooner than I otherwise would, though I'm not sure if it really works that way. I understand that it has to do with the stiffening of the lens, but I'm not sure how much ciliary muscle strength has to do with it. But I suppose the less the lens is flexed, the sooner it might lose its ability to do so.

Cactus jack, 05 May 2009, 08:14

Yavanna,

Your vision without glasses is close to ideal for the working distance of most computers. -1.25 without correction focuses at about 31 inches (80 cm) so you only have to accommodate a little more (+0.25 to +0.50) to focus on the display without your glasses.

At 26, you have plenty of accommodation so you can probably wear a bit of over correction without problem for distance. If you work without your glasses very much, you may not be exercising your ciliary muscles enough and they may be getting slightly de-conditioned because they are almost fully relaxed most of the time.

Cactus Jack 05 May 2009, 07:55

Yavanna,

You need only a ruler marked in mm and a mirror.

Look in the mirror and note the distance from the center of your nose to the center of each pupil individually. While you do this, one eye will be turned slightly inward and the other will be looking straight into the mirror. They will alternate as you check each eye. The distance you want is the one looking straight ahead at the moment.

Do this three times for each eye and average the readings for each eye. Add them together. You should get a number in the 55 to 65 mm range depending on the spacing of your eyes. That is your PD.

Yavanna 05 May 2009, 06:37

Cactus Jack,

I'm 26, and a graphic designer, so I spend a lot of time in front of a computer.

I think if I had something like -1.75, I'd end up taking them off a bit more often for near work than I do now, but I would like the sharpest distance vision I can get, especially for long drives.

I'm not sure what my PD is. What would be the best way to measure that myself?

Cactus jack 04 May 2009, 23:59

Yavanna,

Low levels of astigmatism are extremely hard to determine accurately because to quite a large extent, it depends on your ability to discern relative degrees of blurriness as the examiner tries to bracket the axis of the astigmatism and the amount of cylinder. You could get another exam tomorrow, by a different examiner, and likely not come up with the same exact Rx.

Your plan is a good one. You might be able to discern a small difference between your old glasses and new ones with -1.25 in each eye, but you will likely find -1.50 or -1.75 provides much sharper vision especially at night. I suspect you will settle on the -1.75s, but only you can judge.

One factor that will affect your preference is your accommodation (age related) and occupation. May I ask your age and occupation? Also, do you know your PD or how to measure it?

Yavanna 04 May 2009, 19:31

Hello,

I had an eye exam today, and was a little bit confused/ surprised by the results.

My old prescription, as of a year ago, was:

OD -1.25

OS -1.25 +0.25 057

These glasses were the first that I wore a majority of the time, though sometimes taking them off to read or just for around the house. Before that, I had a -.75 pair that I only wore for things like driving and concerts.

Since I first got my current glasses, I feel like I've gotten a bit nearsighted. My vision without glasses seems somewhat worse, though I know that could just be me not being as used to dealing with a bit of blur as I was before. But my distant vision with glasses doesn't seem quite as crisp either, as I've noticed when driving, especially at night. And when I try putting my sunglasses, which are the same prescription, on top of my regular glasses, things seem a bit crisper, though I know the total of -2.5 is too strong, since I have to accommodate a bit even for distant vision. So I figured I'd end up somewhere between -1.5 and -2, probably either -1.5 or -1.75.

The prescription I was given today was -1.25 in both eyes, no astigmatism in either. So the right eye is the same, and as for the left eye, as far as I understand I'm just swapping a very small amount of astigmatism for an equally small amount of myopia. I wouldn't be likely to tell much difference if any if I got glasses in that prescription, would I? I think either I was slightly over-prescribed last time, or slightly under-prescribed, because I don't *think* it's just my imagination that I'm a bit more nearsighted than before.

I haven't ordered new glasses yet, I didn't see any I *really* liked (I'm pretty picky about what glasses I like on myself), and they were all kind of expensive, along with me not being sure about the new prescription. What I was thinking of doing was getting a couple cheap pairs online, one in the prescription I was given, and one or two that are slightly higher, just to see how I like them. Though if I do end up liking how I see in one of the higher ones, but don't like the frames, I might have some trouble getting what I want locally (and covered by my insurance, which is mostly only accepted by private practices, not Lenscrafters, Walmart, ect.)

Does it sound like I might be better off with something a bit stronger than they gave me, or would the small change in the left eye make for a noticeable improvement? Thanks for any advice.

Cactus Jack 02 May 2009, 20:39

Guest,

It is sometimes difficult to determine the reasons for very low prescriptions. Low plus reading glasses will make extensive reading more comfortable because they reduce the amount of accommodation you have to supply to read and do close work, but there could be other things going on with your vision. It is not unusual for a person who wears low power reading glasses and has plenty of accommodation, to find that very low power minus glasses will make your distance vision sharper and clearer, but if you try to read with them you will likely find that your eyes gets tired more quickly than without the either the reading glasses or no glasses.

It is also possible that if you tried your friends glasses after doing a lot of reading and close work that you had developed a little pseudo myopia which would go away after a few hours of not reading. Of course, a combination of very low minus glasses with a low reading add in progressives or bifocals can be the best of both worlds, particularly in a classroom environment where you are constantly switching from the board to your notes, even for a person of 18. Many university students find that combination very useful.

Ideally, you should consider getting a dilated exam if you want to find out exactly what is going on, particularly if your distance vision is not as sharp and clear as you would like. But at this point, it would be strictly up to you.

guest 02 May 2009, 14:12

Hi,

I am 18 and got prescribed +0.75 and +.5 glasses for reading a few month back, as after working for a full day my eyes would get really tired.

However, yesterday, I tried a friend's glasses, and her prescription was -0.5 in both eyes and this actually improved my distance vision, thing that doesn't happen with my glasses.

Can I have been wrongly prescribed ?

Thanks

Cactus Jack 27 Apr 2009, 07:59

Sam,

A person, like your wife, with low myopia, has in effect, built in reading glasses. Her glasses correct that problem for good distance vision and the add helps with near when she is wearing her glasses because she (and you) have some presbyopia like everyone else your age. In your wife's case she is likely reading with her -2.00 eye when she is not wearing her glasses. Her -1.00 astigmatism fouls things up a little, but apparently not enough to bother her. Ideally, what she should do is order some low cost prescription reading glasses on line. They are really great if you like to read in bed. We can help you/her with an Rx for readers if needed.

Sam 27 Apr 2009, 06:53

My wife is 55. She is nearsighted and has worn glasses since high school. I was always curious to know her prescription and what she can and can't see without them. About a year ago she got bifocals. She now has:

-2.00 -1.00 x 12

-.75 -1.25 x 1.25

add is +1.25

She always puts them on first thing in the morning, and takes them off after she is in bed and puts them on the night stand. What I don't understand is that often reads "bare-eyed". I have readers I have offered her for reading but she doesn't need them or like them. She says that even though she is 55 she can read perfectly without any glasses! I sometimes ask to borrow them, but the -2.00 is too strong for me...but I can see perfectly through the -0.75. She seems to have a fairly weak scrip, but cannot function without them. Can someone tell me how her eyes function?

Clare 24 Apr 2009, 22:30

Thanks Cactus. My complete prescription is -2.75 and -3 -0.50 x 140. I don't generally notice it when reading, more when at the computer or viewing things further away. Is the convergence thing happening too do you think? Many thanks.

Cactus Jack 24 Apr 2009, 18:09

Clare,

Astigmatism usually causes the most discomfort when trying to read small print. It can become a problem both close and distant, but it is most annoying when trying to read up close. A lot depends on your tolerance. I think more than )0.25 uncorrected astigmatism is usually a problem.

I'm sorry, but I don't recall your complete Rx so I can't answer your question about the pulling sensation, but I suspect the astigmatism is playing a significant role. You can compensate in most instances for incorrect minus sphere by changing the distance, but you can do nothing about astigmatism because no distance is the correct distance.

Another factor could be the degree of myopia. If you have myopia above about -3, you may also be converging excessively to read clearly and fuse the two images. The excess convergence could be triggering increased accommodation which has the effect of making you more myopic which makes you bring the text closer, which makes you converge more, which triggers more accommodation, etc.

As the King of Siam said, "Its a puzzlement"

Clare 24 Apr 2009, 14:09

Cactus - is it -0.50 cyl that you believe is the point at which astigmatism becomes noticeable?

I ask because I have that amount in just one eye and I sometimes feel what I'd describe as a pulling sensation bordering on headache after a while not wearing my contacts.

Is that astigmatism or myopia? Thanks

Sean 24 Apr 2009, 13:36

Oops - forgot to ask..does the astigmatism affect near vision as well as far? Should I get the bifocals at this time?

sean 24 Apr 2009, 13:34

Cactus-

Thanks for your help. Are you suggesting that I don't buy over the counter readers because of the small amount of astigmatism?

Cactus Jack 24 Apr 2009, 07:53

Sean,

That is enough cylinder (astigmatism) to cause trouble - especially with close work and small print. I strongly suggest that you stick with either Rx readers or bifocals. That decision is yours. I happen to like sharp comfortable vision at all distances so I would probably opt for bifocals.

I wear trifocals because I need a +3 add and need to see clearly at intermediate distances, I also have a pair of single vision Rx reading glasses for when I want to read for long periods (in bed)

Sean 24 Apr 2009, 07:05

OD cyl is -.50 165

OS cyl is -.25 15

My monitor which I us much of the day is about 22 inches away and I also do a lot of close work. Thanks for your help.

Cactus Jack 23 Apr 2009, 17:43

Sean,

Do you have your complete Rx? The decision on getting bifocals depends on a couple of factors. Does your Rx have any cylinder correction and your occupation. If you need to switch frequently from close work to distance, you may find bifocals very convenient. However, if you read for long periods with only occasionally needing to see distance clearly and have no cylinder in your Rx, O-T-C +1.75 readers may work just fine.

Sean 23 Apr 2009, 15:37

I am having some trouble reading small print, so went to have my eyes checked. The distance part of the exam seemed to go OK but at first I had some trouble reading the close chart, which he stuck on a stick in front of me. He tried a bunch of lenses until I could read almost the whole chart clearly and told me I need glasses for close work. He removed the machine, and the chart went blurry on me! When he put it back I could see clearly! He told me that I will see much clearer and without strain but will soon become dependent on the glasses as my muscles start to relax. Then he removed the close chart and showed me that anything in the distance will be a blur as the glasses only work to 18 inches or so. He said an alternative putting the glasses on and taking them off all day would be for him to give me a distance correction of -0.50 which he wouldn't ordinarily prescribe if that was my only problem. Should I go for the bifocal and learn to wear the glasses full time or just get the +1.75 readers. (I am 47.)

Puffin 13 Apr 2009, 14:50

Cactus Jack, I remember the ST:TNG episode you're talking about. It's "Chain of Command" where Picard is temporarily replaced by Capt. Jellico. But that's another story.

Astra 13 Apr 2009, 13:52

CJ thinks it is a hard part to believe Rose managed to escape... well, I think Rose hated the idea of wearing glasses, as she had mentioned before.

Astra 13 Apr 2009, 13:41

(Mocking Cactus Jim = Rose)

I am not real, I am just making up a story.

Astra 13 Apr 2009, 13:39

Cactus Jim = Rose ?

Cactus Jim 13 Apr 2009, 12:19

"I am not a doctor. I just play one on television."

Ted 13 Apr 2009, 09:15

puffin, first RX was on Feb 26th. This rx was a difference of approx. 11 dioptres. Rose says, she is long sighted in one eye and short sighted in the other. Recent rx shows no sign of this as both rx's are plus with astig and prism (I believe). There are, in my opinion, just too many issues with this story.

Cactus Jack 13 Apr 2009, 09:09

Ted,

I really didn't take offense. Actually, I took it as a complement, but I couldn't resist the temptation to tweak a little. Mostly, I was commenting on some of the common ways the phrase is used. It is one of those phrases where the meaning is in the ear of the beholder. Tone of voice provides the clue about the intended meaning.

I don't know if you are/were a Star Trek NG fan or not, but the phrase brought to mind several scenes where Commander Riker was about to provide a particularly inept substitute Captain with a piece of his mind without being punished for insubordination. In the script, it usually went over the inept ones' head.

Regarding Rose' situation. If her story is true, there is enough difference between her eyes for her to not have true binocular vision. I suspect she has developed skills where her brain switches from one eye to the other depending on the circumstance. I also suspect that at 21 she is beginning to loose some flexibility in her crystaline lenses which would make accomodation in the hyperopic eye more difficult.

Also, with glasses as she descrbed, the difference in image sizes on the retinas will make true fusion very difficult. If she can wear them, I would suggest ultimately that she try a form of GOC by wearing contacts with sphere only correction and glasses with a small amount of sphere and all the cylinder correction. That will provide approximately the same image size and an opportunity to develop true stereo vision.

Puffin 13 Apr 2009, 08:20

re Rose, I'm thinking perhaps the seemingly rapid changes are due to wearing correction more often than before - her visual system could just be adapting itself to its new situation. As far as I'm aware, she came to this site stating she'd not worn glasses regularly before.

Ted 13 Apr 2009, 08:09

CJ, I have read your posts over the years and also you have responded to a question or two of my own. My only knowledge of who you are is through this site. I believe you have a great amount of knowledge in this field. My comment was not to insult in any way, this is my take on the phrase.

with all due respect

with the admiration that is owed With all due respect, I think there are some facts you have not considered.

Usage notes: used to disagree politely with someone

See also: due, respect

Cambridge Dictionary of American Idioms Copyright � Cambridge University Press 2006. Reproduced with permission.

I believe we both can agree to disagree to the authenticity of this poster.

Maybe Wurm can check their IP address to see if there are multiple screen names.

Astra 12 Apr 2009, 22:53

CJ, I have never seen anyone with such a huge dioptre difference between both eyes like Rose does. Her story sounds totally ridiculous to me, but I suspect there would be a great deal of change for eyes like hers to accommodate properly.

CJ, I wonder if prolonged reading increases the minus prescription? It seems to me normal eyes are not designed to focus at short distance for prolonged period. I can't see a word at reading distance with my distance glasses, for example. But as far as I know, normal eyes (before presbyopia) have much better auto-focusing ability. Many of my friends of my age does not even need reading glasses, for example. It sounds equally ridiculous for me. There must be a great deal of accommodation between reading (30 cm) and distance (say, 6 m)... So prolonged reading would stretch the eyeball longer and cause more minus prescriptions? I have a friend whose myopia progressed from normal to -3.5 within 2 years, and she used to read too much and too close. (Kind of smelling the books)...

Cactus Jack 12 Apr 2009, 19:22

Ted,

I have always been curious when someone says "with all due respect". Usually, it prefaces a coment where it is obvious that the amount of respect is really zero. In a military context it usually means that you are about to tell your superior officer that you think he is dumber than a box of rocks, but you don't want to be court martialed for for saying it.

As an experiment, I set up the inverse of Roses' Rx in a trial frame (allowing for my own Rx) and I found it was fairly easy to function. Reading was not impossible with the myopic eye and if there was enough accommodation range in the hyperopic eye reasonable distance vision seemed possible. I could not simultate the later condition, because I have no accommodation.

Human beings are amazingly adaptable. One of our members who has to wear very high plus glasses around +30 with a huge amount of prism, can function without his glasses surprisingly well. He can't read without his glasses, but he has developed exceptional hearing, amost like a person who is unsighted and ways of compensating. He is unable to fuse the images and therefore uses each eye individually.

At this point, I believe Rose is telling us the truth. Her responses to having her vision corrected are pretty realistic. Either that or she is a very good fiction writer. The hard part to believe is that she escaped having her vision corrected for this many years. Her vision did not deteriorate overnight.

If that means you have lost what little respect you had for me, so be it. Time will tell who is right.

Ted 12 Apr 2009, 08:28

This Rose story is getting more ridiculous by the day. before too long a guide dog will be used. first prescription on Feb 26 09 supposed to go back in three months, that should be around May 26th 09. But been back March 30th 09. with a big increase I could go on but do not like to feed the trolls any longer.

CJ, with all due respect surely you must have your doubts.

I can not imagine anyone in school at 21 being able to manage with a RX of +5 or so and a couple dioptres of astig functioning.

Clare 11 Apr 2009, 12:00

Beth - I have a friend whose prescription is -1.75 and -2.75 (we only know because she tells us!) and she wears her glasses all the time. She says she has a little bit of astigmatism too. She gets headaches if she doesn't wear her glasses and definately attributes them to not having glasses - we only see her without them if she's forgotten to pack them by mistake so there's no choosing to leave them behind.

My recommendation is just to wear them to see if it helps. From what my friend says a difference in your eyes can be quite uncomfortable.

Rose 10 Apr 2009, 15:10

HI When I went back to the optician the other week he said there had been a change in my prescription but he did not want to change my glasses then and told me to wait anther 2 weeks. As it my be due to the fact I was very tired as I had been studying very hard all week

So yesterday I went back for a full exam

This time he said there was a big change in my vision and decided to change the prescription in all 3 pairs of glasses

MAIN PAIR

Right eye +6.75 -2.75 190

Left eye -6.25 -2.25 10

COMPUTER

Right eye +8.25 -2.75 190

Left eye -4.75 -2.25 10

READING Glasses

Right eye +9.75 -2.75 180

Left eye -3.75 -2.25 10

John asked me if I would like him to pay for thinner lens in my main pair. But after talking to the optician I decided to wait until next time as the optician wants me to come back in 6 months He said I had spent years straining to see things and now my eyes were starting to adjust.

The new lens will be ready for fitting in my glasses tomorrow, so John and I are going to collect them, I am going to leave my main pair and reading glasses first and try and manage wearing my computer glasses out side. It will only take about 2 hours so we will go and have lunch while we wait Then I will leave my computer glasses and go back later for them.

I hope I have made the right choice by keeping to standard lens

Val 09 Apr 2009, 04:53

I've had a slight problem with convergence 15 years ago, when I first got glasses. The problem was gone at that time with physical exercices. About 20 min a day, for a month. The eyedoc taught me what kind of exercises to do at home, so I did.

I am hyperopic, so my problem was that my eyes were turning inward. I think that for myopic people it's the opposite, and, probably, there are different kind of exercises.

Beth 09 Apr 2009, 01:12

Please don�t tell me it�s wrong to look for answers on the internet! I have very odd eyes because one has much stronger nearsightedness than the other. I�ve told my eye doctor lots of times that the worst one gives me a lot of eyestrain when I�m not wearing my glasses and all he says is that nearsighted people don�t get eyestrain. My glasses are -1.25 in one and -2.75 in the other eye. I�m wondering if I have something called convergence insufficiency which I read nearsighted people can get. Would that explain why I get eyestrain in just one eye? I don�t get the eyestrain when I�m wearing my glasses but as one eye is much better I don�t see so bad that I need them all the time.

Does anyone have any ideas please?

Rose 30 Mar 2009, 10:42

Thanks

Going for a full eye test pm today

Cactus jack 29 Mar 2009, 16:19

Rose,

To add to what Aubrac said, you may need a bit of additional plus for reading, so be sure and tell your optician what is happening, he may be able to help with that.

Cactus jack 29 Mar 2009, 16:18

Rose,

To add to what Aubrac said, you may need a bit of additional plus for reading, so be sure and tell your optician what is happening, he may be able to help with that.

Aubrac 29 Mar 2009, 16:11

Rose

CJ will probably give you a more technical explanation but I will give you some ideas.

My wife has the same thing, it is called 'accommodative esotropia', what the long words mean is simply that without sufficient plus correction for close work, your eye muscles simply can't cope with the attempt to focus on near objects, and one eye crosses.

When my wife is wearing her strongest glasses this does not happen, but when wearing a lower scrip she is happy with for full time wear, her right eye crosses to the centre when reading.

It means of course, that the brain rejects this image, and only processes the left eye image resulting in monocular vision, the equivalent of only seeing with only one eye.

It seems your eyes are still in a process of adjustment, wearing glasses full time will help you get towards your true prscription, and it will do no harmto wear computer glasses, as long as you are comfortable with them.

However, please tell your eye doc about the crossing next time you see him.

Rose 29 Mar 2009, 15:20

Cactus Jack

John wants to know why my right eye turns in a lot when I am reading?

Should I tell the optician ? What can they do to stop this ?

I have decided not to get trifocals this year as I can see so well with my 3 pairs of glasses and I don�t find it a problem changing them to read or use the computer.

Will it do my eyes any harm if I wear my computer glasses around the house as I can see to work on the computer a walk around the house as I seem to be able to see up to about 15feet away now. Last week things at that distance were a blur. ..

Cactus Jack 23 Mar 2009, 19:19

Rose,

I am very glad to hear that you are doing so well with your glasses. I seem to recall that it was only a few weeks ago that you were afraid to go pick up your glasses. I think John is a tremendous help and very supportive. I also think you have an exceptionally caring optician. You are exttemely fortunate in both instances.

Your Rx change for the reading glasses is very small and not at all surprising. They now have the same power as a +2.50 reading segment would have in bifocals. Which is nothing to get excited about. They should be very comfortable for reading at 16 inches or 40 cm.

BTW, it is a pleasure to be of help.

Rose 22 Mar 2009, 11:32

Cactus jack

I have had to buy a bigger handbag .

Just got back from the opticians I now have 3 pairs of glasses . You were right about be needing a pair of computer glasses, I have got them on now WOW what a difference. I have my other distance and reading glasses beside the computer.

The optician was very helpful when I told him the problems I was having, he did a quick check of my reading glasses and decided to change the right lens RX now Right eye +8.25 -3.00 180 ( is that a big change ) He has not charged me for this. He left my distance glasses as they were until I go back for the full check up in 8 weeks time unless I have problems before. He said it would not be a good idea to get trifocals yet ,as he thought I would need at least 2 more changes this year as for bifocals they would be useless as I would still need a 2nd pair I would have to decide

Ether to have reading glasses or computer glasses�

Thanks for all your help.

I went to make a coffee and John thought it great laugh when I took my computer glasses off and put my reading glasses on by mistake and walked straight in to him

Cactus jack 22 Mar 2009, 03:25

Rose,

I think it is very likely that your eyes are already changing and adapting to their new visual environment. I agree with your optician that you should wait for the suggested time interval for a new Rx or sooner if you get to where you are having difficulty functioning. Getting computer glasses should not require a new Rx because their Rx will be based on your distance Rx and the usual working distance from your eyes to the computer screen. If you will measure the distance, I can calculate the "add" and apply it to your distance Rx so you will have an idea of the Rx for the computer glasses. I will need your complete Rx (all the numbers).

You might also consider ordering some very inexpensive glasses from zennioptical.com, Zenni is very inexpensive in simple Rx, but they may not make an Rx as complex as yours. All you need is your complete Rx and your PD. If it is not listed on your Rx, I can tell you how to measure it or you can ask John to measure it. (how exciting) for you. I don't know Zenni's prices when shipping to the UK, but their price for single vision glasses is US$8.00 plus shipping if you pick the inexpensive frames. You really don't need anything fancy for the computer if you don't like them, it is no great loss.

Rose 22 Mar 2009, 00:15

Cactus Jack

Thanks that is a big help.

I sent a text to john to ask him what he thought I should do about your suggestions. He felt getting a 3rd pair for computer use would be the cheapest option as I might need new lens when I have a retest also if we went today I would have them straight away (I think he finds it Quaint and sexy me having to change glasses to read ).

It will be 3 weeks on Monday since I first got my GLASSES could my eyes be changing already? Reading my mobile text is not as easy this morning , Distance is still great.

John suggested we ask if they have any retro pink N H S glasses. I don�t know what are they like?

Cactus Jack 21 Mar 2009, 19:39

Rose,

Maybe I can help you understand a bit more about how glasses work. Remember what I said a while back about your eyes being simply biological cameras and like all cameras, they have an optical system your biological cameras actually include an autofocus system. Unfortunately, because of the large difference in the refractive power of your eyes, your autofocus system doesn't work very well - not an uncommon situation.

Most people don't realize that they have an autofocus system until they begin to develop presbyopia, then it comes as a great shock or surprise.

The first step in prescribing vision correction is to determine the lens power (your Rx) that neutralizes or cancels out your refractive error for distance. The next step is to find out if your autofocus system can supply the necessary plus addition need to focus at typical reading distance of 16 inches or 40 cm. The laws of optical physics says it requires +2.50 to focus at those distances. If your autofocus system is working well, it can supply the required +2.50 without apparent effort. If it can't supply the needed +2.50, some or all of it must be supplied by external lenses either as separate reading glasses like you have or by having a supplemental lens segment built into your glasses as bifocals. In your case, your reading glasses have -2.00 less sphere power which is the same as your distance glasses with a +2.00 add.

A +2.00 add will focus at approximately 20 inches or 50 cm. To focus closer, your autofocus system apparently can supply a small amount of additional plus. However, your autofocus system has no ability to supply any less plus than that required for clear distance vision with your glasses, so anything beyond 20 inches or 50 cm will be blurry. That includes John in the restaurant or your computer screen if it is more distant than 20 inches or 50 cm.

The solution may be a third pair of glasses with an Rx between your distance glasses and your reading glasses, but if having two pairs of glasses is a nuisance, three would be even worse. Thus, the reason to consider bifocals or trifocals.

If you decide to consider either bifocals or trifocals, I would not give any though to progressive lenses with your Rx. You probably need either Flat top 28 or 35 mm or even "executive" lenses where the segments go all the way across the lens.

While all this sounds complex, your optician should know what to do. If you decide you want to consider trifocals, measure the distance from your eyes to your computer screen so the intermediate segment can be the correct power.

One last thought. It is possible that your autofocus system doesn't function well because you haven't been using it. As you become accustomed to wearing your glasses, you may find that your autofocus system can in fact provide some of the focusing power required for near tasks and your need for reading glasses, bifocals, or trifocals diminishes. That occurs frequently in young people with simple myopia who have been able to read comfortably before they got glasses for distance. When they get glasses, their autofocus system has to go to work and it takes a few months for it to begin functioning properly. Until it does, they often have to wear bifocals.

I hope this help you understand a bit more about vision and vision correction.

Rose 21 Mar 2009, 15:59

I have now been wearing my glasses full time for 2 weeks now they have changed my life so much .

I have to put them on as soon as I wake, I can no longer manage without them

When I went to the restaurant with john I was very shy about taking my glasses off and putting reading glasses on ,but I was great to be able to read the menu but when I looked up Johns face was a blur

He is being a great help to me getting used to HAVING NOW to wear glasses.

Using the computer is a problem as I don�t know which pair to wear I keep changing from one pair to they other neither is very clear

Hi Wendy

I think it would be great to have a thread about hearing aids and glasses. How can we get one set up. How old are you .

I think you should go and get a hearing test if you are giving hearing aids it is up to if and when you wear them, you would at least have the choice of wearing them, you could find them such a help that you would wear them some times, without them you have no choice.I should have gone a long time ago to get glasses. But I meet john so that is good.

Cactus Jack

I live in UK

marsh 18 Mar 2009, 14:42

Hi Melyssa,

Whats up we dont hear from you much, Please post some more adventures.

later

Melyssa 18 Mar 2009, 12:55

Charlburt,

At my wedding my husband and I both wore our glasses, as we both wanted to see what was going on. :) Also, everyone knows (or knew) us, so it wouldn't have made sense to stumble around for vanity's sake. Neither one of us can wear contacts.

While I wore my white cat's-eyes with my entourage as I was preparing for the main event, I wore clear, plastic, unisex frames for the ceremony, the reception, and all of the photographs before and during them.

Izzy 18 Mar 2009, 12:14

Kamila -

My glasses are thick and heavy too, especially the left lens. My eye doctor says that my right eye is getting less nearsighted and the left is becoming more farsighted, if that makes sense. At sometime I may be farsighted in both.

Phil 17 Mar 2009, 08:48

Charlburt,

I think that a new pair of rimless specs would look stunning with a wedding dress. Go for it!

JR 17 Mar 2009, 08:44

Charlburt

Ask your future husband his choice.

Your pictures really should look like you as you are. Ether way, it is fun to look back in time.

Charlburt 17 Mar 2009, 07:38

White sounds nice, but I wear simple rimless frames. I could make it down the aisle without my glasses, but I would have a hard time making out faces in the crowd. Maybe that would be better -- I'd be less nervous! Not sure what to do about the photos.

minus5 who luvs gwgs 17 Mar 2009, 00:23

I know one lady who wore white framed glasses to go with her dress she looked HOT

Puffin 16 Mar 2009, 16:31

I'm told wearing a tiara helps. Perhaps because it's something else glinting and shiny on your head.

16 Mar 2009, 15:54

Charlburt: Melyssa is the person to advise you on this subject. Good luck!

Charlburt 16 Mar 2009, 15:47

What do you think of a bride wearing glasses in her wedding? I just don't know what to do. They just don't seem to go with the look.

Kamila 12 Mar 2009, 07:36

Cactus Jack,

My lenses are very thick, and heavy, and they are longing strange in compar with lenses in glasses others glasseswearers.

Kamila 12 Mar 2009, 07:30

Cactus Jack,

I don't know what mean 20 base out but I write it from my script before I got it for my optician. As smal child I had surgery for my strabismus, but it back again about 4 years ago, and I remember my oldest glasses had 15 base out, and on the last eye exam I got more + 0.50 in sphera for each eye. I think so I got much crosseyed when I got used to my current prescription.

Cactus Jack 12 Mar 2009, 07:18

Kamilla,

May I ask if the 20 diopters of Base Out prism is total or is it 20 in each eye? How has your Rx changed in the last 2 to 3 years.

Kamila 12 Mar 2009, 04:52

Hi all,

I'm here a new, but I wearing my glasses since I was small child. I'm longsighted and crosseyed, my current prescription RE +6.50x+2.50x170 and LE +7.00x+2.00x10 and I have 20 base out prism. Last Dezember I got new, my current prescription, but since I have this glasses my close vision is Ok, but My distance vision isn't very good. I want some advice, and how much my prism could increase? I'm 17 yo.

11 Mar 2009, 10:48

I've not actually received my specs yet! I've just gotten use to not seeing a great deal but I've always had people comment about how close I lean into my screen at work and I've even had to buy a beanbag so I can sit right infront of the TV at home, rather than back on the couch!!

I'm kinda looking forward to how my eyesight may change, and the different view I may get of the world! :P

andy 10 Mar 2009, 14:41

hey -0.75'er,

welcome to the club! I've a very similar pescription which I got 2 weeks ago - althought it is not considered strong it makes a significant difference when you put on glasses.

how do you feel about wearing glasses? I was a both shocked and excited when i discoveded i needed them.

I took them on holidays and wore them nearly full time - that got me used to them. it is weird when i look in the mirror and see how different i look.

i'm still a bit shy wearing them, now that i'm back from holidays, but i think i'll wear them out to the pub this friday and let everyone see them and try them on etc.

10 Mar 2009, 10:44

Hello, I just got my first ever glasses prescription of the following:

SPH:

R: -0.75

L: -0.75

CYL:

R: -0.75

L: -0.75

AXIS:

R: 82.5

L: 80

Apparently I'm to go back in 12 months rather than 24 because of (and I quote) "an unusual first time prescription". Does anyone have any idea what the different figures above mean, and what's so unusual about them?!

Cheers!

Cactus Jack 09 Mar 2009, 07:53

Pufffin,

I wear behind the ear hearing aids and the glasses go on first snd then the hearing aids. I don't notice either one unless I need a haircut when the glasses temmple arm traps hairs between it and my ear and causes irritation. I then know it is time for a visit to the barber shop. They still have those places in the US.

David Pet* 09 Mar 2009, 05:01

Puffin,

I wear the glasses arm closest to the head. However saying that, the frames i need to choose have very thin arms (as opposed to thicker plastic frames). Otherwise my ears would stick out too much. BTW my glasses Rx is only -2. I do however wear contacts as well.

Cactus Jack 09 Mar 2009, 02:34

Rose,

I noticed that the Department of Redundancy Department was in action in the 5th paragraph.

One someday is a long enough wait.

Cactus jack 09 Mar 2009, 02:29

Rose,

Typically, a person with what is called latent hyperopia in both eyes who gets say +2 glasses will have trouble with blurry distance vision until their lenses relax and then they will need a small increase to maybe +2.50 or +3.00 where their Rx will stabilize. This is caused by the constant focusing effort they had to make over the years to see clearly at any distance before they got their glasses.

I suspect your situation is different because you have likely been using your left nearsighted eye for most of your reading and close work so your right, very far sighted eye, has likely not even made much of an effort to try to focus close. Sort of an extreme case of what is called monovision where one eye has almost no Rx, which is used for distance and the other eye is somewhat near sighted and is used for close work. Lots of people do monovision on purpose with contact lenses to avoid bifocal glasses, but you need a fairly low natural or corrected Rx to do it.

You may not have much of a change from your lenses relaxing. However, there could be a change for what may seem like a strange reason to you. Eye exams are very subjective because the examiner can only get close to your Rx by using an auto-refractor or looking into your eyes with special instruments. They have to refine your Rx based on what you tell them you see as they try various lenses. They don't know what you actually see. Up to now, you have not had any experience seeing very well. As you become used to seeing things more clearly, you will do a better job, as a patient, of refining and perfecting your Rx in the exam. With your glasses, you are learning what things are really supposed to look like.

In your case, it could change a little in either direction or perhaps not at all. Some of your Rx is based on your personal preferences. Some people like their vision to be as sharp and clear as possible and others like their vision a little softer and fuzzier, which affects their Rx. I hope you discover the joys of sharp, effortless vision so you can take in the magnificent visual wonders of the world around you and that you soon stop worrying about your actual Rx. Glasses are just a tool to help you see better and they need to be the right tool for you as an individual.

Unfortunately, there is no way to study for an eye exam. Someday, I hope to write a book someday on that subject.

Ultimately, I think you should see an opthalmologist who specializes in internal contact lenses. You may not be able to wear regular external contacts, but there are special internal lenses that can be inserted through a very tiny incision in the side of the cornea that can correct most of the difference between your two eyes. The surgery is painless, takes only a few minutes, recovery is very fast, and the results are almost instantaneous. However, it is not inexpensive. You will likely still need glasses, but the Rx will be much lower and more balanced so your eyes can work together more easily. In some ways the procedure is similar to cataract surgery, which I have had, but simpler. Interestingly, the lenses can even be removed and changed if you need to.

May I ask where you live?

Rose 09 Mar 2009, 00:17

Cactus Jack

Do you think I will need stronger or weaker lens in 3 months.

Cactus Jack 08 Mar 2009, 21:35

Rose,

When a person is hyperopic, as you are in your right eye, and have never worn any correction, it is very likely that your ciliary muscles and crystaline lens have been trying to compensate. Now that you have glasses, your ciliary muscles and crystaline lens can relax and it will probably cause your Rx to change a little. A 3 month follow-up will make sure that your Rx is the best possible for you. Don't sweat it.

dada 08 Mar 2009, 16:11

yeah or...

why not chill out and let 'em talk

it's such a serious forum

08 Mar 2009, 15:36

As this is a newgroup about vision I think it would be very inappropriate to have a sub group about hearing aids. Why not start your own newsgroup outside of this site?

Rose 08 Mar 2009, 14:10

Why do you think i have to go back in 3 months for a re- test

Puffin 08 Mar 2009, 12:13

Here's a question for you glasses and hearing aids wearers. Which do you have closest to your head, the earpiece to glasses or the hearing aid? Is it uncomfortable with both stuck behind the ear?

Thor 08 Mar 2009, 09:52

Wendy, I agree with David. Hearing aids are no big deal really. You can get all sorts that go from fitting in your ear completely to sitting behind your ear. They really aren't noticeable at all. I've worn hearing aids for years. Plus if you have long hair, they're not visible at all as opposed to glasses, which sit right in front of your face -- the first thing anyone would notice usually.

Maybe we should have a thread here for hearing aids since this topic comes up every once and a while?

David Pet* 08 Mar 2009, 03:51

Wendy - it's not the same as ES but here is a link that could possibly help with your hearing concerns.

http://hohadvocates.org/wwwboard/index.php?bn=hohadvocates_hohconcerns

I discovered this site as i was in your shoes...now i wear my BTE's with pride for the past 3 years.

Cactus Jack 08 Mar 2009, 03:32

Rose,

First of all, you vision has not become worse by wearing glasses. Vision actually occurs in the brain your eyes are just biological cameras. Without correction, your brain has to work extra hard to try to create the best vision it can based on the images provided by your eyes. What has happened is that your brain is not having to work as hard to make sense of the world and is beginning to relax a little and it is liking it. That happens very fast, just as if you were trying to lift a heavy object and someone gives you some help. You like that immediately because you don't have to work as hard. If you stopped wearing your glasses, your brain would reluctantly go back to work, but it takes longer and it wouldn't like it much. Your brain is just as human as you are.

There may be some comments, but it is likely that they will be positive ones. It has likely been obvious to others, like your friend, that you were having vision problems, but they were too shy to offer help. You really can't hide a vision problem like yours. There will be some surprise that your vision problems are as significant as they are which will cause some questions like why can't you wear contacts, but bear with them, most will be delighted for you that finally got some help.

Decide to overcome your shyness and learn to meet other people. Finally, you seem to have been pleasantly surprised that at the reaction of the young man in the opticians shop. Expect more of that. Remember, in the long run, people care a lot more about what is inside you, your character and personality than they do about your glasses. If you don't make a big deal about your glasses, ultimately, they won't either. It is time that Rose, bloomed.

Good luck with your new friend. Keep us informed, we care.

Oops! Trifocals are similar to bifocals except the have, in addition to the reading segment, an intermediate power lens between the distance and reading lenses to help you focus on things about 20 to 30 inches away, if you need a strong reading lens.

Wendy 08 Mar 2009, 00:40

Rose

I know how you must feel I have a hearing problem and hate the idea of going for a hearing test as I don�t want to wear hearing aids

I think it would be worse to wear hearing aids than glasses,also there is no site like this to talk to people about my problem

I have worn strong glasses since I was 5 so they have always been a part of me.

Rose 08 Mar 2009, 00:27

I am a very shy person so I never went out much. I stayed at home to read and study,

I have avoided getting into situations where my vision would be a problem. For years I have not been to the cinema or night clubs. I normally walk to uni with a friend who lives in the next flat, she knows I have a problem seeing and a FEAR of wearing glasses, we both go to the same lectures so she gave me her notes to read and always wrote very large for me. I found that if I closed one eye I could read better and for TV I would close the other eye. I had not realised how much of a blur things were until I got my glasses .

Next week will be very hard for me as I go back to uni and will have to wear my glasses I now find after wearing them full time for a few days I can�t see without them. None of my fellow students have seen me wearing glasses so I think I will get a lot of nasty comments

When I take my distant glasses off to put my reading glasses on I feel blind Has my eyesight got worse? When I have my reading glasses on I can only see about 2 feet away

I have been looking at my prescription again as I can now see it .I got my reading bit wrong should have been

Right eye +7.75 -2.75 180 Left eye -3.00 -2.25 3 Not

Right eye +7.75 -2.75 180 Left eye -5.00 -2.25 3

I am going to go shopping today and having lunch with my new friend he told me to bring my reading glasses with me this time.

Izzy. What are trifocals ? Why do you need them ?

Cactus Jack 07 Mar 2009, 16:47

Rose,

I could be wrong, but I suspect they believe that your posts are a made up story and perhaps not true.

It is rather difficult for some of us, who understand optics and vision, to believe that you have managed to function needing that magnitude of vision correction without getting it long before now.

If you have reported your situation accurately, I sincerely hope that with vision correction, your life significantly improves.

If it is true, I believe many of us would appreciate learning how you managed all these years.

Rose 07 Mar 2009, 16:10

I'm sorry, whats that supposed to mean?

Robert 06 Mar 2009, 01:16

Rose

Nice story Rose, look forward to the next instalment, when's the film coming out?

Robert 05 Mar 2009, 12:39

Ted

Agreed - throw the bait out and see who takes it!!!

Fun for someone - sad for others - but who is who?

05 Mar 2009, 11:36

A -2.25 shouldn't make your eyes look small

Ted 05 Mar 2009, 09:44

Hook, Line, and Sinker.

Plus lover 05 Mar 2009, 07:30

Rose,

I lile to see your post... Maybe you agree with us now : girls with glasses are nice...

Even if you need a stronger prescription in a few months, maybe you will ask for only one pair of bifocals and thiner lenses.

Can you tell us what kind of frames you choose ?

I think you will not agree but : maybe some pics of your glasses ?

Thanks for reply and sorry for my poor english...

Julian 05 Mar 2009, 00:36

You see? Men DO make passes at girls who wear glasses!

Rose 04 Mar 2009, 23:37

I cant believe it IM WEARING GLASSES .

The lens are VERY different one is thick on the out side and flat at the front the other is thick on the nose side and VERY bowed at the front they are HEAVY.

BUT I CAN SEE.

.The right lens in my reading glasses is VERY THICK.

BUT I CAN READ

My right eye looks very large and my left eye looks very small

I can see bus numbers and TV text and im going out on a date tonight I have been told to wear my glasses.

Life is strange, I went to pick them up yesterday While I was seating waiting a young man came in to collect his glasses he sat next to me and we started to chat, It was his first pair of glasses as well, He said he was not looking forward to getting glasses, I said I hated the idea of having glasses .He then suggested we went and had a coffee together after we got our glasses ,Then HORRER he said we had both to keep our new glasses on , I did not like the idea but he was so good looking that I reluctantly agreed .He had his fitted first ,then it was my turn, my heart fell through the floor when I saw mine, they were thick and heavy ,I was just about to take them off before he could see me in them, when he told me to turn round as I had seen him in his it was now his turn to see me in mine. I was shocked when he said I looked nice. WOW I could see. He looked very sexy in his glasses .

Tell you more later getting ready to go out

Izzy 03 Mar 2009, 08:04

Phil

Yes I have an add for both eyes, same, +2.50 in each.

Rose

I do like the trifocals, they are absolutely necessary to see a computer monitor or the dashboard in the car.

My eyes do look different, one larger than the other, and the lenses look different as one is a lot thicker in the center. Both are thick on the outer edges as a result of the prisms, but the prisms correct double vision so I have to have them.

Phil 03 Mar 2009, 00:22

May, I've just bought a set of trial lenses and a trial frame. They are the best thing I've acquired for ages: such fun.

May 02 Mar 2009, 14:37

Amanda,

The second test sounds a lot like mine except I had to wear a trial frame with lenses in and look into the machine also. It seemed to go on forever but every change she made to the trial frame lenses and the machine made things visibly clearer. I was afraid I would end up with very strong glasses but luckily still in the mid range but its definitely on the way up. :( I love the sound of the lenses slotting into place in the trial frame though.

rose 02 Mar 2009, 14:00

Phil,

No not yet

Phil 02 Mar 2009, 10:19

Izzy, do you have the add for both eyes?

Rose, did you get them?

Rose 02 Mar 2009, 10:05

Hi Izzy,

Do you like your trifocals?

Do your lens look very different?

Do they make your yes look Different size?

Rose 01 Mar 2009, 16:11

I was going pick up my glasses today but i chickened out.May go tomorrow

Izzy 01 Mar 2009, 12:36

I, too am a student with 1 near and 1 far sighted eye. I've worn glasses for some time and bifocals for 5 years. I recently "graduated" to trifocals when my add increased.

My prescription is:

RE -2.25 -2.75 x10 10.0BO

LE +4.50 -3.00 x50 10.0BO

Add +2.50

I am 20 by the way

Andrew 28 Feb 2009, 11:45

Rose,

I hope you enjoy being able to see clearly again with your new glasses. I think you have made the right decision going for the cheaper lenses at this stage; if the optician wants to see you again in three months, you may well require a change of lens, and you may be better sticking with the ordinary lenses until your eyes settle down.

Rose 28 Feb 2009, 09:38

Had a phone call this morning. Glasses are ready

Amanda 28 Feb 2009, 01:04

Rose and May

I found you comments interesting about your doctor adding lenses at your exam.

I just went through two exams one week apart.

During the first part he used a machine that I looked into and there was a background that was nothing but a blur. The machine kind of clicked, and with each click things began the come into focus. Finally after many clicks the scene was a farm, with a little red tractor. The farm seemed to clear up first, and finally the tractor.

Then later in the exam. a device was placed in front of my eyes,and there was a chart on the wall, that was somewhat in focus, but he kept changing lenses, and asking me to compare one to another.It seemed to go on forever, but each lense made the chart, and different letter rows come in clearer.

When I got my first pair of glasses three years ago, that were only for night driving, I don't remember it to be such an ordeal.

My prescription is pretty strong now, and I need to wear glasses all the time now,so I assume this is what future exams will be like.

May 27 Feb 2009, 15:40

Rose,

I know what you mean re: strong lenses as I remember my last test, the optician kept adding and adding more lenses to the trial frame and I could feel the frame getting heavier on my nose. My prescription is +2.75 and +3.25 and she said to come back in 3 months to see how I settle in to the prescription as I may need more of an increase. I am lucky in that I can wear contacts as I find that the lenses would be too thick looking in glasses, but that is me being vain. Your prescription will make one eye big and the other small so I would save for the high index lenses. Good luck.

Hansel 27 Feb 2009, 15:14

Rose

With the prescription you have you the lenses will be thick.

In time I think you will be keen to save up for the thinner high index lenses, but I would guess that your eyes will need to settle down as yuo get used to your specs. The lens for a long sighted eye because of the different construction really benefits from the thinner material.

The cornea comment relates to the fact that as well as having the long/short sighted eyes, the cornea is knobbly or bumpy. This is referred to as astigmatism.

With a higher astigmatism count this is why the optician has responded that you aren't suitable for lens. However, technology is progressing all the time. There are "toric" lenses which are designed for the astigmatic eye. Although I have a reasonably strong astigmatism count, I have lenses, but they aren't torics, so it is not beyond bounds that you could find that yuo might be able to cope.

However you do have a complicated set of issues, and the suggestion that prisms might be needed could make the idea of lenses dodgy.

My daughter aged 14 was struggling with print and is slightly long sighted. However, a series of exercises designed to help her close focus recommended by the hospital has generally sorted this out. Occasionally I will suggest that she continues to work on these. It was suggested that the alternative would be prisms. Since you have the reading add, and the prism suggestion it might be worth asking about these.

As for the long/shortsighted eye..my wife has that so it's not unusual. Hope that some of the above is of some help!

All best

Hansel

Rose 27 Feb 2009, 14:39

Hi Hansel

I cant remember what my prescription was ,but I know I was told to wear them all the time, that is why I tore it up.

I�m getting very worried about having to wear them all the time and having to carry a second pair with me to read with, could I not wear my reading glasses all the time .

The main pair are gold oval frames my reading pair are round pink metal slightly larger ,I was told not to pick plastic frames as they would be to heavy with my lens in that�s why I am starting to worry what the lens will look like, I was too shocked at the opticians to think about the lens .

I have had a lot of reading to do today so I have bought a patch to wear it has been a help and have worn it all day ,it was the opticians idea. it has been much better I have no headache, so I am going to wear it all the time until I get my glasses.

I am starting to remember more things that the optician told me now as I am thinking about it all the time.

He said something about my corneas , that�s why I cant wear contacts also I might need to have prisms in my next pair I don�t know what they are or why I might need them.

Are there many people with one eye long sighted and the other short sighted

Hansel 27 Feb 2009, 12:29

Rose,

While you probably don't remember the details, what was the recommendation of the optician who gave you the prescription you tore up?

Did he recommend full time wear at that stage?

Aubrac 27 Feb 2009, 06:52

Rose

You certainly do have quite a difference of 11 dioptres between your eyes.

Sometimes lenses cannot be worn because either the tear response is low, i.e you have dry eyes and so contacts would become uncomfortable very quickly, or the cornea is quite flat which means lenses would tend to slip, and not stay in place.

You will notice a difference in appearance between your eyes, in that the right plus lens will make your eye appear a little larger, and the left minus lens will make it seem smaller. However, the use of high index lenses will minimise this, although even with normal index lenses, unless you have chosen a frame with large lenses, you may be the only to notice it.

You have a marked degree of astigmatism, the -2.75/-2,25 part of your prescription, that would make reading close up, and reading letters at distance very difficult.

I would think that without glasses, you find it difficult to see at any distance, especially as a student who must spend a lot of time reading.

Your glasses will take a few days to get used to, but I am sure you will be amazed at how good distance vision is , and how much easier it is to read.

The right choice of frames is important with such as prescription and after you have had a retest, I suggest you have a look at on-line retailers, who will be able to make up a pair of bifocals with thinner lenses at a reasonable cost.

It may have come as a bit of a shock, but if you read other peoples posts, you will see that it is not that unusual, and how everyone has come to accept their glasses and enjoy the better vision they give.

We all wish you well and hope to hear how you get on with your new glasses.

marsh 26 Feb 2009, 15:22

Yes, they will be nice and thick in plastic, at least they wont break. Good luck with them, dont worry you couldnt get the good ones, soon your boyfriend will, with that type of prescription you had to have serious visual and attitude adjustment problems, no you wont, you'll be fine and a NEW PERSON - and a better student with a good job -congratulations, marsh

Rose 26 Feb 2009, 14:45

Hi I�m a 21 year old student.

About 3 years ago I started having problems with my eyesight ,I went for a test and was told I needed glasses, I hated the idea of wearing glasses so I asked about contact lens I was told that I would not be able to wear them, something to do with my eyes, so I tore the prescription up as soon as I got home.

I think my sight must have been getting worse over the time ,but about 3 months ago I started getting very bad headaches and I could no longer see to read out of my Right eye so I had to keep it closed while reading ,I could not see bus numbers even when the bus had stopped and seeing the TV was a great problem , so I gave in and went for a eye test today.

I got a very big shock, the optician kept putting more and more lens in the trial glasses I was told I was long sighted in my Right eye and short sighted in my left eye. I was then given a hand held chart to read ,then more lens were put in until I could read the 3rd line from the bottom

The optician then told me I would need to have 2 pairs of glasses one to wear all the time the other for reading as he thought I would find it too hard to get used to bifocals to start with as there was a great difference in the prescription for my left end right eye.

He recommended I have high index lens but when he told me the price of the 2 pairs.

I said I could not afford them so he said he could fit standard plastic C 39 lens at nearly half the cost so I have settled on them. As I must return in 3 months for a retest.

MAIN PAIR

Right eye +5.75 -2.75 180

Left eye -5.25 -2.25 3

READING Glasses

Right eye +7.75 -2.75 180 Left eye -5.00 -2.25 3

I have no idea what all the numbers mean.

Will the lens look very different?

Will they be thick?

They will be ready next week

John S 26 Feb 2009, 10:52

I don't think it will be a night and day difference between you having the astigmatism correction. It will make a difference, but it varies among people.

Start at +2.00 from the store. If you need to adjust the reading distance, the smaller the number, the greater the reading distance (weaker). The higher the number, the closer the distance (stronger). Some people have several pairs depending on their vision needs for what distance they will be used for.

New Four Eyes 26 Feb 2009, 10:24

Advice please.

I never wore glasses, but at 47 find myself with short arms. I went for an exam and not surprisingly was told I need help reading. He had me read distance, and I could read the letters which were minimum for driving without correction. He then sharped those letters. So my distance vision isn't perfect but is good enough for driving. He wrote the following for me:

OD -.25 -.50 165 +2.25

OS -.50 -.25 15 +2.25

He suggested bifocals ($150 or so) or multifocals ($275 or so).

I know I need the reading help. Can I just get CVS readers ($10)? Which strength?

Will the distance correction make a difference or am I being oversold?

How bad is the astigmatism and will correction really make a difference? Do I need the astigmatism correction for both near and far?

If I get the glasses made up as he suggested and wear them as he says "till I get comfortable seeing through them" will I miss them if I don't wear them? Will I become dependent on them?

I've never worn glasses before so I just don't know what to expect.

Any advice from those with experience will be appreciated. Thank you

marie b 23 Feb 2009, 14:47

What would the prescription for just reading glasses be from the following? Also, I have +2.oo contacts that I use when going out for dinner or in situations where I don't want to wear glasses but need to see up close for extended periods. what prescription would I need to be able to wear glasses over the +2 contacts? Thanks.

OD -.25

OS +75

add 2.00

(astigmatism about 3.75 on each, but probably not needed for calculations)

Thank you for your assistance. I want to order glasses online for wearing over my contacts, and for reading. I am getting the regular bifocals at my optical place, as there is also a prism and I worry too complicated for not getting them in person. I will probably get the prism in the glasses for over the contacts, but since they're not the everyday glasses, exact isn't a necessity. Or is it? Thank you.

pdtp 18 Feb 2009, 05:41

@ aubrac: thanks for the explanation. you would't know of any online-thickness measurement? maybe someone knows what I'll have to expect...

Aubrac 17 Feb 2009, 09:47

gwgs

Prism in glasses can have a large effect on the thickness at the edge of the lenses.

Even low rx glasses with high prism will be quite thick and so thin lenses are often preferable.

gwgs 17 Feb 2009, 06:19

In my own opinion, I think you are going a bit over the top getting 1.6 index lenses for such a low prescription. I have a set of +3.5's that don't even show any relative thickness beyond the metal rimmed frames and these are in standard 1.5 index lenses.

This will simply be another expense for you - for which I am sure the optician is most grateful for - but they are going to be worn by you so it is obviously your decision.

pdpt 17 Feb 2009, 02:41

Yesterday I went to the optician. My old rx was +1.00 with 7 pdpt in each eye, now I got a new rx:

R: +1.5 -0.5 109 12pdpt b.a.

L: +1.5 -0.5 75 12pdpt b.a.

In my old glasses I had lenses with a 1.5 index, my new ones are gonna have a 1.6 index with thickness reduction (Zeiss lenses). What can I expect? My old glasses were on the edges about 0.9mm thick. Is the 1.6 index gonna do a big difference. After all my prism rx rose also quite a bit. Are my eyes already gonna seem to be cross-eyed behind the lenses? Anyone with similar amount of prisms?

Roy 16 Feb 2009, 12:33

Cactus,

Thanks very much for your advice which is very helpful and bang on target.

Cactus Jack 15 Feb 2009, 20:16

Roy,

Sounds like you have a rather complex Rx to solve a complex problem. To answer your questions:

An auto refractor measures the Rx one eye at a time and it only estimates Sphere and Cylinder. It does not measure prism.

Your varying double vision as you move your eyes to the side is reasonable. I wear more prism than you and I have noticed it.

It is likely that they did not adjust the PD inward enough to compensate for the Base Out Prism. The higher your Rx the more critical the location of the optical center of the lens. Ideally, the optical center should be coincident with your central axis of vision for the sharpest image. Making prism glasses seems to be an almost lost art. Be sure the lens makers and fitters understand and apply Prentece's Rule and that they adjust the PD in the glasses to put the "sweet spot" of the lens in the correct location on your axis of vision. The reason PD for bifocals is listed at two numbers is to adjust the OC inward in the reading segment a few mm to compensate for convergence while reading. When wearing prism, your eyes are converged as if you were reading even for distance so the distance PD needs to be reduced some and the reading PD more.

I am really surprised that you are wearing varifocals with such a complex Rx. I suggest you consider either 28 or 35 mm Flat Top Trifocals to give you a wide field of view. Executive Trifocals give the widest, but many people don't like the appearance unless their occupation demands it.

I suggest staying with your optican if possible, but be sure he/she understands and appreciates the problems you are having with the OC of the lenses. I suspect your glasses are not inexpensive. If they are not right, have them remade, but be sure to complain immediately.

Roy 15 Feb 2009, 07:22

I wonder if Cactus or anyone else can help with some queries about to my prescription. The prescription is:

Right -4.00 sph -1 cyl axis 85 prism 1.5 down, 10 out

Left -6.50 sph -0.5 cyl axis 90 prism 1.5 up, 7 out

Add 2.75

I am 61 and first had prism correction in my late teens after suffering double-vision. It took some time to get the prism correction right because my double-vision is not too bad when looking straight ahead but the two images spread further apart as I look left or right. The problem is that the double vision has been tested by seeing if a spot is above/below and left/right of a line, and adjusting the prism until they line up. This test is done looking straight ahead and I needed the prism increased to more than the test shows, to avoid double vision when looking to the sides. By my early 20s the prism was sorted out and I had no double vision with my glasses on. I have stayed with the same opticians most of the time since then and, when I have an eye test, they check with me that I have no double vision problems and leave the prism unchanged.

My optician is now moving to new premises with new staff and equipment and I am worried that they will want to re-test the prism and get it wrong. I have never had an eye test with an auto refractor. The questions are:-

Does an auto refractor measure the prism correction for double vision?

How common is it to have double vision that varies with the direction you are looking? How can the optician test for this?

I can get 20/30 to 20/20 visual acuity but I have noticed that I get the sharpest vision looking a few degrees away from straight-ahead. Is this due to the prism or is there something wrong with the lens manufacture?

The prism limits my choice of lens materials with the varifocals that I need. I can see distance and near OK, but there are large out-of focus areas at the bottom left and bottom right parts of the lenses and I have to have a separate pair for intermediate (computer) use. Can anyone recommend a good lens to try?

Sorry this is such a long post. Any suggestions would be gratefully received.

Need Advise 10 Feb 2009, 10:17

i know i have to get used to them, but can cope without, my distance is better, i can notice the difference when watching television, the main difference is when reading it is more comfortable

Cactus Jack 09 Feb 2009, 22:36

Need Advise,

You can fight it all you want to, but it won't change the outcome. You have actually been dependent on glasses for quite some time, but you just didn't acknowledge it. It is called Denial and it is not a river in Egypt. The vision problem isn't going away. The best thing is to learn to deal with it and then forget you even are wearing the glasses. Soon, you will notice when you are NOT wearing them rather than when you ARE wearing them.

Go way back to 2007 and read some of the very well written posts by Macrae on the Hyperopia and Presbyopia Progression Thread about his adventures with new glasses for hyperopia. All are informative and some are downright funny.

Welcome to the club.

eyespy 09 Feb 2009, 20:40

need advice

How are you finding your distance vision with your new glasses?

Need Advise 09 Feb 2009, 15:47

i got my glasses over the weekend, have worn them when i've needed them but not yet fulltime, guess maybe a little scared of being reliant on them but they certainly make a difference, things are of course uch clearer

Need Advise 04 Feb 2009, 16:24

i am male, i haven't been for an eyetest for over 4 years, seem to remember the doc saying i may need glasses when i'm older a few years ago, also i think i was given a prescription then but was very weak and didn't need glasses, i guess when i get glasses i will notice how bad my vision is without

Julian 04 Feb 2009, 11:53

NA: Sorry to keep on pestering you, BUT: you say you went for a test because it was due. Does this mean that you have had your eyes tested regularly during your teens, and if so when was your last test? It would be odd to develop that amount of BOTH hyperopia AND astigmatism in as little as two years.

Finally (I only ask because I want to know) are you male or female?

need advise 04 Feb 2009, 05:08

end of the week picking them up if ready

Sox 03 Feb 2009, 15:58

NA,

When are you getting the glasses?

need advice 03 Feb 2009, 14:34

thanks for the responses, i went for an eyexam as was due one, did have headaches but no idea how bad my vision is, i will keep you updated, is seems much harder to find out about longsight, there is more on myopia for some reason, and can i ask what prescription do most people go fulltime with longisight

Julian 03 Feb 2009, 08:16

need advise:

(by the way should it have been 'need advice'?) I just want to emphasize what Aubrac says and I said earlier without explaining properly: when you get your glasses you need to wear the full time, at least for a while. This is because you have a a lot of astigmatism, hence the big cylinder component in your prescription. This means that, because you have been compensating for your distorted vision, when you first put your glasses on everything is going to look distorted; and if you don't keep them on until you have learned to see things as they really are, you'll never get the benefit of them.

Concerning possible increases of the plus sphere in your Rx, if these occur it won't be your eyes getting worse, but latent hyperopia (long sight) becoming manifest as your eyes learn to relax and stop straining.

Do let us know how you go on.

Aubrac 03 Feb 2009, 02:00

Needadvise

I think you can see from all the posts that it's a good idea when you get your glasses to wear full time for a few weeks and then see how you feel about difference between wearing and not wearing in terms of both comfort and better vision.

As said earlier no one can predict yourn future needs but generally speaking you may need an increase in 12/24 months time after which your prescription could stabilise for many years. However it does also seem that fulltime wear for hyperopia results in a more stale prescription, whereas intermittent wear results in more increases.

Let us know how you get on.

As an aside I remember when aged 14 at school I had a friend who was shotsighted (about -3.00 from memory of what his glasses were like) but who refused to wear them. His brother was two years older and one day arrived at school sporting a pair of possibly +4 glasses which he joked about because they made his eyes look so big, he then went fulltime straightaway.

Puffin 02 Feb 2009, 18:02

need advise, what prompted you to go to the eyedoc in the first place, was it headaches, or not being able to see clearly?

John S 02 Feb 2009, 16:44

Actually, I didn't get glasses till I was 17. I knew I needed them earlier.

My rx was bifocals with an a +2.00 add. That creeped up a little by the time I was 30 to +2.50. For normal reading it is still +2.50. My first distance was +1.00, now +1.00 -50, +1.25 -50. I don't consider that much of a change.

Sox 02 Feb 2009, 15:09

John S,

The same for 40 years? Not even bifocals?

John S 02 Feb 2009, 13:10

need advise: I think once you get used to your new glasses, you will wear them most of the time. The combination of the corrections you need will make a big difference. It might take you a few weeks to get used to them. Make an effort to wear them as much as you can, for that time. Make your decision on how much you would like to wear them after that break-in period.

As far as your prescription changing, most plus RXs will increase a few times in the first few years, them level off. I am the exception, mine has stayed about the same since I was 13, 40 years ago...

need advise 02 Feb 2009, 09:14

she asked me what i thought of getting glasses, i wasn't enthuasiastic but have ordered them, i don't think my vision is too bad, it was a local private optomotrists,thanks for all the replies, i wish she was more honest with me and said i need them, and whether fulltime etc, and how bad will my vision get in your opinions

Julian 02 Feb 2009, 07:10

need advise: I'm surprised your eye doc said it was up to you whether you get glasses. While in a way that's always true (no one can compel you unless of course you can't see to drive) I'd have expected her to stress that glasses will improve your vision and relieve the headaches. I'd say get them (if you haven't already) and wear them; they'll take a bit of getting used to but before long you'll be enjoying the benefit.

Aubrac 02 Feb 2009, 06:21

Need Advise

It is very difficult to crystal ball the future as everyone is different. However, with myopia, especially when doing a lot of close work like reading, does tend to continually worsen until about 30 years. Whereas hyperopia does tend to stabilise earlier and then worsen after 40.

Lasik may be possible but is more difficult with a higher rate of astigmatism. You may still also need glasses, especially for reading in the future.

As these are your first glasses, I am suprised the eye doc said to wait a full two years which is the normal period between tests. Most hyperopes need a prescription change within a year after their first exam and after this it may stabilise, another reason why early lasik may not work so well.

I know it costs, but before you do anything, I'd suggest you have a test with an optometrist and see if the results are the same. May I ask which optical store you went to?

need adivse 02 Feb 2009, 05:10

the eyedoc said it was an unusual first rx, i was due an eyexam and have had headaches. i am in uk and studying. is longsight like myopia where it carries on increasing till mid 20s, is laser/lasik possible? the doc said it was up to me whether to get glasses and said i don't need to go back for 2 years, any reason why she said this

Aubrac 02 Feb 2009, 01:54

Need Advise

Can I ask what prompted you to have an eye test?

From your prescription, I would think you may have had problems reading and possibly headaches. How is your distance vision, and is it good enough for driving.

As Cactus Jack said, it is quite an unusual first prescription and only you can decide what to do. However, would suggest you try full time wear for a few days as it would take this time to get used to your new glasses.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Cactus Jack 01 Feb 2009, 16:34

need advise,

That is a very unusual first Rx. It is amazing that you have been able to function without correction. The eyedoc was right that the astigmatism partially cancelled out the sphere correction but that amount of astigmatism makes it very difficult to see anything clearly at any distance. I think you will find it much more comfortable wearing the glasses than not wearing them, but only you can judge that.

Will your prescription change? It is likely that the sphere will increase a little as your internal focusing muscles relax and grow accustomed to not having to work as hard to keep things in focus. I suggest that you might want to go back for a re-check in a few months and possible adjustment to your Rx.

May I ask where you live and your occupation?

need advise 01 Feb 2009, 13:04

hi. i am new here, and need some advise, i got prescribed glasses last week for first time, didn't realise my vision was so bad, my prescription is

r- sph +3.25 cyl -2.00 axis 5

l- spg +2.25 cyl -2.25 axis 1.50

i have little idea what all this means, eyedoc said to wear when i need them, but this seems quite strong, doc also said the astigmatism balances the far sight out a bit, what does this mean?i am 21 so will my eyes get worse, should i wear always etc

Cactus Jack 23 Jan 2009, 06:50

Sus,

A +2.50 Add or +2.50 in addition to your distance correction is typical for a person your age with limied remaining accommodation. The amount of plus you need for close vision is very much a function of how close you like to read.

+2.50 focuses images at about 16 inches or 40 cm which is typical reading distance. If you like to read closer (such as in bed) or you need to read print smaller than normal news print or book print, you may need a little more than +2.50. It is rare for the need to go higher thatn +3.25 or +3.50 unless there are other vision problems than simple presbyopia.

Sus 23 Jan 2009, 06:35

is +5 about average for reading glasses for someone my age (49) or as my friend said, strong. I know they make my eyes look huge with them on

Thanks for all the replies, it was helpful

Cactus Jack 23 Jan 2009, 04:41

Leo,

That question is almost impossible to answer. There are simply too many variables and unknowns that enter into the matter for plus glasses. The only way to tell is with an eye exam and even that, surprisingly, can have unknowns and variables. If you read the posts on the several threads for hyperopia and presbyopia, you will find that most new plus glasses wearers will have to be re-examined after a few months to adjust their Rx for good distance vision.

Sorry about that.

Leo 22 Jan 2009, 03:55

Hi, not sure if this is the right thread... In the UK, if someone with plus glasses was just under the legal limit to drive with correction, what is their rx likely to be?? Thanks a lot all.

Like Lenses 21 Jan 2009, 12:19

hsparent

Your daughters prescription includes -.75 cyl. for each eye,and that is a contact lens prescription, glasses would most likely be a bit stronger. Cylinder corrections are to correct astigmatism, which means that vision at all distances are not clear without the lenses.

Most doctors recommend full time wear if astigmatism is .75 or more in the better eye.

Since she is wearing contacts, she is getting used to the prescription, and will have very blurred vision without them.

Her uncorrected vision is probably about 20/150.

She probably should have a pair of glasses as a backup, and also to give her eyes a break from the contacts.

At 14 her prescription will certainly increase, perhaps even in the next six months.But farsighted people usually do not increase as much, or as often as nearsighted people do.

Slit 21 Jan 2009, 09:44

Sus,

I believe Cactus J gave a good explanation of the things.

Best wishes for the perfect fitting pair of glasses!

Cactus Jack 21 Jan 2009, 06:53

Sus,

It appears to me that your new Rx is

R +2.50, -0.25 x 70

L +2.50, -0.50 x 64

That is your Distance Rx. It just increased a little from 2003.

For bifocals, a +2.50 add would included

For stand alone reading glasses the Rx would be

R +5.00, =0.25 x 70

L +5.00, -0.50 x 64

Notice that the reading glasses have the same optical power as the reading portion of the bifocals and the cylinder and axis is the same for all glasses.

Don't worry about the missing decimal point in the Rx you were given. In some countries, it is traditional to not include the decimal point. I can assure you that a lens maker anywhere in the world would understand either way of writing the Rx.

Also, don't worry about the apparent decrease in the add. The absolute power of your old reading segment was +4.75 (+1.75 plus +3.00) so you had a slight increase there.

None of this is unusual. Enjoy your new glasses.

Katy 21 Jan 2009, 06:05

Sus - I think the +5.00 (with the cylinder) is your total prescription for near, because it is written as a complete prescription. If it was a reading add, it would just be written as +5.00. So your reading add is +2.50 for both eyes.

Sus 21 Jan 2009, 00:53

had glasses since i was a teenager but now 49 and not had my eyes tested since 2003 when prescription was

R+1.75 L+1.75 with an add of +3 for close work. Have always needed quite strong glasses for close work slit, but not sure how my new rx works

Slit 21 Jan 2009, 00:42

Hi Sus,

well this is a bit unclear whether your near prescription is

a) +2.5 add +2.5 => which gives a net near rx of +5

b) Distance +2.5 add +5 => which gives a total of +7.5, which is pretty strong.

Is this your first glasses?

How old are you now and what are the reasons that drive you to get glasses? (blurriness, headaches etc?)

Sus 20 Jan 2009, 23:41

my Prescription is R+250 -25 x 70

L+250 -50 x64 With a near prescription of R+5.00 -25 x70 L+5.00 -50 x64

Can someone explain all the numbers to me please. And my friend said if i just want to order new reading glasses, they would be the sum of my distance rx and my reading rx added together, is this correct, because that would make my reading glasses very strong, i know i dont see good close but dont think they that bad.

glad of any replies

r 20 Jan 2009, 16:03

hsparent: On glasses in addition to contacts, I would say yes. On how often she should wear the contacts, that would be something to discuss with the doctor.

hsparent 20 Jan 2009, 14:35

My daughter was recently perscribed contacts with the perscription sph+0.75 cyl-0.75. She is a first-time wearer age 14. Should we get her glasses as well. How often should she wear her contacts, school, sports, tv, reading, etc. Should we be worried that her eyes will worsen with age?

Andrew 19 Jan 2009, 10:51

My glasses Rx contains -1.25 and -0.75 of cylinder correction for astigmatism, but I am still able to function perfectly well without toric contacts, although I can now see better with glasses than contacts (it used to be the other way round as the contacts were closer to my eye, and I had little astigmatism).

Hope this is of some help. Toric lenses are also much more expensive!

Aubrac 19 Jan 2009, 05:12

Slightly myopic

Contact lens prescriptions are often about .50 less than glasses because the lens is closer to the eye and so the amount of correction needed is not so great.

If you like lenses, the best solution is bi-focal contacts however the -1.00 cylinder correction for astigmatism cannot be supplied with bi-focals as far as I am aware, and without this there would still be lack of clarity for reading and distance.

You could buy on-line toric lenses with a -1.00 sphere, and your cylinder correction, this should make distance pretty good, and you may still be able read well excdpt for very small print.

At 54 though, your reading add will probably increase and so this will only be a short term measure.

"slightly myopic" 16 Jan 2009, 00:43

Hi all,

I'm slightly myopic, (aged 54) my normal prescription is L-1.75D-1.0Dx110, R-1.75D-1.00Dx55, I wear my glasses probably 90% of the time, mostly for watching TV and driving, they're no good for the computer or reading so I have to get fairly close to see properly.

Just out of interest, I tried a pair of soft contact lens I got off my mate which were only 0.50D I was amazed at how good the correction was even though they were no where near my prescription. OK, the vision wasn't perfect but certainly a much bigger improvement than without.

Can anyone explain why this is? Do you need less correction with contact lens? Is it partly because they are directly on the eye compared to a normal lens? How much difference in strength do they exhibit? Can anyone suggest what strength I would ideally require for proper correction?

I found them very comfortable, I might consider getting some for occasional use. I did notice that with the lens I could see the computer screen very well and read at normal distance too. When I put my glasses on with the lens in I could see perfectly well in the distance although bot quite as well as with glasses only, the combined correction was a bit too strong.

Thanks.

London 14 Jan 2009, 15:33

If Hyperfan's wife gets the +1.50 reading glasses she will probably love the brightness of the print and prefer them to the improved vision she gets from the progressives with the weaker add, but she will likely need an even stronger add within 6 months. Aubrac is right! I am guessing she can actually read ok now without the glasses and they just make it a bit easier. Within a year she will need her glasses for anything but larger blacker print. Others agree? Good luck

Aubrac 14 Jan 2009, 01:18

Hyperfan

I'd suggest just letting her get on with the progressives and try full-time wear.

If she has another pair of glasses to wear and is swapping between them, she might get frustrated and stop wearing them.

May I ask what age she is? If this is her first pair she may well need another +.50 in the next six months and another +.50 within another year.

Guest 13 Jan 2009, 22:58

Congratulations hyperfan. Did she wear glasses before for the distance RX or is this completely new? How much is she currently wearing them?

Hyperfan 13 Jan 2009, 06:36

My wife got her first progressive lenses : R = -0,50 add 1,25 L = -0,50 (-0,25 at 75�) add 1,25.

I told her to have also glasses for reading : do you think her RX will increase if she wears +1,50 reading glasses ?

Thanks.

DWV 13 Jan 2009, 00:01

Barbara:

You should consider getting trifocals or progressive lenses with an add that big. You may find that the reading portion of bifocals is too strong to see the computer screen clearly, while the distance section may give you eyestrain. The problem with progressive lenses is that there will be a fairly narrow corridor of clear vision as the power changes through intermediate to near. Maybe the optician or eye doc can provide a demo lens to show how that will work for you.

Like Lenses 12 Jan 2009, 18:20

Barbara,

Ask your optometrist what your uncorrected vision is. My guess is that it is around 20/80, which would certainly be required for driving, as most countries require at least 20/40 or better.

You will most likely want to wear them full time.

Willy 12 Jan 2009, 12:59

Barbara -- It is a bit uncommon to have a first prescription with an add of over +2. Part of the reason for this is that usually someone with that degree of add will have had even more difficulty reading than you have experienced. In your case, however, your mild myopia to some extent compensates for the need for the reading glasses -- netted out, your near prescription is about +1.5 to +1.75 which is a very common prescription for first reading glasses. When wearing your distance prescription, however, you will find it very difficult, if not impossible, to read without the near add. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Clare 12 Jan 2009, 12:09

Barbara - I don't have an add so can only comment on the minus/cyl elements of your prescription. I'd guess that you are close to the limit on the DVLA (if you're in the UK) restriction on driving which, i think, is 20/40. I'd guess your uncorrected distance vision would be close to that. I'm sure you'll welcome the extra distance correction so enjoy!

Barbara 12 Jan 2009, 11:18

I knew I needed reading glasses and at 44 finally decided to bite the bullet and get an exam. Here is the result:

OD: -.50 -.50 150 +2.25

OS: -.75 +2.25

How does that stand as a first pair? I didn't know that I was nearsighted and am anxiously waiting to get the glasses to see what difference they will make. I read ok now, but with difficulty mostly in low light. Will the -.50 150 make much of a difference? Was really surprised to start with bifocals! Will I expect to need them to drive/can I expect to have a restriction on my license? Thanks.

Guest 09 Jan 2009, 15:58

Otto

I have no knowledge but wonder if the -1.25 eye would compensate but then maybe the difference as you say would make it too complicated.

Melinda let us know!

OttO 09 Jan 2009, 10:21

Melinda: Please remember that its always up to the wearer as to how much or how little to wear their glasses. No rules. Lots of people start out part time and then move to full time wear. My guess is that given the discrepancy in lens strength and the fact that one eye needs -3, it won't take your daughter very long, once she becomes accustomed to the glasses, to decide on full time wear.

antonio 09 Jan 2009, 07:36

it´s not impossible that her bad eye shuts off and stops looking as it´s giving her a worse image.

But whether this really happens, I can´t say.

Probably it would be better to wear them at least part time, and not only for driving,

best regards, antonio

Melinda 09 Jan 2009, 07:02

Does anyone have an idea what the recommendation would be for a prescription of -1.25 for one eye and -3 for the other?

My daughter has just been given this prescription after failing her driving test. Should she just wear it to drive or should she wear it full time given that there seems to be quite a big difference between the two eyes? Is there any risk that not wearing them could mean the worse eye deteriorates or shuts off?

Thanks

Cactus Jack 02 Jan 2009, 03:59

Guest,

There can be several reasons, but unfortunately, there is no way to tell from your description. You could be a little farsighted, or have some astigmatism, or even some early presbyopia and they require different solutions. The very best thing to do is get an eye exam to find out exactly the problem. If you decide not to get an exam (bad idea) you might try some low power (+1.00 or +1.25) over the counter reading glasses to see if they make any difference.

Guest 01 Jan 2009, 22:08

hey,

I am 18 year old, and have been complaining of tired eyes on the computer or while working. Also after working for a few hours on a test for example, or when really tired, ?I have trouble going from near vision to distance vision. It takes my eyes a few seconds to adjust. Any idea as to what it could be?

Cactus Jack 22 Dec 2008, 19:34

andrew20,

If you want to try some Rx computer glasses, we can help you adjust the Rx for that purpose. They could also be ordered online.

If you want to, measure your normal working distance from your eyes to the screen and let us know what it is.

andrew20 22 Dec 2008, 14:06

i had the eye test because i was getting headaches whilst at the computer. optician said probably cause i wasnt taking enough breaks, which i can understand.

like you say getting some cheapos off the internet maybe the answer, see if they make a difference.

im 20 and in the uk, thanks all

Buck 22 Dec 2008, 12:05

Andrew20

Could be you're eyes are working so hard to see the computer all day and are trying to adapt to soooo much close work.

Maybe you need a mild reading correction to take the strain off and therefore, the need to compensate.

Try picking up a pair of the lowest reading strength glasses at the drugstore. Probably +1.00. See if that makes computer work easier and your very mild minus need goes away.

russell 22 Dec 2008, 11:17

Andrew20...you don't say why you decided to get an eye exam, but if the correction prescribed was that mild, I suspect you got the exam because you want glasses. If that is the case, then you should definitely get the prescription made up and wear the glasses. And if you wear them full time, your friends and family will quickly get used to seeing you in glasses (and assume that you are blind without them.) Most people have no idea how to gauge how strong glasses are by just looking at them--and most people will try on a pair of glasses and say something like, "Wow! These are strong!," even if the glasses have no correction in them. I think it is because many people are embarrassed at the thought that they might need glasses. The gist of all this: get your glasses, wear 'em, enjoy em! And Claire is right: a lot of girls and guys like the way a guy looks in glasses.

Clare 22 Dec 2008, 09:39

Andrew 20 - I guess if you'd like glasses then you should get them. You may not notice an enormous amount of difference than without them but if you like the way you could look in glasses - and a lot of girls* like a guy in glasses - then go for it!

* and boys of course!

Cactus Jack 22 Dec 2008, 06:34

Andrew20,

That is a very low Rx. Because of your work, the astigmatism in your left eye could be slightly annoying. The only real way to tell is to get some glasses and see if they make your work easier. I would suggest getting some low cost glasses online from someone like Zenni Optical as a trial. Let us know if you need help ordering with such things as Pupilary Distance (PD).

May I ask your age and where you live.

andrew20 22 Dec 2008, 04:34

Hi, got my first eye test a couple of weeks ago, this is the prescription. He said i didnt need glasses. Reading this thread, there seems to be a a fair few people with similar prescriptions who wear glasses all the time. i am a web designer so wonder if it would make a difference seem as though i am at a computer 10hrs+ a day, thanks

Right:

Sphere -0.25

Left:

Sphere -0.25

Cyl +0.25

Axis 140

ROCKYJJ 09 Dec 2008, 11:41

new glasses rx

od -13.50 x -1.50 x 68

os -12.00 x -1.50 x 86

SoCal 08 Dec 2008, 19:02

Just ordered my new glasses and I can't wait till they come in!

sam 07 Dec 2008, 05:36

i got new glasse -2 -1 astig +2 add and they are 5mm thick they look like coke bottles is that normal they are poly lenses can only see about 13 inches before things get blurry

Eyespy 06 Dec 2008, 07:19

Erik

Your eyes shouldn't get too much worse at your age although full time wear will make your eyes crave correction so you will notice the difference more. Have your friends and family remarked on your new glasses?

Erik 06 Dec 2008, 04:21

Hello

I have my new prescription and i wearing them fulltime since yesterday. I feel the difference.

Will my eyes get worser in the future?

Greetz

Erik

russell 05 Dec 2008, 05:23

Erik...yes! Wear them full time.

Erik 04 Dec 2008, 07:57

Hoi

tomorrow will my optician put a new prescription in my glasses.

My old prescription is -1,25 and -1,75

My new prescription is -1,75 and -2,25

I'm 35 years old. When will my eyes be stable?

And di i have to wear my glasses fulltime? Now i'm wearing my glasses 80-90% of the time.

Greetz

Erik

Julian 28 Nov 2008, 05:52

Derek: given the Rx you quoted on 4 November, it's not surprising your glasses improve your distance vision. On the other hand, given that you're 54, it is surprising that your optometrist didn't check your near and intermediate vision! Apparently you read OK bareyed in spite of a whole dioptre of astigmatism; but you clearly need a lower Rx for the computer. Bi- or trifocals, or of course progressives, are the next step, maybe pretty soon, though as Sam says, pushing your specs down your nose a bit should help to be going on with.

sam12744 28 Nov 2008, 04:23

Derek,

Try sliding them down your nose a little, when using the computer. Assuming they are minus lenses,that should bring the screen into focus.

Derek 28 Nov 2008, 01:54

Havn't had a chance to post on here for a while but I thought I'd just tell you how I got on with the new glasses which I collected a couple of weeks ago...

They certainly make quite a difference, I didn't realise how much I couldn't see before without them. I already seem to be wearing them almost all the time except for reading, they're useless for that. My problem now is that I can't see the PC screen with them on or off, have to get quite close without them and can't see it clearly with them on, what's that all about? Otherwise they make my eyesight fantastically crisp and clear for distance.

Derek.

Hmm 11 Nov 2008, 09:40

Ted 02 Nov 2008, 08:45

Having to stop now so I can make up more of the story.LOL.

Like Lenses 11 Nov 2008, 00:32

Or Jo's new lenses are so strong that the print here is not readable.

Puffin 10 Nov 2008, 14:18

yes, probably too busy saying "ooh look at that!"

Hansel 10 Nov 2008, 12:47

Obviously Jo is having so much fun seeing the world around her that she hasn't got round to enlightening those who offered suggestions and advice.

Phil 07 Nov 2008, 02:04

Have you collected them Jo?

Hansel 06 Nov 2008, 12:58

Haven't been on the site much this week...too much work, :-(.

So, Jo, any news to report, how is your view of the world now?

ehpc 05 Nov 2008, 18:23

A woman with cool ideas about glasses Melyssa:)Big and bold is beautiful:)

Melyssa 05 Nov 2008, 12:43

Pete,

I also got a new pair of black frames, large of course, flat along the top-front and most of the side-front before curving in. A friend of mine bought wide-side frames a few months ago but she will not wear them while driving as they hinder her side vision. And there isn't a frame like that big enough to fit me (read: lenses at least 2 inches in diameter).

ehpc 04 Nov 2008, 13:02

COOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL :) And nice and big too, I take it? :) And, of course, you do have several pairs of black rectangular plastic frames with wide sides:) ????? Pete

Melyssa 04 Nov 2008, 12:42

ehpc,

Those might be the SECOND worst. Had they been black plastic on top and metal the rest of the way, like 90-year-olds in the U.S. have worn, then they would be "first worst." My latest hot pair is a blue/purple "split-temple" frame.

Aubrac 04 Nov 2008, 10:10

Derek

Your prescription would generally be considered quite strong and I think you'll be amazed at how clear everything will be with glasses.

At 54 though you might find reading with glasses difficult.

Let us know how you get on.

Dieter 04 Nov 2008, 08:29

Your absolutely right, Phil. Neither of them would come close to passing a vision test for driving.

Phil 04 Nov 2008, 05:05

Isn't Jo's quite a hefty rx for a first-time glasses wearer too? I suspect that most myopic people get prescribed correction for the first time at below -2. But I may be wrong. In any event I'm pretty sure that neither Derek nor Jo should be driving without glasses.

Dieter 04 Nov 2008, 04:46

If Derek's + is reversed, his prescription is -2.50 -1.00, -2.50 -1.00. It is then very close to Jo's. A little less sphere, a little more cylinder.

Derek 04 Nov 2008, 04:09

Phill,

Well not knowing much about prescriptions and lens power strengths I didn't realise it was that strong, I just assumed it was fairly weak as I can see most things OK, I just cant see all the detail without screwing my eyes up!

Derek

Phil 04 Nov 2008, 01:07

Gosh Derek. That's a strong first prescription! Can anyone here beat that? I was -2 when I first got glasses and the optician was horrified that I had been driving without correction.

Derek 04 Nov 2008, 00:57

Hi everyone,

I'm new on here, having just read the story of Jo and her eyesight problems I thought I'd report my story!

Due to a recent change of job (which involves driving) and the resulting medical exam I was sent to the opticians for a test. I did have an idea that I was very slightly short sighted but I've always seemed to manage OK so have never bothered to have a test....I'm 54 by the way and have never had an eye test before except back in school days.

Anyway, I came away from the opticians

with a prescription and the advice that I do need glasses as I'm short sighted. Here's the details:

L -3.50 +1.00 x 110, R -3.50 +1.00 x 55

The optician suggested I choose some frames straight away, she said I would probably find such a massive difference that I would probably end up wearing them full time. This was quite a shock to me as I thought I was only very slightly short sighted, usually squinting makes a big improvement for me.

I chose some frames, I'm just waiting for them now, should be ready on Friday. Then I suppose I'll find out what difference they make and wether or not I will wear them. I must admit I'm not convinced I will need them or wear them full time.

I'll let you know how I get on with them,

Cheers,

Derek

Puffin 03 Nov 2008, 17:55

Will,

On the basis that the optician is trying to correct unbalanced vision, the answer is yes, depending to an extent on the personal opinion of the optician involved and perhaps whether your gf is having any problems converging, double vision, etc.

ehpc 03 Nov 2008, 16:31

Melyssa, those are the worst glasses imaginable - the 1950s Church of England clergyman look. But I know you have many HOT HOT HOT pairs now:) Pete

Will 03 Nov 2008, 13:59

Interested in Puffin's comment about the eye dr usually recommending on the worse eye. My gf is -2 and -2.75 would the eye dr recommends she wear it fulltime because of the -2.75?

Melyssa 03 Nov 2008, 13:56

Jo,

The first pair I ever had (when I was 8) looked like these: http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2007/09/26/fashion/thursdaystyles/20070927POINTS_index.html?adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1225749023-Zkxr1iAtW2Xua0kmRllmsQ

There wasn't much to choose from all those decades ago.

I was quite reluctant to wear them, especially in school at first, but with a couple of classmates already wearing glasses I was able to handle the situation. Of course, that one day when I forgot to take them off at lunchtime and I saw what was served to us; well, other than getting an up-close view of something I did not want to touch, my glasses (30 pairs now) have always been a huge help to my vision.

So as long as you have friends or close family members who wear glasses, they can help you get over the fear of wearing them in public.

Phil 03 Nov 2008, 08:02

Oh Laura! You should have. A bride or bridesmaid in specs is just perfection for us gwg-loving chaps! I hope you enjoyed the wedding!

Laura 03 Nov 2008, 07:18

Hi,

Mainly wearing the glasses. 90% of the time I would say. Didnt to a wedding on Saturday where I was bridesmaid though.

OnLooker 03 Nov 2008, 06:18

Very nice frames Laura, what RX are you? I just love this type of frames they are so visible and they do enhance personality, beauty... They are also so sexy and hot...for us GWG lovers...

Phil 03 Nov 2008, 03:20

Are you wearing glasses fulltime now Laura?

Laura 03 Nov 2008, 03:16

Jo: I got 2 pairs - links below to them.

http://www.specsavers.co.uk/glasses/designer-glasses/th23

http://www.specsavers.co.uk/glasses/designer-glasses/th06

I can only say well done for getting your eyes checked and knowing the difference I can see with my prescription I can imagine you will notice a massive improvement.

I thought I wont wear them much, only wear them in private etc but being able to see properly is so important and I just love my glasses now.

Let us know how it all goes.

Phil 03 Nov 2008, 02:03

Sorry Jo: just re-read your post in which you reveal the frames you chose! You must be so excited about picking them up: everything will seem so clear.

Phil 03 Nov 2008, 01:06

Wow Jo. What an eyetest! And what a significant first prescription. Just as I predicted, you'll be a gwg by the end of the week. And a fulltimer soon I bet. What frames did you choose?

Slit 02 Nov 2008, 18:17

Hi GG,

How are you doing?

Is the new bifocals supporting you well with your daily work?

Did you finish your exams?

Here in Sri Lanka, the glasses and frames come at a very low cost compared to Europe and US, so a person who have to wear prescription glasses have the opportunity t try out several fashionable frames due to high affordability!

But sadly the girls here seems to have not got a great fashion sense for glasses. :-(

Puffin 02 Nov 2008, 15:00

This will probably make little difference to whatever the optician recommends to you - they usually go with the worse eye when making recommendations. He would probably recommend fulltime wear but it is up to you if you want to listen to him.

Some people go around for a while in a sort of halfway house with such a prescription, wearing them or not as the situation demands. Often what happens is such people end up preferring the clear view of the world and end up going full time after a bit anyway - something like that, anyway.

Jo 02 Nov 2008, 13:32

Just looking back over the thread I see I made a mistake with the numbers My left eye is - 2.25 -50. Does that mean I won't need to wear them full time as you suggested?

dan 02 Nov 2008, 13:06

Alice,

My girlfriend has -1.25 in both eyes and she wears contacts full time because it's more convenient and she hates not being able to see clearly. Her doctor said she doesn't have to wear them all the time but I guess it's all really a personal preference.

I have -.50 and plano -.50 90 and sometimes I wear them a lot and other days I don't...depends what mood I'm in.

Jo 02 Nov 2008, 10:33

Hi Laura Jersey Girl and Melyssa Just catching up And thanks for your posts too!! I know it's pathetic and random but still don't see how you've done it so easily!! What frames did you guys get? Did they help? Any tricks to get over the not me I don't need glasses. I always though it was other people.. Like Ali or when I was at school a friend called Sonya who had very strong specs.

Jo 02 Nov 2008, 10:17

Thanks Hansel, that's really sweet. I'll try my best!!!

Hansel 02 Nov 2008, 10:13

With the prescription that you have been given, I think you will be full time before you know it, you will wonder why you struggled on.

I think deep down that you have known for a long time that you needed to get glasses.

I was like you, very much the reluctant, but there are so many fantastic frames these days than when I was at university, and these are very much fashion statements as well as in your case an essential to help you as you complete your studies.

It's a strong first prescription and not a million miles away from Clare, who is a FT Lens wearer and indeed FT when she needed to wear her specs when she had an eye infection, so when you get them, don't be surprised when the optician suggests you keep them on. Have a go and walk out of Vision Express with your head high and a clear view as you look through your new specs.

Well done, you have done all the hard work now!

All best

Hansel

Mike 02 Nov 2008, 09:55

If this is really you Jo and not someone posting in your name then you will actually want to wear them with that prescription because you'll see a big difference

Jo 02 Nov 2008, 09:43

He then put lenses in and it got more and more sharp and clear. Then red and green lights until the targets both seemed as sharp. Finally he put it all together with both eyes and it was crystal clear.

He then said I should choose some frames. I deliberately didn't ask him how often I would need to wear them, as I'd had enough with the test and being told to choose frames.

I felt a bit shaky but also thinking of your comments on here and that maybe they could look OK. I chose two different styles a bolder black retro pair and a metal frame small and oval as a second. But I still can't see me wearing them except maybe at home or movies in the dark!!

I asked for a copy of my prescription for you

"Unaided vision L 6/24 R6/24"

R -2.75 -50 L -2.75 -50.

I've told Ali and she says she'll come with me when their ready next week, might prefer to go on my own so I'll be under less pressure to wear them!

Ted 02 Nov 2008, 08:45

Having to stop now so I can make up more of the story.LOL.

02 Nov 2008, 06:24

Don't keep us in suspense too long Jo :)

Jo 02 Nov 2008, 04:03

Ali arranged a test for me!!! She booked it Vision Express away from where I might bump into friends. she knows I'm not convinced yet. So I went there yesterday am a bit she'll shocked coz I'd hoped I could do eye exercise until posting on here!! I was greeted by the receptionist who has similar colouring to me and was wearing glasses and looked good to my surprise... probably part of the sales tactics!!!

She showed me to the waiting area and I was duly summoned through to the exam room by a young fit guy with dark hair. He looked into my eyes with a light and then used a puffing machine, he says to check the pressure in my eyes. He said everything was OK . He then said he'd ask me a few questions while my eyes recovered from the light and the puffs. He asked about the problems I'd had seeing and also asked about my studying leisure computer use reading and driving. I'm feeling nervous meantime and thinking this is getting a bit real when it wasn't even my idea to be here. When we'd done with that he clicked a switch abd a black nox on the wall I'd been wondering about lit up with some letters, the eye chart!! He placed an uncomfortable cold complicated spectacle frame on my nose and ears put on his glasses (trendy dark tortoiseshell) as he asked me to read the chart with a black lens slid into the specs thing covering out one eye. I didn't get very far. I was horrified and when he swapped the eye cover, the other eye was no better... Struggling to see the third line. Sorry I'm getting upset reliving it I'll have to stop...

Puffin 01 Nov 2008, 18:52

Although if you are stubborn you can carry on without until you realise you can't do without them.

Puffin 01 Nov 2008, 18:50

It's around minus 2. If you have significant astigmatism, say 0.75 or more, that will tend to increase the likelihood. If you go in complaining of headaches that will probably indicate fulltime wear being beneficial.

Alice 01 Nov 2008, 15:08

Interesting discussion about full time wear. What's the average prescription for people who go to full time wear?

May 01 Nov 2008, 12:02

Wouldn't it be interesting to have an eye test thread on this site for people to share the different experiences of eye tests around the world !

Melyssa 01 Nov 2008, 07:56

Jo,

Your friend Ali's RX of -1.75 and -1.50 is exactly what my first one was, long, long ago. I only wore my glasses for watching TV, at the movies, or to see the blackboard at school. I did not go fulltime until I was in the -2.50 to -3.00 range. But then, everyone's different; there are no hard and fast rules for this.

Phil 31 Oct 2008, 03:21

Jo, Don't forget to tell us exactly how the test goes. I always find eyetests so exciting! I think you'll come away with a prescription and will be a gwg by the end of next week!

Laura 31 Oct 2008, 01:29

Hi. I can honestly say when I first knew I needed glasses I said I wouldnt wear them or only when nobody was around, but as soon as I put them on and realised just what I couldnt see it was easy to keep wearing them. Of course I had some concerns, I was worried about what people might think and the attention it attracted etc but at the end of the day being able to see is all that is important.

I now wear mine most of the time. It is nice that I can leave them off if I want to for some things.

Good luck and you really will notice the difference once you get them.

Jersey Girl 30 Oct 2008, 15:08

I wear -1.75 in both eyes full time for over one year now. I just love the intense sharpness of vision that I get wearing the glasses. I also occaisionally wear some -2.25 glasses which are my boyfriend's mother's old correction and I see just as well with them. Once you get the glasses you will see the difference.

Jo 30 Oct 2008, 13:36

Thanks Clare and Hansel, sorry I'll need to get a grip, thanks to everyone I'll at least go for an eyetest

Clare 30 Oct 2008, 13:32

Jo - I'm with Hansel, you wouldn't have to wear fulltime. I'm -2.75 & -3 with -0.50 of astigmatism and, though I wear contacts, I can still go without glasses if I need to. It's just that when you've experienced clear vision you sometimes don't want anything less ;)

Hansel 30 Oct 2008, 13:22

Now now! Remember, don't waver. Get that eye test booked!!

There are some who would not be full time with the prescription that Ali has, so she obviously appreciates the clarity her specs give her. I am sure you will be the same....perhaps in time ;-)

Best wishes

Hansel

Jo 30 Oct 2008, 13:11

"you really do need glasses" scary words still don't believe it. Ali's prescription She says R 1.50 L 1.75 whatever that means. Full time wear - try none!!! How did you do it Laura!!

Puffin 29 Oct 2008, 18:14

Jo, don't worry about it too much and just concentrate on the fact that when you get glasses, that means no more struggling to see things. Just a thought, being as you are dependent on a friend, what happens if she's off sick or something? It would be better not to rely on someone else.

And 29 Oct 2008, 17:50

Jo, how did you look in Ali's glasses ? There are so many great frames to choose from and you don't need to wear full-time if you don't want to. How big was the clock, could Ali see it without her specs ?

Hansel 29 Oct 2008, 15:59

Jo, Things seem to be gathering pace.

The regulars I am sure will be interested to hear, if you can find out, what sort of prescription Ali has.

I think you are appreciating that you really do need glasses, still the reluctant, but conscious that you do need to have the eye test. You are on a roll now, so don't waver now.

I think you will be surprised when you do get your glasses just what you have been missing. You already know it's when and not if!

Jo 29 Oct 2008, 14:41

Hi everyone ... Well Ali and I were out shopping for clothes and lippy and went for a coffee. We were chatting about shopping separately and then meeting up again for lunch. We were working out when and Ali said well what time is it now and I panicked cause I realised to my horror I was sitting opposite a blurry round thing that I reckoned was a clock and I had no watch on ... Games up thinks me ..imaginary Eye scene mates on my shoulder!...I said Ali that clocks just a blur to me. She then to my surprise said You must be needing glasses, here have a shot of mine. I put them on thinking I'm not wearing things like these whatever happens. I looked at the clock and could make out the numbers with a struggle. Ali took her specs back turned around and said She could see them easily and Jo you should get an eye test soon and come to think of it I suppose that explains you copying notes in the lectures. Hmm food for thought And a bit of a shock actually

glassesforeveryone 29 Oct 2008, 05:08

There you go Jo. If ever you needed more encouragement to take the plunge then Laura's example should do the trick!

Laura 29 Oct 2008, 04:50

Hi All,

Jsut an update that I have been virtually a full time wearer since getting my glasses. Getting along well with them and enjoying seeing everything.

Will be doing my first driving lesson this weekend.

Thanks for all the nice comments.

Jo 29 Oct 2008, 01:10

Wayay! I guess I'll need to think about all this advice.... Thanks ... Maybe I'll speak to Ali.

Clare 28 Oct 2008, 12:43

Jo - if it's as bad as you describe then you owe it to yourself to do something and, if you want to drive, there's no way you'll get away without a prescription. Good luck, it'll be fine. If you read my post under Psychology of Glasses you'll see that it's even difficult for those of us who've had glasses for years and years to be seen in them if that's not our regular look.

Hansel 28 Oct 2008, 07:56

Jo, I think we have seen this a few times before.

IMO your friend will already know/suspect you need glasses,probably kn ows yuo are a little hesitant about the idea, but when you open up the conversation is more than likely to say "About time"...and then be the first to offer to help you choose your frames".

And 28 Oct 2008, 07:31

Jo, sure your mate won't mind a 'glasses' discussion if she's already wearing specs. Are you squinting lots ? How close to a car do you need to be to read the plate ?

Puffin 27 Oct 2008, 18:14

Jo, sounds like you'll have to take the plunge. Once it's done you'll like the vision and wonder why you didn't want to.

Like Lenses 27 Oct 2008, 17:12

Jo,

If as you said number plates, the screen, and recognizing approaching friends is a problem,you have become quite nearsighted, and will probably have a pretty strong first prescription, for full time wear.

You will be amazed at the clarity when you put on your glasses for the first time.

antonio 27 Oct 2008, 15:44

Jo,

just tell her you would like to know

how you look in glasses once

and borrow Ali´s glasses once,

just to know how you see,

good idea ?

best regards, antonio

or do you have a sister wearing glasses or so ?

Jo 27 Oct 2008, 15:11

No I don't think she knows so she might think ...weird!!

antonio 27 Oct 2008, 15:03

Jo,

I was once in the same situation regarding my eyes as you are now,

so I guess I know as you feel,

best regards,

antonio

antonio 27 Oct 2008, 14:59

hi Jo,

aounds to me if some lenses in front of your wonderful eyes would help you not only to drive ???

Does your friend Ali already knows you are in trouble to see far things ?

Could you borrow her glasses once already ?

best regards,

antonio

Jo 27 Oct 2008, 14:19

Hi And. Don't need to do the number plate thing. Gone wayyy beyond that ! Screen's a gonner in last few weeks Luckily power point hand outs and Ali's notes keep me going and she recognises friends approaching!

Kelly 27 Oct 2008, 12:22

Jo, in Canada we have to do a eye test before we are allowed to get our beginners permit. I am -1.25 in each eye and HAVE to wear my glasses to legally drive. I do not know what the minimum is though.

Contacts are not an issue once you figure them out.

Just took time getting to insert them and take them out.

Been ages since I used my contacts though.

Dan 27 Oct 2008, 12:05

Jo - I thought my vision was fine till one night I was driving and my wife, sitting next to me took off her glasses to clean them. She put them back on and said, "oh this is much better...want to try them?" I told her no, because I don't need glasses! She put them on me anyways, while I was driving, and I was shocked at how clear they made street signs. I kept wearing them as I drove. When I took them off at a stoplight most distance went back to what I thought was normal. We then tested each others vision, me asking her what she could or could not see without her glasses. The next day she made me an appointment with her eye dr, and I got prescribed glasses a bit stronger than hers!! That was 3 months ago, and now I am ft! As previous poster says, plates and street numbers are amazing when you can read them.

Phil 27 Oct 2008, 10:50

So many first time gwgs appearing here lately. Ella, Laura and now there will soon be Jo! It's great to hear of young women getting their first glasses. I hope you all keep in touch and tell us of your "journeys".

And 26 Oct 2008, 14:03

Jo, try reading a car number plate, or stand in the supermarket and read the various signs, see how you manage. Do you squint at things ? If your friend is 20/20 with her glasses on it will be easy to compare what you both see.

Jo 26 Oct 2008, 11:27

Thanks Clare looks like the pressures on... May ask Ali to try her glasses and "see" how I get on .. wearing glasses .. me!?

Clare 26 Oct 2008, 07:37

Jo - if you're planning to learn to drive you'll need to prove that you can meet the vision standard. If you can't see the board in lectures you probably wouldn't meet the requirement so you'd need to wear glasses to drive. I think that even when someone has a low prescription like -1 are required to wear them for driving.

Jo 26 Oct 2008, 06:52

Couldn't handle contacts ... That poking in the eye stuff too much for me. I don't drive yet but I'd like to soon.

OD 26 Oct 2008, 04:46

Jo, you can always wear contacts.

And 26 Oct 2008, 03:42

Jo, do you drive ? Go to movies ? What's Ali's prescription, why not try her's and see how you feel ?

Julian 26 Oct 2008, 03:33

Jo: sorry, but I think you're being stupid. You obviously need glasses for distant vision, and you should get a pair and wear them.

Jo 25 Oct 2008, 16:43

Hi .. Scam don't sound too good. Struggled last year seeing screen at lectures and taken to sitting at front and lately reading friends notes. Can't see myself as a glasses wearer even though Ali got glasses last session and acts as if "whatever" "no prblm"!!!

Cactus Jack 25 Oct 2008, 11:04

Jo,

Pretty much a waste of time and money. Check out "The Bates Method" and the "See Clearly Method" on the web for scam information.

Jo 25 Oct 2008, 06:25

My eyes are going blurry. What about eye exercises? Would they help?!

Eli 24 Oct 2008, 13:33

Then I thought of the blur can be caused by a slight increase in my prescription. I removed my glasses, and realised how blind I am without glasses. I thought it should be around .75/1 D increase.

Then I tried a simple test.

I was totally amazed at how those lights get focused when my eyes seeing through... the two overlapping, removed lenses. The image was so sharp that I can see every details of the building again, under dim light conditions. So it seems my prescription have increased to around -3 range. I simply can't believe (at the instance) the increase of my myopia was so huge, as I have accustomed to a stable prescription over the last 4 years. BTW, I only wear my glasses outdoors, usually.

Eli 24 Oct 2008, 13:10

Hi. I had posted here 4 yrs ago about my first rx. Today I realised that my distance acuity have deteriorated so much since I passed my last eye test on June 2008 with 20/20, using the same pair of glasses prescripted 4 years ago. I was relaxing in my bedroom facing the window and noticed the deterioration of my distance acuity--- the once focused light sources (lighting across the a building 10 m away) were found to be "out of focus". I thought it was not significant, and tried lifting my lenses a little bit upward, then I realised the distorted image was just slightly closer to focus.

Phil 24 Oct 2008, 03:51

Laura,

What do you plan to do at the weekend? I find shopping to be one activity where wearing my specs is essential.

What's the nicest comment you've received about how you look in glasses?

Laura 24 Oct 2008, 03:02

Morning,

I wore my glasses until I got home last night. I went to the pub with my 'Mum' and 'Dad' but didnt wear them out. They were not the first thing I put on today but did put them on when I left home and they have been on since.

I know my vision is not that bad. When my mum asked how I was doing with them and we had a brief discussion I was amazed at what my Dad couldnt see with his. He has -7 / -6.25 it turns out. But I have noticed the difference when I wear mine now.

Phil 24 Oct 2008, 02:27

Ella, I think that the fact that one is wearing specs is invariably more significant to the wearer than anyone else!

You have quite a significant rx in one eye (taking account of the astigmatism). Like me you are probably beyond help from squinting.

It is interesting that Laura, who has also just got her first glasses with a lower rx than you, has chosen to go virtually fulltime very quickly. But it's all a matter of personal choice, isn't it?

Do you like wearing glasses or atre you self-conscious? What frames do you have?

Ella 23 Oct 2008, 13:52

Phil,

No, I won't wear them all the time as its mainly for distance things I need them. Wore them in a training session today after realising that squinting at the flipchart wasn't getting me anywhere. Got a comment from the manager running the session, asking me where I'd got the frames rather than anything about the fact I was actually wearing glasses for the first time!

Phil 23 Oct 2008, 10:39

Well done! I'm so impressed that in three days you become a virtually fulltime wearer. Are you used to them now? Do you like how you look in them? I bet you haven't had anything but positive compliments, having chosen such nice frames.

If you keep them on till bedtime and put them on again when you get up you will be a fulltime gwg!

Laura 23 Oct 2008, 09:45

Hi Phil,

Just going home and have worn them all day today!

Phil 23 Oct 2008, 09:43

Katy, you know exactly what I look like!!!

How are you?

Katy 23 Oct 2008, 09:19

Phil - how about a Facebook pic with your glasses on? It's only fair, if you want to see the girls with theirs on.. ;-)

Phil 23 Oct 2008, 05:13

Laura, if you want to contact me on Facebook I'm "Philip Davies" and I have no picture (because I'm too much of a wuss to load one)!

Laura 23 Oct 2008, 04:28

I have made lunch for today but might go out for some fresh air.

I am ok at my computer without but have been wearing them anyway.

Does have astigmatism add to the lens strength or is it just an adjustment to how the lens works? Maybe a stupid question or put wrongly.

Kayleigh who is my friend who said she might get some glasses like mine came over earlier and she has been looking at the specsavers magazine and online at some frames. She said I was lucky that my glasses were weak cos hers are so strong but I dont know what her prescription is cos she didnt know. Someone had asked on here.

Anyway, she said would I go help her choose some when she was ready, she needed her eyetest first though so I will help her.

Phil 23 Oct 2008, 04:21

That would be great Laura. I'd never find you on Facebook where there must be thouands of "Lauras"!!

How are you finding close work with your specs on? I'm myopic so that my glasses don't help with reading etc. But you have a bit of astigmatism too.

I haven't been able to read the MacDonalds menu for years: so I always have a quarter pounder! What's for lunch today?

Laura 23 Oct 2008, 03:53

I might post some when I have got to know everyone. I do use Facebook.

Phil 23 Oct 2008, 03:42

You've been so determined! I'd love to see a pic! Are you on Facebook or something?

Laura 23 Oct 2008, 03:39

Hello Phil.

I think I will just keep wearing them. I have taken them off a couple of times for short periods.

I love being able to see things clearly. I probably sound a bit stupid considering my glasses are pretty weak but there is a big difference to me.

Phil 23 Oct 2008, 02:56

Laura, have you still got your glasses on? I bet the comments are mostly over now. Do you intend to wear them all the time from now on? Comments like "hot" sound pretty good to me!

Sis 23 Oct 2008, 02:30

Just got new glasses.

L: Sph -7, cyl -0,5/15

R: Sph -4,75, cyl -0,25/180

Add 2,25

There is a significant difference between the two lenses - quite cool, I think.

I got som quite stilish frames:

http://www.bjornborg.com/en/Collection/?varshowitem=Revival 5 BB01 51_17-140

My kids think I look like a total nerd - perhaps I am one.

I alternate the glasses with progressive contacts. They took some time to get used to, but now I'm fine.

My prescription for progressive contacts are L: -5,25, R: -4,5. The idea is that I use my right eye for distance and my left for close. They have different strength within each lens, so that when my pupil is small - in bright light and on short distance I use the middle section of the lens. When the pupil is bigger I use the outher section which is suited for distance.

I'm not sure how they messure the right rx, but I think there is some sort of table they use. It's working anyway.

Laura 23 Oct 2008, 02:06

I took the plunge and wore them when my friend picked me up for the gym. She made nice comments too and I told her I was a bit nervous/conscious etc about wearing them and people finding out for the 1st time.

I didnt wear them in the gym or afterwards but she told me to put them on to show her again and she snapped me in them on her phone.

So now she has sent it to most of our friends and said everyone knows now. I had some messages sent saying nice, cool, hot etc so I guess everyone knows.

I wore them at home yesterday evening and now worn them all of today...so far.

So thanks for the nice comments from everyone here.

And - I couldnt read the menu from where I was in the queue, tested by taking glasses off and on. So glad I had them.

My mum was right. It is really nice to be able to see. Although as I mentioned before having read through some of the posts I know my mum and me dont have very strong glasses at all but she said to me - you'll start wearing them all the time once you realise your blind. Mums are always right. lol.

Zorab 22 Oct 2008, 16:03

Clare -- thanks for the reply, sorry to have got the wrong one!

Clare 22 Oct 2008, 13:16

Zorab - not me, I'm far too conservative for drop temples!

Phil 22 Oct 2008, 10:43

Wow Laura, you are nearly there. A fulltime wearer within a day or two of getting your first specs! Very impressive! Still keep putting them in your hair from time to time though: it's such a sexy device that girls use to such advantage! Do you find thay help when you are at work on the computer?

And 22 Oct 2008, 10:35

Laura, before your glasses would you not have been able to see the McDonalds menu ? Did your friend reveal her prescription ?

Laura 22 Oct 2008, 09:52

Thanks.

1st pair Blue, 2nd Brown.

We went to lumch but didnt have long so it was McDonalds. In a queue as usual so my friend asked what I was going to have so I got my glasses out and looked to see what I wanted. She just said something like I didnt know you wore glasses and they looked nice and went on about what she was going to eat.

When we got our food at sat down she asked when I got them and said better for checking guys out outside etc.

So I wore them back to work and did have a few people making a fuss but nothing horrible. A couple of people tried them on.

I spent the afternoon both wearing them and with them sat on top of my head. Just about to go to the gym with a friend so I am keeping them on for now.

I am glad some people have seen me in them now but I feel a bit funny still cos I will have to get past this with other groups of friends etc.

My friend I went to lunch with, Kayleigh, came over to my desk later on and said she has glasses but always has contacts. Known her for about 3 years and never knew that but she said she liked my glasses and tried them on and said she might get a similar design so that was nice.

Thanks for all the nice comments from people on here.

Phil 22 Oct 2008, 05:01

They are both lovely frames. What good taste you have. I bet you look gorgeous in either pair! Do you have them in brown or blue? And which ones did you wear for your lunch? How was reading the menu? And what did your friend say? So many questions! Hehe!

Laura 22 Oct 2008, 04:56

Thanks guys.

I hope the links below work.

I am going for lunch with a friend from here so I will show her them if I am brave enough.

http://www.specsavers.co.uk/glasses/designer-glasses/th23

http://www.specsavers.co.uk/glasses/designer-glasses/th06

glassesforeveryone 22 Oct 2008, 04:03

Hi Laura,

Good luck with your new glasses. It's a weird thing 'coming out' for the first time. My prescription is similar to yours but, despite resolutions to the contrary, I still don't wear my glasses full-time.

I wear them at work and at home, but I am not comfortable wearing them in front of friends - no idea why!

Maybe it's because getting glasses in adulthood gives you the freedom (while your eyes let you) to choose whether to wear them or not. Whereas people who get glasses when they are younger don't really have the choice.

I bet they look great on you and more importantly you'll see great, especially with astigmatism and working on computers. If you wear your glasses I bet you'll notice the difference at the end of the day. At the moment your eyes must be working overtime and there must be strain and headaches at the end of the day. You'll notice the difference.

Let us know how you get on - good luck!

Phil 22 Oct 2008, 03:50

Wow Laura. You are doing so well! I predict you will soon be a fulltime gwg. Hearing about you getting there is so exciting!

If your colleagues see you I have no doubt you you will get a few (positive) compliments initially. But that will be that. From then on your specs will be yesterday's news. Soon people will not remember you bare-eyed. And you will be able to see!

Have you tried them for computer work? Given the astigmatism they may help. Have you got both pairs with you? What are they like?

Laura 22 Oct 2008, 03:32

Morning,

I wore my glasses once I got to the bus last night and wore them for the 20 minute journey. They seemed to give me a bit of headache so took them off then.

Went to my mums house before going home. My Grandad and dad (mums BF) were there. My mum and Dad thought they looked really nice and suited me (but they would say that anyway). My mum tried them and she said she could see pretty well with them, I asked my dad if he wanted to try to but he said they wouldnt make any difference to him. My mum said I should be wearing them all the time.

When I got home I wore them for the rest of the night. Could actually see the time in the football match on TV!

This morning when i got up my lodger was back. I had left the 2nd pair in the kitchen and she asked if they were mine and said lets see them on you then. She said I looked good in them so at least she has seen me in them.

I wore them to the bus stop, could see which bus was mine today and wore them until was at the office but I have taken them off again. How weak of me!! I am thinking I should put them on while I am here at my desk typing this but feel a bit awkward. I will try to pluck up some courage. I dont think I mind having them on, its that I dont like fuss and attention and I think I will get a load from all my colleagues.

Phil 22 Oct 2008, 01:32

Do you think you will wear them all the time Ella? And how about you Laura?

Zorab 21 Oct 2008, 17:41

a long time back, someone called Clare was trying to obtain some 'drop temples' frames. Clare: are you the same Clare, or was it another? I think I have found some of the frames you were looking for!

Ella 21 Oct 2008, 12:21

I wore them today! Only two friends commented who were sat next to me at the back of the presentation. I could see everything, was really clear and I sat on the back row instead of the front.

Clare 21 Oct 2008, 12:18

Ella, Laura - I think we are all used to our habitual state, so now that you have glasses you both realise what a difference they make, even if the prescription isn't so strong. I don't consider my prescription strong, although it's a bit stronger than yours, but even so it still surprises me sometimes how much I can't see if I take out my contacts at an airport or in the office.

Just appreciate the difference and enjoy the compliments!

Phil 21 Oct 2008, 09:52

Try wearing them on your way home! Even I wear mine if I need to spot a train. How are they for reading? Good luck.

Laura 21 Oct 2008, 08:43

Not sure yet. Just wore them in the opticians and then for 5 minutes in outside my work. I liked that I can see. I am starting some driving lessons next week so lucky I have the glasses now.

I cant imagine all these strong prescriptions I have read about and how people must see without their glasses!

Phil 21 Oct 2008, 07:27

Wow Laura, I told you it would be amazing. Just wait till you are out in the dark! It's like that when you get stronger lenses (as you may do). Do you enjoy wearing them?

Laura 21 Oct 2008, 07:16

OMG, you posted just when I was doing mine Phil.

Laura 21 Oct 2008, 07:15

I got my glasses at lunchtime. Having read through the posts and read what some people's vision is like it seems a bit stupid to say but OMG how blind was I. I can see things again. When I first put them on and looked down the shop it was quite amazing at what I could see. I tried both pairs which both fitted well but when the lady asked if I wanted to wear a pair I said no. A bit weak of me! I put a pair on for about 5 minutes before going back into the office and could see number plates across the road and leaves on the tree etc. I have not put them on since but will when I go home. Maybe I will when I wait for the bus, then I'll know what number is coming and not have to wait till its right in front of me. LOL.

Phil 21 Oct 2008, 07:13

Have you collected them Laura? How can you see?

Aubrac 21 Oct 2008, 06:23

Ella

I remember getting my first glassez at about seventeen. I used to think everyone was staring at me because I was wearing glasses, until I realised that with glasses on, I could actually see clearly what people were looking at.

Once you have worn them for a while in front of friends and colleagues, you will find it completely normal, and have the benefit of seeing everything clearly and without strain.

Phil 21 Oct 2008, 01:20

Laura, let us know how it goes. It will be a great feeling when you first put them on. Everything will be so clear.

Laura 21 Oct 2008, 01:07

Hi Phil,

I think I have known for a little while that my sight was not right. I had mentioned it at my mums house and she let me wear hers and I could see the TV better. That made me investigate eyesight a bit and found this sight and so I think I have become quite interested in them now.

I am goin to collect them today in my lunch break.

Hansel 20 Oct 2008, 14:46

Ella

If anyone does notice, I am sure it will be positive and complimentary.

Good luck anyway!

Ella 20 Oct 2008, 13:57

Hansel

Yes, I've worn them in the house, and the TV is lovely and clear! Am planning to 'debut' them at work tomorrow as there's as a presentation which I know will be difficult to see without them- just going to put them on and forget about them I think.

Phil 20 Oct 2008, 09:32

You sound interested in glasses Laura. Were you pleased to find you needed to wear them yourself?

Laura 20 Oct 2008, 09:27

My mum has had glasses for about 20 years and has always had about the same prescription which was upto last year -1.25 both eyes and -0.50 astimatism both eyes. She said it has changed very slightly. Last year she had to get Varifocal glasses.

My mums boyfriend is in his 30's and has quite thick lenses. I have no idea about the strength but might ask him about them. He usually wears them all the time and contacts occassionally.

Phil 20 Oct 2008, 09:07

They sound nice Laura. Quite a co-incidence to find both you and Ella in the same boat at the same time. If I were advising you both I would say "wear them" because they will make you look great: a girl in glasses will inevitably outshine one without! You both have great prescriptions.

But I'm hardly one to give advice. I'm now up to -4 and still don't wear my glasses fulltime. I'm fine at weekends, and on holiday. But I've never had the confidence to wear them fulltime at work. My saying so again here will no doubt cause an outburst of indignation from some people here who don't understand and just think I'm a wuss! But when glasses are a significant thing in someone's life it is not always easy to behave rationally.

Laura 20 Oct 2008, 08:52

I have 2 pairs (for price of 1 - Bargain) of Tommy Hilfiger from Specsavers. I'll try to find a link to them when I get time.

Phil 20 Oct 2008, 05:33

What frames have you chosen Laura? You've the perfect prescription: enough to make you a fulltime girl with glasses but not such as to make life awkward for you. Good luck. Just have fun wearing glasses and sit back and wait for the compliments!

Laura 20 Oct 2008, 04:13

Hi,

The optician said it was up to me but he would suggest wearing full time right away. I am quite excited to be getting them but a bit 'worried' about it too.

Puffin 20 Oct 2008, 03:41

That seems to be quite a bit of astigmatism, I would think you've been advised to wear them full time.

Laura 20 Oct 2008, 02:41

I am 23 and just got told I need glasses. I am collecting them tomorrow.

Great site. I have been rumaging around.

My prescription is

R -0.75 -1.00

L -0.75 -0.75

Hansel 19 Oct 2008, 13:59

Have you tried wearing them around the house, watching TV etc yet? That will give you the feel of the benefit they provide.

Hansel 19 Oct 2008, 13:56

With the numbers you have provided Ella, given the -2.00 and the additional -0.75, you might find wearing them all the time will really help.

Be brave and go for it.

Ella 19 Oct 2008, 13:47

My prescription is -0.75 in my left eye and -2.00 in the right one, there's also another number (-0.25 and -0.75) after both, which if I remember what the optician said, is to do with the curvature of your eye?

He didn't tell me when to wear them, except he said definitely when driving.

Have still not worn them at work yet!

Cactus Jack 19 Oct 2008, 12:09

dave,

It sounds like your eyes are quite good, but you just have a very mild distance vision problem and perhaps reading problem.

I suspect that the primary reason the lenses are thick at the edges are because of the width of the lens and the thickness at the center of the lens for mechanical and safety reasons.

You could probably get very thin lenses if you went to a smaller lens and were prepared to pay for them and accept the risk of breakage and easy damage.

May I ask your age and occupation.

dave 19 Oct 2008, 09:20

i see good with them my frame is size51 my rx is -2 -1 astig and +2 add axis 90 degrees they are poly but thay are quite thick

Cactus Jack 19 Oct 2008, 08:31

Dave,

How well do you see with your glasses?

How wide are you glasses lenses?

What is your complete Rx?

dave 19 Oct 2008, 04:33

also my semirimless glasses are quite thick around 5mm is this because om my astigmitism and its axix at 90 degrees

dave 19 Oct 2008, 04:18

i have -2 myopia and -1.00 astigmitism how bad are my eyes

Dieter 17 Oct 2008, 08:41

Ella,

A lot of us felt the same at first. It is almost comical to read the posts of mature people who resist wearing reading glasses as they reach their 40s or 50s. At one time it is a new experience for every first time glasses wearer. It is especially difficult to walk into a large room of people you know when you feel as though everyone is looking at you.

Let me suggest a couple of ideas:

Try wearing them someplace where you are a complete stranger and no one will particularly take notice such as browsing through a clothing store. Then continue into the hallways of the mall or streets and hit some more stores.

At work, do something like wear them as you walk into or out of the office. Lay them on your desk so they will be seen and become "conversation starters" one on one. Wear them to a presentation where the group is small. Once one or two people take notice, and you have gotten past a few of the remarks about your glasses, you will become more comfortable with the idea of being seen. You will likely be surprised at the pleasant comments and "double takes".

Cut-in UK 16 Oct 2008, 22:51

Ella, remember, you are the same person with your glasses on. What did the optician recommend about wear ? Wear as directed for visual comfort but also to get people used to your wearing them. They soon become part of you and you MAY even find that they become a fashion accessory. Most young women who wear them today, choose bolder styles, and often receive many compliments.Take the plunge and let us know how you get on and more importantly, how YOU feel about them. You obviously need them.

And 16 Oct 2008, 15:59

Ella, what's your prescription ?

sourgrape 16 Oct 2008, 15:15

It's tough at first, but it is well worth it.

Ella 16 Oct 2008, 15:03

Hey,

Just found this website. I'm 24 and just got my first pair of glasses after about 2 years of thinking I might need them and putting off going to the optician!

Feel incredibly self-conscious and not worn them yet, which seems a bit silly because the reason I went to get an eyetest is that I was struggling to see things far away. I had started sitting near the front at presentations and meetings at work, and now I don't have to, but still do out of habit and too scared to just put my new glasses on!

Anyone else feel like me? It seems that I have spent a lot of money and now am wondering if I should not have bothered because cannot pluck up the courage to wear them.

Phil 13 Oct 2008, 01:06

Clare, Don't choose alone! Remember I'm only just up the road and will happily offer a chap's view!

When I was 39 the first signs of presbyopia were there! But you've probably got a few years yet without needing an add. How are you on the share prices in the FT when wearing your glasses? I found it was the little fractions of a penny that became indecipherable first. Try it in dim light!

-5.00 who luvs gwgs 11 Oct 2008, 23:22

this was exactly why I googled and found eyescene in the first place I was reduced from -5.00 and -4.00 to -4.75 and -3.75 which I found to be too weak so I have ordered them at -6.00 and -5.00 and now have the best sight as far as I am concerned the optician thinks I am overprescribed but she does not see through my eyes If I were you have another test and then order online

Adam 11 Oct 2008, 19:59

-3.25 and -3.50

The last time I had my eyes checked, my optometrist gave me a weaker Rx (-3.25/-3.00 from a -3.50). I can make out the 20/20 line with the -3.25, BUT, I can definitely see better with the -3.50, and even -3.75/-4.00. (I can see the 20/15 line better with the stronger Rx's.)

Should I ask my optometrist to just give me the stronger Rx? I mean, they're my eyes. He seems to think my eyesight will improve by giving me a slightly weaker Rx.

ehpc 10 Oct 2008, 21:06

Clare.....................I have been telling you for ages that blondes wearing minus lenses in black rectangular plastic frames with wide sides are the hottest women in the planet.........................but it's never got through :) Sigh........................Pete

Clare 10 Oct 2008, 13:46

Hiya Phil - I must say I'm a bit over the heavy rimmed styles and I've never been convinced they suit me anyway. I was away with a few friends a couple of weekends ago and the discussion turned to glasses styles. Someone there was a bit of a style guru and, along with recommendations for the others, reckoned that the heavy dark styles suit blondes. I'm not so sure so looking for something different. I'm not sure I've seen the frames you're describing, or maybe I'm not with it tonight - it's been a long week!

No add for me yet I think and anyway I'm still to hit the big 40 so expect to stave it off for a while!

Phil 10 Oct 2008, 01:35

Hi Clare, How are you? Haven't heard from you for ages? The heavy plastic look seems still well in. What do you think of those frames where the sides of the lenses are not embedded in the frames? I quite like them.

Any chance you'll need an add next time? Can you read tiny print with your current rx?

Clare 09 Oct 2008, 11:30

Like Lenses - not I've not been buying new glasses. I'm thinking about it for early next year though. Need to check out what the next look will be.

OD 07 Oct 2008, 09:10

Slit, have you started wearing bifocals yet?

JR 07 Oct 2008, 06:07

Sure

O.D. +1.00-2.50x80 add +2.25

O.S. +0.75-2.50x100 add +2.25

Slit 06 Oct 2008, 23:17

JR:

Hey thats a cool one ;-)

Whats is ur Rx may i ask?

Like Lenses 06 Oct 2008, 23:11

Clare

Have not seen you here. Are you out getting new glasses?

JR 06 Oct 2008, 14:17

I just remembered my personal drinking test is, when I can see the "same" with and without my glasses I have had enough to drink!

Slit 06 Oct 2008, 13:39

Apparently i exceeded character limit previous time.

Here comes the second part to GG:

Hi GG,

re: studies. are you studying for masters? i have been at engineering school for 4 yrs and graduated recently.

Slit 06 Oct 2008, 13:37

Hi GG,

well what i assume about the alcohol effect is that alcohol results in relaxing the muscles (because after few drinks i feel all my body muscles are relaxed and kind of less sensitive... a feeling of being feelingless on skin... the best thing about alcohol for me!).

i guess it relaxes eye muscles also which are held up under tension to make eyes focus. (which is the common case for hyperopes like u and me)

anyways, althogh blurry vision is a head ache at times, it becomes a grace for the times we need a relaxation and turn off all the signals from environment and we can get lost in our own world!

Slit 06 Oct 2008, 13:36

test post.

GG 04 Oct 2008, 10:33

Slit,

I had glasses when I was very young but never wore them. I guess I was farsighted back then but I just started wearing glasses/bifocals at 29. I have too found that after a few drinks trying to focus is much harder.

I have even been told by a few friends that I have a lazy eye after a few drinks. (only close friends can tell you something like that) I shared what they said with my eye doctor but he didnt notice anything. SO who knows maybe it is an effect of alchohol, not a real eye problem.

Not that this is a good idea but I have wondered if people would be given a higher prescription if they had an eye exam after a few drinks....just a thought!

FYI wearing my bifocals now and going to study!

Jersey Girl 04 Oct 2008, 10:14

Just had my annual eye exam this week. The doctor was going to prescribe -1.50 in both eyes. I said I am happy wearing my current prescription of -1.75 in both eyes so he rewrote it at that level. I also wear -2.25 glasses sometimes without difficulty.

Slit 03 Oct 2008, 19:25

Hi GG,

Well, it is good that you are feeling comfortable with the contacts, although they do not correct 100%.

Actually accorsing to your postings i had inferred that u wore glasses only for reading for a long time and u got bifocals at 29? Or was this your first ever glasses at 29?

For me personally, I do not wear glasses too often, but recently when i was after 2 glasses of alcholic cocktail i felt that my eye is relaxing and letting go of the focus on near things! (i.e. i had to put an deleberate effort to focus on my mobile phone.) Did you or anyone else had a similar experience?

GG 01 Oct 2008, 12:28

Slit � I chickened out and went with contact lenses. They don�t have the astigmatism or bifocal part so I actually see better with my glasses but at least I am wearing the contacts all the time. The eye doctor said that even in the short time since I got glasses my eyes are excepting the prescription and he increased my �distance� prescription from +2.00 to +2.50. I get headaches sometimes at work though which I attribute to not having the reading add although I still use my glasses if I know I am going to study for a long period of time. I saw my mother last weekend but I just wore my contacts so they still haven�t seen me in glasses yet. I know my prescription is pretty weak but I definitely feel more comfortable with at least my contacts in.

Now that I am more aware of vision I keep noticing how many other people have less than perfect vision. A co-worker of mine, in his early 30�s who is farsighted as well lost the screw out of his frames he left to get them fixed he said, but later admitted that he couldn�t finish the day at work without his glasses and he couldnt see the screw well enough to fix it himself. I think he is coming to the reality that needs his glasses, they are no longer just helpful, they are a necessity. It actually made me sort of sad for him. He has talked to me about vision/glasses a lot lately, I think it is just nice to be able to talk to someone who understands.

sourgrapes 27 Sep 2008, 11:51

They were saying that it was common, but as you say there are exceptions

Longtime Reader 27 Sep 2008, 10:45

Clementine, do you have sourcing for your comment citing -2 as "generally accepted" requiring full-time wear or is that just your personal opinion?

I have known many people over the years who go without glasses with prescriptions of -3 or more, sometimes even -5, who either didn't wear glasses or wore them very loosely. There are many stories here on Eyescene noting the same thing.

So I would really like to know what you are citing when you say this.

Cleventine 24 Sep 2008, 14:11

It should have been on the dr's recommendation, but it is commonly accepted that -2.00 or greater compells full-time wear.

Don't you get headaches?

nathan 24 Sep 2008, 11:43

Is that really true? Doesn't someone usually tell you that you should wear them all the time? I thought it was on dr's recommendation.

Puffin 23 Sep 2008, 05:35

Erica, as your son is that young he might have enough accomodation in his ciliary muscles to overcome some or just possibly all of the hyperopia he has, but no amount of accomodation will help with the astigmatism, which will cause distortion at all distances.

I'd put the uncorrected vision somewhere around 20/400 or so, purely an informed guess, although it could be more like 20/800.

KS 23 Sep 2008, 01:35

I've got my new glasses with the prescription:

LE:-8.50

RE:-9.25

Strong prescription

ROD 22 Sep 2008, 21:08

Hello Erica,

I've a prescription similar to the one your son's wear.

OD +8.50 : -5.75 x 175� add +2.00

OS +9.25 : - 4.50 x 0� add +2.00

I've very poor eyesight, I cannot see anything without my glasses. Everything is a blur, at any distance, and even with glasses on my nose I can't achieve a complete correction.

In order to have an idea of what your son sees, you may consult the next link:

http://www.vsdar.de/auge/virtualeye.html

Cactus Jack 22 Sep 2008, 18:42

Erica,

It is hard to describe what another person sees. However, with that Rx, distant objects would appear very blurry and very small, near objects would be even more blurry. It would probably be impossible for him to read without his glassses. The next time you take him to his eye care professional, you might ask them to let you try some lenses that are the opposite of his Rx in a trial frame.

Do you wear glasses or contacts? If so, could you provide your Rx.

Erica 22 Sep 2008, 13:13

My five year old son has an Rx for +8.5 in both eyes with a +2.00 for astigmatism and a 90 axis. I wondered what this might mean his vision is without glasses in terms of 20/20. I know it's pretty bad but noone has ever told me what his vision acuity is without glasses. It's corrected to about 20/30 with them.

Erica

Cleventine 21 Sep 2008, 10:42

Nathan,

It is because you have crossed the line into a "full-time-wear" prescription. That happens about -2.00. And the correction for astigmatism makes full-time wear even more appropriate.

nathan 21 Sep 2008, 08:05

I got a new prescription for glasses about 6 months ago. My old glasses were -1.50 & -1.75 the new one went up a bit to -1.75 & -2.50 -0.50 x 135. I'm wearing these more than the others which is strange as they said it wasn't a big change and I've never thought my vision was bad. It surprised me when I went out to the supermarket yesterday and left my glasses in the car because my eyes felt so tired. Why is that? Is it the extra -0.50 x 135 on my prescription.

Slit 19 Sep 2008, 18:15

Hi GG,

Did you manage to find a good supplier of glasses online?

How is the reaction from family about bifocals?

I guess they would be a little curous in the begining, but later it would become just a nother part of you for them. :-) This is what happened for me when I got braces for the first time. Everyone was asking questions about how it feels, isnt it hard to eat with them one and etc... but after 1 week, they started seeing it as a part of me...

And surprisingly, after it was removed sometime later, it again became a top story for them, asking "what happened to them?" :-) but only for another week!

Cactus Jack 19 Sep 2008, 16:02

mysuperduty,

10 mm might be a little to much adjustment. The amount of adjustment is related to the vertex distance from the cornea to where the axis of vision intercepts the back surface of the lens. If you analyze the geometry and trig involved, it appears to increase from about 0.25 mm per diopter to a little more than 0.3 mm. I think it should be closer to 8 mm reduction in PD, but i don't believe 10 would cause much problem. Just make sure that the lens maker doesn't reduce it again. Please let us know how it works out.

mysuperduty 19 Sep 2008, 06:13

HI! I was trying to figure out how to adjust my PD for prisms. I read the conversion chart that was posted, but I wanted to re assure I was close in my calculations. I am normally a pd of 61, but if I want to start wearing prism of 15 each eye(30 diopt. total) I should make the pd closer , lets say a pd of 51? Is this right? THX for the help!!!

Andrew 18 Sep 2008, 12:02

My children have just had their annual visit to the optician's; no glasses required as yet, but I still had good eyesight at their age, so time will yet tell.

Cactus Jack 16 Sep 2008, 17:29

Carlos Jr.,

There is a lot of circumstantial evidence that there is a genetic component to myopia, but I don't think anyone has identified the gene(s) involved. Several years ago there was some research at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore that identified a hormone produced by the retina that affects eyeball growth that could be involved. Generally, myopia is caused by the eyeball having grown a bit too long to match the plus optical power of the cornea / crystaline lens system which then requires an external minus lens to neutralize the excess plus power.

Carlos, Jr. 16 Sep 2008, 15:48

Hi, I know some of you remember me posting about my son. Carlos III, having to get glasses for nearsightedness and then having adjustment problems which meant using bifocals for a period of time. The good news is that Trey is happily seeing through contacts. This past week, my youngest son Joseph, age 12, brought home a note from his teacher suggesting an eye exam. Apparently he was squinting while looking at the blackboard. We had his eyes examined and he was -1.25 in both eyes. Now both my boys are nearsighted. Is nearsightedness inherited--just wondering since I am nearsighted also.

Shelly 15 Sep 2008, 19:17

Hi GG, Yeah, I've ordered from a couple of sites. Some of the sites like myeyeglasses.net are, like, in Hong Kong or China, so no, they're definately not gonna contact your doctor! They don't even ask for your doctor's name! And yeah if you use CJ's calculation for what your full reading prescription is, just enter that, leave the 'add' part blank, and there you have it--your reading/computer glasses. If you don't want the bifocal part in your regular glasses, just use your regular prescription and again leave the add part blank. It's pretty simple actually. (I know because I've helped my mom do this.)

You think you might not like the frames when you try them on? Well you can find the same exact ones or similar ones at a local optical store to try out. I think rimless ones are a pretty safe bet. And some of these sites are cheap enough that they could be spare pairs if nothing else!

I'm glad your seeing well but you should definately feel comfortable w/others seeing you in them! For me it was a gradual process where people first saw me in them at the library or in class. Obviously now I wear them much much more (maybe 80% of the time) and everyone sees me in them. It sounds like your going kind of straight from no glasses at all to needing them quite a bit and feeling better with them on. By now probably your office-mates are used to seeing you in them. Since you bring up meeting a friend at a restaurant, you could do the same with your family or with other friends. When the menus come, you could take out your glasses from your bag and call attention to them and show them off, then put them on.

But the first step is to get a pair you like! If you don't want to order online then just splurge and get a cute pair anyway. If you don't like bifocals get the no-line kind. I bet they would work for you. But if you feel more comfortable with the lined kind--like my mom for example--just wear them and don't worry about it. Anyway get the glasses you like, now! Just do it!

SoCal 15 Sep 2008, 16:37

Hey guys . . .

I just got the new Rx today . . . L -2.25 R -1.75.

4eyes 14 Sep 2008, 13:57

Opsss... 4 eyes from Brasil

heheheh

14 Sep 2008, 13:56

I've trying to talk to you since ages...

I am so happy you're Ok.

E-mail me, if you please

anderson

GG 11 Sep 2008, 13:42

Shelly - Thanks for all the websites, I found a few pairs that I like but you just never know without trying them on. Have you ever ordered from any of the sites yourself?

And do they call your doctor to verify the RX, I just really like the eye doctor I went to and dont want him to get upset that I went elsewhere. Also, my RX is written for bifocals, will they make regular glasses with just the reading RX? Sorry for so many questions, this is all new to me.

I definitely dont feel comfortable in the bifocals. The vision is great but I have yet to get used to people seeing me in bifocals. Just letting people see me in glasses is hard enough. So, I agree with you Shelly that I really need to find a pair that I feel good in and want people to see me in, especially my family. They don�t know yet and I'm not sure how I will bring it up. Any suggestions?

Anyway, I am finding that with most things especially close up, I am becoming more reliant on my glasses. Two nights ago I met a friend out and he knows about my glasses but I didn�t have them with me and he started playing a vision test game with me to see what I could see. I found that that I couldn�t read some things he could. But in my defense it was very dark in the restaurant and the menu was in italics. He was shocked at my vision and couldn�t understand why didn�t have my glasses on or even with me. But he said that he has one �good� eye and one �bad� eye and if he only looked with his bad eye he could pretty much only see what I could see. He said that is both of his eyes were as bad as the �bad� one he would have to wear glasses almost all the time. He told me his RX was L +.25 and R +1.75 and he is 32. There are so many more people who need glasses than I ever thought!

Shelly 10 Sep 2008, 20:33

GG, I forgot, coastalcontacts.com and framesdirect.com have cute designer frames. Good luck & look good!

Shelly 10 Sep 2008, 19:50

GG, I first got them in college, but their a little stronger now, and I now I have some astigmatisam too. Before, I used to just wear them for heavy reading and studying/office work, and didn't like them at all for distance...Now I wear them much more but take them off when I know I won't be needing them but keep them with me. Kind of a switch in default I guess.

Yeah, now I need them way more for reading and especially small electronic things like my cellphone. And they make distance definately if subtly more comfortable indoors...like when shopping in those dimly lit boutiques! And I always wear them for night driving. When I first started, they made reading better but it was still OK w/out, just maybe a headache if I did it for too long.

Back to you: I would definately invest in the best glasses you are willing to spend, after all you have to see well AND look good! I read what people said about drugstore readers but they are ugly!

It looks like you need two pairs, maybe three if you get sunglasses. If you want to save $$, try one of the online places like globaleyeglasses.com which have a few designer styles or if you like rimless which are both super-cool and elegant, try myeyeglasses.net. They have sweet deals if you get 2 or 3 pairs.

Curt 10 Sep 2008, 10:34

GG: +3.00 is as strong as many OTC reading glassses get. I have occasionally seen +3.25 or +3.5, but they are not very common.

The bifocals that you have are sometimes called D-segments, since the bifocal looks like a capital "D" on its side. Standard sizes are 28 millimeters across; if you want a bigger reading area, 35 mm bifocals are available.

If you think the reading area is too small, you are likely not going to be happy with progressive lenses; the reading area in them is usually smaller (depending on the model, sometimes much smaller) than with a standard bifocal.

Good luck!

GG 09 Sep 2008, 13:35

Shelly - Its reassuring to hear that you have similar experiences when you remove your glasses. How long have you been wearing them? Your�re right, it is kind of disorienting at first when you remove them. Eventually my eyes do feel fine if I am just hanging out relaxing with friends. And I totally agree that I need them while shopping. Have you ever been caught without them and found that you couldn�t read something? What about your vision in poor lighting? Thanks for joining in and please do share what you can/cant see. I would love to compare!

Slit- I my bifocals are flat on the top but rounded on the bottom if that makes any sense. I don�t have any problems when I look through the bifocal but it isn�t a very big viewing area.

C � I went to one drugstore yesterday but the highest strength I could find was +2.50 and the frames were not attractive so I�m going to keep looking. Seems that+3.00 isn�t that weak or it is a very popular prescription!

Slit 09 Sep 2008, 13:35

Hi Shelly,

Thanks. I can get some idea of how it feels.

Actually i have the ability to relax my eyes and let go of the focusing, so that things up to about 3 feet gets blurry and i can bring back focus to normal level.

Shelly 09 Sep 2008, 13:01

Slit it's kind of blurry close up but not a total blur at all. If I really want to try to focus w/o glasses I can but it's a pain. Medium distance kind of blurry as well. Even at distance smaller things aren't totally easy to see. A lot depends on how tired my eyes are, or if I've been wearing my glasses a long time that day.

But I'm here trying to help out GG. If you want to become farsighted maybe you can try getting your own glasses or contacts!

Slit 09 Sep 2008, 12:12

Hi Shelly,

Thanks for the participation.

Well, it is amazing how some people will remove their plus glasses and get adjusted in few moments.

Last week i was in a tour to brazil. at the airport i went to a souvenir shop where there was a girl who was wearing something about +4 and operating a fax machine.

But soon after that she removed them and put them in to the case.

Afterwards she continued to carry out general tasks such as folding some papers in a neat manner, packing some items and preparing things to go home.

I was personally surprised to see how she managed near vision tasks without the glasses. If i was to wear +4, i bet i would not remove the glasses for a single moment until i go to bed, because i am so much reliant and addicted to clear vision all the time.

Shelly, how do you see the things within your arms reach when you remove glasses?

Is it a total blur?

Are you used to the blurry sphere around you and a distinctly clear boundary which everything becomes clear? (when not wearing glasses)

I really love to experience how a hyperope would see the world, so i am so thankful if you can explain it in words for me to visualise.

Shelly 09 Sep 2008, 11:13

Hi GG, I know what you mean about the dashboard being blurry, and how sometimes you can feel kind of disoriented after taking your glasses off. I'm a couple of years older than you, and my glasses are about as strong as yours but without the bifocal part. (Although, my optom warned me that I would probably be getting them at my next eye exam.) She also says that I don't need to wear them all the time.

I wear mine pretty much the whole day at work, b/c I'm gonna need them anyway, but take them off afterwards when going to the gym or relaxing or socializing. When I'm doing things like that, I don't really notice that my glasses are missing, and pretty soon, voila--I feel fine and my eyes have adjusted. There are times when I really feel I need them, like when shopping. And there are other times when I feel I see better without them, like when being outside in broad daylight. But I guess everyone's eyes are different, so wear yours as you see fit!

If you don't like either your frames or the bifocal part you should definately get new glasses that you want to wear, which you want other people to see (instead of taking them off as soon as you see someone you know). Make a statement with them! Good luck, Shelly

Slit 08 Sep 2008, 15:19

Hi GG,

Well, i can understand the fact about your concerns of how others mights see you.

But i think if we are bold ans confident about our selves, the others will also feel challenged to look at the bifocals in bad way.

It is common that lot of peoples need of glasses surface with the advancement of the technology. I was in a conferece last week where there were about 700 delegates and i must say that at least 40% wore at least contact lenses and another 20% with glasses!

Do you have circular bifocal segment or flat top segment?

Cactus Jack 07 Sep 2008, 13:55

GG,

If you want to get some Rx reading glasses with the same Rx as the reading segment of your bifocals the Rx would be:

OD (R) +3.00, -0.50 x 100

OS (L) +3.00, -0.50 x 105

You will need your PD (Pupilary Distance). If it is not on your Rx you can measure it easily with a mm rule and a mirror. Let me know if you need help.

Because you are doing a lot of studying, I think you will find the Rx reading glasses will help reduce fatigue and make studying more productive and efficient because you are expending less energy to focus.

You need to face the fact that what you are experiencing with the blurry vision after extended reading is normal and expected because you are forcing your ciliary muscles to go back to working harder than they were intended to do to see clearly. Your brain actually controls the ciliary muscles and the focus effort is normally triggered by the convergence required to read. When you look at more distant objects (even an instrument panel), less convergence is required and your brain must re-program itself to focus without convergence and it doesn't particularly like it.

Emily 07 Sep 2008, 12:58

GG: I'm only 22, but I wear bifocals. I can see nearby things clearly through the top, but my optometrist said bifocals could slow down the rate at which my eyes are becoming more nearsighted. I resisted at first, but after getting another big increase I gave in. To my delight, the line is virtually invisible. People notice that my lenses are quite thick, but nobody notices the line.

GG 07 Sep 2008, 12:40

Slit - I'm a female and I know it shouldnt matter but I am concerned about how other people will see me...especially with the bifocals. Although, I ran into a male aquaintance at a cafe on Sat. night while I was studying and he said that the bifocal line was barely noticeable and that he liked my frames. He came clean about needing glasses himself especially in poorly lit places and he admited that he couldnt read the majority of the menu without holding out and trying to catch some additional light. I figured that was just as emarassing as wearing bifocals, so it made me feel good.

C- My full RX is L +2.00 -.50x105 R +2.00 -.5x100 Add +1.00. I havent gotten around to looking at OTC reading glasses but seeing as though I have huge test coming up and I will be studying and doing even more close work than I normally do I think I really have to get some reading glasses. I am finding that It is taking longer to focus after I take off my glasses. I removed my glasses to drive home after studying and the dashboard was blurry the whole way home! I know you said it isnt doing harm wearing them and my eyes are relaxing but in those instances when you relize that you cant see like you should it is scary and I hope I dont become totally dependent. Thanks for your help on a reading glasses RX.

I'll keep you all posted on my glasses wearing expeditions!

Bird 07 Sep 2008, 01:31

My most recent prescription:

OD: -3.25 +2.75 90

OS: -3.00 +1.25 90

My first pair (8 years ago):

OD: -2.50 +2.75 90

OS: -3.00 +2.00 90

And 05 Sep 2008, 10:49

Tom, thanks. I would probably ask her if she were wearing glasses as perhaps the topic of vision might come up eg when she was cleaning/adjusting them etc but as she wears lenses I think it's more difficult.

Cactus Jack 05 Sep 2008, 10:26

GG,

The minus cylinder correction subtracts from the sphere plus, but only in the axis of the cylinder. In most instances the sphere correction is to compensate for the length of the eyeball and the cylinder is to correct for uneven curvature of the cornea. Two completely different things. To help you with an Rx for reading glasses, I need your complete Rx. The axis is important.

Until you get some prescription reading glasses, I would suggest using 1/2 the cylinder power. Because the Rx is written with minus cylinder, you would subtract 1/2 of the cylinder power from the sphere. If you can find them, +2.75 OTC readers would be about right. They will help some. If you only have a choice between +2.50 and +3.00, go with the +3.00.

One thing to be aware of is that your basic distance Rx will likely increase a bit as your crystaline lenses relax and the reading add may increase a bit over the next few years. It is very normal.

Slit 05 Sep 2008, 07:50

Hi GG,

Well according to your RX, you seem to have a small astigmatism factor, if it is poted in the regular format.

THerefore, it will be a little tricky if you go for the OTC glasses. But i dont see any harm of trying it out. If it fits ur vision, it fits you!

Re: Vanity factor, it may be a little uneasy at the begining. But if you go for the right frame and progressives you will be very attractive.

May i ask you are a girl or a boy? [coz girls find it more of a vanity factor than guys, still un knowing how many guys admire girls with glasses.]

GG 05 Sep 2008, 05:48

C - Thanks for all the good information. As you offered, could you help with a reading glasses only RX should I decide to order online. But in the meantime if I buy OTC reading glasses do I buy the +3.00 or only +2.50? In other words is the is the astigmatism subtracted from the total? Also on another note - what would someone who is not farsighted see through my glasses? Are they concidered weak or strong? I will keep you all posted as I try to let go of the vanity and enjoy the great vision! Thanks!

Cactus Jack 04 Sep 2008, 15:08

GG,

I forgot to mention. If you lift your glasses up and look through the bottom segment and the computer screen is nice and clear, +3.00 OTC readers are worth a try, but you really need the astigmatism corrected also for reading a lot of fine print comfortably.

Cactus Jack 04 Sep 2008, 15:04

GG,

If vanity is really the issue, you could probably do OK with some contacts for distance and some OTC readers for the computer and reading. If you can handle the vanity thing, another possibility is that you can get some low cost Rx computer and/or reading glasses online, for when you have to do a lot of close work. One thing you need to consider is that some of your problems are being caused by not getting glasses sooner and delaying correction will only make matters worse.

Will you become dependent on wearing correction for comfortable vision? NO! You already are! And have been for a long time. Up to now, your ciliary muscles and crystaline lenses have been working beyond their design limits to provide the required correction. The problem is, that they have been suffering this abuse for years without complaint and they are tired of it They are fatigued and they are complaining. If you stop overworking them they will recover some, but like everything else, not back to their original capability and flexibility. That is why it takes a while to focus after wearing your glasses.

You didn't say what time of engineering you do, but I suspect that any materials or parts you work with don't take kindly to being overstressed. Fortunately, ciliary muscles and crystaline lenses are not known to have catastrophic failures, but they suffer from age and fatigue.

Let me know if I can help you with an Rx for readers or computer glasses.

BTW, the reason your nearsighted friends don't understand about focusing close is that by being nearsighted, they have natural built in reading glasses. Their ciliary muscles and crystaline lenses are fully relaxed and there is nothing they can do about seeing distant object clearly, except with external correction. However, depending on their age and their Rx, they can focus easily on some really close things. It is very useful for threading needles for farsighted people, like you, or fixing mechanical watches. Talent, not needed very often these days.

GG 04 Sep 2008, 13:12

Thank you for your insight.I live in the US. I measured the distance between my eyes and the monitor and it is about 20". Based on my prescription, how often should I wear my glasses. I dont recall what the doctor said besides that they will be helpul for close work. The more that I wear them will I become more dependent?And should that factor into how much I wear them? As it is I already feel that I "need" them at work but also at night when my friends and I go out my eyes are saying wear them but because of the vanity and the fact that I dont want to need them all the time I havent. I will review the hyperopia posts, most of my glasses wearing friends are nearsighted and dont get why I am having difficulty up close but my new friends here on eye scene do. Thanks!

Cactus Jack 04 Sep 2008, 11:10

GG,

Bifocals are not always a good solution for computer use because you have to tilt your head back too much. Could you measure your normal working distance from your eyes to the computer screen?

The +3.00 OTC might be a solution, but the astigmatism correction would be missing. There is another low cost way.

Your focusing problem when you remove your glasses is also normal. You are what is known as a latent hyperope. Until you got the glasses, your eyes had been under constant stress to provide the necessary plus power to focus even distant images and more stress to read. With the glasses, your focusing muscles are relaxing and rebelling a little when you make them go back to work. Convergence is when your eyes turn inward to maintain fusion when your read. There is connection in your brain between focusing close and convergence, however, by going for years without correction for your hyperopia, that connection (programming if you will) has been weakened and your brain is not used to providing the proper signals to your focusing muscles. With those signals, your eyes would have tried to cross when you focused to see distant objects clearly and tried to cross more when you read.

It is possible that in a few days, your brain will re-program itself and some of the issues will go away, but it is also possible that a little presybopia is creeping in and glasses will be the more comfortable solution.

I suggest that you review some of the posts on the hyperopia threads back a few months to read some of our other members experiences with new glasses for hyperopia. It wasn't going to be to long before you would have been joining the rest of us bi and tri-focal wearers anyway and you need to get over the vanity. There may be a few comments, but they and you will get over it in a few days and by then you will like the comfort, reduced fatigue, and efficiency of a little visual help.

May I also ask where you live?

GG 04 Sep 2008, 08:48

I am an engineer and I was finding that reading the small 11"x17" plans were difficult but also the computer screen would give me headaches. I havent quite figured out how to use the bifocals with the computer yet. I feel like I am constantly moving my head around. Do you think it would be beneficial to just buy +3.00 glasses at the drugstore to use at work? Also, is it normal to find that I cant read anything on the page when I first remove my glasses? Eventually I can read some things as long as the print is reasonable and the lighting is good but it take a few minutes. The doctor also said I have convergence insufficiency, is that what has the caused the bifocals at an earlier age? Thanks for your comments.

Guido 04 Sep 2008, 08:24

Depending on how much you use the bifocal segment you may be well served with the lined lenses. I do a lot of close work professionally and I use lined bifocals for that environment. The close segment is larger, and I do not find myself "hunting" for the reading segment. Evenings and weekends I do just fine with the progressives. I go between the two pairs quite easily.

Cactus Jack 04 Sep 2008, 08:22

GG,

It is not unusual for hyperopes to start having trouble with near focusing a little earlier than myopes. May I ask your occupation?

You can order no line bifocals on line pretty inexpensively.

GG 04 Sep 2008, 07:46

Sorry about the previous post, I was having trouble posting. Anyway, my new RX is +2.00 -.5 L/R, add +1.00. Seems a bit early for bifocals since I am onyl 29 but they do really seem to help. I got lined bifocals because I wasnt sure I would really use/need them but now an wishing I didnt get the one with a line, it makes me very self consious.Thanks for listening :)

GG 04 Sep 2008, 07:21

test

Tom 04 Sep 2008, 01:24

First of all, your friend sees as he/she (BTW, is she a man or a woman?) was -5.25 both eyes, the worse image being cancelled by the brain. With that prescription (I have the same in my bad eyes) it is still possible to walk safely, especially in daytime and if you know the way. Only in the darkness you could have some difficult walking due to a step or something like this, but it is unlikely. Object that you may hit are so large (trees, cars, other people) that you easily recognise them. Most difficult is e.g. to find a small object (e.g. your glasses!) because things are really blurred beyond few metres from you. I cannot at all figure out the face of my colleague across the room, but I clearly see there is a desk, a PC, someone behind it.

But at the end, why don't you ask directly tt your friend or (better) have he/she make a trial? My best dream is to see how an uncorrected medium-high myope woman or gilr behaves without glasses. This is why I love bareeyed experiences so much.

DWV 01 Sep 2008, 19:31

It's not that bad; they could walk around just fine. I've simulated various degrees of nearsightedness using plus trial lenses, and it takes a lot more than -10 before things become hopelessly fuzzy.

Puffin 01 Sep 2008, 14:28

Depends on how close things are and how big & distinctive things are. Obviously small things that can't easily be got closer to will be a problem to see/identify.

01 Sep 2008, 13:17

without glasses or contacts she's blind as a bat

And 01 Sep 2008, 10:07

I'm just curious to know if my friend with a -7.5 and -5.25 prescription would be able to manage around the house etc without correction.

Wurm 30 Aug 2008, 20:30

I accidentally deleted the last few days of posts from this thread while I was in the process of cleaning up another thread. I offer my sincere apologies to those who may have been affected by my mistake.

Cactus Jack 27 Aug 2008, 05:35

Curious parent,

You have literally removed the film from Jonathan's eyes and opened the world to him. He is discovering the world and he likes what he sees. Just think of the wonders that await him.

Don't worry about the thickness of the lenses. Think of them as safety glasses so he can't break them easily. By the way, it can't hurt anything if he wears them in the shower. It will be another learning experience that if his glasses get wet, he can't see as well with them, but a quick wipe with the towel will fix it.

Try to make arangement for him to be seen by a Pediatric Opthalmologist as soon as you can. Also, please share his joy and wonder as he discovers the world.

Curious Parent 27 Aug 2008, 04:43

Thank you all for being so helpful, I just got his glasses yesterday and I was shocked to see how strong they look. But I was even more surprise to see how he seemed so happy to be able to see things... on the way home I noticed that he was watching everything and everybody. He didn't take his glasses off and when it was time for shower I took his glasses off and he wanted back and began to cry.

Cactus Jack, my sons name is Jonathan and we are in newark, new jersey.

Michael R. 26 Aug 2008, 17:56

Thanks for the info. I guess I'll just move my monitor closer to me.

Emily 26 Aug 2008, 15:17

To Curious Parent

http://www.medhelp.org/search/expanded?cat=posts&page=3&query=%22high+myopia%22

I think you'll find this site useful. 182 Qs and eye doctors' A's to people with high nearsightedness. Many of the Qs invvolve young children, some even younger than your son.

I started getting nearsighted at 10. My glasses still get stronger every year and now I have -14.50. It's not the end of the world. I feel very comfortable wearing them.

Good luck. I hope things work out well for you and him.

JR 26 Aug 2008, 13:30

Curious Parent

My wife has no memory until she got her glasses when she was seven years old. Her first Rx was -6. now in her sixties and -28.

So many kids are missed until school you are really doing the right thing.

Good luck.

Cactus Jack 26 Aug 2008, 13:14

Michael R.

Yes, the glasses are likely too strong for 30 inches working distance and No, I have no relationship with the restaurant in Florida. I'm in Texas

If your computer is located 30 inches from your eyes, you would at most need +1.00 to +1.25 additional making the sphere at most.

OD +3.00, -1.50 x 102

OS +3.00, -0.75 x 74

The higher Rx will work, but you may find that you need to be a little closer - 22 to 24 inches.

Michael R. 26 Aug 2008, 12:31

Cactus Jack: Thank you for your response. I suck at math and don't exactly understand what you mean. The distance from my eyes to the computer is 30 inches. I'm 61 years old. Are these glasses going to be too strong for me?

There is a restaurant in Jupiter Florida that bears your name. Is it your establishment?

Clare 26 Aug 2008, 11:14

Phil - you won't be surprised to know I don't do Facebook!

Cactus Jack 26 Aug 2008, 07:57

Curious Parent,

The the lenses will be a few mm thick for two reasons. Optically, it is necessary for them to be thick to do their job and they must be physically strong to withstand the abuse inflicted by a 3 year old. A bit like safety glasses in an industrial plant, only probably worse. On the other side, because the lenses are small the edges will not be very thick.

I think you will be amazed at his reaction to the glasses as they open the world beyond about 20 cm (8 inches) to him. He will discover leaves on trees, birds, stars in the sky and other things that he has been unable to see. About 90% of the things you learn as a child depend on good vision. Remember, he has no idea that there is anything wrong with his vision and the wonders that await him.

If you would like to get a idea of what his vision is like without glasses, ask the optician or doctor if you could look through some +5 lenses. I imagine they will be happy to let you. You need to experience what he as been living with and the wonders of the world he has been missing. But remember, you know what things are supposed to look like, but he has no idea.

Again, you are to be congratulated for recognizing that he has a problem and seeking help. There are many children with unrecognized and uncorrected vision problems who should have glasses. Some of them will be forever limited in their development by either inattention by their parents or denial that there is a problem. Fortunately, it is not too late for him to develop his full potential. Please keep us aware of how your son is doing and his reaction to being able to see the world.

Yes, his prescription will likely increase some, but when he gets older and his vision stabilizes, you can get him some higher index (thinner) glasses or contact lenses if he wants them.

May I ask your son's name and where you live?

We wish you and your son the very best.

Julian 26 Aug 2008, 06:43

Curious Parent: if there is one thing more likely than another,it is that your son will need stronger glasses as he grows, and especially in his teens. It is normal for myopia to increase during the years of growth. Take note of Cactus Jack's advice and get him to a paediatric ophthamologist who will be the best person to see that his myopia is managed and corrected properly.

Curious Parent 26 Aug 2008, 05:33

Thank you all for your answers, we will be picking his glasses this afternoon, I'm just wondering if his glasses will be thick... I don't know what to do. DO you guys really think that it will go up higher than what it is?

thank you

Cactus Jack 25 Aug 2008, 15:55

Michael R.,

The computer glasses Rx is likely in error.

You said that your new glasses Rx was:

OD +1.75, -1.50 x 102

OS +1.75, -0.75 x 74

with a reading add of +2.25

That means that the absolute power of the reading segment is +4.00.

You didn't mention your age or your preferred reading distance, but if you customarily read at 40 cm (16 inches) you have to accommodate +0.25 for a total of +2.50

The Rx for the computer glasses should have the same amount of sphere value in each eye and the amount of additional plus depends on your typical working distance. You can calculate the correct amount of additional plus by measuring the distance from your eyes to the screen and dividing it into 100 if you are working in cm or 39.37 if you are working in inches. For example, if you measure 50 cm or about 20 inches. When you do the division, you will get about +2.00. Apparently, you can comfortably supply +0.25 so you need only +1.75 more plus added to your distance sphere to be able to use the computer comfortably. The resulting Rx for the computer glasses would be:

OD +3.50, -1.50 x 102

OS +3.50, -0.75 x 74

The Rx is close, if the assumed distance is correct. The best way is to measure the distance and do the math.

Cactus Jack 25 Aug 2008, 12:32

curious parent,

It is a little unusual for a 3 year old to be this nearsighted, but his prescription is what it is and it is important for his visual development for him to see as well as possible. I would strongly urge you to take him to a Pediatric Opthalmologist, they are very knowledgeable about young children's visual problems. You should not get expensive frames. He will quickly outgrow them and will probably break them before that. CR-39 is an excellent low cost optical material for his glasses, do not waste money on high index lenses. The correct prescription is what is improtant.

Please do not concern yourself with appearances or what others may think about the fact that he needs glasses. If they know anything about vision, they will congratulate you on recognizing his problem and doing something about it.

Vision actually occurs in the brain and the eyes are simply biological cameras. All he has right now is a focusing problem. Proper development of his vision is one of the most important things in his young life because it will affect him throughout his life. Be very thankful that you recognized his vision problem early. He is at an age where brain development is occurring rapidly and good vision is vital. There is a visual condition called amblyopia which can occur in young children where vision does not develop properly in one eye. If that is not corrected by about age 6 to 8, the brain can decide to ignore any images from that eye and effectively turn it off and we do not know how to cause the brain to turn it back on even if the visual problem is corrected.

If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask.

Hansel 25 Aug 2008, 12:02

Curious parent,

As a first prescription this is high. I reached that sort of figure when I was about 11.

Full time wear is required, and it is likely that it will go higher in the years to come.

As a spec lovers website you have landed on the right place- there are still too many parents with hang ups about what constitutes a healthy child. For this, what parents usually mean is flawless.

My own daughter developed diabetes when she was three, she has glasses which benefit her close work. She is still the apple of the eye, and although I am sure that all that you wnat for your child is the best, simply because his eyes need corrective lenses does not make him less of a pride and joy.

OK so he needs strong glasses, but ultimately that is all.

sourgrapes 25 Aug 2008, 11:59

My reason for suggesting bifocals for reading is that one theory is that myopia progresses because of constant accommodation (using more focusing power) and convergence (reading close). When you read, you do both of these.

If you really want to learn more about what you can do to prevent his progression, I suggest this book (free, online):

http://www.myopia-manual.de/

It explains various theories of why we think myopia progresses and what you can do to slow it down. You can only do so much, though, since part of this is genetic.

sourgrapes 25 Aug 2008, 11:53

Generally speaking, it's somewhat but not that high. Actually, over -6 is considered high, so this is moderate. However, he will need to wear them all the time.

However, for a three year old, this is very high. Others may know better, but from what I've read, he will probably become much more nearsighted when he gets older. If you want to slow this as much as possible, I suggest he either doesn't use them for close work or get glasses with a plus add (bifocals).

The CR-39 regular cheap plastic lenses will provide the best vision quality and aren't that thick for his prescription.

Disclaimer: I'm not an eye care professional. :)

Curious parent 25 Aug 2008, 11:37

I just found this website and maybe someone here might be able to answer a couple questions. I just took my 3 year old son to the eye doctor since we noticed that he was having a lot of trouble seeing things and seemed to only want to play with what was close to his eyes and at the end I had to order him eyeglasses with the prescription below:

OD -475 -050 X090

OS -500 -125 X010

My questions is is this a high prescription? The doctor said it was very high and I'm just comfused and very upset that my baby's eye might be so bad. I order a cheap pair of glasses for him so they can do it right away but if he really needs glasses I want to order proper glasses. Which material should the lenses be?? any thoughts? Please help.

Michael R. 25 Aug 2008, 11:34

I just got a new prescription:

R +1.75 -1.50 axis 102

L +1.75 -.75 axis 74 with a +2.25 add.

I also got a new prescription for computer glasses.

R +3.50 -1.50 102

L +3.25 -.75 74

What would happen if I wore the computer glasses all the time? Would I come dependent on them? What would I see up close and in the distance if anything? What I don't understand is if the add is +2.25 and the distance is +1.75, why is the middle distance +3.50. Seems kind of high to me. I ordered the glasses recently and haven't got them yet. I'm over 50 years old.

GoldenMan 24 Aug 2008, 09:34

Hi There,

Dear Cactus Jack,

Continue of our discussion moves to Inducing Myopia thread.

Regards,

sourgrapes 24 Aug 2008, 08:40

Do as CJ says, and be as aggressive as possible. :)

Cactus Jack 24 Aug 2008, 08:18

GoldenMan,

You need to wear the glasses every hour you are awake. You need to read and use the computer as much as possible with them if you can tolerate it. Expect headaches and discomfort at first. If you can get Base Out prism in the glasses, it may help you tolerate the increased minus. Try for 10 diopters of Base Out Prism in each eye. If you have any control reduce the PD (pupilary distance) of the glasses by about 5 mm. Caution, all this could cause your eyes to cross some and see double without your glasses. (This may not be a bad thing in your situation). If you get to where the glasses are comfortable, increase the minus a little to keep the pressure on.

Good luck and remember, all these things may not work for you. There are no guarantees. It depends very much on your genetics.

If you can, let me know what you do and the effects.

By the way, this should probably be under the Inducing Myopia thread.

GoldenMan 23 Aug 2008, 23:17

Dear Cactus Jack,

Thank you for your reply.

I am sorry for delay because I was away from PC for about two days.

I am in situation that toleration is not an important thing, I need effects and results. However tolerating a higher level of RX may affect on my life on some parts. But it is worth trying action. If I can not bear it, so I will change it and use a new glasses with new RX.

About another possibility you have mentioned, I would like to say that I have never used such glasses, I have been always in trouble viewing far objects. Any way I guess I can get any glasses with any RX.

Also please guide me what do I do when I got my new glasses with new RX. Is reading books "for 6 hours a day" and "as much as close to book" enough?

Thank you

Cactus Jack 22 Aug 2008, 08:10

GoldenMan,

I suspected something like that.

I know that you would like to do as much as possible, but I really don't think you will be able to tolerate the -4.00 increase initally. I only gave that as an example of how to push your Rx. I suspect about the most you can initally tolerate is -2.00 or -3.00 over.

If they dilate your eyes, to relax your accommodation, it is unlikely that you will have enough time to have much real effect and it will be obvious what you are attempting. Which may or may not have consquences. There is another possibility, have you ever had any problems with double vision? Could you get some glasses with prism correction?

Galileo 22 Aug 2008, 06:26

Like Lenses - I think this has a lot to do with high index materials. Strong prescriptions no longer look so strong with high index. I had a girlfriend who was -8.5 but with small frames and very high index her glasses had virtually no edge thickness even though they had plano fronts.

GoldenMan 21 Aug 2008, 23:24

Thank you dear Cactus Jack,

Your information is great, I will try to get a glasses with that RX. Situation I am in to get in worse eyesight is that in Iran every male person must serve for Government for two years in Army mostly (There are exceptions people). But something made that hard for me is not that I have to lose my two years for government for free and too far away from town and family and bearing insults. It is because I have some genetics problems leads in difficulties in moving and doing stuffs. (sorry, but I did not found English word to describe it) How much I tried to cure it was failed. It is suffering me too much but the reason of it is not known for doctors now. Anyway government doctors that do tests before this mandatory serving do not care about my genetics problems. But having RX more than 10 may lead in getting release from mandatory serving. Unfortunately they (gov docs) use a liquid to decrease real RX while testing by retinoscope. Currently I cannot get many rights without having a card shows I have served the gov. About glasses, I can say I can get it easily, even without "Official" Rx from an Optometrist, but the other problem is that pre-made lens limit to 7 diopters ( I am not sure, but I guess) and getting higher level is a bit expensive. (about $30 for lens only)

You have helped me so much, Cactus Jack.

(I will be away for next two days, but surely check this forum later)

Thank you

like lenses 21 Aug 2008, 20:26

I have noticed lately that a lot of people are wearing minus lenses with front surfaces that are flat, or nearly so. Most of the prescriptions do not look very strong, and they look like new glasses

Is this a new lense style? I always thought the prescription had to be about minus 9 before the front was flat.

Cactus Jack 21 Aug 2008, 14:15

GoldenMan,

I will try to help as much as I can.

You need to increase the sphere in each lens by the same amount. For example, if you wanted to increase by -4.00 (which I think may be too much to tolerate and still be able to read) your Rx would be:

OD -7.50, -0.75 x 172

OS -8.00

You can estimate how much accommodation you have by measuring the closest you can read fine print in cm with your present glasses and then divide that distance into 100 cm. The result is the amount of accommodation you have. For example, if the distance you can read fine print with your glasses is 20 cm, that would mean that you have +5.00 diopters of accommodation. If you increased your Rx by -5.00, you would not be able to read or use the computer without bifocals or trifocals. You might be able to stetch your acommodation range a little by wearing some Base Out prism in your glasses, but that may be hard to get glasses made with prism. And it is possible that by wearing the stronger glasses, that your accommodation will increase some.

Watching TV won't help because you will not be focusing very close. You might be able to push your accommodation by reading as much as you can as close as you can with your glasses. Unfortunately, having much effect in 3 months is going to be a problem. You could simulate increased myopia by wearing plus contact lenses, but even soft contact lenses would be obvious if you were examined by an Eye Care Professional. Essentially what you are doing is training your eyes to be more nearsighted. Hopefully, you can induce a fair amount of pseudomyopia that will show up in a not-dilated exam.

I am not familiar with the problems you face getting glasses or contacts in Iran. Can you get glasses made without an "Official" Rx from an Eye Care Professional? Can your order glasses online?

GoldenMan 21 Aug 2008, 12:07

Thank you for reply, dear Cactus Jack.

So, I will order a glasses with the following RX :

-OD -7.5 -0.75x172

-OS -7.5

How is your idea?

Also I need to know, is watching TV in dark room (very close to TV) maybe effective?

May you please describe how long does it take approximately? Cause I need to get in within next three months!

Please suggest me other possible ways,

Thanks

Cactus Jack 21 Aug 2008, 11:24

GoldenMan,

You MAY be able to induce some additional myopia by constantly wearing as much over correction as you can tolerate and doing as much close work as you can. The limit to how much you can tolerate will be how much additional you can handle and still focus to read and use the computer. Unfortunately, it takes time.

You can over correct by wearing sphere only -1.00, -2.00, or -3.00 contacts under your glasses. Or by getting glasses with increased minus sphere as above. Keep the cylinder the same as in these glasses. You will have to be agressive. Your next exam will take some planning.

GoldenMan 21 Aug 2008, 10:51

Hello People,

I am very glad that I have found this website after searching the web about one month. I have read old posts on this thread and I need your

assistance, I need to get my eyesight worse. My current RX (tested about two months ago) was -3.5, -4.00. But i need to get each eye over

-5.50, please guide me, I have answered below questions.

1. What is your age?

- I am 24, born in June 1984.

2. What is your complete Rx? In the format:

-OD -3.5 -0.75x172

-OS -4.00

3. (country)? - IRAN.

4. Occupation? -computer programmer.

5. last eye exam? -Two months ago.

Please guide me.

Regards,

Aubrac 21 Aug 2008, 03:38

Suzanne

I've worn AcuVue 2 weekly diposables for quite some time. They have a high water content and I find them comfortable to wear.

You adjust to them very quickly and there is no discernable difference or blur between the normal and add section. The add part is around the whole lens, so it does not matter how you put them in. Only thing is, when driving for example if you look up at signs or something, you can look through the add part and have to look straight ahead for best distance vision.

The only problem for you might be the anount of add. I believe all bi-focals only go to +2.50 (I'm at +2.00 so have just a little to go). You might find them ok now but could need readers as well if you go to +3.00 add or more.

Hope this helps.

Suzanne 20 Aug 2008, 14:41

Hi All. I now wear glasses (-3 with +2.5) and have done so for a number of years. Before it was necessary to assist with close up work, I often wore contacts, much to my husbands annoyance. I'm now think of returning to contacts and a friend suggested bi-focal or progresssive contacts. How successful are they and will they avoid the use of readers? Thanks for any info.

Phil 20 Aug 2008, 04:45

Thanks Clare. Is there anywhere we can talk less publicly (and avoid boring everyone else)? Are you on Facebook? You are determined to avoid wearing those specs, aren't you?

Clare 20 Aug 2008, 04:19

Phil - hope it's all going better for you now. I haven't noticed any problem with the extra cyl, which only takes me to -0.50 (hence my question to Cactus earlier today). I switched a while ago to silicone hydrogel lenses because I was having problems tolerating the disposables. I didn't know but the advantage of these, which are aspheric, is that they apparently correct small amounts of astigmatism. I think they're great and they're very comfortable, hence the 14 days stint.

It's not that I dislike the FCUKs at all.

Phil 20 Aug 2008, 02:57

I'm ok though I've had a tough time recently. It would be good to "chat" but my computer here won't let me go on "Eyescene". If you'd like to text that would be great: I'm on 07783062869. Does the extra cylinder make wearing contacts more tricky? Fcuk specs invariably look good: you should wear them more often!

Clare 20 Aug 2008, 02:34

Yes Phil, long time indeed. I've just had the test and no real change, just an extra -0.25 of cyl. So no change to the frames - a pair of FCUK that I got about 18 months ago. As you know I mostly wear them at home - and I've just been very naughty and worn CLs every day for 14 days (it's so difficult when you're out all week and at the weekend too).

How are you?

Phil 20 Aug 2008, 02:14

Hi Clare-long time no chat! Is it about time for your annual eyetest? What frames are you wearing nowadays?

Clare 20 Aug 2008, 00:01

sourgrapes - there are always exceptions! Mine continued between my mid-20s and mid-30s (progressing about -1.50 in total so not huge). My optician couldn't really understand why. I didn't even wear contacts then. I've levelled off now at -2.75 and -3.

Cactus Jack 19 Aug 2008, 18:17

And,

If you find a display rack with readers, try on a pair of +3.50 and then put another +3.50 over them and you will be pretty close. Or two +3.25s if those are the strongest available.

And 19 Aug 2008, 17:17

Curious - I have a friend who wears disposable contacts with prescriptions of -7.5 & -5.25. I know she wears fulltime and carries spare lenses and glasses. Just wondered what her unaided visiob would be like ?

sourgrapes 19 Aug 2008, 14:42

Wurm may want to move this recent conversation to Induced Myopia..

sourgrapes 19 Aug 2008, 14:39

Well, a lot of that stuff has to do with children, and I think most people agree it's easier to make children myopic

sourgrapes 19 Aug 2008, 14:35

http://www.iovs.org/cgi/content/full/43/7/2110 - contact lens wearers progress myopia in their 20s

http://www.coopereyecare.com/myopia.htm (section "is there proof this happens") - has a nice summary - microscopists are more myopic; college students tend to be more myopic after they've graduated; eskimo becoming myopic after mandated education...

But unfortunately, genetics plays a part, too.. I think I must have some genetics on my side, since I did get up to around -6.

And maybe even diet plays a role (from the Myopia Manual, in the section on Blood sugar and Insulin Metabolism):

For example it is explained that in pacific islands where people kept to the original diet of fish, yam and coconut no increase in myopia was observed, in spite of long schooling hours of the children. In contrast, a myopia rate of over 18% was reported for Hong Kong fishermen, who had never attended school . The rate was even higher for those with

schooling.

I guess I'm truly an OO

sourgrapes 19 Aug 2008, 14:06

I guess that study was done on "teens" according to the title. I don't have a copy of the article...

sourgrapes 19 Aug 2008, 13:59

I think it typically levels off once you stop growing (?), but not always. In my teens I went through a few pairs of glasses because my prescription kept changing every 6 months to a year, but later it leveled off and I wore the same pair of glasses for a few years (although, there was some change when I went for the next eye exam after that, but it took a lot longer than it was taking before).

But I know some people keep getting myopic in their 20s, and I've read articles saying that it tends to be more common for college students and such...

I quite liked the conclusion of the article summary I linked a few days ago: "Axial elongation at near fixation, mainly due to an increase in vitreous length, may result from the effect of accommodative convergence rather than accommodation itself. Much use of convergence, not accommodation, may be one of the contributing factors in _adult_ onset and _adult_ progression of myopia." (emphasis mine :))

Anyway, since my myopia was relatively stable, if I do induce myopia, we'll know it was because this worked, not because I was already getting myopic.

sum1wholovesgirlswithglasses 19 Aug 2008, 13:28

sourgrapes

you did absolutley the right choice not to reveal your rx its certainly no secret that eyescene gets loads of visits by opticians ophtamologists...

speaking of inducing myopia in your 20s im sure its possible ive been reading in many forums lately where people have written why they got shortsighted for the first time even though theyve passed the age of 25 or 30 how comes their eyes have developed some myopia an age where it aint suppose to happen its been said that your myopia levels of once you stop growing hmm

sourgrapes 19 Aug 2008, 04:13

one thing nice about CL is that i can order a 6 month supply at a time, and then increase the power for the other order is i choose, as long as my accommodation supports it

sourgrapes 19 Aug 2008, 03:53

one thing i've noticed over the last year is that the amount of bluriness in the distance when my eyes relax is less now than it was in the beginning...

sourgrapes 19 Aug 2008, 03:49

i think there is definitely still some psuedomyopia.

this morning, as with all other mornings, i notice that if i don't consciously focus on far away things -- ie. if i let my eyes purposely relax -- things in the distance do get blurry quickly. if i was given an exam when i woke up, i'm sure that my rx would have been lower.

i'm still going to continue inducing myopia, however, i'll be wearing contact lenses to do it, since i don't want people to notice the increase in strength. actually, i find contact lenses pretty convenient. i'll have some stronger contact lenses, say between -10 or -11 (which equates to stronger glasses because of vertex distance) and keep my -9 "current rx" glasses (which i'm not convinced would be my true rx if lingering over accommodation was taken away).

it will be easier to test if i've induced myopia passed the -9 in the next year, since i'll have to put on the -9 glasses when i wake up, before i put on the stronger contact lenses

specs4ever 19 Aug 2008, 03:12

In a 13 to 18 year old, I am positive that myopia can be induced. Once you are over 18, it becomes a little harder, and could be pseudomyopia. I was amazed to read about the 16 year old girl who went from likely -0.50 up to -2.75D in only 5 weeks, because it has been my experience that if you are inducing, you will not induce the full amount, but will only go up about -1D in 2 or 3 months, and then you have to keep up the pressure by increasing the glasses strength.

sourgrapes 18 Aug 2008, 18:29

Oh yes.. I was hesitant to post in case my optometrist reads ES! Sorry. I want to share, but I'm a paranoid right now.

I'll just say I've induced the full -3. Yes, inducing myopia appears to work, at least in my case. But I have no idea if it's axial myopia or if some of it is pseudomyopia, which it probably is. Sorry to be light on details.

sum1wholovesgirlswithglasses 18 Aug 2008, 15:33

@sourgrapes

how was your day at the optician?

todays eye test must be really exciting^^

sourgrapes 16 Aug 2008, 14:17

i'm going for an eye exam monday, i've been inducing myopia for a year. i'll let you know how it turns out.

benn 16 Aug 2008, 14:00

Too bad we didn't have eye scene 45 years ago. I might have gotten my wish.

When I do GOC I do not use an add and have been doing it for about 4 years but I not noticed any change. Sometimes the print is very small. I read all the time.

sourgrapes 16 Aug 2008, 12:26

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10325546

sourgrapes 16 Aug 2008, 12:14

doesn't having an add defeat the purpose of having extra minus? i've read that some people think myopia is induced not just by extra accommodation, but by "accommodative convergence":

A Turkish study found that accommodative convergence, rather than accommodation, may be a factor in the onset and progression of myopia in adults.[60]

Bayramlar H, Cekic O, Hepsen IF. "Does convergence, not accommodation, cause axial-length elongation at near? A biometric study in teens." Ophthalmic Res. 1999;31(4):304-8. PMID 10325546

so i think that accommodating extra while doing nearwork may help induce myopia more than just accommodating some for far away stuff but then using an add to help you do nearwork

benn 16 Aug 2008, 12:02

yes. Real was right-1.0-2.5 left plano-2.50 and an add of between +1.5 - +2.5.

No my Rx never really changed.

I might not have needed the add when I was young except for the additional -2.5.

sourgrapes 16 Aug 2008, 11:36

since you were 21? did your rx ever increase? what was your real rx?

benn 16 Aug 2008, 11:33

sure, at least -2.5 stronger than I needed. Up to about 4 years ago I was able do it but with age I gave up. Now I do GOC.

I am now 66.

sourgrapes 16 Aug 2008, 10:37

It's hard to believe someone would go from 20/40 to 20/300 in 5 weeks, even if it was teenage myopia and inducing myopia working together. But I suppose it's possible. One strange bit is that, at least here, 20/40 vision is suitable to pass the driver's test. Maybe she was slightly worse than that

sourgrapes 16 Aug 2008, 10:32

benn, can you describe your experience trying to induce myopia

benn 16 Aug 2008, 09:06

If that could happen I would be very near sighted. I have tried for 45 years to induce myopia.

She was just ready to have teenage myopia and progressed quickly.

Like lenses 15 Aug 2008, 22:21

My neighbors 16 year old niece failed the eye test for her drivers licence.

She went for an eye exam, and was told that she was slightly nearsighted. The doctor said that he would slightly under prescribe, and wrote a prescription for -.25 each eye.He told her to wear the glasses full time for at least two weeks prior to taking the drivers test a second time.And after that would only need them for driving.

When she picked up the glasses at the optical store, and first put them on, she thought everything looked smaller, and commented this to the optician. He said that this is normal. She wore them as the doctor had instructed for five weeks before taking the drivers test.

In that five week period, she at first found the glasses a bit hard to get used to, and called the doctor, who said to continue to wear them full time, and she would get used to them. After the second week of wearing, she could not see very well without them.

She passed the drivers test, and then tried to only use the glasses for driving, but could not see well without the glasses.

She called the doctor, and he said for her to come into the office for a check.

He discovered that the optician had made the glasses -2.5, instead of -.25.

When he tested her vision he found that she now required - 2.75 for full time wear.

Her parents thought that the first glasses looked strong, but neither one of them wear glasses,so really didn't know.

They are sueing the opticion, as the doctor said that she is quite nearsighted from wearing the glasses.

When he first prescribed the - .25 glasses her vision was 20/40, and now it is 20/300.

JJwGlaSSeS 12 Aug 2008, 10:08

Hi everyone!!! i`m so glad to find a place with perople enjoy to wear glasses, my rx -3,75 -3,50 120� left, -4,25 -0,75 75� right, i like to share stories about glasses...

Aubrac 12 Aug 2008, 06:27

Marjan

I had new frames for the prescription (which I didn't really like) and so went back to wearing my old glasses and had another test in six months time, which showed guess what, an increase in prescription.

Sight testing is not an exact science as it relies on the day on someone interpreting as best they can, what they see. I'm sure you could go to two eye docs, one after the other, and not get exactly the same prescription especially where astigmatism is involved.

Would suggets you go to another eye doc and get a second opinion, be interested in hearing the result.

Phil 12 Aug 2008, 02:38

Katy, I dare you to get the "drastic" ones. They really would turn heads!

Marjan 11 Aug 2008, 22:37

Katy and Aubrac thanks for your replies. The new prescription would take my new glasses to -2.50 and -2.25 (my old one was -0.50 higher). I really don't feel that my eyes have got better, in fact the opposite for one! I wondered if anyone had ever asked an eye doctor not to give them a new prescription but to keep the old one rather than the new one on file. This seems quite a big drop to me.

Aubrac - what happened with you, did you go back and explain that the old prescription was better?

There are some fantastic new frames around and I'd love to get some.

Katy 11 Aug 2008, 09:49

Dieter, oh my God I would love to be the girl in that story!

Ok, I have been told (twice) - I'll have to get them now :-)

Phil 11 Aug 2008, 08:51

Wow Katy. I agree. You must just get them. Being a bit conservative I'd go for the first pair; but you'd look stunning in the second. The "arms" are amazing. Thinking of how you'd look in them just makes me want to buy them both for you!

Dieter 11 Aug 2008, 08:07

�Katy, this is a friendly reminder. You are responsible for your actions. You must return the glasses very soon unless you desire consequences that are permanent. Please follow your heart and chose what you feel is best for you. The decision is yours to make.�

It's only money. Buy 'em! (lol)

Katy 11 Aug 2008, 07:37

These are pretty amazing too, a bit drastic for me though! http://www.framesdirect.com/framesfp/Vera_Wang-lclcqb/r.html They all remind me of that new story by Dieter where the girls keep finding glasses with amazing frames :-)

Katy 11 Aug 2008, 07:32

Hi Phil, I haven't decided what to do yet, but I won't be using the latest rx, that's for sure! A great new optician has just opened near me and they have some amazing frames, lots by Vera Wang who I hadn't heard of before, but she does some really unusual ones. I love these, but in the red: http://www.coolframes.com/?fid=10873 They are a bit pricey though!

VFL - any updates? :-)

Aubrac 11 Aug 2008, 02:51

Marjan

It depends on what your prescription is. For a low rx of say -1.50, -0.50 is a big drop but for anything above -3.00 it is minimal.

From personal experience, I was once prescribed a drop and got new lenses but was most disappointed as I couldn't see as well with them, and wnet back to usoing my old glasses.

What is you rx by the way and how long since you had your last eye exam.

Phil 11 Aug 2008, 02:25

Hi Katy, how are you? So what have you done as a result of getting a lower rx? Knowing you I bet it has encouraged you to go for a some stronger lenses! What frames are you wearing nowadays?

Katy 10 Aug 2008, 01:55

If you get the glasses from the place you had your eyes tested, you'll have to use the prescription they gave you. If your old prescription isn't too old (2 years I think), then you can use that one somewhere else. Or, take your old glasses to another optician and ask them to copy the prescription into a new pair. Or easier: order some from the internet and use any prescription you want! :-)

Marjan 09 Aug 2008, 23:49

When your eye dr tells you your prescription has actually improved do you have to get your new glaases with the new one? Apparently mine has improved by -0.50 but I don't want to reduce it because I see fine with the existing pair. I would like some new glasses but not if I have to reduce the prescription. Has anyone else been in this situation? Thanks!

Jeremy 08 Aug 2008, 08:29

Kelly

Hi. I got daily disposable contacts that are great. I have trouble putting them in because they often flip inside out on my finger, but no problem getting it out. Nice thing about daily is that if my eyes are tired or dry and I want them out I can remove and toss. Biggest problem with them is that I have no close vision if I wear the contacts so I really need readers to focus close. Maybe I will try monovision.

Kelly 08 Aug 2008, 07:41

Jeremy, I'm like you, I got glasses at the beginning of the year. When I first got them taking them on and off/ comparing with and without them was a novelty. Driving is so much better as I can read everything signs, heck I can even see what is on sale in the stores. Us women love that. LOL.

I also got contacts that I very rarely wear but by accident I put my glasses on over the top of them a couple weeks ago. For some reason the vision seemed worse than without glasses or contacts. In other words with both I could not make things out, but without glasses or contacts I can still see. Weird I guess.

Did you have any difficulty getting the contacts in or out?

I hated the first few times. Things did get easier though. I got a couple of pointers from people on here.

Jeremy 07 Aug 2008, 16:15

Turns out the Dr was right. Got the glasses. Close is bright and crisp..I think right on. The distance became a bit clearer..not much difference until I wore them to drive last night. I realized that I could see the street signs and store signs etc, but couldn't read them until I was much closer. Maybe I never noticed because I usually know where I am going so don't need to read the signs!

I also got contact lenses for my distance, and learned how to put them in. I experimented today, wearing only one. Having corrected vision in the one eye showed a stark difference in clarity that I never noticed before. Maybe I have been slightly myopic since my teens?

Aubrac 07 Aug 2008, 01:03

Jeremy

As Cactus Jack said, myopis usually (there are always exceptions!)starts in childhood or teens and devops until again usually 35/40 and then stabilises.

We have a friend, a keen theatre goer, who always used opera glasses to watch all stage performances, and would squint at the TV screen. At age 28 she went for an eyetest and came away with a scrip of -1.75, this had obviously developed over a perio of years but she had become used to dealing with not being able to see clearly - she didn't drive by the way.

Your add +2 is only a small increase on your reader scrip ie actually +.50 and + .25 when added to your distance prescription.

If you are wearing glasses for reading, you may as well get bifocals to use for driving as well, especially at night.

Cactus Jack 06 Aug 2008, 17:40

Jeremy,

You likely didn't "become nearsighted" very recently. Some one who is a little nearsighted can think they see OK because they have nothing to compare it to. Being a little nearsighted is like wearing low powered reading glasses all the time. In your case +0.75 and +0.50. When you wore the +1.00 readers it was the same as a person with 20/20 vision wearing +1.75 and +1.50. You can probably get by doing as you have in the past, but I think you will find the bifocals will made it much easier to read signs etc. when you drive. Particularly at night.

Jeremy 06 Aug 2008, 16:15

I am 48, using Walgreens readers for the last 3 years or so and decided to bite the bullet and go for a proper exam for the first time in my life. The readers are +1.00, and seemed to be doing the trick for me..no problems. I came out with a prescription Left -.75 Right -.50 and add +2.00. She said I should get bifocals and wear them all the time, especially for driving at night. Is it unusual to become nearsighted after 40? Does this prescription make sense? I thought I could see OK before I went in, but have to admit the lenses I tried were a bit better.

Cactus Jack 05 Aug 2008, 18:43

Guest,

If prescribed trifocals "computer glasses", I would guess that the reading add would be about +2.00 with the intermediate segment about half that or +1.00. It would be helpful if you could measure the typical viewing distance to the computer screen and his preferred reading distance.

If the examiner is reluctant to prescribe bifocals or trifocals, find another examiner.

guest 05 Aug 2008, 15:26

Hey thanks Cactus for the info.I hope that he would be able to get them.We would get the regular lined ones I guess.His rx is around -7.50 with -.75 for astignatism.Wonder what kind of add power the doctor would start him with?

VFL 05 Aug 2008, 15:13

I am doing it tomorrow!

Before you know it, I am gonna have his glasses in my hands and we're gonna have a talk about them. My lenses are going to be the thing that brings it all about.

You should have seen the look on his face when I had my glasses on the other day. I truly believe be's a "closet" oo.... Life is good...

VFL

Katy 04 Aug 2008, 12:25

VFL - lucky you! There are loads of guys I've known where I would have loved to find out their rx. That reminds me of the day when I first met my boyfriend - we were talking for 5 hours and he didn't seem to even touch his glasses, which I thought was unusual. He didn't take them off in front of me either until he found out I was an OO! Sometimes it is almost like the glasses are part of the person.

Good idea with the contacts, he's more likely to open up if you start off talking about yours. Keep us posted! :-)

VFL 03 Aug 2008, 10:50

Katy, I found this out some months ago because he left the prescription out on top of some health insurance paperwork from the opthalmologist on his desk. I couldn't help but sneak a peak.

He's not mine and never will be but it's fun to enjoy the pleasure of his company and the view through those sweet lenses.

Prescriptions never meant anything to me until I started visiting this site. This man never, ever seems to take his glasses off. He even sort of lifts them up a bit when he rubs his eyes and lets them drop back on his nose. I would love to see him go without for longer than the time it takes to change into sunnies.

He saw me in my glasses for the first time a few weeks ago and he got this look on his face. Sort of a Mona Lisa type grin and cocked his head a bit. Maybe he's a closet oo. I'm considering faking a little contact trouble and slipping one out in front of him, excusing myself and when I come back ask apologize and ask casually if he's ever used contacts.

antonio 03 Aug 2008, 07:19

Philippa,

probably your brain tries to force your worse eye to see an image nearly as sharp as it gets from your better eye. That would result in a lot of squinting for instance for your worse eye and that could cause the ache you feel for instance.

-1,5 is a weak prescription, you might need your glasses only for reading far signs and boards there,

but -2,5 or so is something where an eye starts to last for glasses in many situations I think, I guess you would wear your glasses for shopping, if both your eyes were like your worse one is, wouldn´t you ? Just try by closing the better one, once. So in case your worse eyes is aching anywhere, best is to put your glasses on, but if you didn´t take them with you you could close your weaker eye for a while in order to give it a rest, that could bring a little help, too, I hope. What do you think ?

best regards, antonio

Buck 02 Aug 2008, 17:48

You might have him try some over-the-counter readers over his regular glasses. If he sees much better he can demo to the doc.

Cactus Jack 02 Aug 2008, 16:15

guest,

It is not uncommon for university students to have problems (headaches and eye fatigue) with the tremendous volume of reading and computer use required. It would not be unreasonable to go back to the examiner and tell him that he is having some problems and would like to try trifocals. To reinforce the request, he might say that a friend with a similar Rx got some trifocals it has really helped.

If he gets an Rx for trifocals, choose some frames that have enough vertical room for both the reading and intermediate segments. Do not consider progressives.

guest 02 Aug 2008, 15:44

hey VLF,He keeps his rx in his wallet and I was with him at his last eye exam.He had astignatism added to his rx for the first time too.He has the cr 39 lenses.Just need to figure out how to get him into bifocals.

Katy 02 Aug 2008, 15:31

VFL - he sounds gorgeous. How did you get to find out his rx? :-)

guest 02 Aug 2008, 13:01

I have never posted here before and am wanting to figure out how to get my boyfriend into bifocals or even trifocals if possible.He says he would like to get them.He has a strong rx like around -7.50 and also some minor astig -.075.His near vision isnt bad but with the strong minus rx,he does wish better for studying,computer etc. that he could see near things alittle better for longer periods of time.What could we tell the eye doc to get them?Hes 22 yrs old.Any ideas?

02 Aug 2008, 07:25

Kelly,

could be your eyes need a small increase if you could see better through lenses and glasses than to lenses alone

but probably the increase would be less than the power of your glasses,

for that you shouldn´t wear them both for longer times,

best regards,

antonio

VFL 02 Aug 2008, 06:15

My latest crush has that prescription with -.50 cylinder in each eye to boot.

The power rings are hypnotic even with smallish, squarish frames and probably the lightest, thinnest lenses available.

He has the most beautiful, greenish brown eyes. When he switches over to sunnies he places the case in his lap and bends over, making the switch so quickly it would make your head swim. He doesn't even look up. Except maybe the time I asked him a question about something and he gave me the foggiest myopic look. Love that unfocused gaze. I don't think that boy could tell me from his own mother from more than a foot or two away.

If he only knew what that did to me. But I'm telling you all.

Am I correct in guessing that's about all he sees?

sourgrapes 01 Aug 2008, 09:47

I'd think most people would wear a -5.5 all the time ... it's not a trivial prescription. "high myopia" starts at -6

01 Aug 2008, 09:37

hi everyone id like to know

Is an rx of -5,5 considered to be on the "strong" side?

or is it considered a low wear it sometimes prescription

And 30 Jul 2008, 15:02

Kelly, Phillipa. Neither of you have very strong prescriptions but do either have any contributions for the 'going without glasses' thread, perhaps like how you realised you needed glasses.

Kelly 29 Jul 2008, 14:33

My glasses are minus 1.25 each eye. Last wekend I wore my contacts for the first time in ages. For some strange reason or maybe habit before I left to go out for the evening I grabbed my glasses and put them on without realising I had contacts in. The vision was in my opinion was awful. I did a quick look around before I removed them. How can you go around with minus 2.75 and no glasses? Without glasses on my vision did not seem the same as the vision with both. Is this normal?

eyespy 29 Jul 2008, 14:23

Philippa

-2.75 isn't exactly a strong prescription but it's probably strong enough to cause some distortion compared to your better eye. Not sure why you'd get an aching eye by not wearing your glasses but its obvious that if wearing them helps it go away then that's the solution. Do you have an issue with wearing glasses?

Puffin 29 Jul 2008, 14:05

Phillipa, do you have any astigmatism? that might explain the aches.

Philippa 29 Jul 2008, 11:53

Sorry, guess I didn't explain myself very well. Are these symptoms usual? I'm not so blind I can't see to walk down the road but it surprises me that it's recently become so noticeable if I don't wear my glasses.

Has anyone else had a similar experience?

dan 28 Jul 2008, 07:35

Julian,

I guess you're right...I guess it was just mostly an idea, I probably wasn't going to go through with it. Just wanted to see what other people thought. I'm gonna stick with the glasses (I'm sure most people on here will be glad to hear it haha)

Julian 28 Jul 2008, 01:58

Dan: I can't help wondering why you would go to the trouble and expense of getting contacts with such a low prescription. If you don't want to wear your glasses, wouldn't you cope pretty well bareyed on *most* occasions?

dan 27 Jul 2008, 21:51

brownyn,

sorry i didnt see your post from a while ago...what's your prescription?

Guest 27 Jul 2008, 13:23

is eye strain synonymous with myopia? I guess that's her problem

mitch 27 Jul 2008, 12:32

@ phillippa

so what shall we help you with ? that's being myopic ;-)

27 Jul 2008, 12:01

http://www.fresnelprism.com/3MPOP.html

Philippa 27 Jul 2008, 11:49

Hi, I wonder if anyone here can help.

I have a new eye prescription of -1.75 and -2.75. For general things � in the

house, even walking down the street � I don�t see too badly. If I need to see

well like at the cinema or driving I always wear my glasses. Now though it�s

like my worst eye gets strained without glasses.

I went into town today for some shopping, no glasses, and after a while my

eye felt really tired, I probably need them for shopping as I can�t see the

signs but I can�t understand why my eye actually hurts (dull ache). With

glasses it�s fine. My eyes are healthy so no other problems.

Jane 1 26 Jul 2008, 23:06

Were can you get stick on prisms from

dan 26 Jul 2008, 17:09

Thanks JC. I should have mentioned, that prescription listed was my glasses prescription. I know that glasses and contacts don't always have the same prescription. Would my contacts prescription be the same, or would it decrease to a point where it would be too little to actually make into a prescription?

Thanks.

JC 26 Jul 2008, 08:21

Dan -

As as your left eye my doctor told me that the general practice is to not correct astigmatism with soft contacts if the cylinder is below .75D; I just looked at a number of brands of toric lenses and none had a cylinder of .50D. I have the same amount of astigmatism in one eye and was prescribed the spherical equivalent. For you that would be -.25D in the left eye.

Pretty much every brand of lens seems to offer the -.50D your right eye requires and many go all the way down to -.25D.

dan 25 Jul 2008, 20:15

I know most everyone on here loves glasses but I was wondering the following:

I've had glasses for about 2 years and still have a fairly mild prescription and was thinking about getting contacts. But I wasn't sure if you can get contacts filled with such a low prescription and slight astigmatism. Anyone know from experience? Below is my prescription:

OD -.50

OS plano -.50 90

Cactus Jack 23 Jul 2008, 19:46

4eyes,

Check your email

Cactus Jack 23 Jul 2008, 18:42

4eyes.

YM Me.

4eyes 23 Jul 2008, 18:24

Hi.. you guys.

Here is Anderson, still in L.A. sniff.

I am too shy to say I got new prescription glasses, with a little bit increase RX as doctors put it but I can see amazingly well. In fact, they give me the sharpest vision I can remember, but after few days using those new glasses I am starting to get real sick in my stomach. Like nausea, sickness like I am lost� as if I can not walk straight. I am having dizzyness with them on. Now, I can not ride a bike because I am too clumsy; its like I have no sense of equilibrium� if I do make sense at all. That�s the way I am feeling with those new glasses.

As I do not like them at all, I asked those Doctors at UCLA Children Hospital if I could have back my old glasses. Now, we still don�t know what to do, me and my daddy.

Any idea, please? I Need some tip.

Thanks a lot.

Sorry about my English.

Kinnley 18 Jul 2008, 17:37

Thank you for the posts. The weird thing is that she doesn't always squint to see the TV, just seems to be when I happen to look over at her but the way our living room is set up, she wouldn't be able to see me "watching" her. Her last eye exam was almost a year ago so I think she plans on going soon but I doubt she will need that much of an increase. She has been in college for 6 years and her eyes have been the same prescription the entire time.

Andrew 18 Jul 2008, 11:06

The other thing that a number of us have found is that our Rxs have risen more rapidly when we were students as a result of the increased studying, and it may be that is why your room-mate is now struggling.

Aubrac 18 Jul 2008, 03:51

Kinnley

Your friend may need an eye exam. In late teens/early twenties prescriptions can change quickly. She may have been slightly under-scripted with her present lenses and an increase of say -0.75 could then make vision difficult.

She might also have an increased degree of astigmatism. Although a low minus, astigmatism can cause great vision prblems especially with words, numbers, etc.

Why not suggest she has an eye exam?

Kinnley 18 Jul 2008, 01:54

My roommate has a RX of -1.00 for both eyes, no additional problems. She acts like she is completely blind without her glasses. I am 23 years old and have been surfing this website since I was in 5th grade so I know a lot about glasses and how everything works. What bothers me the most is when we are watching TV, she squints so hard that her eyes are practically shut which I know is not necessary. Any idea why she would be doing this?

Cactus Jack 17 Jul 2008, 17:50

Stingray,

It is possible that you are having some problems that prism correction could help.

Small amounts of prism are almost impossible for others to see in low plus lenses unless they know exactly what to look for. Larger amounts of Base Out prism will cause an increase in edge thickness at the outside edges. Base In prism will increase the thickness of the inside edge.

The best thing to do is get an eye exam to determine if some prism would be helpful.

Can you tell if your eyes are trying to turn inward or outward?

Thom 17 Jul 2008, 14:42

My girlfriend wore the fixed sunglasses with prescription lenses for the first time today.

We went to the mall, I drove and she sat on the passenger's side seat. Then she put sunglasses on and took them almost immediately off and then back on again. She repeated that three times after in a short period of time which she asked me if I had put prescription lenses in the frame. I thought I had been caught but I just replies that of course not. I also said that if they feel strange it might be because the lenses are brown in color and gradient with darker top and light bottom.

I guess she was satisfied with my answer since she kept them on all the time we were outdoors which made me happy. But I'm wondering weather she brings up the subject in coming days.

And I'm still thinking weather I should change the prescription to -0,25 on both sides?

4eyes 17 Jul 2008, 13:54

Hi, Stingray�

Anybody can tell you that you are wearing prisms as they are somewhat thick and they show very thin lines across your lenses if they are the "stick on" ones as those of me are. Also, they seem to pull your eyes from the center close to your nose, that is� if they are positioned externally. That is the cosmetic appearance of prism lenses. Now� I am using prisms since I was twelve, I think and they made feel really great and �rested?� for lack of a better term. Maybe you should ask your doctor about them, because you�ll become very depended of them, at least that is what I heard about�

Also, I am trying new glasses I got from The Department of Ophthalmology, The Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Division, "phew" and I went to E3 2008 L.A Convention Center yesterday and they feel amazing great and good.

Stingray 17 Jul 2008, 12:04

Cactus Jack: I think I am be having difficulty with double vision. I am about your age. When I relax my eyes, the image is doubled. If I strain, then the images converge. I wear glasses with a script of around +1.50 in each eye and a cylinder correction of (R)-1.50 and (L) -1.75. My add is +2.50. Regarding prism lenses, can someone tell you are wearing them? Are they as noticeable as say bifocals or myodisc lenses? In other words, what is the cosmetic appearance of prism lenses? Do you think they could be beneficial to me? Many thanks.

Cactus Jack 16 Jul 2008, 13:44

Anne,

The big difference in the Rx means that the image size on the retina is considerably different for each eye. It is likely that your brain has compensated by only using one image at a time depending on what you are doing. You might consider discussing wearing a contact lens on one eye with your eye car professional to balance your Rx and bring the image sizes closer for better stereo vision. In effect, GOC for one eye. A secondary benefit would be that both eyes would appear about the same size.

And 16 Jul 2008, 07:27

Anne, what is your vision like without glasses, either with both eyes open or one eye closed ?

anne 15 Jul 2008, 23:06

It was suggested that i post my prescription in here for people to see. I have been told its odd because i am shortsighted in one eye and longsighed in the other. My current RX is R-5.25 L+2.75.I am 20 and have worn glasses since i was 13. Before that i could always manage to read the blackboard at school, by closing my right eye and using the left. This worked fine until the teacher caught me doing it and made me tell her why. When i said i cannot see the board with my right eye, she said ok. But she had the school write to my mother and i had to have an eye exam. Which i failed and was told i would have to wear glasses. I found them a big help so took to wearing them without much hassle. Now 6 years later, i cannot do without them, the only down side, is my plus eye looks bigger than the minus one due to the different lenses. And my shortsighted eye is still getting worse each exam i have but the longsighted eye has been stable since i was 15. Hope some people may find this interesting, and will anwer any questions if need be, Thanks

4eyes 15 Jul 2008, 11:53

Dear Cactus Jack� here is 4eyes,

�I suspect my next glasses will be higher if I can get them made�� I believe my prism lenses are actually up to 17 degree DP and about 25 DP on Fresnell prisms and �Fresnell are the only resources I know that produces such high prims, so� if you can�t get opticians to provide higher prisms than 15DP that�s the only way to go� got to go now

Please, pray my eyes keep the same way.

Anderson, playing at UCLA University in LA.

Cactus Jack 15 Jul 2008, 11:09

Demon,

The cylinder and axis correct for a small amount of astigmatism.

Cactus Jack 15 Jul 2008, 11:06

Rapidprism,

The ideal location for the optical center of a lens is coincident with the central axis of vision. That is why PD for distance is measured with each eye looking straight ahead and if bifocals are involved the PD is listed as two numbers because the eyes converge inward when reading and the bifocal segments are moved inward slighly.

If prism correction is involved, the central axis of vision for each eye are not parallel and the optical center (sweet spot) for the lens should coincide with the axis of vision for each eye for the best vision. The importance of accuracy increases as the lens power increases. The formulas are known as Prentice's Rule and they can be complex involving the curvature of the front surface and rear surface of the lens, the index of refraction, and the amout of prism involved.

There are two basic kinds of eyes trying to cross. Esophoria, where the eyes try to turn inward, but you can overcome it with effort. The other is Esotropia where the eyes are crossed and you can't do anything about it. I have esophoria. If I concentrate, I can keep images fused without prism help, but if I relax or close my eyes for a few seconds, my eyes will turn inward and I will see double. To get the images fused again, I have to look at something close and work my way out. If the images get close enough, I can fuse them and they will stay fused until I relax again. When I get very tired, I can't keep them fused and my eyes are crossed. With my glasses, my eyes are slightly crossed, but most people don't notice. Occasionally someone will comment on the edge thickness. My attitude is that it is their problem, I wear the glasses for my benefit, not theirs. My problem occurs if I don't wear them.

4eyes 15 Jul 2008, 10:22

Hi� rapidprism,

I think I can say that, I am sure your eyes are already crossing behind the prism lenses also, I believe people already notice that for your dismay. I believe I wear 17 DP as lenses only and 25 DP as Fresnell prism� and their job is to avoid me turning my head too much and avoiding having no back pain, I�ve been said.

Sorry the rush...

Demon 15 Jul 2008, 09:50

Hey, I posted a few times a while back and then vanished (I did continue to lurk). Anyway, I just got an update on my glasses prescription. Here it is...

O.D. spherical(-4.00) cylindrical(-0.25) axis(090)

O.S. spherical(-3.75) cylindrical(-0.25) axis(075)

Question; I understand sphere but what do the cylinder and axis numbers represent?

lazysiow 15 Jul 2008, 04:54

Don't give her the sphere. Sphere is not the same as cylinder and she will notice. Her astigmatism is just about identical to my older rx, its low enough that it should fit into just about any frame. If its the correct prescription though, she'll notice pretty quickly that things aren't ghosted anymore but with the sphere either things will be crisper or she'll notice that things are blurrier

rapidprism 15 Jul 2008, 04:26

@cactus jack

you write that "the PD MUST be adjusted inward to avoid distortion".

how is this done? is there a special formula to do the required math? i'm just curious..i'm sure my optician knows that. but i'm sure it might come in handy to know the formula and just drop the line...

another question: with 15/15 pdpt are your eyes already crossed behind your glasses? thanks for your answers.

regards

rapidprism

Gino 14 Jul 2008, 15:26

Thom, yes, I think she will notice the new glasses are no planos. Even with a very mild prescription she should experience better vision with her sunglasses on. Let us know!

Thom 14 Jul 2008, 09:18

My girlfriend is a mild myope with a prescription for glasses of 0 cyl -0,50 and 0 cyl -0,75. So actually she suffers from astigmatism. Her vision with both eyes is 20/20 but because of the astigmatism in her both eyes she was prescribed glasses.

She is afraid of becoming dependant on glasses so she almost never wears them. I have insisted her wearing glasses at least when driving at night - which she nowadays does.

Recently she dropped her plano sun glasses on a dirt road and the lenses got scrathed pretty badly. Because the pair was her favorite she wanted them to be fixed. Since I had a coming trip to China I volunteered to fix them.(you can make up your prescription and lenses cost $10 a pair)

I made optician to put -0,25 and -0,50 sphere lenses into the frame. Since the frame design is moderately curved it would have been challenging to put astigmatism lenses in and I thought she might then get some eye strain. I haven't given the sun glasses back to her yet and so far she is unaware about the power.

My question is that should I have put sp -0,25 power to both lenses? Will she recognize that lenses actually have power?

Cactus Jack 14 Jul 2008, 07:05

Quicksilver,

15 BO in each eye, 30 total. I suspect my next glasses will be higher if I can get them made.

Quicksilver 14 Jul 2008, 06:58

Are you meaning 15 BO each eye or 15BO divided by both?

I have had scripts written in the two different ways.

Cactus Jack 13 Jul 2008, 20:53

rapidprism,

Been there, done that, had one surgery, back to wearing prisms again. Right now I'm wearing 15/15 BO but having problems. Fortunately, my basic Rx is low after cataract surgery. The biggest problem I have had is finding opticians (glasses makers in the US) who know how to make and fit high prism glasses. It is a lost art. The PD MUST be adjusted inward to avoid distortion.

May I ask your complete Rx.

If you want to discuss privately, cactusjack1928@hotmail.com

Roy 13 Jul 2008, 06:22

I am 61 years old and have had prisms in my lenses since the age of about 15. I started with a total of 4 base out and it increased to a total of 17 before stabilising at around the age of 25. Noone ever suggested surgery for me. I have no problems with the prisms. I remember one occasion when I changed opticians (probably in my thirties) and the new optician suggested I try without the prisms but it was hopeless and he had to re-make the glasses with the prisms included. The rest of my prescription is:- right eye -4.50 with -1 cylinder and left eye -6.50 with -0.5 cylinder. Add is 3.00. Because of the significant difference in the myopia between the two eyes I am prescribed a higher prism in the right eye than the left to equalise the lens thicknesses (currently prescribed as 10 base out in the right eye and 7 in the left).

I had quite a bit of trouble finding an optician who could do the prescripion with varifocal lenses, but when I did find one the varifocals they produced were perfect. Has anyone else had trouble getting varifocals combined with prisms? Also has anyone managed to buy them online?

rapidprism 13 Jul 2008, 04:22

yeah, that's the way it usually goes...happened to me too. first got prescribed base out prisms (3 in each lens), about four months later i was already prescribed 7 prisms in each lens, 14 in total and last week my optician told me that i would require 31 prisms or think about surgery...still trying to figure out what to do...i don't really like the thought of an eye-surgery...but 31 prisms in glasses make them look very strange (and they are gonna be heavy as hell and thick as coke-bottles...). i think big increases usually happen to people with base out prisms...

rapidprism 13 Jul 2008, 04:22

quicksilver 12 Jul 2008, 21:34

Has anyone had experience with a rapid increase in their prism correction?

Mine just doubled in my last exam!

quicksilver 12 Jul 2008, 21:34

Has anyone had experience with a rapid increase in their prism correction?

Mine just doubled in my last exam!

Jersey Girl 08 Jul 2008, 18:16

Beth,

The same thing happened to me last year. I tried on my boyfriend's mother's glasses which were in the car and WOW, the intensity of vision and clarity was amazing. I went for an eye exam and was prescribrd -1.00 and -.75 like you but found that the vision was similar to no glasses at all. So I borrowed my boy friend's mother's glasses and had her prescription, -1.75 both eyes, put in my glasses. I have been wearing this prescription almost full time since and love the intensity of vision. Like you say the colors are just brighter with excellant contrast. She gave me some of her old glasses which she could not see with as she is in her mid forties which are -2.25 and I see great with them as well. If you like your glasses try your friends -1.25 prescription which you may wind up liking even more.

Kelly 08 Jul 2008, 06:32

Hi Beth, I have the same prescription as your friend. I got them about 6 months ago after noticing difficulty driving at night.After taking off my glasses that I wear almost all day vision is blurry. For this reason I keep them on. I know it is not necassary unless I drive but prefer to wear them anyway.Looking at photos from last year "seeing" myself without glasses looks funny now.Enjoy your new look and clearer sight.

Beth 08 Jul 2008, 05:59

I am -1.00L and-0.75R. It is the colors and brightness that is most amazing!

eyespy 07 Jul 2008, 22:12

Beth

Welcome. That is an entirely normal experience for anyone with glasses that aren't too strong - it all seems blurrier when you take them off but you get used to it again soon. Do you know what your prescription for your new glasses is?

Beth 07 Jul 2008, 21:25

I am new to the world of wearing glasses. My girlfriend failed her driver's test, and needed an eye exam. I have never had one, but never had a problem with my eyes, and have passed my dmv exams, but went with her because she was nervous. As expected she is nearsighted, and was told she needs to wear glasses for driving. Both eyes are -1.25. The trial lenses she had at the exam were so great for her she joked I should try them, and as a joke I did. I was surprised to find they made distance vision sharper for me, so agreed to an exam for myself. After looking through all the lenses and doing the A/B and 1/2 business I was told my near vision is fine, but I too should wear glasses for distance. I got them today. While I thought my vision was really OK without glasses, these do make things (mostly letters/street signs) clearer, but the most striking difference is that I find colors brighter. Is that a normal effect of glasses? It seems to me that whites are actually whiter and blacks much blacker and crisper with the glasses. I also find that if I don't put them on I see OK, but once I do put them on I miss the sharpness. Wore them all day Sunday, and when I took them off Sunday night my distance vision was noticeably blurry. Sound right for a newbie with glasses? I have nothing to compare this to. Thanks.

Jill 07 Jul 2008, 17:55

I found this site around 4 years ago, when I got prisms in my glasses for the 1st time and was happy to see the site still alive and active. I've actually been having fun reading all the posts over the last hour or so. I'm currently 33 years old and have been wearing glasses since I was 14, went to contacts at 18 but since I got prisms in my glasses at 29 have been wearing glasses full time for the last 3 1/2 years or so. I got 1D base in of prims in the Fall of 2004.. Tried switching between glasses and contacts for a few months but couldn't take the strain without the glasses.. I stayed with my first pair I got for a little over a year, I was stupid when I first got them not thinking I was going to need them all the time and my prescription was thick since I was cheap and got regular lenses, my prescription at the time was -475, -450 I think.. Around the holidays of 2005, I went back to the eye doctor, who increased the prism to -2D in each eye, I went up to -500 and -475.. I was smart this time, got thin lenses and the Anti-reflective stuff.. Man what a difference, I couldn't believe how much thinner my glasses looked compared to my previous pair.. I wore those for about 2 years, beat them up pretty good and last fall got my current pair, had another small increase and they bumped the prims up to -2.5 base in, in each eye, these are -5.25 and -5.00, still have the thin lenses and AR on the glasses and have pretty much adapted to glasses all the time over the last 3 1/2 years.. Now without them, everything is a blurry smerred view of double images.. I haven't even tried going back to contacts in 3 years, I just can't deal with not having the prism correction. I thought when I was first prescribed the prism I'd still be able to wear contacts, but within 6 months of wearing them, I couldn't stand my contacts for more than a few minutes.. It was nice catching up on the site.. I'll have to check back here more often and not wait another 4 years to post.

Carroll 07 Jul 2008, 12:57

Hi, I am a 19YO recent HS grad from a school for vision & hearing imparements. I have had low vision & other situations all my life (cerebral palsy) due to complications with prematurity.

My presc. is +11.50 =4.25 x090 add +5.00. My left eye sees only light & dark and is permanently crossed. Right eye is 20/150.

E-mail for off-line questions is carroll.cormierii at live.com

Andrew 04 Jul 2008, 10:44

That makes more sense - thank you.

aviator -oo- 03 Jul 2008, 17:22

Aubrac: thanks for your post. Unfortunately I never saw my friend's glasses, so I don't know what kind of lenses she had in them. I'll just have to contrive a situation where she has to drive me somewhere.

Cactus Jack 03 Jul 2008, 10:57

Andrew,

I was refering more to axis than to cylinder power because it is necessary for the patient to judge relative degrees of blurriness when the examiner is trying to bracket the angle. At low cylinder powers it takes skill and practice because the difference isn't very much over a broader range of angles. At the higher powers it is more obvious and therefore easier to get the axis right.

Cylinder power is easier to get right because it is similar to deciding between powers of sphere correction. It is much esier to judge degrees of clarity than degrees of blurriness.

Also, I suspect a person who requires higher powers of correction has more experience in performing his role in the exam than a person with a very low Rx undergoing his first or second exam.

Andrew 03 Jul 2008, 09:20

A question for you, CJ...

You have mentioned a number of times that it is difficult to refract low cylinder corrections accurately. Why is this more difficult than deciding whether the cylinder should be +/- 3.00, rather than +/- 3.25 or more?

Aubrac 03 Jul 2008, 02:52

Aviator -oo-

Did your friend have different glasses for reading and driving, or did she mean she wore the smae pair for doing both?

In her forties she may well be a latent hyperope who needs plus lenses for close and distance. My wife is nearly 40 and needs +1.75 to read text messages on her phone and read signs in the distance.

It is possible that your friend was always slightly myopic, say -1.00 or has astigmatism, that would blur far and near vision, but did not realise it until she had difficulty reading close up.

It is unusual to develop myopia in your forties although I did know someone who at 29 suddenly needed a -1.50 scrip.

Bronwyn 02 Jul 2008, 11:19

Dan, Go for it! I wear my wonderfully weak glasses more than I need to. It would be fun to chat with you.

eyespy 01 Jul 2008, 06:20

Aviator

They're probably not for myopia but hyperopia and presbyopia. I've read people post on this site who get a first RX for glasses that includes near and distance with a + prescription.

You need to take a look to find out for sure!

aviator -oo- 01 Jul 2008, 00:58

I recently met up with a female friend, age early 40s, who I hadn't seen for a few years. She was straining to read the menu and mentioned that her eyes were getting worse. She explained that she now had glasses for driving and reading, although she did not get either of these out to show us. Is it common for people to develop presbyopia and myopia at around the same time? Someone mentioned that she ought to get bi-focals, but she said she was resisting that.

strange hyperope 30 Jun 2008, 20:52

My prescription:

OD +1.25 -0.50 150

OS +1.75 -1.00 025

I am seeking advice on how to best use vision correction. I'm mildly farsighted with a bit of astigmatism, and almost 40. One eye is blurrier than the other, but working together I see rather well. My accommodation is unusually good for my age and I can read very well without correction. They help a bit more for laptop distance work actually. On the other hand, after doing close work for some time I'm more prone to feeling eye pain or headache. But strangely it is after and not so much during the close work that the sting comes. (This is why I often don't begin to wear the glasses in the first place--because the benefit is subtle.) Also, some mornings I wake up feeling slight eye pain staying through the day, others not. I have experimented with fulltime wear, but distant things, particularly in darker places like parking garages, aren't as clear with the glasses on. In bright light outdoors distant objects are about as clear or sharper without glasses! I was wondering if I should try contact lenses perhaps, because they would stay on and I could derive greater benefit from fulltime correction with less eye pain, but I am reluctant because sometimes my eyes seem to see better without any correction! I am also worried that my vision will deteriorate if I wear them too much. In a way it would be easier if my vision is blurry without glasses and when I wear them, voila, instant gratification!

Cactus Jack 30 Jun 2008, 18:19

MrsS.

There is too much confusion here to make a decision. May I ask what happened to the the official copy. It would not be appropriate to go back to the examiner and complain about the Rx until you had the glasses made. It would not be unreasonable to go back to the examining doctor and request another copy and this time, make a couple of photocopies of the Rx so that you have an official one for your records. The Rx is your property and an important medical record. You really need to get a good copy of the Rx before you try to order online or from anyone.

Even though it will result in additional expense, I would suggest going to another examiner and be sure you get a copy of the Rx.

A good eye exam depends on the skill of the examiner AND the patient. Low cylinder is extremely hard to refract accurately because the patient has to judge equal levels of blurriness rather than how clear something is. I try to concentrate on the letter "O" if it is in the displayed line it seems easier to judge blurriness with it rather than a letter with straignt lines.

MrsS 30 Jun 2008, 14:11

Thank you for your reply Cactus Jack. Something is definitely awry with this, and I feel that before we have his glasses made up that another exam is in order. Or should we just have them made and then if/when he discovers he needs more correction then he can go back to the doctor and have her change his prescription. I would say that maybe we should go with his first prescription but unfortunately he doesn't have an official copy of it; I just have one that I wrote down when we were out looking for glasses one night. I know that I could try to order from an online place but worry that with the confusion such as it is now, this may be a bad idea? Thank you.

dan 28 Jun 2008, 18:56

bronwyn,

really? maybe i'll actually have to wear them more then...i usually dont haha

Bronwyn 28 Jun 2008, 16:16

Dan, That is a GREAT prescription! You know... Girls do make passes at guys with weak glasses!!

dan 27 Jun 2008, 22:02

Thanks Cactus

Cactus Jack 27 Jun 2008, 08:56

Dan,

It is the same Rx. The old Rx is written in + cylinder format and the new one is in - cylinder format.

dan 27 Jun 2008, 07:52

just got back from the eye doctor and can't figure out how much different this prescription is from my other one...

NEW:

OD -.50

OS plano -.50 90

OLD:

OD -.50

OS -.50 +.50 180

To me, my new one almost looks weaker than my old one. Or is it such a small difference that is doesn't really matter? Thanks.

Cactus Jack 26 Jun 2008, 20:14

MrsS,

Converting between + and - cylinder is easy. Algebraically add the cylinder value to the sphere value; change the sign on the cylinder; and add or subtract 90 degrees to/from the axis so the value is between 0 and 197. your husband's mew Distance Rx in - cylinder format is:

OD -0.25, -0.50 x 75

OS -0.5

Either format results in identical glasses because lens makers convert + cylinder format to - cylinder format and make the lenses.

The Rx is very low, but based on what you have said, it is in error and not what your husband needs. If you had had the Rx filled you might go back to the examiner and complain that the glasses do not seem to solve his problems. Most reputable Eye Care Professional will do a re-exam and most glasses makers will re-make the glasses at no charge. If that doesn't satisfy, I would suggest another exam by a different examiner.

MrsS 26 Jun 2008, 14:50

Thank you Cactus Jack for your reply; it appears to me then that the prescription is LESS now than it was before? I still do not understand completely how to read it, as my cylinder is in - so I cannot compare mine to his in that manner. He was not dilated for the exam. I wonder how if he seems to be having more issues now that the prescription is weaker than before. Also, is .25 even much of a correction at all? He bought some reading glasses at the store with a prescription either 1.75 or 2.00 ( I do not know which he ended up getting) and uses them in the woodshop and to read and seems to like that. He cannot see distance with them however. A .25 correction isn't going to satisfy him I don't think. His entire prescription does not seem at all strong, unless I don't know better?

Cactus Jack 26 Jun 2008, 06:35

MrsS,

To assist in comparison, your husband's old Rx written in the format of the new Rx would be:

Near Vision; OD+.75,+.25 x155

OS +1.00

Distant Vision; -.5,+.25 x 155

OS -0.25

The new Rx is:

Near Vision; OD +.25, +.5 x165

OS +.5

Distant Vision OD -.75, +.5, x165

OS -.5

The slight change in the cylinder is of little consequence. Low cylinder is very hard to refract accurately because the patient must make some comparisons that are very difficult unless the patient knows what to look for.

The sphere is of more concern.

Another exam by a different examiner might be useful. Were your husband's eyes dilated for the exam? If not, it might be worthwhile to do that and a retinal exam while dilated might be useful to exclude the possibility of problems in that area.

MrsS 25 Jun 2008, 14:40

My husband, who just turned 44, was starting to have problems, as expected, reading small print. More of a problem, he said, was that he was having problems with road sign, signs at games, and things like that. His prescription from about 11 months ago is as follows, and to me seemed quite minimal; OD -.50, +.25, x155; OS -.25 add 1.25. Being the procrastinator such that he is, he put off getting the glasses but has done nothing but complain since then about not being able to see well. Lately he's been saying that his ability to read AND see in the distance is worse than before, so we talked and he decided to get another exam before getting glasses, certainly expecting a stronger prescription as he definitely feels his eyes are worse than before. The new prescription(s) are as follows;

Near Vision; OD +.25, +.5 x165 and

OS +.5

Distant Vision OD -.75, +.5, x165 and

OS -.5

This seems like lesser prescriptions than before, doesn't it? I cannot read them because my cylinder is alway in a minus form so I don't know how to compare. Can anyone help? Considering the amount of discomfort he has been having these seem like minimal correction. I await your responses, and say thank you.

Ted 24 Jun 2008, 07:20

Latest exam results last week.

Right and left +1.25 with -.25 astig (r+l) with an add of +1.50 also r+l.

Small increase in the add but starting to go up. Was told to expect yearly increases of around .25 in the add.

Dexter 22 Jun 2008, 12:05

I was asked for my history, so here goes.

I was having trouble reading, tried som OTC readers with a little success so I thought I would need some reading glasses, and as I said was surprised when my first glasses were bifocals and I was told to wear them all the time. Here's the history.

01/2007 R +.75 -.75 x 40 L +1.0 -1.0 x50 add +1.0; 07/2007 R +1.25 -1.0 x40 L +2.0 -1.0 x50 add +1.25; 12/2007 R +2.0 -1.0 x40 L +2.5 -1.0 x50 add +1.75 05/2008 R +2.75 -1.0 x40 L +3.0 -1.25 x52 add +2.0.

The dr. says to come back before I start college, he'll probably increase it slightly and to also expect trifocals as the add will be above +2. I could really have them now, I think. Eventually (in about 2 years) he thinks I'll be at about +5 or +6 with a +3 add.

Cactus Jack 22 Jun 2008, 07:32

Demon,

Yes, that is true. But if you do it right, it is a harmless and enjoyable deception.

If you recall, you said you wanted to try wearing bifocals and/or plus glasses and we said OK, we'll show you how.

Because of spousal considerations, it will take some time and careful planning and you might not achieve everything all at once. The bifocal part is easy. The plus part is a bit more difficult. If you really want to explore this, I think you would be more comfortable discussing it in private.

Demon 21 Jun 2008, 17:32

Yes I do have a regular distance RX I mentioned before. My contacts are L -3.00 R -3.25.

Although, as an 'OO' I am interested in plus lenses and bifocals, I am about as distant from needing them as can be. I can see the tiniest of print with or without my myopia correction.

Only when I wear my contacts AND my glasses (doubling my correction) do I even notice the slightest hint of trouble in seeing close up, even then I can overcome it. In other words if I were to somehow get myself into bifocals or plus lenses in a real RX it would be totally superfluous and fraudulous!

Cactus Jack 21 Jun 2008, 04:51

Demon,

All that means is that you need to take a different approach. Where there is a will there is a way.

Do you have glasses or a glasses Rx?

Demon 20 Jun 2008, 21:56

Cactus...,

My wearing of the +2.00's is a very covert op. and only done in places where I know I won't run into people I know on a personal level.

My wife does NOT know about my 'OO'-ness. I think I could go as far as saying I like her in glasses but that's about it.

Cactus Jack 20 Jun 2008, 20:53

Demon,

I read your other posts. All things are possible. What would you like to do first. You are already wearing bifocals or the equvalent with the +2.00 readers.

If you would feel more comfortable contacting me privately, my email is cactusjack1928@hotmail.com

Demon 20 Jun 2008, 18:50

I am a long-time luker and I finally just have to get the ball rolling and post. Unfortunately my prescription is rather dull.

R -3.00

L -3.25

I find hyperopia much more interesting and I often wear +2.00 OTC readers over my contacts. I can tolerate the blur unless I'm driving. But I really wish I needed bifocals. BTW I am a 26 yr. old male living in upstate New York

17 Jun 2008, 13:35

Dexter,

What was your first rx and then what rx's did you have after that? How long was it between getting the increases? Did you eye doc say what he thinks your final rx might be?

Dexter 17 Jun 2008, 12:37

I never thought I had a problem with distance vision, only close vision. When I got the glasses, the Dr told me to wear them all the time, which I did. Now, I need them for distance and close.

Aubrac 10 Jun 2008, 03:03

Dexter

Hi there and hope you enjoy the site. People here are very friendly and can usually help answer any questions you have about vision/glasses.

Like you , my wife is a latent hyperope although withh a weaker presdcription than yours. She could get by for distance at first but now needs glasses for TV and distance.

There is always a debate about how some hyperopes with +3 can see at distance and others with maybe +1.5 can see.

From your post it seems that you did not think you had distance vision problems, can you see clearly at distance with/without glasses? Or did you need to wear glasses fulltime for your distance vision to adjust.

Dexter 08 Jun 2008, 12:39

Hi, I found this site surfing the web, this is my first post.

I just graduated from HS. Just got my first glasses about a year ago because I was getting headaches reading. I thought I needed reading glasses and was surprised when the doctor said I needed bifocals and said I was a latent hyperope. Since then I have had 2 more increases and will need another before starting college in Sept.

My prescription is R +2.75 -1.00 x040, L +3.00 -1.25 x052 add +2.00, I have franklin type lined bifocals.

My GF also just got bifocals, I had never seen her in glasses, only contacts. I just found out her prescription is -12 and she has to wear glasses now, no more contacts or she will harm her eyes from over wear.

antonio 05 May 2008, 13:29

Hi Alex,

I understand you very good.

I started to wear mine full time at your strength. I guess it�s quite normal you feel at about -2,75 glasses are making

not only things far away readable for you

but also help you in everyday situations

anywhere.

I found out, at -2,75 and above many

situtions get more and more difficult

to manage without them on,

is that similar to your experiences ?

I had quite a lot difficulties to recognize people�s faces outside without glasses at that strength, what about you ?

best regards, antonio

Traveller 05 May 2008, 04:19

Alex - the question you are asking is very difficult to answer. To be honest most people who use eyescene really like glasses (possibly a considerable understatement) so will encourage you to wear them all the time.

My prescription is similar to yours and I wear glasses or contacts full time and find it uncomfortable and difficult to function adequately without them (although I can cope with a small amount of effort).

Contrast this with my girlfriend of some years ago who was -4.00 in both eyes and refused to wear glasses in public even though they suited her and she wouldn't even consider contacts. I have no clue how she functioned at work. I know that she didn't recognise me from more than a few feet away. I am 100% certain that her optician's advice was pretty clear about how much she should wear them!

I had another female friend with a precription of only -0.50 in each eye and her glasses rarely left her nose. I have a feeling that she just got used to having them on because she certainly didn't go for the most stylish option.

So there is no right answer only the one that is right for you but putting them back on without even thinking about it after getting out of the shower is probably a sign!

Wally 04 May 2008, 12:28

I'm a long time high hyperope and bifocal wearer, 18 yo, hs senior. My script is +14.00 +4.50 x005 add +4.00. I normally wear a +14 contact lens in my left eye and glasses that are PL +4.50 x005 add +4.00. I have a pair for just reading that are +5.50 +4.50 x005 and another to wear without contacts that are +19.50 +4.50 x005 for reading.

My right eye is blind from glaucoma and I am loosing vision in the left, VA in the left is 20/120 with glasses. To contact me by e-maiil it is walter.ward at live.com

sam12744 03 May 2008, 06:07

Alex,

I think most sensible people with your prescription would wear their glasses full time.I'm certain it would be an offence to drive without them and anyway,why go around in a blur when you don't have to?

I think you have really answered your own question when you talk of wearing them automatically.You certainly aren't going to look out of place wearing glasses at a uni!

Alex 03 May 2008, 02:07

It was just over a year ago when I first got glasses. I�d known I needed glasses for a while, but just didn�t get around to doing anything about it. However, I though I might fail the eye test part of my driving test, so a couple of days before the test, I went to one of those one-hour opticians and got a pair of glasses. I didn�t spend too much time choosing them, thinking I�d use them for my test and then probably not wear them much. However, once I�d got them, I started wearing them in class when the teacher was using the white board or screen. At first I�d only put them on to look at the screen, but after a while once I�d put them on in class, I kept them on to the end of the lesson. Eventually, I was putting my glasses on at the start of classes whether or not the teachers were using the board or screen - I found it easier to see my teacher and classmates clearly. Apart from classes I only ever wore my glasses for driving or going to the cinema.

When I started at uni in October, I would only wear my glasses during lectures, but always take them off straight afterwards. However, in recent weeks I seem to have been wearing them more. I didn�t decide to wear my glasses more, I think that I was getting more used to them, so I sometimes left them on until I went back to my room. One morning a couple of weeks ago, I had an early lecture and had overslept. I threw on my clothes in a hurry and grabbed my bag, but forgot to pick up my glasses. Not having them made me realise that there were times when I couldn�t do without my glasses any more. I had to go back to my room and get them before my next class.

Having realised that I now definitely needed to wear glasses a lot of the time, I went for a sight test. My test was right eye �2.25, -0.75, 5; left eye �2.50, -0.50, 180. This time I chose my frames much more carefully; I got a pair of designer frames, which are semi-rimless with thick plastic sides. The optician didn�t say when I should be wearing my glasses. I picked them up on Wednesday. When I put them on, I noticed a big difference from my previous pair. For a start, the lenses were much thicker and everything seemed so much clearer.

Yesterday, I had a couple of lectures in the morning and then spent the afternoon working on various essays. In the evening, I was going out to a party for a mate�s 21st birthday. I�d got showered and changed, and I realised just before I went out that I�d put my glasses back on. It was a pretty sub-conscious thing, I think. I think I was recognising that I actually like the good vision that glasses give me because then took my glasses off and everything seemed really out of focus without them, so I ended up wearing them out.

I�ve got my glasses on now and I quite like how I look wearing them, is it normal for people with my prescription to wear their glasses all the time. Certainly, they seem to make a big difference to what I can see.

Cactus Jack 01 May 2008, 20:32

Curious,

There can be several reasons for needing prism correction. Hyperopes, such as yourself, can sometimes have problems because you have to work to focus for distance (when your ciliary muscles should be relaxed) and extra hard to focus on a computer screen or read. The result is a strong tendency to over converge. This is caused by a connection in the brain between the focus mechanism (ciliary muscle control) and convergence muscle control that that causes your eyes to try to converge when you focus on something close like a computer or book. This coupling is natural because you have to converge your eyes when you look at something close or your would see double.

Another cause is a real imbalance between the strength of the muscles that turn the eyes inward and the muscles that turn the eyes outward. In the later case, you have to expend energy to keep the eyes from turning inward (crossing) and after a while the outside muscles get tired and the eyes try to turn inward and you can't do much about it.

For hyperopes, plus glasses for distance can sometimes be very helpful and even stronger plus glasses for closer work can help minimize the convergence response. Bifocals or trifocals are not out of the question. Another possibility is to wear plus contacts for distance correction and also get some over the counter reading glasses for help with the computer and for reading. The idea is to try to relax the focus muscles and minimize the convergence response.

If the problem is muscle imbalance, prism glasses, eye muscle surgery (pretty common and not very risky), or vision training might be options.

You might also want to consider seeing a pediatric opthalmoligist. They tend to specialize in treating similar muscle problem in small children and most also treat adults with muscle problems.

While I'm not hyperopic, I have had some muscle problems, one surgery, and still have to wear BO prism. If you want to discuss any of this privately, contact me at cactusjack1928@hotmail.com. Been there, done that.

Curious 01 May 2008, 10:01

Cactus Jack

Thank you very much for the advice and sorry for the late response.

I am 32 years old and I'm based in Warwickshire, England.

I only went to the opticians as I have just recently started to struggle. My concern is that I play a lot of sports and feel that glasses may get in the way. The optician did say that it could just be as a trial and to see how I go. The alternative being that I just ordinary corrective lense, however they would not fix the main problem.

After my actual vision is not bad at all really, just the prism seems to be the problem.

The optician did also say that with this type correction she believes that I will quickly become dependant on the glasses and soon need a stronger prescripton. Do you believe this to be correct? She also requested to see me again in 6 months.

Regards

Curious

dan 30 Apr 2008, 05:55

its seems when you get older im 53 nearsightness is much worse eve with same rx my rx is -2,75 -1.00 astig and my vision is much worse than i was 30 preety blind without them

Willy 29 Apr 2008, 13:12

John OD -- I was wondering if I could ask you a question that I've never been able to get a real good handle on, namely, how does astigmatism interact with latent hyperopia? I wear progressives with +1.5 -1.0 85 L and +1.25 -0.5 100 R (ADD +1.50 both) and am on the order of 20/40 at distance without them. But as recently as four years ago (at 42) I could see 20/20 at distance bare-eyed, though an auto-refractor indicated plus sphere of at least +1 and minus cylinder of at least -0.5 in each eye. Was I reaching 20/20 by accommodation, or could the auto-refractor have been wrong and did the astigmatism develop? What is your experience generally in dealing with latent hyperopes, and when do you find that low hyperopic presbyopes go to full-time wear? Just curious. Thanks for any thoughts.

28 Apr 2008, 20:27

I think it's awesome we have a real OD on these boards. Welcome, John. :)

Cactus Jack 28 Apr 2008, 20:04

John OD,

Thanks. My preference is an Rx from an experienced OD.

John OD 28 Apr 2008, 19:24

The reason that optometrists prescribe in minus cylinder dates back to when we did not have diagnostic or therapeutic privileges. Without cycloplegic agents to relax accommodation, we perfected the art of subjective refraction by "fogging" (i.e., overplussing or underminusing) patients to better control their accommodation. (A patient's vision would only be made worse if he or she were to accommodate when undercorrected.) In such a situation, it is easier to introduce minus cylinder than plus cylinder.

Although Phoroptors and trial lens sets have cylindrical lenses in either minus or plus form, a prescription written in either minus cylinder or plus cylinder form can be transposed to the other and back again. The lens blank specified has the same power, regardless of how it is written. For example, an optometrist may prescribe -1.00 -2.00 x180 and an ophthalmologist (or let's be honest, his or her technician) may prescribe -3.00 +2.00 x90. Both lenses are identical; it's just a matter of choosing which meridian to write first: the least minus (-1.00) in the case of minus cylinder form or the most minus (-3.00) in the case of plus cylinder form.

Cactus Jack 28 Apr 2008, 16:37

curious,

Regretably, contact lenses are not an option for prism correction. Contact lenses have a tendency to move around on the eye. Some lens types called "toric lenses" can be made stable enough to work in some situaltions for astigmatism (the cylinder portion of your Rx) but they are not always satisfactory. For prism to work. the lens must be correctly oriented and the only way to do that is to use glasses. In your case, the prism will be only slightly noticable by a slightyly thicker outside edge and a slightly thinner inside edge.

I think you will find the glasses comfortable and stress relieving and I suspect you will get used to them very quickly and you will want to wear them all the time.

Please let us know how you get on. May I ask your age and where you live?

Curious 28 Apr 2008, 15:05

I went to the opticians for the first time in my adult life today largely due to the fact that I do a lot of close work on the computer at work. I was told by the optician that I had quite a lot of 'prism' ???? 18 to be precise. The optician said she would prescribe me only a prism of 5 in each eye to start (10 in total)and also said that due to the amount of prism correction I would need to where glasses all the time.

I'm not sure I can just go from not wearing glasses 'ever' to a being fulltime wearer.

My whole prescription is -

R +1.00(sph)/-050(cyl)/5 (prism)/ out (base)

L +1.00(sph)/-050(cyl)/5 (prism)/ out (base)

Afterward after I had time to think, I suddenly was curious whether contact lenses would be an option?

Is there any experts amongst that can give me some advice on this...please??

Many many thanks..

Cactus Jack 24 Apr 2008, 17:20

John OD,

I am not an eye care professional and have never pretended to be. I was trying to help Dieter understand a principle of Optical Physics. I certainly can't argue that tradition among eye care professionals is to refer to the optical axis of cylinder from 1 to 180, just as it seems to be tradition for MDs to use + cylinder and ODs to use - cylinder. Perhaps you can explain why. I don't know. I think I understand why lens makers like minus cylinder - because the grinding process removes material rather than adds material, resulting in a more minus lens rather than a more plus lens in the cylinder axis.

0 degrees and 180 degrees are the same when discussing the orientation of a cylinder in a vertically oriented circle. It seems helpful to know that 0 or 180 are both horizontal because it could have just as easily been decided that 0 would be vertical, way back when. As long as everyone knows what the prescriber wants, it doesn't matter.

I think I recall having seen Rx written with a 0 axis, but I may be mistaken.

What was it Shakespere said about Roses?

I live in the US.

P.S. I just looked at a trial lens frame and the horizontal axis was marked 0, but I think it was foreign made. India maybe.

Dieter 24 Apr 2008, 06:10

John OD, my question to CJ was more to confirm that the sphere changes between the writting of the two prescriptions. But, I was a bit confused by an axis 0. So you're suggesting that axis would b 1 to 180 where CJ said 0 to 179?

Anyway thanks to both of you for helping me understand the concept.

Emily 23 Apr 2008, 22:04

John OD:

I have progressive myopia and would like to chat with you privately about it. If you are willing, please write me at nearsightedemily@hotmail.com. Thanks.

John OD 23 Apr 2008, 18:35

Cactus Jack, I'm an optometrist, and I've never heard of axis 0. I use axis 180 instead. Are you European perhaps?

Dieter 21 Apr 2008, 19:52

Cactus, thanks. The ophthalmology process seems odd in that it appears one's sphere is stronger than it really is. I hadn't clued into that until recently.

Cactus jack 18 Apr 2008, 13:47

Dieter,

The last post was from me.

c 18 Apr 2008, 13:43

Dieter,

-3.00, -0.25 x 0

To go from + to - cylinder (and vice versa), algebraically add the cylinder to the sphere, change the sign on the cylinder and add or subtract 90 degrees to the axis so it falls between 0 and 179 degrees. Lens makers convert + cylinder to - and make the glasses, optically there is no difference in the glasses that result from either Rx.

Dieter 18 Apr 2008, 11:43

Cactus Jack, I wanted to clear something up in my understanding of the + or � prescriptions written for astigmatism. First, I have read that in the US ophthalmologists are taught to write + and optometrists or taught to write -. From personal experience, this has been true in every case. But my question is about the conversion so I would appreciate it if you would indulge me. What would be the conversion of -3.25 +.25 090? Special thanks in advance.

Puffin 16 Apr 2008, 13:20

Andrea, don't panic, this sort of rapid progression from being just about able to read closeup to being unable to do so is very common among hyperopes such as yourself. It does not mean your eyes are getting worse. It means your eyes are adapting to necessary correction.

Basically, the optician is aiming to get your eyes in a state where, with the right correction, your eyemuscles won't be strained at all.

It often takes a little while and some changes in prescription to get to this state, since the eyemuscles have become used to straining and struggling over the years and won't give up doing so easily, probably not all in one go, so the correction has to go up in stages to allow you to see well at the time of prescription and also nudge your eyemuscles in the right direction.

Again, don't panic. It's a necessary change, but once it settles you'll be glad you did it.

Slit 16 Apr 2008, 11:07

Andrea,

thanks for the update and my comment about the prescription is that it is a minor prescription.

anyways, it is good that your eyes are relaxed and you are comfortable with sight.

did you get in touch with your cousin sister? does she visit this site and make postings? if so what is her nick name?

Andrea 16 Apr 2008, 07:50

It's been a little over a month since I received my new glasses.I now have to wear them fulltime. They have ruined my eyes. There is very little I can read without them.

On Friday I went with my Mom to her annual appointmet.I was going to get a second pair since I wear them almost all the time now. While I waited ,my eyedoctor asked how I was doing with the glasses. I lamented my now worse vision woes. The doc did a a recheck, since I said I was going to get a new pair.

Results... In 6 weeks I already need stronger glasses. Stronger on the top and 1 step stronger on the bottom.

And I might need stronger ones in the future. Again I was told I was farsighted and my eyes have relaxed to accept the glasses. I was asked If I still wanted the kind with the line, I said that I have accepted the line and other than the computer I did not have any trouble. I was given a bigger bifocal to give me more reading room.The bifocal now is a lot more prominent. Now even far away things are clearer with my glasses. Bifocals have now ruined my distant vision as well. By the way my Mom now has bifocals with line,she tried no lines and did not like them.

The fact that I did not want no line glasses,I was also given a prescription for computer glasses If I wanted them.

Here is my new prescription.R+1.25 -.25 075 L+ 1.00 - .50 160 add +2.00

With the new glasses I notice things further away are now blurry. So I might try the computer glasses or (Gasp) Tri-focals for work

Update later

Thanks

Slit 20 Mar 2008, 10:12

Hi Andrea,

Hope you are still around. Did anything special happen so far related to your bifocals?

Are they round segment or flat top?

Is your cousin a person who post on Eyescene?

Kelly 20 Mar 2008, 06:11

Went to another shower for the same girl I talked about a while back.I arrived about 10 minutes beforehand and went to the door only to find the host in robe and glasses. I thought I read the shower was to start at 12 but in fact it was at 2pm. Feeling a bit embarasses I said that I would come back. N, initial only, invited me in to have a coffee if I wanted, and said it would be no problem. I then offered to help with the set up. She appologised for looking this way as not many people see her in glasses any more. She wears almost the same frame as I do and told me that she first got glasses after getting hit in the face with a field hockey stick and going to the hospital for stitches and vision related issues. She showed me her first pair while in grade 9 in the school yearbook. We had so many laughs looking back in time that we were not ready when the doorbell rang and a bunch of guests arrived. N ended up wearing her glasses for the shower and we got called the twins a couple of times. I stayed after to help clean up and she thanked me for that plus letting others see her in glasses. We did swap briefly but her prescription is totally different and nothing but a fuzzy mess. We had so many laughs we might go out for a couple GOW.

Wayne 14 Mar 2008, 19:36

I would say that someone who can adjust to reading glasses and become able to see distance 20/20 through the glasses must have latent hyperopia. Adding plus to the eyes of someone who is truly emmetropic would make the person nearsighted. There is no way for the eye to "adjust" to overcome myopia

Kelly 14 Mar 2008, 15:07

received a call from the eye Dr's office yesterday asking when I would like to come in for a quick check up on the contacts. I've been wearing them for about three weeks or so and am up to 8/10 hours at a time.

Exam this morning went well but decided not to order contacts. Cost being one and I don't mind wearing my glasses.I can order contacts cheaper online which I may do in a while. Always wanted blue eyes! Actually I have grown quite fond of the glasses. Earlier apprehensions were for nothing, even with the bold second pair. I now wear these just as often as the conservative ones. Had to wear the lenses into the office and they checked on inserting and removing with some machine tests, took all of 15 mins. I left wearing the bold glasses and the recepionist commented on them being well chosen. I told her thank you even though I was against them at first. She does not know that though, and we all like compliments don't we?

Curt 11 Mar 2008, 13:29

There is some scientific basis for this. I read a journal article recently about people who only needed reading glasses, but wore them most of the time. Over the course of several months, their eyes adjusted to looking through the + lenses and they could see 20/20 or better while wearing their readers. There may be some latent hyperopia at work here, but in any case, wearing readers constantly may be another way to get to full time wear.

Good neighbor 11 Mar 2008, 12:43

Just got off the phone with my neighbor who was distressed because she went to renew her driver's license,and failed the eye exam. (She has been wearing readers for 10 years or so.) She has never had an exam. When told to read the bottom line, she couldn't see it. She wanted to try the readers but the clerk said they won't help for distance, but she did anyway and could see! She got her license, but with a restriction for glasses so has to drive with her reading glasses. She complained to me previously that they were a hassle to always take off and put on, so she sometimes wore them, like for TV and came to see better with them. I told her to go for bifocals and get used to ft wear! So tomorrow she if off to her first ever eye exam.

Rick 11 Mar 2008, 12:12

Great day. We have a new GWG. My wife get's her glasses today.

LT Lurker 11 Mar 2008, 02:29

Hi Pelegrino,

My wife has a stronger prescription to yours and seems to be wearing her glasses more and more at near.Shes 40 and is really reluctant to look through her lenses at distance as her optician has informed her she would become reliant sooner. She definitely suffers when watching TV and driving but she told the optician the only problems were at near.Most opticians I think base the useage on what vision tasks the patient tells them they find difficult and prescribe accordingly.They don't expect fibs from a 40 y o!

First Timer-

Yes I guess you need to await the outcome.Keep us informed on what you do.

pelegrino 10 Mar 2008, 15:38

@LT Lurker

i pretty quickly went full time, when i was first prescribed glasses...got them about 2 years ago, +1.00 in both eyes, inicially just for reading, but my eye doctor already told me then that i could also wear them full time, which i did a short while after (about 3 months after i got them), because it just felt right and my eyes were never sore when i had them on. although the rx might seem and in fact is quite weak by now i get sore eyes and a headache really quickly when i don't wear my glasses. that's my short story.

matthew 10 Mar 2008, 14:49

aw fuck, had one of my regular eye-pressure tests and the doc said it was far too high so I got to make a laser treatment...

besides that, my eyes are hurting (don't know if that's the eyepressure) and I think that reading close up with my glasses makes my eyes strain more than without - I can see clearly, but if I relax my eyes/muscles having my glasses on it's somewhat blurry - I am shortsighted, -2,25 with 0,5 astigm right and -1,25 with 0,5 left... All the computer work makes my eyes hurt pretty much too, and if i have my glasses on and switch between distance and close, trying to have relaxed eyes, close is difficult.

Bifocals, huh ? With 25?

First time poster 10 Mar 2008, 14:47

LT Lurker

Thanks. I am hoping to avoid so wanted to get a clue as to when that gets difficult. I guess up to -200 I have some choice. I'll have to wait and see. Just wanted to get more experienced views.

LT Lurker 10 Mar 2008, 09:40

Hi First Time,

I would guess you may need an increase if you are around the 20 something age.

If you get it the difference between with and without will be starker and you will nave the choice of crisp easy non squint vision or constantly testing your eyes with a screwed up face trying to convince yourself you don't need glasses.

Lots of people feel the same but end up accepting correction because its much easier.

I am interested in peoples farsighted experiences and when the decision was taken to go full time, was this due to the optician telling you to do so or was it a gradual progression into full time wear?

I 'd love to hear your answers!

Presbyope challenged 10 Mar 2008, 01:59

I echo Julian's statments. The only thing that glasses do is allow us to relax and see without strain. I have similar eyesight Andrea as a latent hyperope with some astigmatism,and now presbyopia. Until I got frist prescription, i thought i saw fine, but had an ability to focus in and out as I chose. Actually, i was constantly straining to keep my vision adequate. I did go for progressive lenses and I am quite satisfied with them.

Slit 09 Mar 2008, 22:57

Hi Andrea, thanks for the reply.

I would also re confirm what Julian mentioned.

Glasses never make eyes bad, (provided that prescription is accurate) and eyes simply start relaxing, instead of straining as it used to do for some 27 years...

Is your bifocals flat top or circular top?

Julian 09 Mar 2008, 19:26

Andrea, you are wrong about one thing: your glasses are not, repeat NOT making your eyes worse. It only feels that way because they are letting your eyes relax and see (what for you is) normally. Sure, at your age you could still focus without them - with an effort, which before long would cause eyestrain. If I were you I'd settle for being happily and comfortably bespectacled, and never mind the comments.

lazysiow 09 Mar 2008, 15:46

Another thing for you Andrea, I had to do the same thing a long time ago, it sometimes takes me than a day for your eyes to "snap" back but I did notice whenever I was straining when I did that and eventually I just gave in. Yes it took a few years lol

First time poster 09 Mar 2008, 10:20

LT Lurker

Hi, I'm -1.50 now but going for a test soon.

lazysiow 09 Mar 2008, 09:41

Also what's Jen's prescription? is it weaker or stronger than yours? if hers is stronger and you adapted to them when you first tried them, then yours has a good chance of catching up soon

lazysiow 09 Mar 2008, 09:17

Your distance add is similar to what I wear full time which is .75 (plus astigmatism) and it's taken me a good many of years to actually become dependent on them for distance as well. My eyes get itchy and watery after a few minutes with them off now whereas before i could put up wit a night out or something like that.

Trifocals are only needed when the bifocal part is too strong for intermediate use i.e computer, in your case it sounds like both parts will get stronger soon, but you probably won't need trifocals. Maybe the next time around you can get progressives if the line comments are starting to get to you :(

Andrea 09 Mar 2008, 06:57

Hello Slit and Carrie,

I have had my new glasses for almost a week now. I am finding out, I really needed glasses. Just this morning I tried to read the Sunday paper without my glasses and I was having a hard time. It was clearly better with my glasses. I never had this problem before bifocals. They are making my eyes worse, however in 1 week I am now having to resort to wearing them for close up viewing. I was handed a card the other day and I had to move it away from my eyes to see it and for the first time and I almost could not read it then. I can even tell a difference in far away things, they are now clearer with the glasses. In 1 week they have made me dependant on them.

When I got them I thought I would wear them just for reading to make things bigger. Now I am having to use bifocals with a line in them at an early age. Jen tells me It might get worse too, she got stronger glasses in a short time. I tried Friday not to wear them all day at work, but I put them on late morning and wore them the rest of the day. When I take them off after wearing them It takes my eyes time to go back to normal.

As for my prescription it is r +.50 l+.50 add + 1.75 Is this a weak prescription? I will try not to wear them all day today around the house to see if I can get my eyes back to where they were before. I have had several comments about bifocals with a line in them at work so the line must be easy to see. I am worried what they will look like if I ever need stronger ones. What's next Trifocals????

Thanks Andrea

LT Lurker 09 Mar 2008, 03:27

First Timer-

From your question you appear to be trying to avoid wearing glasses full time.

If you have lets say -1 of myopia or less, you can, I would say "get by" fairly well without glasses.Once over -1 whilst you will still be able to function you can expect to find limitations.

I remember not being able to see the menu at McDonalds but obviously was not limited too much as I could just order a Big Mac...no problem.

But it does become a pain and I remember not being fulltime properly until I went up to -2 About a 10 year process.

This was 20 years ago and I didn't want to be a 4 eyes or mess with lenses!

If I had -1 vision now for the first time I would probably be full time -its about vanity and I am no longer vain!

Some people continue with no correction way beyond -2 but they don't believe that they look sillier squinting than having a pair of specs.

What is your rx?

For Farsighted + rxs it is, i think,down to how much accommodation you have left once over 40-45 +1 hyperopia could mean full time wear.

Astigmatism has a much lower threshold I would guess at +/-0.75 of astigmatism being a watershed for most people.

Its down to the individual.

First time poster 09 Mar 2008, 00:04

Cactus Jack

Every time I go for an eye test I get an increase. Usually -025. HOw high does it get before it's usual to need all the time?

Thank you

Phil 07 Mar 2008, 04:53

Carrie, I bet you are in the States too! I just never see an attractive young woman in bifocals in the UK. It's such a pity as I think they look great.

Carrie 07 Mar 2008, 03:56

Andrea, I too am young and need bifocals. And like you, I barely have any RX for distance, but can't read without the bifocal. So I just wear them all the time. And I went for the lined bifocals,too. So what if people see the line, and think you're too young for the line? My bifocal RX has increased over the last few years, so I need them for reading, and other close-up work like applying make-up, using my cell phone,etc. Just get used to wearing them, since your bifocal add will probably increase to the point that you absolutely can't read without them

Cactus Jack 06 Mar 2008, 15:01

First time oposter,

It depends on too many factors to state that above this Rx you have to wear glasses full time including personal preferences of the individual.

Do you have a specific Rx or reason for asking the question?

First time poster 06 Mar 2008, 13:37

What strength of prescription means you'd need to wear glasses all the time?

danny 05 Mar 2008, 13:54

Julian,

Thanks for the information. I guess I'll be wearing them more often then. Hopefully my eyestrain will go away. If not, maybe it's time to see what else can be done...either way, I'll get an eye doctor appointment soon and let them know about my different problems. Maybe I'll end up with bi-focals, who knows. Although I seem to young for them.

Julian 05 Mar 2008, 12:29

Danny: the trouble with astigmatism, even a little bit of it, is that there's noting you can do to counteract it...if you're hyperopic you can use your power of accommodation, if you're myopic you can squint, but with astigmatism you can't focus properly - and with a lot of close work the strain is just waiting to happen.

Of course it's possible that by now you have some astigmatism in the other eye as well; a test will show this.

I reckon your best bet is, as you say, to wear your glasses a lot more; if the strain continues and is hampering your work then maybe better not wait till May before getting tested again. As to where you go for a test, I don't know. I'm in the UK and in general would prefer a 'private' or 'family' practice rather than a chain; but there are other people here who can advise you better about the choices over there. Best of luck!

danny 05 Mar 2008, 10:57

Julian,

Forgot to mention that it seems that both eyes are straining equally (aka the one with astigmatism is not any different).

danny 05 Mar 2008, 10:55

Thanks for the suggestions!

I guess I'll try to wear them much more often. I didn't think that such a low astigmatism prescription would cause that much of a difference.

And you're probably right about getting another appointment. It probably won't be until May though due to the fact that I'm in college (or could I go to something like a Wal-Mart here?).

Oh and I should note that my distance vision seems more blurry after doing close up work. Any thoughts on that?

Thanks again.

Julian 04 Mar 2008, 23:56

Danny: Jamie has given you two pieces of advice that can't be improved on.

1. Try wearing your glasses full time; if the eyestrain goes, the problem's solved - is it worse in the eye that has the astigmatism?

2. Having checked that out, have another test Eighteen months is a long time at your age; your myopia could have increased, your astigmatism could have changed.

3. When you go for your test, mention the problems you've been having. You may just possibly need bifocals - using a computer is just about the most stressful task there is for your eyes.

Let us know how it goes.

Slit 04 Mar 2008, 21:09

Andrea,

Congratulations on the new bifocals!

Few questions:

1. Can you please post the prescription?

2. What type of lined bifocals you have, Flat top or round segment?

Jamie31 04 Mar 2008, 17:38

Obviously, I should not try to multitask when typing:)

What I mean is that the astigmatism might be the reason for the eyestrain and wearing the glasses with the correction for astigmatism solves the issue

Jamie31 04 Mar 2008, 17:37

Danny,

If it's been a year and a half, it may be time for a new exam.

However, the reason for the astigmatism might be the eyestrain. Even a small amount can cause discomfort and so without the correction you can have eyestrain.

danny 04 Mar 2008, 17:22

I've been lurking on here for awhile and finally thought I'd post.

A year and a half ago I noticed my distance vision getting a bit blurry so I went to the eye doc and ended up with a slight perscription:

OD -0.50

OS -0.50 +0.50 x180

Could someone explain what the +.50 x180 means? I know its astigmatism but would that type of astigmatism warrant full time use?

I've only been wearing them for distance up until this point.

In addition, lately I've noticed that when I read or use the computer (without glasses) that I get eyestrain. Could this mean I need to wear my glasses for that too? I wouldn't think glasses for nearsightedness would be needed for the computer. Or does this mean that I actually might need bifocals and a different perscription for near vision? (Seems like a lot of people are discussing this lately).

Any answers would be appreciated! Thanks.

PS I'm 18 and a freshmen in college.

lazysiow 04 Mar 2008, 11:28

Congrats on the bifocals Andrea :) Can you share your prescription?

With my experience maybe I should have started with bifocals too. I initially went to the eyedoc almost 10 years ago for astigatism (distance for me) issues, but I was given a reading correction + astigmatism and was told "dont wear them all the time or you will start to need them". I really wanted it for distance and at the time the reading was stronger, though still a bit low.

I eventually went fulltime and got used to seeing at a distance if anything just to benefit from the astigmatism correction. Nowadays the astigmatism keeps going up each exam, the reading remains fairly low and constant but now I really cant stand close up view without my glasses for very long. If I had gotten bifocals from the beginning maybe I still could.

Ultimately though I always hated the idea of bifocals, and preferred just having a one size fits all lens approach

Curt 04 Mar 2008, 11:10

Andrea: As to your questions...

Did I do the wrong thing bu not going with the no-line?

It is a matter of personal preference. There is no right or wrong answer. Lined bifocals have better optics, but have a visible line and only two distinct areas of focus. No-line (progressive) bifocals get stronger as you move your eyes from the top to the bottom, but they have distortion on the edges that people have difficulty adjusting to (some never do).

Should I wear them all time?

Your choice, but you may find that once you see things clearly up close, you are not willing to go without them.

Will they get stronger?

As you get older, yes, but probably not right away.

Can people really see the line?

Depending on the lighting and how closely they look, yes, the line is visible.

At the computer should I use the bifocal or the top part?

It depends how close you sit to the screen. If you sit very close, looking thru the bifocal add would be better. If you sit fairly far away from the screen, you may not need to look thru the add. If you use the bifocal add, consider lowering your screen so that you don't have to tilt your head back too far.

I have both progressives and lined bifocals, and wear them interchangeably. Some days I feel like one pair, some days the other.

Brian-16 04 Mar 2008, 11:00

Andrea - Yes.you did good! I have been wearing flat top-lined trifocals for several years and I am almost 20 years old.You will get used to them and good luck!

Andrea 04 Mar 2008, 07:21

Mom too was surprised too that I wanted bifocals with the line. I told her about trying Jens glasses and how the bottom part made things a lot bigger. She told me she tried the no-line kind when she was in her 40's and could not wear them. I tried mom,s glasses while we walked the mall to kill some time. I couldn't see far away at all but my watch was real clear if I held it up close. She told me once she started wearing reading glasses they got stronger after every exam.

We got back to Lenscrafters to find my glasses ready. A different girl waited on us. As she cleaned the glasses she said "Do you have bifocals" She then twisted the ear things and slid them on. Wow, I now had my own bifocals.

She asked how my distance vision was, I really couldn,t tell much difference, Then gave me a little card to read, I tilted my head to look out of the bottom and it was real clear too.

I left the store wearing my glasses and wore them the rest of the day. I took them off before going into a meeting with my Dad and the marketing people and the first thing he said was"Let me see your new bifocals", So I had to answer questions why I had bifocals at my age. One of my co-workers even said " You can get bifocals with out the line you know" So I guess you can see the line in them. I ended up just leaving them on the rest of the day.

I put them on before leaving my condo this morning and are still wearing them.

So...

Did I do the wrong thing bu not going with the no-line?

Should I wear them all time?

Will they get stronger?

Can people really see the line?

At the computer should I use the bifocal or the top part?

Jen told me not to wear them all the time unless I had to. She can't see up close without her glasses at all anymore. I have already noticed smaal print is better through the bottom part. Any help to my questions would be appreciated.

Thanks

Andrea

Andrea 04 Mar 2008, 06:35

Well it happend yesterday.I met my mom for breakfast before the exam.(She thought they would put drops in my eyes and I couldn.t drive.)She told me at breakfast she was younger than me when she got reading glasses and has worn them since.

I was the first appt. in the morning.I went in and the dr. asked if I was having problems. So I told her of my bifocal experiance. She told me bifocals were not only for older people that lots of her younger patients had them also.

She first asked me to read the chart on the wall. I think I did ok. She twisted and turned the eye machine several times and had me read all the lines again This time I got them all.

Then I had to read very small letters on a card up close and this was harder.

Once more she clicked and twisted, each time I could read more letters. I finally could see them all.

She sat down,made some notes and told me the news. I needed reading glasses.The dr. said normally she would just have prescribed reading glasses for my problem but since I tried the bifocals and liked them, she said I could try them. It seems I have a small distance problem too. Not normally enough for glasses but she said she would add it to the top part of the bifocals if I wanted bifocal glasses.

She suggested noline bifocals, she thought they would look better on younger patients. I asked if I should wear them all the time. She told me it was my decision, but I might find I would become more dependent on them and need a change sooner if I did that.

I went next door to get my new bifocals. I quickly chose a pair of Prada frames with wide sides. The sales person made a comment "You know you have been prescribed bifocals". She thought too I needed the no-line type.

She said you are too young to have a line in your glasses. I stood firm for the lined kind. After some measuring I was told to come back in about an hour.

More later....

Curt 03 Mar 2008, 12:32

Andrea: Bifocals are always an alternative to reading glasses. Some folks really dislike having to take off readers to see distance clearly, so they get bifocals with clear glass in the top section and their reading prescription in the bifocal add. Many folks need some type of correction for distance (whether they know it or not). And some folks wear reading glasses for a while only to find that their eyes relax and can see well at distance even with their reading glasses on.

Some eye docs are reluctant to give young folks bifocals, but if you complain about not being able to see far away with your glasses on and hate taking them off all the time, they will often give you bifocals.

Were the glasses you tried on regular lined bifocals or invisible (progressive ) bifocals?

Good luck!

Kelly 03 Mar 2008, 06:57

Clare and Andrew, putting in the contacts the way you suggested is great. I have them in, in a minute or two now. Still know they are there but will try the other brand next week sometime to compare feel.Wore glasses yesterday to a shower/luncheon, and the comments were nil. Some girls I hav'nt seen since high school were there and even they did not comment. I even wore my second pair that I was apprehensive to buy.

Slit 03 Mar 2008, 01:53

Hi Andrea,

Well, your situation is not uncommon. I also went through the same situation when my father go glasses for the first time and they were +2. I could see pretty well through the bifocals region. Now i got some +1.25 for reading.

I think you should get a dilated comprehensive eye test to discover your real prescription, because of some biological nature of our eyes. (you will find out details when reading through this web site)

If you insist that you prefer to start with bifocals, there is a possibility that they will issue them. Specially in the case where you describe yuor need to read something within closer range than it is usually e.g: sewing, knitting, typing sms while laying on bed etc...

Bifocals are not bad on young people as long as they choose the frames that match the face and complexion. If it is the right match, it becomes a fashion accessory rather than equipment!

Good luck with the eye test and please keep us updated.

PS: dont forget to request a comprehensive eye test including far and near vision.

Aubrac 03 Mar 2008, 00:43

Andrea

It sounds as though you might be what we tend to call a 'latent hyperope'. In other words you may always have been farsighted but used your eye muscles to focus on near and distant objects.

By the way, far or long sighted, contrary to what many people think, does not mean you can see well at distance. It means the image in your your eye is formed behind (or far) of the retina whereas with short sight it is focussed in front of, or short of the retina.

It is difficult to hypothesize as only your eye exam will show the true picture, but anyone can start to wear glasses at any age. I had a friend who at age 28 went for the first time for an eye test and came away with -2.50 glasses, she had obviously needed them for some time but had got used to seeing things in a blur.

Bi focals might be less usual for a first time wearer but by no means unheard of. I hope the exam goes well and let us know how you get on.

Craig B 02 Mar 2008, 20:21

4-Eyes,

Thanks for the comments on bifocals, they must be a necessary part of life for you with a +8 difference between your near and far lenses.

About contacts....in my case they were amazing. I never had trouble using them, they made my vision much more as I would imagine a normal eye can see as there was no shrinkage of what you are looking at. As I have been finding out the only problem is that you have only one correction and if you need bifocals they cannot help unless you wear glasses in addition to them. Sorry you cannot try them out. I assume you have been talked to about having new lenses inserted into your eyes to replace your current natural lenses. That has been suggested as an eventual solution for me, but only after my eyes stop changing so much.

There is a lot of posting about tri-focals here. Has that ever been sugested to you. A plus 8 difference between your lenses must leave an area between your reading lens and your distance lens where you do not get good vision.

You are my hero...what I have to deal with is nothing compared to your vision.

Craig

Andrea 02 Mar 2008, 19:52

My cousin told me about this site.I need some help. I went back east to visit her last week and was surprised to see her wearing glasses for the first time.She told me they were bifocals and she now had to wear them full time.She is a year younger than me and I thought bifocals were only for older people. She told me how at Thanksgiving, she first got reading glasses and then over Christmas received bifocals that were stronger because she was still having problems.Now she must wear all the time because she cannot read without them. After she told me her story my curiosity got the best of me and I tried her glasses.I first tried reading a magazine and it made things bigger and brighter.Looking far away things were kinda blurry, TV was OK but a poster on the wall was a little fuzzy. I could still see it all, just the little print was hard to see. I kept tilting my head back and forth looking through the bifocal and was amazed how much better words looked through the glasses.

The next day we went to the museum and Jen asked if I wanted to wear her other bifocals to try. I waited until we got to the museum to put them on and wore them the rest of the day. At dinner I was still wearing them and now could see the scores on the basketball game on TV and when I lifted them up while looking at the menu the text was hard to read.

I told Jen I have never had an eyetest but these glasses made me question if I might need glasses.

I don't know if I am weird but I just loved those bifocals. I was always tilting my head back and forth to look at things through the bifocals and how much bigger things seemed through them.

Jen thinks I might need glasses too.Both of our moms(sisters) wear glasses she thinks it is in our genes.

I wore the glasses the rest of the day.

So I have an apointment tommorrow at Lenscrafters Will I get bifocals or reading glasses first. Can I just tell the doctor if I need glasses can I have bifocals right away ? Is it possible to go right into bifocals without ever wearing glasses before even though I am only 28.

Thanks for reading and helping.

4eyes 02 Mar 2008, 06:14

Hi... you all.

Craig B�

I�d real difficulties when I first tried bifocals, but years later I realize I can�t leave home without them, such is the differences between my far and close vision, I think. Today, with about +8:00 adding, I find challenge to leave home without those glasses.

My newest RX from UCLA, read;

"Longe (For Distance): OD (Right eye) Esf. + 31:50, Cil. -1,75, Eix. 180� Prism. 47� DP Base Ext (BO)

OE (Left eye) Esf. +31.75, Cil. -2, 00, Eix. 17� and Prism 47� DP Base Externa (BO) Dip 59 m/m

Perto (For Close): OD (Right eye) Esf. + 40:00, Cil. -1, 75, Eix. 180� Prism. 47� DP Base Ext (BO)

OE (Left eye) Esf. +40:50 Cil. -2,00, Eix. 17� and Prism 47� DP Base Externa (BO) DP 59 m/m Executiva

Obs. 17� Base Out fixed and 30� Base Out �Fresnell Try On� AO (Both Eyes) fitting to the best Pupillar Distance. Please bring glasses for checking." There are many others numbers and Graphics and Maps and Photos but my daddy says those are what matters most for providing the lenses.

Now... may I ask how different are the contact lenses feeling from glasses? The only ones I've been talked about are those they would fit "inside my ocular globe" but that wouldn't fit inside for some reason its beyond my compreention. And how big is this difference? Also I never could wear contacts because of my own eyes cornea issue but I would love try them. The thought of getting rid off from my glasses for couple hours a day, looks like heavens. Do you enjoy the contacts more than your glasses?

I don�t think I am a �kind of model� about using glasses� I am too complicate... I really hate them and my own situation. But the thing is, I don�t have any other option but have them on or� have them on. And since my future looks grim; according to doctors I still have couple years ahead, I�d better get used to those glasses than having to use special eyes devices� hehe

I have to go to Ibirapuera Park for playing. See ya.

Anderson, from Sao Paulo.

PS... this Handheld Things looks fun to play with.

Cactus Jack 29 Feb 2008, 18:12

Craig B.,

Please contact me at cactusjack1928@hotmail.com

Thanks,

Patrick B 29 Feb 2008, 10:12

Craig:

Glad the bifocals are working out. When I had them I also found them easy to use, although I can't have them anymore with my myodisc lenses. The minification factor you experience with glasses is unavoidable and somewhat frustrating since it's impossible to get 20/20. If your myopia continues to climb for the next couple of years, you will probably be advised to go with myodisc lenses which provide better correction and less distortion, especially with the glass lenses. They're so much thinner and lighter, too.

Also glad you're going to use your glasses more. Make sure you continue to give your eyes a rest from contact lenses as much as possible so that you don't develop any corneal problems. The temptation, as I found when I was young, was to wear them 24/7 and now I primarily wear them when I'm going to be doing things which require the greatest degree of correction, like driving or watching a movie. Having to wear "readers" with your contacts is something you will get used to like most people over 40. You'll probably find yourself buying a couple of pairs which you can leave at your desk or wherever you do close work with contacts.

Keep us posted as to how things are going. You have a great attitude about your eyesight issues.

DWV 28 Feb 2008, 22:18

Cactus Jack:

Yes, I made sure to line up the ruler with the left pupil using my left eye, and with the right pupil using my right eye, so that should have eliminated the parallax error.

Craig B 28 Feb 2008, 21:05

Hi All,

It has been nearly a week that I have had both my new contacts and my new bifocals. Its been interesting to use both over that period of time.

The new contacts are great for general wear, vision is super crisp and sharp and I feel like I see perfectly with them in all cases except for reading. If I use my +1.50 cheapo bifocal readers everything is fine, but what a pain to have to carry them around all the time.

When I wear my new glasses I have adjusted to using the bifocals and they make about 95% of everything I do work fine. The bifocal was not a big deal to get used to and in fact I found myself seeking it out when I went from distant to close vision. Probably should have had them before now.

Problem is that the glasses do not give me the sense of defect free sight that the contacts do. They limit my peripheral vision and I do notice that the shrinkage of what I see makes reading distant signs and stuff really hard.

The new glasses are really thick, about 7/16 inch on the outsides, but I do not notice problems with blurry areas and goofy color things like I had with some super high index lenses I had a while ago which my Grandmnother bought since she thought I looked handicapped with thick lenses!

Bottom line....I think I will probably still use the contacts a majority of the time and use reading glasses for close work. But, I do find the glasses really convenient when I do close work a lot like at school so I may use them more than I have in the last few years. Most of the people I know well know I have a vision problem and have seen me in my glasses so I don't care about the thick lenses...they are just part of who I am. In fact, I made a point of wearing them to school one day this week hoping the basketball coach super jock would see me wearing them and stop bugging me to go out for basketball ( I am really tall for my age) ....which worked....he saw me and made a huge point not to notice my glasses but said nothing about sports!

I am going to keep wearing both the contacts and the glasses for extended periods of time and see how I feel after a while. I have to say that I do feel some relief when I don't wear the contacts full time.

Thanks for everyones comments and help.

4 Eyes, what is your actual new Rx? Glad they help you so much. Any time I feel bad about my vision I think of the complications you deal with and feel very lucky.

Craig B

Cactus Jack 28 Feb 2008, 19:48

Sorry, it is late here. The last post is from me.

DWV 28 Feb 2008, 19:47

DWV,

When you look in the mirror, the eye that you are measuring the distance on is usually looking straight ahead into the mirror and the other eye is reading the ruler. Of course, if you need correction ot see at double the distance from the mirror you may have problems, but even with glasses on you can probably get close. It is better than a guess and it is a check on PDs read by others.

DWV 28 Feb 2008, 17:56

The ruler and mirror method for finding PD is pretty accurate. I measured myself, and the figure was in the middle of the range of PDs that various opticians have measured. (Once I knew the significance of this measurement, I looked for it when they were writing up the order.)

Puffin 28 Feb 2008, 16:59

Smudgeur, I know a family where the father and children all are myopes, and the myopia started off in the right eye each time, followed by the left.

Cactus Jack 28 Feb 2008, 16:12

With a low Rx it is not too critical. I would go along with the 58 mm for distance. If you are ordering reading glasses, I would order 54 for near. If you are ordering bifocals or progressives, the traditional way of writing the PD would be 58/54. If they only ask for one number, they will adjust the near PD.

Let us know how it works out.

Michael 28 Feb 2008, 15:17

Thanks for your input. I am 55 years old. Scrip is -.75/-.75 with 1.25 add, if this helps you. If I use the 58, can I go too far wrong? What kind of margin of error is there on this? Thanks again for the feedback.

Smudgeur 28 Feb 2008, 15:11

Recently ordered some specs online for my wife and her mother. I was interested in the similarity of their prescriptions. They are as follows:

SPH CYL AXIS ADD

Wife (aged 40) R +0.75 -0.50 090 ---

L +0.50 -0.25 090 ---

Mum (mid 60s) R +0.75 -0.50 015 +2.5

L +1.00 -0.50 065 +2.5

Other than the axis of the cylinder correction, their right eyes are the same.

I'm hoping that at her next eye test (18 months) my wife may require a small reading add - certainly indications from the literature are that hyperopes and females both require an earlier reading add.

Ted 28 Feb 2008, 13:06

Cactus, I remember on one prescription i got the PD was two numbers (i do not remember what they were) but using Michaels 29mm. Mine were something like 29/31. I was told that the distance from the centre of the nose was not quite symetrical for me anyway. It could be for Michael that it is and his PD as you suggested is 58mm. On optiboard there is quite thread about opticians charging to get PD taken. Some states do not require the PD to be part of the RX. That seems to be the responsibility of the dispenser.

Cactus Jack 28 Feb 2008, 08:48

Ted,

You are quite correct, I should have made myself more clear. The reason I asked for the age and Rx was to get an idea of how critical the PD is for Michael's Rx and if it was for reading glasses.

You are right that it would be better to have the measurement made by a professional. However, it appeared that whoever did it for him was not giving him straight answers in hopes the glasses from an online source would not be satsfactory. The only reason to need a PD is to order online.

The do it yourself method is not perfect, but it is certainly better than being purposely mislead.

Hopefully, Michael will post again iwth more information.

Ted 28 Feb 2008, 06:53

Cactus, do you not feel the Michael would be better of order the specs with the 58pd, as opposed to trying to do it himself. Are the glasses for near or far? if so, as you know the PD will be different. If anything I feel he should get somone else to do it or go to another optical shop. Just my 2 cents worth.

Cactus Jack 27 Feb 2008, 18:00

Michael,

29 mm would be about right from the center of your nose to the center of each pupil. Your PD would be 58 mm. 29 mm would also be about right if you were 3 months old. You would be better off measuring it yourself to be sure. It is not hard to get a fairly close measurement. All you need is a rule marked in mm and a mirror.

Look in the mirror and measure the distance between the center of your nose and the center of each pupil individually. Add the two numbers together. Depending on your head size and eye spacing, it should be between 50 and 70 mm unless you have a very small head or very large head.

Repeat the measurement 3 times and average the result.

May I ask your age and Rx?

Feel free to check back if you don't feel comfortable with the numbers.

Michael 27 Feb 2008, 16:10

I wanted to buy some glasses on line but they want my PD. I went in to a storefront and asked them for this measurement, and they told me it is 29. At the site on line it said to expect it to be around 60 or so. Can anyone tell me why there is so much confusion? thanks.

Kelly 27 Feb 2008, 15:04

Clare and Andrew, thank you both for the suggestions. Maybe because these are new and I just need time for my eyes to adjust to having something in them. The make up issue is more excessive blinking and watering of the eyes. Once again it will take time I guess. Took the lenses out after four hours around lunch time, and really found a difference without the contacts in so put glasses on very soon after. Will I wear glasses all the time Clare? Not quite sure.While I deffinately need them to drive, (legally I'm told,) I don't feel I have to have them on all the time. I will try and post again tomorrow.

Clare 26 Feb 2008, 11:39

Kelly - I agree with Andrew, a drop of saline into the upturned lens before you insert it is a must as it helps it settle much easier, then you'll hardly know you're wearing it. Make sure too that you put your makeup on after inserting the lenses, otherwise there's a slim chance that you'll get a flake of mascara on/under the lens and that can be quite uncomfortable.

When not wearing your lenses will you wear your glasses fulltime? I remember when I was at the same prescription as you and my optician said I should wear them more than I did (which wasn't very much). I was pretty shocked that he said without glasses my vision was only 60% of what it should be (ie at 20/20).

Andrew 26 Feb 2008, 11:22

Kelly,

I've been wearing contacts for the last 20+ years, and have just switched to wearing daily disposables. Up until last week, I was taking 10 minutes to get them both in, although now I (think I've) discovered the technique, it takes no more than two minutes.

If your lenses feel like sandpaper when you put them in, try putting a couple of drops of saline in them before inserting them. It will not help at all on the make-up front, but it will probably make them rather more comfortable.

Kelly 26 Feb 2008, 07:50

So I went back to the eye doc's yesterday It turns out I did not need an exam as I first thought. I only needed a lens fitting appt. I was given two sets of trial lenses for use. Holy crap!

I thought my eyes were being rubbed with sandpaper. The assistant said it is quite normal and I will get used to it. RIGHT! I can only wear them for four hours this week then six then eight. I go back in a month unless things are a problem. In two weeks I can swithch to the other trial lenses and compare. I was given cases, solution, and a lens wearing schedule.If I want to continue to wear contacts we will discuss prices at that time. Note to self. Contacts and eye make up do not mix! At least not yesterday and today. Took about 20 minutes to put these things in this morning. I am looking forward to switching to glasses at lunch.

Cactus Jack. You had asked about my prescription. I did not get a copy, only the second trial lenses are -1.25 the bonus she told me is that I cannot mix them up.I guess both eyes are the same. Have to go and get some work done.

4eyes 24 Feb 2008, 12:01

Hi, you guys.

I'd just returned from some Soccer games because it was raining hard and my daddy didn't want me to keep playing as he is very concerned about those new glasses I got last Thursday.

It didn't seems was going to rain or I would have take with me my sport goggle glasses, thou this one looks very funny.

Anyway, those new glasses strucks me as amazing as they always do� everything looks so different, so cool... and as I tried reading HP book things are so fitted and clear and sharp.

For the first time in months I went to dinner with my daddy and thou people keep staring at both of us I enjoyed the dinner and the walk very much, even in the night, a thing I avoid doing at any cost.

And those extra + adding didn't make any difference as I though they would.

So far... so good.

Anderson.

Eustace 24 Feb 2008, 08:41

Craig B: Happy to hear that your new glasses are working out well. You seem to have adjusted quickly to bifocals. I remember that it took me a week or so to feel comfortable with mine. But when I moved to trifocals, the adjustment was much easier, and I am much happier with trifocals--especially for seeing the computer screen and the automobile dashboard. I agree with Patrick B that in time you eyes will probably adjust to the add (+1.50, was it?) for very small print. If not, perhaps you do need a stronger add. Recently my add was increased from +2.00 to +2.50, and I can now see very small print much better with my reading lense than with my naked eye. However, I have found that a higher add for the near lenses makes the mid-range lense even more useful. You have mentioned that your new lenses are very thick. I would be curious to know just how thick (in either inches or centimeters)--both on the outside and the inside (toward your nose) edges.

Brian-16 23 Feb 2008, 10:54

CraigB-What is your vision with the new spex? 20/20?

Patrick B 23 Feb 2008, 09:22

Craig: Glad your new glasses are working out well for you and that you're getting good vision with them. As I said in an earlier post, where two people have the same prescription, one person might have better corrected acuity than another. It's very individual. Anyway, if you spend enough time wearing your glasses, you might find the add sufficient for even the smallest print. If you wore them 24/7 you would also get used to the minification factor. Switching from contacts (where there isn't one) to glasses, though, will always mean that you will be aware of that phenomenon. I'm curious if the lenses are biconcave with the add or plano.

Let us know how your weekend went.

Craig B 22 Feb 2008, 14:31

I finally was able to pick up my new glasses (-20.50,-21.25, add +1.50.) I took out my contacts to try the new glasses at the Drs. office and was pretty amazed how clear and sharp everything is with them. I am not sure about the bifocals. They make a nice difference for reading regular print but I still have to take my glasses off to see really small stuff. The lenses are really thick, much more than my last glasses as the lenses are larger to allow for the bifocal. It has been so long since I wore my glasses for any extended periods of time that I think I will wear them most of the weekend just to see how I get along with them and how my eyes feel without contacts in them! I sure notice how much miniaturization the glasses cause as opposed to my contacts but maybe that won't seem so apparent after a few days.

The glasses are comfortable to wear and the manufacturer actually paid attention to my asking that the lenses not be beveled off greatly on the edge as I had trouble with that in the past. By the end of the weekend I should have a pretty good feel for how they work for me.

Craig

sourgrapes 22 Feb 2008, 13:14

How much hearing are hearing aids able to restore? Are they only a minor help or do they make a big difference? Does it help as profoundly as glasses helps with myopia?

PeterC 22 Feb 2008, 05:57

Eustace:

My post with the Rx was 30 Dec.

In response to your question, I do have a hearing loss, severe to profound (90 - 105 dB). I have worn hearing aids most of my life. Got a cochlear implant when I was 6, and another 2 years ago. Spent grade & middle school in deaf school, high school, regular school. About 90% of Gallaudet students have hearing loss.

Maybe we ought to take hearing off-line, try peter1290chan at live dot com.

Socks 22 Feb 2008, 00:52

My current Rx is about 1 1/2 years old and is -9.5 and -9.75. I'm overdue for a new one. My current glasses have CR39 lenses, which I like because they're quite thick. Because my nose is a little crooked, the optical centers of my lenses aren't quite the same in the frames, so my right lens, although having a slightly lower Rx, has a thicker outer edge. I'd like the left lens to match in my new glasses. How can I get the thing they use to measure to make them both even?

Also, my current Rx still has a slight base curve. If my new Rx is as high as -11, will they be plano or will they still have a base curve, however small? I'd prefer some curve as opposed to flat front.

Kelly 21 Feb 2008, 11:38

Thank you for your response Cactus Jack and SourGrapes.I checked on the paperwork that came back from the insurance company with my insurance cheque, but the prescription is not on it.

I have called a couple of eyeglass places including the one where I got my glasses from to inquire about contacts. The best deal on the contacts exam is from one of the big box stores, but I have to pay for the contacts up front. I called my eye doc's office and they will give me the exam but the good newes is they will let me try out the contacts before I have to commit to buying them. They do not have any appt's until March but will put me on the cancellation list. I can then ask for my prescription or as you suggest read it off of the box. As a side note I did not realize how many people wear glasses.

PS I live in Canada and in my early 20's.Will let you know what happens later after my doc's visit.

Cactus Jack 21 Feb 2008, 10:05

Kelly,

The reason I asked for your Rx is so I could make suggestions based on your needs.

I suspect that, because the doctor said you could read or use the a computer more comfortably without glasses, you have a low minus Rx, in the -1.00 to -2.00 range. What that means from a practical standpoint is that be being a little myopic (nearsighted), your eyes don't hve to work very much to focus for reading or using a computer. When you have your glasses on, that corrects the myopia to give you good distance vision both day and night, but your eye focus muscles will have to work a bit more than they are used to for close work. They may rebel a ;ittle and cause you some discomfort.

You are right that contacts, by correcting your myopia, would be like wearing your glasses, except that taking them out and putting them in is a bit more complex than taking off or putting on glasses.

Two possible solutions. 1. Get some over the counter reading glasses to wear over your contacts when using the computer or reading. 2. Wear only one contact for monovision where one eye is corrected for distance and the other eye is uncorrected for reading or computer.

The eye doc is obligated to provide you with a prescription, which he did. Next time you get an Rx, make some copies for your records. It is not unreasonable to carry a copy of your Rx with you in case something happens to your glasses or contacts. You should ask the people who made your glasses for your copy of the Rx back. They likely transposed it to their own form. If you get contacts, also ask the dispenser for a copy for your records or simply read the Rx from the box and write it down.

If you are able to get a copy of your Rx, I can make more specific suggestions.

May I ask your age and where you live?

Sourgrapes 21 Feb 2008, 07:54

Let me make sure I understand your question. So you want to try contacts but the eye doc said it would be easier to read without correction, and so now you're wondering if you should? If so, I'd say if you can read with glasses comfortably then you should also not have a problem reading with contact lenses. So go for it

kelly 21 Feb 2008, 07:22

Sorry my post should be directed to Cactus Jack.

Kelly 21 Feb 2008, 07:21

I do not have the prescription as I had to give it to the store where I bought my glasses. I called my eye doc and the receptionist said that they would fax it to the place where I get contacts from. My biggest reason for getting the glasses was driving home after work as it is dark and with snow/rain/headlights and driving was a concern. Since getting the glasses I do prefer the vision but would also like to try contacts.

Cactus Jack 20 Feb 2008, 09:16

Kelly,

What is your complete Rx?

Kelly 20 Feb 2008, 09:10

Just a quick question if someone can answer. I got glasses a couple of weeks ago but would also like contacts.When i got my prescription the eye doc said that it would probably be aesier to read and do computer work without glasses. But if I go and get contacts, different place, they will be in all day or most of the day anyway. Does one not counter the other? Hope this helps.

PS I've read through this site as much as I can but have not seen the answer. I have also asked through Yah** without an answer. If I call my eye doc he will want me to go there and then I will have to pay an additional fee.Thanks.

Brian-16 20 Feb 2008, 05:47

Patrick B- My rx has stayed pretty stable this past year or so and is -14 with no change in the reading portion.I may go for a check up during Easter break.

Patrick B 19 Feb 2008, 08:25

Brian 16 - What's your prescription these days?

Brian-16 19 Feb 2008, 04:43

PeterC- I got trifocals a few years ago for the same reason.The dashboard was blurry and so was the computer screen.Congratulations on taking the plunge!

eustace 18 Feb 2008, 18:46

PeterC:

I have probably missed earlier posts from you. I'm just curious: What is your Rx? And I note that you have been accepted at Gallaudet? Do you also having a hearing impairment? (I have always assumed that most, if not all, Gallaudet students have a hearing problem, but that may not be so any more.)

PeterC 18 Feb 2008, 13:10

About 6 weeks ago, I posted about my first bifocals. I did well with them but had problems with intermediate distances like the dashboard and computer. I went back to the eye doctor in early Feb., he upped my add to +2 (from +1.75) and recommended trifocals. Now, I have no problems at all and like the tris.

In other news, I will graduate high school in June and have been accepted at Gallaudet University.

E mail is peter1290chan at live dot com.

4eyes 17 Feb 2008, 08:46

Hi you all.

With my new glasses Rx above +40:00 Adding and sure thing over +30:00 I am wondering how heavy those new glasses will be. While�s still summer here, on hot days things goes really bad because my glasses slid over and over and over. And I have straps �round my head.

Craig B� I�d have some difficulties when I first tried bifocals, but then, two years later I realize there were such differences in my far and close vision, I happily embraced them, and I was 13 or 14 by then. Today, with almost +8:00 adding I find real challenge to go out without them.

Cactus Jack, I remember a Chocolate Factory, by Johnny Deep but didn�t see it on Theater, but the idea of such carrots I would need just made me laugh. Hehe.

There are few things I don�t understand and you all may call me silly, how we consider glasses lenses �thick or strong�? Is it because of the difficult or the time they take to be made? Also how different is the contact lenses from eye glasses. I�ve never been offered the chance for contact lenses because of my own eyes issues. I wish I could have contact lenses, that would be cool. Do you feel cool on contacts? How big is the difference?

Okay, I am sorry� of those questions, I was just wondering.

Tchau... tchau.

Craig B 16 Feb 2008, 13:38

Just picked up my new contacts this morning. They are great, everything is super crisp and sharp. Not a big change in the contacts (addl -.50 in each eye as I had just gotten new ones a few months ago) but really looking forward to my new glasses which are supposed to be in this week. I am really interested to try the bifocals.

Craig B

Cactus Jack 15 Feb 2008, 08:18

RL,

I don't think there is a really good explanation for the difference. It just happens. One eye just grew a little longer than the other. In you case about 3 mm. A difference is much more common than someone who has exactly the same Rx in both eyes. That is why each eye is refracted separately and then together.

The eyes are not the only bilateral differences in humans. If you check carefully, you will find one arm longer than the other, and one leg longer than the other. One of my ears is a little higher than the other which means that the temples have to be adjusted slightly or my glasses will be not be straight.

RL 15 Feb 2008, 07:54

Cactus Jack.

Here's another question to which I have never received a proper answer (there may be none.) I am a fairly high myope; -11.50 in my right eye, and -14.75 in my left, with a tiny bit of astigmatism in both. Luckily the difference of 3.25 diopters has never bothered me, but no one has offered any explanation as to why it occurs. In my case, the difference developed in my early twenties, and at one point, I was a -6 in the right and -11 in the left. But later my right eye "caught up." I have heard this difference is more prevalent in high myopes than others, but that's about it. Any thoughts on the subject would be greatly appreciated.

Jared 14 Feb 2008, 18:58

PatrickB

I have myodiscs, biconcave, 30mm bowls with a plus carrier. Because of the bowl size the plus carrier doesn't bother me.

Cactus Jack 14 Feb 2008, 17:08

Patrick B.,

I think most Eye Care Professionals spend most of the their time studing vision correction and not much time studying optics and light physics.

Ever notice how most refer to their training rather than their education?

There is a difference. Most are very good in their narrow field, but sometimes the "big picture" eludes them.

Also, they are not necessarily good explainers.

Incidentally, that phenomenon is not limited to the Eye Care field.

Cactus Jack 14 Feb 2008, 17:01

4eyes,

The Oompahs Loompahs were the orange little people in the 1971 movie Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory with Gene Wilder.

Carrots and some dark green vegetables are a good source of Beta Carotene which the body uses to make Vitamin A, which the eyes need. A little is good, but a lot is not better. You need some Beta Carotene, but too much has been shown to increase the risk of some cancers under certain conditions. If you eat too many carrots or drink too much carrot juice, your skin may take on a yellowish orange cast.

Patrick B 14 Feb 2008, 16:05

Jared: Thanks for the post. What kind of lenses do you have?

Cactus Jack: You explained the nighttime vision decay phenomenon better than most of my eye care professionals. Thanks.

4eyes 14 Feb 2008, 14:39

Hi� Jack Cactus, I don�t know who this Oompha Loompa of Wonka fame guy is, but for some reason I laughed about your comment very much, just thinking the amount of carrots I�d need to eat. Lol

Well, VFL, I�d never dated a girl, yet� sniff, but I never take mine off, even when its raining and the discussion about my eyes used to freeze me to dead even among my few peers.

I don�t take off my glasses for cleaning if I am not at home, but when things are desperately shit when I am playing soccer, where I play as goalkeeper, and there I have special goggles with my rx with a cap tucked deep into my head, lol. But I have to tell you I�m trying hard to change that behave, as I find it easier for people to understand the way I see the world.

This year first day at school, I spoke to my class friends about my eyes condition and my glasses and the things I go through during the year because of my funny looking glasses and stuffs like that. I hope that with this talking, things turns easier for me�

Also I swim and run with my special goggles. Oh� and I�ve twice got my glasses stolen, hehe.

Anderson, from SP, Brasil.

PS. Maybe tomorrow I'll get my new glasses.

VFL 14 Feb 2008, 11:22

Thanks, Eye Tri.

Eye Tri 14 Feb 2008, 03:17

VFL

I can only give you my answer to your last question, as I never wear contacts. My sport is triathlon, and glasses work well for me during the bike and run parts. For swimming I use prescription goggles made by Hilco. These are not made to exact prescriptions (no cylindrical correction is available).There are several brands of goggles available for myopes, and I think they are available up to -8.00. So far the Hilco brand are the only ones I've found for us hyperopes. Mine came from my optician. This type goggle with minus lenses are available from most swim equipment catalogs and online. They aren't expensive.

Cactus Jack 13 Feb 2008, 18:53

Patrick B, Craig, Jared & all the othere high Rx members (not just high myopes),

The reason you have trouble seeing in low light conditions without your glasses or contacts is pretty easy to understand. The photoreceptors in your retina called rods, which are insensitive to color, are used in low light conditions for vision. They are very sensitive to light, but not ultra sensitive.

A focused image concentrates the available finite number of light photons sharply on the individual rods, which stimulates them to produce signals for the brain. However, the more out of focus the image is, the more those available photons are spread over a large area, which means that in some cases there are just not enough photons striking an individual rod to cause it to react and produce a signal for the visual cortex.

Even people, with a much lower Rx than you have, experience problems in low light and there isn't much that can help except focus the image. Carrots would probably help a little, but I doubt if it is possible to consume enough to make up for the out of fucus images without looking like an Oompha Loompa of Wonka fame.

VFL 13 Feb 2008, 17:08

I'm not sure this is the right thread to ask this in, but here goes. This is directed to guys who wear contacts most of the time.

When you are dating someone at what point do you "out" yourself as a lens wearer? Is it something you consciously think about or does it just happen? I mean, we all know that they have to come out at bedtime, but before then? How do you initiate that discussion? Is it a big deal to you? Do you ever get a little shy about it?

Also, if you wear glasses full-time, are you at all hesitant to take them off in front of your dates or co-workers, etc. at all? The things do need cleaning once in a while. Do you notice people checking out your bare faced look with interest? Does that bother you?

One last question. If you are a guy who doesn't/can't wear contacts and need to wear your glasses full time, what do you do about sports? Do you have safety goggles with an rx in them for racquetball, tennis, basketball, swimming, whatever? Something that calls for corrected vision. How about diving? What do you do on vacation if you go snorkling? How about just swimming? Is it a pain in the behind or no big deal? Do you sometimes just leave the specs off and muddle through the best you can?

Just wondering.

Jared 13 Feb 2008, 15:28

PatrickB and Craig

I'm -25 and like you guys I too am amazed by -4s and under who are "blind" without their glasses. I work with a -3 who says he can barely function without his. As long as it is light, either indoors or out, I can somewhat navigate and I sure would be able to see a bus heading towards me. But like PatrickB in the dark I'm helpless.

Cactus Jack 13 Feb 2008, 13:11

Bre,

What is your age

Bre 13 Feb 2008, 11:37

A question for you all, as I'm longsighted who would prefer to be less so/reduce it, is it possible to trick optician into giving me a reduced prescription some how? Could I keep saying the red is more vibrant than green when he asks or say that I can't see people across the street lately or something?

Bre 13 Feb 2008, 11:35

My LE is +2.25 and my right eye is +2.75. Hate the look of the bulgy plus lenses in glasses so always wear contacts.

Patrick B 12 Feb 2008, 14:39

Craig: Glad you got your exam behind you and also glad that your prescription didn't increase all that much. Let me know how you see with your new glasses prescription and especially how the bifocal segment works for you. I haven't had bifocals for years, especially since my myodiscs (20mm bowls) can't accommodate them. I'm curious about the dimension of your new lenses since your high prescription would warrant a small frame size to minimize thickness yet have to be large enough to contain the near segment without compromising the lens area devoted to distance viewing. I certainly agree with you about highly-beveled lenses. My last pair of pre-myodisc glasses (1.7) were beveled and the reflections were so annoying to deal with. Those were -23/-24 with -5 of the prescription in the front.

Also, I totally agree with you about the absurdity of the "I'm so blind" comments coming from people with less than -4. Please. Phil's recent comment that he was almost run down by a bus which he couldn't see was ridiculous. I can assure you that if a bus was that near me to do me physical harm, I'd notice it without my glasses. Like you, I could function (barely) during daylight hours if I absolutely had to but nighttime is an impossibility. Even when I shower after a workout at my club, I leave my glasses in a safe place, take my shower, pick up a towel, get a cup of water and whatever else unaided. I can see the other guys although, of course, I can't recognize anyone without getting to within a foot of them.

Post when you get your new specs and good luck.

Craig B 11 Feb 2008, 15:37

4 Eyes,

What is your new Rx going to be? I admire how well you deal with all of your vision complications.

Craig B

Craig B 11 Feb 2008, 15:34

Puffin,

Yea, I had a big deficit in my glasses (they were about 2+yrs old), but lately I have been wearing contacts nearly all the time so just used the glasses around the house in the morning or late evening or when I was going to do a lot of reading at home. I kept my contacts up to date so have had good vision nearly all the time.

I really get a laugh from people who post here about being minus 2 or 3 and being 'really blind' without their glasses. Even as bad as my eyes are I can function in daylight without them enough to get by in an emergency. Night is another thing.....

Craig B

4eyes 11 Feb 2008, 13:45

Sorry about that nameless post. It'was posted by me, the other "4eyes".

11 Feb 2008, 13:43

Hi, Craig B and all of you.

Here is the other "4eyes".

Puffin� I think I can answer that one, if you allow me.

Interestingly I never know when I am in need of changing my lenses glasses RX, but my daddy does. Somehow, he says he looks at me when I�m having breakfast or dinner or when I am playing video games or messing with my PC, where I spend most of my time, hehehe. He says it�s the way I fit my glasses on me face or the way I adjust my head or body position when I�m playing.

D�you see? I go to doctors every three months and, on second visiting time, that is, by June or July, doctors decide its time to change RX if the difference is above �+ 2,00� or if they find I�m having vicious �head position, or my back�; it�s not good for me, they say. I am considered LV by now, but I am always amazed how clearly and sharp things are when I get my new glasses, always I am, since the first time I got glasses. And, after last year, I'd never left home without my �American Expre�� OOOps, without my glasses.

Sorry about the joke.

Anderson, from Brazil

Puffin 11 Feb 2008, 08:53

Interesting you have a deficit in correction in your old glasses of about -3 and in the "Going without Glasses" we have people saying "I can't believe you could go without a similar correction". Did you notice this suddenly or did it creep up on you? How often do you change you glasses?

Craig B 11 Feb 2008, 07:29

I have just had my new eye exam and have a new Rx for both contacts and glasses. My contact Rx was only increased slightly as I had a fairly recent rx change. They are new rx OD -17.50, OS -18.00. My glasses were another thing as I had not gotten new glasses the past couple of exams, just contacts. New rx is OD -20.50 -.75 X110, OS -21.25, both with add +1.50. (No wonder my vision with old my glasses was so bad...they were -17.50, -17.75)

I get the new contacts in a couple days, but he warned the glasses will take longer due to high rx and bifocal. They will not be super hi index because of my Mom's insurance limitations and not myodisc due to the bifocals. He warned me about edge thickness but I told him I just wanted to get the best vision possible and be able to read easily without changing glasses. I also told him I was concerned that the lab was going to try to bevel off the edges to reduce the thickness as I had a pair a few years ago where they did that in a big way and it drove me nuts. By the way, I now have a pair of cheap bifocal readers which I use when I am wearing my contacts and they make school a whole lot easier...I even found a great looking pair in bifocal sunglasses.

Thanks for all the advice before the exam, it helped me communicate with the doctor and get a lot of questions answered. I am really anxious to get the new contacts and glasses and see how well they each work.

Cactus Jack 11 Feb 2008, 06:07

Galileo,

Some $20 single vision glasses sounds like an excellent idea. That would let you try the change and see if the difference is worth enough in your daily activities to justify getting some bifocals made. I think you will like the change.

Galileo 10 Feb 2008, 23:14

Thank you Cactus Jack, when you re-write it in the same "language" it does not look that different.

I'll wait a while and see how it goes. I'm working in the Far East for a few months, in a country where you can get glasses for a single vision Rx made in 15 minutes for less than $20 US, so I could experiment with the new Rx without spending much.

Cactus Jack 10 Feb 2008, 17:53

Galileo,

I wouldn't call it better or worse, just changed a little.

If your old Rx were written in - cylinder, it would be:

OD Sph. 0.00, cyl. -1.50 axis 0

OS Sph. -0.50, cyl -1.00 axis 20

New Rx

OD Sph -0.25, cyl -1.00 axis 3

OD Sph -0.75, cyl. -0.50 axis 30

The difference is very small and could almost be called fine tuning. At 53, there shouldn't be too much change in anything other than perhaps the add, depending on your needs. If you want slightly sharper distance vision and slightly more comfortable rading vision, you might consider getting the new Rx filled, but it is optional. I would maybe think about getting someing low cost on line, but I would probably wait until I needed more add to do anything that was expensive.

Puffin 10 Feb 2008, 16:25

I've heard of this overcorrecting, it was someone who had gone from no glasses straight to minus 5 with no astigmatism at the age of about 21, and had around 20/200 vision (I think)

I infer from this that the optician thought the eyes might be rather too relaxed and needed to be strained a little to retain lens flexibility.

4eyes 10 Feb 2008, 10:56

Hi, all you guys.

I know I�m asking silly questions, but I wonder if have anyone ever heard of over correcting eyes glasses lenses? My daddy says that that is the reason for my newest glasses delaying. I am not sure how much those USA doctors over correct the RX prescription I got last January from English doctors, but I am really concerned because my year school has just began.

Also I�m going to get a fixed Prisms lens 17� with additional Fresnell Prisms lenses of 30� as a �experience� to correct strabismus and I am wondering if is there anyone out there who has the same correction or if is that normal? Or has anybody ever heard that strabismus causes visual impairment� sorry for such stupidest questions, but I�d never heard such thing.

Thanks for any insite from you... eye blink.

Galileo 10 Feb 2008, 08:06

Not sure where to post this given the discussion currently going on in "going without glasses"

Cactus Jack - can you please interpret this;

I'm 53 and resisting presbyopia. I've had glasses for years but rarely wear them, usually at the movies and when driving. I recently thought that my distance vision was getting a bit worse and as I was due for a test booked an appointment. This was the result;

old prescription: OD Sphere -1.50 cylinder +1.50 axis 90 OS Sphere -1.50 cylinder +1.00 axis 110 reading add +1.50

new prescription: OD Sphere -0.25 cylinder -1.00 axis 3 OS -0.75 cylinder -0.50 axis 30 reading add +1.50

I realise it is written differently, but it does not seem to imply my distance vision is any worse. The optician also said my reading add needed to increase, then left it the same as before?? I don't use reading glasses or have bifocals, I just have the distance Rx and I have not changed my glasses as a result of this new Rx.

Would having the new Rx make much difference? is my distance vision better or worse than before? Visual acuity on the old script was down as 6/5 and on the new script as 6/6, which also seemed a bit weird. Any ideas please?

04 Feb 2008, 19:57

yes it sure is

john112 04 Feb 2008, 17:36

is a -4.75 a strong rx for glasses?

Cactus Jack 21 Jan 2008, 08:21

Ted,

One other thought. Do not try to fudge on the astigmatism part of the exam. A cylinder correction that is not exactly what you require is very uncomfortable and counter productive.

Cactus Jack 21 Jan 2008, 08:18

Ted,

This is a little hard to explain so bear with me. The astigmatism part is very early in the exam with enough sphere correction so that you can see a fairly large line of letters clearly. An auxiliary device with a low power cylinder lens mounted so that it can be flipped 45 degrees either side of the principal axis.You will be asked the which is clearer question, but in this instance the goal is to find the cylinder axis where the image is equally blurry in the two positions of the aux. lens, thus bracketing the true axis of the needed cylinder correction.

This part of the exam depends very much on your ability to judge equal blurriness to accurately bracket the true axis. I try to concentrate on a letter with no straight lines such as an "O" and ask the examiner if I can fine tune the axis when he/she is finished. Most will place your hand on the axis knob and allow you to adjust it, at this point with the aux. lens out of the way, for the sharpest image.

If you have no astigmatism, the examiner may go through this phase of the exam very quickly.

Ted 21 Jan 2008, 06:09

Cactus Jack, at what point in an exan does the optician swithch from distance vision checks to astigmatismn checks. All I get is which one is better one or two? one or Two..... For those who want a stronger prescription this may be useful.Thanks.

Cactus Jack 20 Jan 2008, 08:16

Steve,

I think she probably did you a favor with the +1.50. Assuming your distance vision is pretty close to 20/20, the amount of plus required to focus on objects closer than 20 feet (6m) can be calculated by dividing the distance into 39.37 inches or 100 cm depending on your preferred unit of measure. For example: If you like to read at a distance of 16 in or 40 cm, the laws of optics dictate that +2.50 is required. That +2.50 has to come from somewhere.

Up to now, your ciliary muscles / crystaline lenses have been able to supply the necessary plus, but presbyopia is catching up with you as it does with almost everyone else. because you can no longer supply all the plus needed, the additional amount must be supplied externally, thus the reading glasses.

Unfortunately, from here on out, it will get progressively harder to focus close as your crystaline lenses get stiffer and your ciliary muscles get deconditioned. The solution will be stronger reading glasses up to about +2.50 and maybe a little more depending on your situation and preferred reading distance.

What is happening is just a fact of life. Welcome to middle age. Lots of us have been there, done that, and instead of a T-shirt, got the glasses.

Steve 20 Jan 2008, 07:10

43 years old never wore glasses, but arms were getting a bit short so bit the bullet and went for exam. She prescribed +1.50 for reading, which gave slight headaches, but she told me to wear them for close work for 7-10 days to "get used" to them. She was right, and now close is sharp and comfortable. She said I could have done with +1.25's, but thought I would easily grow in to these and find them good for 6-12 months, and then maybe prefer a bump of .25 or so. This makes me wonder if SHE is causing my eyesight to get worse by over-prescribing! Any ideas out there.

Peter 19 Jan 2008, 15:18

To Jeanette Brunette

Hi am also from Sweden would be cool to talk pleas e-mail me: peter81891(at)hotmail.com

Rachel 92 19 Jan 2008, 13:49

Martyn, thanks for inquiring. Am not the person you thought, though I am a shortsighted UK girl from Windsor.

Jeanette Brunette 19 Jan 2008, 06:26

Hi everyone, sorry I didn't get around to posting the rest of my story untill now, I had exams this week (so glad to get them over with)!

Anyway, After I was prescribed prisms, things were a little easier, but I found that wearing my mom's old +1.00 readers on top of my distance correction made it alot easier to use the computer and read. I had an eye test done at my university last november, and they made me a pair of reading glasses that were a plus one added to my distance Rx.

But it wasn't long before I was putting readers on top of them to see up close (and if I put them on in the mornings now, they are perfect for distance vision) so I finally got a my current pair of progressives made up this summer at the practive where I do my summer job in Sweden. My boss was the one who refracted me and determined that I needed the +2.00 Add. So my reading Rx is now as follows:

OD: +6.25/ -0.75 x 105

OS: +2.75

It felt wonderful at first (it took about a week to get used to the progessives though) but now my eyes become strained after reading and I sometimes get double vision at near (something I have never had a problem with). One of my proffesors said I should get a cycloplegic refraction done (dilated exam) so I'm booked in for an appointment on the 28th. my proff thinks my left eye is over-accommodating, and probably needs a lot more plus. I'll let you know how it goes!

Is it weird for me to want more plus? Not only would it make my eyes look more the same size, but I would also get the lovely contrast between clear and blurry vision when I take my glasses off. (to experience this now, I have to close my left eye since it is only a +0.75 for distance).

I also have really sexy new frames that I spluged on when I worked over the Christmas break in Sweden.(Well, it wasn't really a splurge since I got a 75% employee discount:) They are O&X New York titanim frames, in a dark cherry red color with plastic sides that taper. I can't wait to put some lenses in them so I can wear them!

I think that once my Rx has stabilized (it's been all over the place since I started wearing glasses again at age 18) I would LOVE to try some GOC. This sight is amazing, I'm so glad I found it!Thanks for reading:)

Jeanette

Curt 17 Jan 2008, 13:48

Stingray: Also don't forget the relationship between lens power and focal length. A stronger add will result in a shorter focal length, and with everything else being equal, you will have to hold the material closer to your eyes than you previously did to see it clearly.

Cactus Jack 17 Jan 2008, 08:53

Stingray,

The amount of reading add is primarily a function of your preferred reading distance and your ability to focus. You can calculate the distance by dividing the + add into either 100 cm. or 39.37 in. depending on your preferred units of measure.

Because of vertex distance effects, the plus in the glasses will enlarge the print some compared to any plus supplied by your crystaline lenses or contacts.

Willy 17 Jan 2008, 08:47

Stingray -- How are progressives with a +2.50 add? I have read that progressives get more difficult to deal with at the higher add powers and are easier to adapt to at lower add powers. Did you first get progressives with a lower add?

Stingray 17 Jan 2008, 08:12

My reading add in my progressives is +2.50. I think I need a step up to perhaps +2.75. If I ask for more than that, like an add of +3.00, will things appear normal up close or will they be greatly magnified? In other words, would that be of benefit for me in seeing tiny print? My distant rx is +1.50 with astigmatism of -1.75 in each eye.

Willy 17 Jan 2008, 07:03

I got +1.5 for reading in early 2004 at age 42 and used these until I went into progressives with about +1 distance (and some cyl) and +1.25 ADD in December 2006 at age 45. By late 2006 the +1.5 were clearly (or "unclearly"!)not enough, but I could still read normal size print in decent light without glasses, albeit with difficulty. Once I adapted to the progressives, however, I could not read a thing without them. I think part of this is due to my eyes no longer having to work to see at distance, which kept their muscle tone up. So part of when you can't read at all without glasses may relate to whether you are an emmetrope with presbyopia or a latent hyperope. If the latter, you'll need a distance prescription at some point, and when you get that, I think the game is up....

presby2 17 Jan 2008, 00:11

Julian, I am 47 and I tried contacts and was unable to read at all without reading glasses. Now, if I do not have my contacts on, I can still do some simple reading....so you are not unusual!

I gave up on the contacts because it made glasses more necessary, although I like the half reading glasses

Julian 16 Jan 2008, 23:49

caratstone: I have a prescription not unlike presby2's, but my reading add is now +2.5. I've had glasses since I was 18, and got bifocals at 40; but for some years after that I could still read bareyed. I think I was 47 when I got a pair of single vision glasses with my distance Rx, and found them almost useless 'cause I could NOT read without the add. So that's one person's experience - I don't know how typical I am.

presby2 16 Jan 2008, 22:26

Carat, Your experience is somewhat typical. Likely, the more that you wear your glasses, the more you will use them, not because your eyes become weaker but because you can notice the difference clearly and it is more comfortable. I got reading glasses a couple of years ago, the Dr. actually said I was latent hyperope(with a bit of astigmatism) as well, ( OD + 1.25 -.75 90axis add + 1.50 OS +1.50 -. 1.00 75 axis add 1.25)so my initial prescription was a bit stronger, although I could still read without anything. NOw, i am comfortable wearing glasses full time.

On the other hand my partner wears ; -3.50 and - 3.75 contactlenses. She recently got +1.00 add reading glasses (45 yo) and is still wearing them rarely, much to my disappointment. Wondering if anyone has thoughts on when she will be more of a fulltime wearer of reading glasses

Martyn 16 Jan 2008, 18:02

Rachal, are you from Devon cornwall way. Did you used to come in here a long time ago, if its you you had very strong plus glasses. If its you how Is Cornwall and Devon hope you were not caught up in those awful rains.

Rachel 92 16 Jan 2008, 17:33

R Ed, good to hear from you. Have had a rough 6 months. Lots of pressure from family to get contacts. Mom is not happy with my glasses fettish.

caratstone 16 Jan 2008, 11:12

New to this site. New presbyope. Went for regular exam, and was prescribed +1.25. Can read ok without them, but after wearing for a while and taking them off CAN'T read the paper!! Many friends can't read at all without theirs. At what prescription do people reach the point where they are REALLY needed?

Billy 16 Jan 2008, 11:09

Just got first +1.5 readers. How long till bifocals? I don't know many 40+ who got readers that didn't soon need for distance too.

R Ed 15 Jan 2008, 08:13

Rachel 92,

I'm doing well, checking ES from time to time.

I've haven't seen a post from you for months. Do you have any new episodes for us? All your prior posts were fascinating

Slit 15 Jan 2008, 06:25

hi jeanette,

keep posting... we dont fall asleep. we are keen about opthalmalogy.

Jeanette Brunette 14 Jan 2008, 17:27

Hi Guys! Thanks for the replies, I'm glad I decided to become a poster:)

I do notice a big difference in my lenses, not only is the right one much thicker, but it makes my right eye look bigger than my left, which doesn't really bother me that much anymore (but I would much rather they looked the same size)!

I'm studying to become an optician (I have a year and a half left) so I get to be around glasses and optical instruments all day (yay!). That's how I was able to find out all of my old glasses' prescriptions.

But anyway, you asked for my story, so here it is... P.S. I hope I don't bore anyone:)

When I was almost 3 my parents noticed that my right eye would occasionly turn in, and that I couldn't really see things that they pointed out to me. They took me to the eye doctor who diagnosed me with a "lazy eye" and prescribed glasses and patching. I got to pick my own frames and got round metal red ones. My first Rx was:

OD: +5.00/ -1.00 x 90

OS: +4.00/ -1.00 x 90

The lenses were very thick, but I didn't object to wearing them at all (my vision must have improved dramatically)

We moved to the states (from Sweden) when I was six years old, and the optomestrist there prescribed bifocals (+1.50 Add) and Vision Therapy to improve the vision in my "lazy" right eye.(I'm not sure why I got bifocals, maybe something to do with convergence problems) Vision therapy was fun, and I had special red and green glasses that I had to wear over my normal ones for reading and watching TV.

When I was 13, I got tired of being called "four eyes" and "nerd" so I decided to get contacts. I had to get hard (RGP) contacts since I needed bifocals, and boy were they terrible! They felt like I always had something painful in my eye, and were very hard to insert and remove. After a couple of months I gave up and went bare eyed instead. (I didn't tell my mom though, and continued to pretend I was wearing contacts. They were expensive, so I felt guilty for not using them).

All was fine and dandy untill I turned eighteen and got my own laptop before going off to college. After sitting at my computer for a while, my eyes would hurt and I would get a headache. Bright lights started to cause pain in my eyes, and I fianlly decided to have my eyes checked again (for the first time in five years! This is because we moved back to Sweden when I was fifteen) I was given the following Rx to wear for close work (and distance if I felt it was comfortable:

OD +0.50 /-0.25 x 60

OS +2.75/ -0.75 X 100

She said she didn't prescribe the full amount for my Right eye because there was such a big differece.

The seamed to help a little for near vision, but distance vision was better without them, and I went back for a recheck two times because of persistant headaches and eye strain before I was referred to an Ophthalmologist who prescribed prisms.

Wow it's getting late! I'll post the rest of my story tomorrow, hope you didn't fall asleep reading this novel:)

Thanks for the welcome,

Jeanette

Rachel 92 14 Jan 2008, 17:24

Hi R Ed, how are you and your eyes. Haven't heard from you in a long time.

cut-in UK 13 Jan 2008, 13:47

Jeanette Brunette, welcome, having graduated from lurker to poster !

A most interesting prescription, with a BIG sphere imbalance. Do you notice it in the lenses of your glasses? Would it play a part, to some extent, for the 'early' need for bifocals? There are some who might have a sound technical view but I can only speculate. It may be the case that your eyes can't make their mind up which one is dominant, and the +0.75 sphere would give good vision at all but the closest point, without any correction.

As to GOC, I am a practising addict myself, and I can only say it would be an experience for you to be a myope. Perhaps you will try it in a while and enjoy, as I do, the fun it generates. There is much sound advice here on eyescene on how to organise the glasses/contacts combination. You only need to post in these threads. Do not, I suggest, let the opportunity pass. It really does give a terrific buzz!

R Ed 12 Jan 2008, 17:41

Of course people here would like to hear your story. We look forward to it

Jeanette Brunette 12 Jan 2008, 11:00

Hi,

Thia is my first post here. I've been lurking for months, but I think it's finally time to declare my glasses obession! Anyway, here is my prescription:

R: +4.25/ -0.75 x 105

L: +0.75

2 Prism diopters base out each eye, and a +2.00 add for near (I wear varifocals/progressives even though I'm only 21)!

My glasses story is a long one, so I will post it later if anyone's interested. I would love to experiment with GOC at some point when I'm not studying at college anymore. (ie have money to do so :) It would be very interesting to experience being myopic.

Over and out,

Jeanette

08 Jan 2008, 22:18

Can he see the clock on the nightstand clearly enough that he doesn't have to reach for the old glassesarooni?

Depends. He would have to get pretty close (probably by picking it up and bringing it closer) and it also depends on the size of the numbers.

How about when he takes his specs off to rub his eyes...can he make out who is walking by the office door and giving him a little wave?

Probably not. I don't think he can make out faces from such a distance. Probably just the general shape/color of what they were wearing.

Can he see the computer screen from a normal distance with them off?

No, I don't think he would be able to read anything on it without moving his eyes a few inches from the screen.

VFL 08 Jan 2008, 16:54

This may not be the right spot to ask, but...if a man has a prescription of

-5.75/-0.50 in both eyes what is his vision like? Can he see the clock on the nightstand clearly enough that he doesn't have to reach for the old glassesarooni? How about when he takes his specs off to rub his eyes...can he make out who is walking by the office door and giving him a little wave? Can he see the computer screen from a normal distance with them off?

Roberto 07 Jan 2008, 12:28

By the way, I am Yuen-Ming's husband. Some of you might remember her.

Roberto 07 Jan 2008, 06:15

Criag - talk to your EYE DOC for advice. He may not say a lot but will tell you what you NEED to know.

Ivan 07 Jan 2008, 06:11

-Brian.

Welcome.

I had the same thing myself-only at 20 years old.It is "a bit of an eye opener" as you might say.

May I ask What frames did you opted for?

Julian 07 Jan 2008, 06:10

Guest: well congratulations, Brian, on getting your vision corrected at last. My immediate reaction was that 'very slightly myopic' was an understatement and I just hope you haven't been driving bareyed all these years! Glad you're enjoying the clear vision now; keep it up!

Guest 07 Jan 2008, 04:51

Hi Folks!

First time I've posted on here although I've been looking for some time now.

Well I finally got around to getting an eye test last November. I knew I was very slightly myopic but for some reason I've lived with it for the last 40 years (I first noticed I couldn't see all that well when I was about 12yrs old !)

I came away with a precription as follows:

Left sph -2.25 cyl -1.00 axis 180

Right sph -2.25 cyl -o.75 axis 20

I got some glasses made up and I must say that the result is fantastic, I can't believe how sharp things look, especially the Teletext on the TV and illuminated road signs & number plates in the dark. I've already found that I've become almost a full time wearer and seem to have become very dependant upon them. I really cant understand why I held back for so long.

Brian

Patrick B 06 Jan 2008, 10:28

Craig B:

Glad to hear that you've got healthy eyes! That's the most important issue facing high myopes in terms of their eye care management. I would, however, encourage you to wear protective eyewear if you play any sort of aggressive sport like squash or handball.

In answer to your questions, I am 52 and can't remember my exact prescription when I was 15/16. It was less than yours (around -14, I think) and fully correctible at that time with both glasses and contacts. Glasses in those pre-high-index days were really thick and mine were no exception. That's why I wore contacts nearly 24/7. A bit of advice re contacts: Give your eyes a break from contacts on a regular basis (perhaps one day a week) so that you don't damage your corneas from overuse. Of course that will require an up-to-date pair of glasses which you don't have at present.

Let us know how your exam goes and best of luck with your learner's permit.

4eyes 06 Jan 2008, 06:58

After being in England for eyes checking late last Year, I�ve come out with few main questions to be answered in flat answers. I really need to understand those meannings� so I decided that next Week I am only going to allow them to play with me under this condiction. �Or I fully understand about those few questions I've or nothing will be done.� That is what I told my daddy.

1. He cross fixate because his eyes remains in almost full adduction. �He is not able to abduct the eyes even to the midline�� and (because of monocular amblyopia he has no diplopia, and even if he�d it, images would be so far apart he�d not be particularly bothered).

2. His actual strabismus measurement�s over 100DP ET in primary position, reaching far over 120DP on attempting to look laterals side. �If we can�t correct this unusual strabismus in next future, will he be able to use glasses�?� �How come?�

3. �How much does Duane and Brown Syndrome and fibrosys helps to impair the kid?��Humpf, kid� This bizarre condition generally is though to be congenital and caused by an unspecific progressive fibrosys and internal eyes malformation.

I also learned from a friend how to avoid sickness and nausea, so I�ll take a Prevent Motion Sickness Band with me during those exams.

I only hope they find my new RX Prescription from England Ok and order the new glasses as soon as possible.

I did my best to express me in English as well as I could.

I am sorry for such rambling.

PS.: To CraigB. It looks like I can't see close clearly even with my glasses on lately, So its funny because I've to put my beloved PSP very far from me, so that I can see better. BTW I'll be 18 this Year.

Thank you all.

Brian-16 05 Jan 2008, 13:50

CraigB -I got bifocals in high school at 16.Have worn trifocals for a while and I am in my third year at college.My distance rx is less than yours and I not tried contacts at all as I do have prism rx.

CraigB 04 Jan 2008, 20:22

Thanks for the help wth my questions. You people have made a lot of things clearer to me. My eye Dr. is not much of a communicator, although he does say that I have 'healthy' eyes despite my high rx, which is encouraging. Patrick, how high was your rx when you were my age (15) and how old are you now?

I just looked at my contact rx and it is -17/-17.50. I guess I will find out when I have my exam later this month where my new rx has landed...for both contacts and glasses.

Appreciate all the advice. I am looking ahead to getting my driver's permit soon and want to have the best possible situation when I take both the eye test and the written exam.

Thanks,

Craig

Patrick B 04 Jan 2008, 15:46

Craig:

Cactus Jack is right about the vertex distance necessitating a lot of extra minus in a glasses prescription for a high myope. I always wore contacts 24/7 and now have to give my eyes a break by wearing glasses at least half of the time. My contact prescription is -22.50/-23 (without my small correction for astigmatism) and my new glasses prescription is -26.50/-27 with the astigmatism correction. Your new glasses prescription will probably be well over -20, and you will probably be advised to go with lenticular (myodisc) lenses. The bowl of my myodiscs are 20mm across set in a negative carrier which I think looks better cosmetically from the front since the negative bowl (which makes my eyes really small) isn't surrounded by a plus carrier that magnifies everything else. Of course the frames are small and the lenses also biconcave. I think the blended myodiscs look quite good and most people don't have a clue as to the strength of my lenses. My last non-myodisc lenses were -23 and extremely thick even though the edges were heavily beveled. Like many high myopes, my accommodation for near was never that great. You will probably also find that you won't be able to get bifocals in myodisc lenses since there isn't enough room in the bowl to accommodate a separate prescription. When I'm wearing my contacts I simply wear over-the-counter readers. When I want to read when I'm wearing my glasses for any length of time, I simply wear an old pair with a weaker prescription.

I fought against getting myodiscs and wish that I had got them much earlier. You will find them easy to get used to and there is less distortion, although you probably never will get a full 20/20 with them (or conventional lenses) because of the minimification factor.

Good luck and let us know how things go.

Emily 04 Jan 2008, 11:47

Craig -- I can relare to your situation because I also need high minus correction.

I used to wear contacts and glasses about equally. I found it a bit confusing to go between both because of the different apparent size of objects. At my last exam, my cylindrical correction (for astigmatism) increased slightly. Since my contacts have spherical correction only, I can actually see better with glasses, so now I wear them almost all the v=time. And the interesting thing is that, wearing them constantly, I've become used to the smaller size of everything and it bothers me much less than when I switched back and forth.

Also, I now have lined bifocals. I had resisted them, but the fact is that they enlarge small print and make close work more comfortable. You might want to try it.

Cactus Jack 04 Jan 2008, 07:16

CraigB,

For high myopes, the contacts Rx will always be lower than the glasses Rx. This difference (and the smaller image with glasses) is caused by the distance between the cornea and the back surface of the glasses called vertex distance. Vertex distance is zero for contacts and about 12 to 13 mm for glasses. The effects of vertex distance are very significant at your Rx, about 0.50 diopter per mm.

If your contacts are -18, your glasses Rx would likely be myodisc in the -22 to -23 range and would have significant minification. Some Eye Care Professionals (ECP) prescribe bifocals, trifocals, prism and/or reading glasses to try to slow progressive myopia.

A possible solution to help with your reading would be to get some reading glasses and wear them over your contacts when you have a lot of reading to do. The over the counter variety would likely be OK.

Be sure and tell your ECP that you are haveing trouble reading with your contacts.

CraigB 03 Jan 2008, 22:14

Cactus Jack,

The glasses I am using are....I think I have the right rx slip...OD -17.50, OS -17.75. I don't have a contact package handy but I think my most recent contacts are around -18.00 if I remember right. I know that my contact rx has always been lower than my glasses rx so I guess I see what you mean about having bifocals, just not at the same time. In fact my distance vision with my current glasses is pretty crummy but they are fine for reading, computer, etc. so a new pair of glasses might have their rx for the bifocal and something stronger for distance.

Thanks,

CraigB

Cactus Jack 03 Jan 2008, 20:52

CraigB,

To continue, Wearing different strengths correction is called monovision and you are right it does affect your depth perception, but not as much as you would think. The brain is very clever in constructing a speudo 3-D image with one well focused eye and one slightly nearsighted one.

I have IOLs because of cataract surgery. One eye is close to 20/20 for distance and the other is about -1.50. I still wear glasses (trifocals) because of some residual astigmatism and other problems most of the time, but I don't absolutely have to have them. I can leagally dirve without them. Monovision is handy when glasses are a nuisance eg. when swimming and it is convenient if I get up in the night. I can read labels on bottles etc. without fiddling with glasses.

You could do monovision, but I suspect you would not like it at your age.

At my age, it can be rather convenient.

Cactus Jack 03 Jan 2008, 20:38

CraigB,

What is youir current contacts Rx and your glasses Rx.

You are already using bifocals, the lenses are just not in the same corrective tool.

CraigB 03 Jan 2008, 20:08

I've been reading a lot of posts on this site about young people wearing bifocals which I had never realized was as a common as it seems to be.

I am 15 and have worn glasses for nearsightedness since I was old enough to remember. Each year, especially recently, my rx increases alot. I wear contacts nearly all the time but recently I am having more trouble being able to read small print when I am wearing my contacts. With my glasses...which are almost 2 years old as the last couple of changes I have just gotten new contacts...I have no trouble reading anything and if I want really close vision I just take them off and I have amazing up close detail vision.

I am having another exam later this month and wonder if my doctor will suggest bifocals for my new glasses. I have heard of people wearing two different strength contacts, one for distance and one for up close, but I would think that would screw up your depth perception big time.

Anybody been through this? I prefer the vision with my contacts as the glasses shrink everything and limit my vision to the sides but would like to be able to read easily.

Astra 02 Jan 2008, 23:26

I do not wear bifocals... but actually I could hardly read properly with my glasses on. I feel much more comfortable going bare-eyed when doing close work, but for distance I must wear glasses otherwise I could not see clearly.

Eye Tri 02 Jan 2008, 11:48

Jennifer,

I was a bit older than you are, but I got my first bifocals at an early age. At the age of 32 I was told that I not only needed glasses, but the optometrist strongly suggested bifocals. I was incredulous, but I said OK. It didn't take long to see I did in fact need these glasses. Not only could I see noticibly better but my overall fatigue level was reduced. Wearing my bifocals to work was a big step, but at the engineering firm where I worked a few people noticed that I started wearing glasses, but no one said anything about the bifocal lenses.

Willy 02 Jan 2008, 11:10

Jennifer -- I hope your experience with the bifocals is going well so far; please let us know how you are getting on. It would be especially interesting to hear from you whether your distance vision is improved with the upper portion of your new glasses; had you been having any difficulties? It seems from your posts that you may have some latent hyperopia (farsightedness); this condition can be hard to pin down very precisely when it first arises because the person still is using their accommodation to see well at distance. This may explain why you could not see well at distance with your first glasses. It is possible, though, that as your eyes become accustomed to the glasses, you may need or be able to use more of your ultimate total prescription at distance. This may reduce or eliminate the need for the bifocal eventually, but the cost would be that you would be dependent on glasses for distance as well as reading. If you still have your +1.5 glasses, you might try wearing those at certain times for mid distance activities such as watching television to see if your vision becomes clearer. Anyway, let us know how you get on.

Basset horn 01 Jan 2008, 14:15

The formatting of the sphere, cylinder, axis, and add didn't line up despite my attempt.

Basset horn 01 Jan 2008, 14:12

In something like 10 years (or is it less?) of visiting Eyescene, I don't ever recall posting my own prescription. Though I have worn glasses for almost 50 years (since my earliest teens) I'm not sure I have ever understood the methodology behind the numbers. (This is despite several Eyescene postings which have undertaken to explain.)

I recall holding off getting glasses until I couldn't read the blackboard even from the front seat in the classroom. Yet my prescription seems very low compared to so many I see on Eyescene. I have worn bifocals (always progressive - my one experience with lined bifocals was very unhappy) since my early 40's (about 15 years). My current prescription is

sphere axis cylinder add

OD -1.25 080 -2.25 2.00

OS -1.25 070 -2.25 2.00

I'm not convinced that this is particularly interesting, but it may be to some.

PeterC 01 Jan 2008, 08:39

Brent:

They are pretty expensive, about $300, eye sceneand no hi-index. The doctor says no with prisms, as the optics aren't good enough.

All of my family are very myopic, and I complete the package with bifocals now, older and younger siblings all have stronger prescriptions than mine and bifocals. My doctor prescribes bifocals at and above -10.

R Ed 31 Dec 2007, 12:55

Jennifer,

If you are concerned about the line you can get no-line bifocals aka progressive bi-focals. I've had them for many years and they are great. Once I had a prescription filled with lined bi focals; since I was used to no line, they were hard to adapt to so I returned to no line.

Good luck

Ivan 31 Dec 2007, 11:00

-Jennifer,

I agree with Benn,regarding people noticing your bi-focal lenses,generally no one will notice.And if they do so what? You need them for good vision.No doubt you have choosen well with your frame style and I'm sure you will find great improvement in your vision too.It's simply a matter of some inner confidence and attitude.If you are happy,sure of yourself and your new appearance people will take that feeling away with them.They will soon adjust to the new you!

By way,if you are unhappy with the way you bifocal lenses are "set" ,do not be afraid to return to your practioner to have them altered. Most will in my experience.

John S 31 Dec 2007, 10:37

Jennifer,

I hope I can answer some of your questions.

You should wear them most of the time, they will let the muscles in your eyes relax. Your new prescription will probably help out quite a bit. It is almost twice of strong as your old rx. That is almost identical to my rx when I got glasses at 17, they made a big difference.

Your distance vision should be pretty good with your bifocals. To get the most benefit, whenever you look at anything close, use the bottom segment of the lens. Don't look around the reading portion, then your headache problem will be back.

The doctor thought lined bifocals would be easier for you to use. Progressive lenses are not as comfortable for prolonged close work, like studying. You might talk him into getting a second pair as progessives, and see how they work.

Since this is first correct rx you've had, he wants to fine tune it once you have wore them for a while.

benn 31 Dec 2007, 10:28

Do not worry they will not notice. We all think everyone sees the line but they don't.

If they are fitted correctly you will not notice either. I have worn them for 45 years, started at age 20.

Jennifer 31 Dec 2007, 07:29

My name is Jennifer, I am a 26. old year law student

When I came home from school agt Thanksgiving. I had my eyes

examined because i was getting headaches at school from all the bookwork

and studying.The prescription is r&l +1.50.

I have worn the glasses for studying and doing homework

At first they helped, but recently they headaches returned.

On friday I went back to the doctor and he checked my glasses

and told me everything was ok with them.He then checked my eyes

after he put some drops in them. Then he gave the news.

Bi-focals!

After reading here I see that other young people have

them, but i was not ready for glasses with lines in them.I wanted

the other kind ,but he said with all all the schoolwork

and my new presciption, mine would be betterif they had the

line in them. He also wants to see me on Spring break again, Why?

My card says R + .75 -25 125 add 1.75 L +1.0 add + 1.75 ,

FT 35

I get my glasses on Wednesday before I go back to school.

He told when I received my first glasses they were for reading.

Are these to be worn all the time then ? Can people see the line in them?

My first glasses were hard to wear at school because

they made my distance fuzzy. Studying was great at first, but the headaches returned.

I felt like they made my eyes worse .Is that why he gave me bi-focals?

I am dreading Wednesday, My friends will make fun of me if I

have to wear bi-focals all the time.

Jennifer