Like Lenses 08 Feb 2010, 19:16
Clare
Your post about the comments on your vision prompted me to find this chart.
I think I remember you saying that you could not read the top letter of the eye chart,without correction. The top letter is usually 20/300. Without my glasses I can't read it either,and I am - 3.50 each eye.
So according to this chart we are both moderate myopes.
Mild Myopia
Less than -3.00 diopters
Moderate Myopia
-3.00 to -6.00 diopters
Severe Myopia
-6.00 to -9.00 diopters
Extreme Myopia
Greater than -9.00 diopters
And 08 Feb 2010, 15:09
Hollie/Clare, my gf wears her disposables for hours and hours and is known to sleep in them so when she does change them her eyes often don't get a break. Suppose everyone's tolerence is different, she works in an office all day, not sure it has air-con though.
Hollie 08 Feb 2010, 14:16
I'm already wearing the silicon hydrogel lenses and generally have no issues-except in air con! I got switched to these after the optician decided my eyes weren't getting enough oxygen- also he told me to have a months break which I did. Am a bit worried the next option will be 'don't wear them in the office'.
Melyssa 08 Feb 2010, 14:11
My new black drop-temples are ready. They are a lot larger than I thought at first, but that's fine with me. Part of the frame was higher than the top of my sunglasses (the ones that fit in front of regular glasses) as I drove home. For my Lenschat friends, that makes 11 pairs of drop-temples for me now.
Clare 08 Feb 2010, 13:59
Hollie - i know what you mean. I usually keep a bottle of eyedrops called 'Refresh Contacts' in my make up bag. Unfortunately I'm not like some of my friends who can wear their contacts for hours on end without any discomfort. Before I switched to the Air Optix a couple of years ago it got to the point where I could barely go beyond 5pm before needing to rip my contacts out, I was just desperate to be rid of them. Someone suggested the eye drops, they weren't the solution - changing contact lens brands was the answer - but the eye drops are a good standby.
Hollie 08 Feb 2010, 13:31
Not being the most confident specs wearer I'm keen to avoid looking serious! On a different note Clare- do you ever use eye drops with your contacts? We seem to be having loads of heating on at the moment in the office and by the afternoon I'm struggling!
08 Feb 2010, 07:48
HI catcus jack,
i am fro NJ.
Cactus Jack 07 Feb 2010, 11:57
CJ,
One other thought. There is no such thing as a "bad" Rx unless it simply does not correct your refractive errors and provide good vision.
Saying that an Rx is "bad" is like saying that your clothing size or shoe size is "bad". Some people are tall and some are short. Some people need stronger prescriptions than others, some need minus correction and some need plus correction, but if the glasses or contacts provide good acuity and good vision, they are not "bad". Usually, people who comment on their or other people's "bad" vision have little or know knowledge about how the eyes and vision work. Stick around here, read the posts, ask questions, pay attention, and you might learn more than is currently taught in school.
C.
Cactus Jack 07 Feb 2010, 09:36
CJ,
The sphere and cylinder change in your new Rx is a typical and reasonable increase from your previous Rx. The +1.75 add is for the reading portion of a bifocal.
The optometrist prescribed a bifocal because you were having trouble reading. The amount of the add is about the same as reading with your old glasses, when you compare it with your new Rx, except that the bifocals will have the correct cylinder and axis which may have changed from your old glasses. Incorrect cylinder and axis can really make reading small print more difficult.
Your optometrist may have detected that you are having some muscle and convergence problems during the exam. The 3BO of prism is to help your eyes converge and it may make reading a bit easier. It is a very small amount of prism.
Cost depends to some extent on where you live, but it will be higher than non-bifocal glasses. You might be able to order some glasses online, but since this is your first pair of bifocals and you need a small amount of prism, I would suggest you get them locally where they can be fitted and adjusted properly.
One way to save money is to perhaps use a frame you already own and don't order coatings, hi-index, or progressive bifocals. All can increase the cost.
May I ask where you live?
C.
CJ 07 Feb 2010, 07:36
hi,
i am 18 years old soon, i wear glasses since i was 9.
and i need some help, i went to the doc because i couldnt read normalley, it was too hard, so when i wanted to read
i put my prev pair which was about -3.5, moreover i i felt that my acuity is getting worse////
so i had an eye test today, and here how its look like-
sph -4.75 cyl -1.25 axis 170 add +1.75 prism 3BO
sph -4.5 cyl -1.5 axis 15 add +1.75 prism 3BO
visual acuity 20/500.
i really dont know what its mean and how bad it is..
but the opotometrist told that i will have to wear Bfocals or bifocals something like that, and the lenses will be much expensive, i told him to hold on, so i want to check how in this prescription lenses should cost, and what the prism 3BO means??
BTW - my last prescription was
sph -4.25 cyl -0.75 axis 168
sph -4.00 cyl -1.00 axis 15
thank you!
And 07 Feb 2010, 05:59
Hollie, don't let one silly comment put you off. I think girls who switch between glasses and contacts ( for whatever reason ) add another dimension to their look, just like wearing their hair differently, clothes, make-up etc
Clare 07 Feb 2010, 00:31
Hollie - what a strange thing for him to say. I work with lots of female glasses wearers, many of whom switch between glasses and contacts, and I'm sure none of the guys would have a problem with that!
Interesting to reflect on perceptions of the optical profession and wearing glasses - you mentioned at -2 -0.75 someone being being surprised that you didn't wear them full time, I remember my visit to Moorfields about 6 years ago. I remember I was -2.25 at the time and when they tested me the optician surprised me by saying that my vision was 'quite bad'. I'd never thought it was. At -2.75 I was told my prescription was 'quite strong', I know now of course that it's not at all!
Hollie 04 Feb 2010, 13:19
Clare
I wouldn't say confident, but had to accept them, as I will admit I just can't do without them any more. Although am not wearing glasses to the office again in a hurry. Partly as one of our managers bemoaned all the 'serious looking girls in glasses'. Not keen to be one of them so have taken to full time contact lense wearing, rather than my fortnightly or so day wearing specs!
Melyssa 04 Feb 2010, 13:03
I just picked up the two pairs of clear glasses that I bought from bleudame.com, as they were ready in 3 days. Everyone at the optical store just LOVES the red cat's-eyes with the 6 little points in the upper corners! They even asked me where I got them.
Clare 04 Feb 2010, 11:59
Hollie - I'm sure as a contacts wearer she wouldn't ditch them completely. I admire her courage, I hope it doesn't happen but if I couldn't wear my contacts for a bit I'm not sure if I'd do the same. I'm still looking for the perfect pair of frames! How about yours - did you feel confident in them (given you certainly had no choice) when you had to wear them recently?
Hollie 03 Feb 2010, 22:16
Clare
Indeed it is a turnaround. She hasn't mentioned prescription. I would guess at around -2.5 or so, and know she has some astigmatism from seeing her contact lense packet. With that, she could effectively be -3 or more.. I remember when I used to walk around in that sort of blur and to be honest I look back and realise it wasn't worth it. I wonder if she still has contacts, perhaps for social occasions, even though she's not very tolerant of the
in an office environment?
Clare 03 Feb 2010, 22:08
Hollie - what a turnaround! Has she received many oomments and has she made any? From your post it looks like shes no longer uncomfortable about wearing glasses. It just goes to show that once someone bites the bullet and starts to wear glasses people soon get used to how they look.
Did she mention her prescription?
Hollie 02 Feb 2010, 14:27
Some may remember my colleague who switched from being bare eyed or with contacts most of the time to showing up in glasses one day. Well she has worn them every day, all the time in the office since. At a drinks do last week she wore them and put them on her head whilst she was stood chatting. At one point she squinted at a board on the wall before putting her glasses back in front of her eyes. She kept them on for the rest of the evening. Seems she may have done the sensible thing and become a fulltime wearer! Out of all the women on my team, only 7 of us, I'm the only one who doesn't wear specs to the office for at least some of the time (there are a couple of low myopes who wear when they need them).
Aubrac 02 Feb 2010, 11:18
Joan
Is it possible you have always been slightly shortsighted but now it has become a little worse you only just realise it?
I say this because we had a friend saged 30 staying with us while she was waiting to move into a new house. She always squinted and as a frequent theatre goer, always used opera glasses through the entire performance.
We suggested she have an eye exam and she was amazed how with -1.75 glasses everything was so clear, and now didn't need opera glasses to see the stage.
Like Lenses 01 Feb 2010, 19:58
Joan
You fall in the catagory of what optometrists call late adult onset myopia.
With the frequent use of computers ,this is becoming very common. Adults that have been slightly farsighted,are often surprised at their eye exam that they have become myopic,and require minus glasses full time
You will probably never get beyond minus 3.00
Joan 01 Feb 2010, 09:59
Like Lenses:
I would like to argue with you, but day by day I am finding you are correct. Dr said I am "borderline" but I drove with them a bit down my nose last night so I could easily see through them or over them. The difference was remarkable! Cactus says I am just noticing it more now, but it does seem to me that my vision is getting worse! I find it strange to go nearsighted at 38 and wonder if it will progress. I thought I would be able to make it till my 40's and then just go for the expected readers! Now I have to take my glasses off to read!
Like Lenses 31 Jan 2010, 22:41
Joan
Without your glasses your vision is between 20/80,to 20/100. you probably should wear them all the time.
Joan 31 Jan 2010, 06:59
Like Lenses:
R -.75 -.50 180
L -.50 -.50 170
Interesting that I am now in a coffee shop with internet, wearing my glasses. There is a chap about 15 feet away reading the paper, and while I can read the big headline without my glasses, the smaller headlines are a blur. Would I have noticed that before? Will never know.
My spouse is
R: -2.00 and L: -1.25 with some astig, and can't manage without hers.
reini 30 Jan 2010, 21:06
melyssa,
you must buy this strong lenty-glasses and let the lenses cut in to the red one.
and please make a foto for the eyescene from you with this glasses !!
Like Lenses 30 Jan 2010, 13:37
Melyssa
Did you see these posted at glasses for auction or sale.
These would probably be fun for you to wear as an over correction.
reini 30 Jan 2010, 09:07
the red glasses are the best one.
Melyssa 30 Jan 2010, 08:58
I've wanted a heart-shaped pair for years, thinking I would get one in red, perfect to wear on Valentine's Day. Blue will suffice, though.
Puffin 30 Jan 2010, 08:49
Long time since I saw heart-shaped glasses.
Melyssa 30 Jan 2010, 08:39
I just bought these 4 pairs:
http://www.bleudame.com/product_info.php?cPath=96&products_id=12656 (red)
http://www.bleudame.com/product_info.php?cPath=96&products_id=12653 (black)
http://www.bleudame.com/product_info.php?cPath=115&products_id=10484 (blue)
http://www.bleudame.com/product_info.php?cPath=115&products_id=1108 (black)
I will have clear prescription lenses put into all of them, but not all at once, as my next eye doctor appointment is this summer. There's always a chance that my regular RX could change, just like the Flyers could win the Stanley Cup. LOL
gwgs 28 Jan 2010, 03:49
Hi all,
I want to get a couple of pairs of glasses I've bought online fitted with -9.75 lenses (they currently have demo lenses fitted) but I don't actually have a prescription, and these glasses will be for - as some might say - "bedtime use" - yet the best priced online opticians I've found so far, and all the others require a prescription to be sent, or the name of your optician where you got your eyes tested.
Also, both online companies that I've narrowed down to use are stating they use either 1.50 or 1.523 index lenses. I thought 1.57 was the norm??? Would this mean that because the aforementioned two are lower index the lenses would be thicker?
Like Lenses 27 Jan 2010, 16:04
Joan
What is your prescription?
Joan 27 Jan 2010, 15:07
Cactus - I think you are right - -I am just noticing it more now. This morning I just didn't think to put the glasses on and easily went about my regular routine. When I remembered the glasses and put them on, everything popped brighter and crisper. Makes me wonder if I should have gotten them years ago, but just never knew the difference. Reading on these forums seems that when you begin to wear glasses for reading/close you soon become dependent on them to the point of not being able to read/function without them. If I understand you correctly, wearing or not wearing these glasses should not have an effect on my depending on them for distance, at least for this prescription. Am I correct?
Cactus Jack 26 Jan 2010, 07:43
Joan,
You are just noticing it more. The eyes are just biological cameras that provide images to the visual cortex in the brain where "vision" occurs. The brain is quite capable of quite sophisticated image processing and production (dreams, etc.). Up until now, your brain has had to fill in the details of slightly blurry images, in those instances where it knows what the image is supposed to look like. Your glasses improve the quality of the images delivered to the brain and it does not have to do as much work. If you decide to quit wearing your glasses for distance, in a few days your brain will revert to its image processing role and all will seem "normal". However, now that your brain has experienced the pleasure of not having to work as hard to give you "good" vision, it may complain about not having the tools we call glasses.
C.
Joan 26 Jan 2010, 07:18
I had a regular eye exam from a new dr, was was told I am "borderline" but should get glasses for driving and other distance usage. Before the exam I thought maybe I would get glasses for reading, so this was a surprise. At 38 years old I found this interesting, and followed her advice. She said that particularly at night they would make things clearer for me. I got them a few days ago and have been wearing them fairly regularly. The frames aren't very big, so I can easily see over them, which I often do. At first I didn't notice such a difference, but the more I wear them the more difference I see in my vision with and without them. For instance, while stopped at a red light I could see a speed limit sign over a block away. When looking over the lenses I couldn't even make out the "30". Are my eyes getting worse, or after seeing the clarity with the glasses am I just noticing more the blurriness without them? Should I have another exam?
Like Lenses 24 Jan 2010, 23:32
Jack
If you buy her glasses,be sure to specify the lenses be made of CR39 material.
russell 24 Jan 2010, 08:42
Buy the frame you like and give it to her as a gift, offering to have the lenses put in for her (or find out her prescription and have the completed pair made as a gift.)
Jack 24 Jan 2010, 03:43
Hi All,
I'm new here and don't know if this is the place to post my comment, but am going too anyway.
My girlfriend wears glasses. I have suggested to here subtly a few times how I love the bold geeky black colored frames and hinted that she would look good in them. How do I further encourage her and eventually get her to wearing such a pair.
Please help me people!
Clare 19 Jan 2010, 12:24
Cactus - thanks for the comprehensive explanation. My colleague seems to be managing well reading with her contacts despite claiming not being able to read with her glasses. Why would someone be able to read with something that's effectively on the eye but not with something that's a few inches away I wonder?
Cactus Jack 19 Jan 2010, 07:24
Danbert,
A note from the Department of Redundancy Department. The second "attach point" in the fourth paragraph should be deleted.
From the spelling department "and engineering" should be "an engineering ..." in the third paragraph.
The grammar checking department is on holiday.
Wurm, is there any way to make the Post box and text within the box, larger? It might make some of these errors easier to spot before posting.
C.
Cactus Jack 19 Jan 2010, 07:15
Danbert,
There is a condition called "Fatigue Esophoria" or "Fatigue Exophoria" depending on which way the eyes try to turn when the double vision occurs. Eso means inward and Exo means outward. There can also be conditions where one eye tries to turn up, down or in an oblique direction (each eye has 6 muscles that control movement). "phoria" means that you can, with some effort, overcome the turning tendency and "tropia" (as in Esotropia) means you can't.
There are a number of causes of "phorias" including differences in muscle tension (muscle imbalance) and nerve problems (control system problems). In those situation where you can fuse images with effort, the opposite muscle of one or more of the muscle pairs, is having to exert tension to oppose the muscle trying to pull the eye in the direction it controls. Like all muscles, that opposite muscle gets fatigued with the constant exertion to keep images fused and the muscle with excess tension can overcome it and the eye turns. Fixes can range from exercises, to prism in the glasses or surgery.
The positioning system for the eyes is fascinating from and engineering standpoint. It is what is called an open loop servo system. The brain is the obvious control and the cranial nerves transmit the signals to the eye muscles, and the muscles are the servo motors. In an open look servo system (as opposed to a closed loop system) there is no direct means for the brain to detect the actual eye position. Instead, it must analyze the images received from each eye and adjust the eye position to match up the images and fuse them into one 3-D image. In addition to the images from each eye, the brain also processes signals from the semi-circular canals (head position information) and processes focus signals to and from the ciliary muscles to trigger the convergence response.
I have some personal experience with "fatigue" esophoria and have had to have a medial muscle resection where the attach point of the medial (inside) muscle attach point was moved back 5 mm on each eyeball when I could no longer keep images fused without high base out prism. I was warned that that might not be a permanent fix and am back to wearing base out prism to help me not see double. Curiously, because the control system is open loop, when I am wearing glasses with prism to keep images fused, I can't tell that my eyes are turned inward (crossed). If I take my glasses off, I see double. With effort and using some visual tricks, I can fuse the images briefly, but if I close my eyes for more than about 15 seconds (a blink won't break fusion) or break concentration I will loose fusion. Also, if I try to fuse the images, it will typically get worse.
You should mention the fact that you are having occasional double vision at your next eye exam. The examiner can determine the severity of the problem and may suggest including some prism in your glasses to make fusion easier.
C.
Danbert 19 Jan 2010, 06:01
Cactus Jack: Interesting that you mention Holladay's technique... it is so simple and obvious and yet I had not thought of it...
On another note, I sometimes experience fatigue and double vision which requires conscious effort to counteract. Admittedly I probably don't always get enough sleep, but I had never noticed this until a year or so ago... guess I'm just getting "old" (at 25).
Just wondering if you or anyone else have any opinions on this...
Cactus Jack 17 Jan 2010, 15:09
All,
One other factor that can come into play is age. If a person is young enough to have some accommodation, they can easily compensate for 0.25 over correction in a minus Rx or 0.25 under correction in a plus Rx. Distant objects will simply look sharper in both cases. "Close" counts in both horseshoes and optics if the close is in the right direction as it applies to optics.
C.
Cactus Jack 17 Jan 2010, 15:02
Danbert, Clare, & Aubrac,
The reason there MAY be a difference between a glasses Rx and a contact lens Rx involves two factors, vertex Distance and the strength of the prescription.
Dr. Holladay's very excellent piece on the effects of vertex distance on various lens powers related to the location of the lens (corneal plane or intraocular) is difficult for most people to understand, but maybe I can help.
The standard formula for determining contact lens power from a refracted Rx using a phropter or trial lens set is based on the SQUARE of either the sphere or cylinder Rx, individually, divided by 1000, times the vertex distance in mm. The vertex distance in this case is the distance from the front of the cornea to the back of the first lens in the phropter. Typically, this is 12 to 14 mm.
Because this formula involves the SQUARE of the sphere or cylinder power, it needs to be more than + or - 4 to have any significant effect on the difference between the glasses Rx and the CL Rx.
For example. -4.50 x -4.50 = 20.25 (note that the sign makes no difference in the answer). divided by 1000 = 0.02025, 0.02025 times 13 mm = 0.26.
Now comes the interesting part. If the original refracted Rx was -, the refracted Rx is DECREASED by that amount to arrive at the CL Rx. If the original refracted Rx was +, the refracted Rx is INCREASED by that amount to arrive at the CL Rx.
Typically, lower power CLs are only available in 0.25 diopter increments and if the refracted Rx is less than +/- 4, the CL Rx is not adjusted unless there is a small amount of cylinder to be corrected by adjusting the sphere power in a sphere only contact.
Vertex distance effects between the Rx as determined by the phropter and the effective Rx of glasses follow the same rules but because the difference is typically only a mm or two, it does not need to be considered unless the Rx is extremely high. Very small vertex distance differences really get serious above +/- 15 where 1 mm of difference in vertex distance can change the effective Rx of glasses by 0.25 diopters or more. Remember the SQUARE in the formula, it can really bite.
For those who require very high Rx in their glasses, Dr. Holladay't technique of using a contact lens that almost corrects the refractive error of the eyeball and then does a refraction with the CL in place is very interesting. By getting the refraction power required by the phoroter to a very low value, vertex distance errors become insignificant and the results should be more accurate.
C.
Aubrac 17 Jan 2010, 13:16
Clare
I really don't know the reason behind lens and glasses RX being different.
I can only say that my lenses have been the same at -5.00 in both eyes (very useful for mixing them up!!) for ten years, while the glasses RX has hovered betweeen -4.75 and -5.50 betwen the eyes.
I bought glasses online from Hong Kong six years ago with the -5.00 RX and I can still see fine with them. Actually better than with lenses because they do not correct a small astigmatism need in my left eye.
Clare 16 Jan 2010, 07:43
Thanks Danbert, Galileo - I'm familiar with the theory of reducing the contact lens prescription at higher powers but was confused by this person who seemed to think that her glasses should be less - not the same as - her contacts prescription. Mine have always been the same but that's because I'm well below the -4 threashold. I mentioned this to my optician today and he said that it would only be for plus prescriptions that the glasses power would be less.
Danbert 16 Jan 2010, 04:46
Clare: The following seems like a reasonable explanation of the mathematics which explains the difference between contact lens and glasses prescription powers:
http://www.osnsupersite.com/view.aspx?rid=5993
Galileo 15 Jan 2010, 20:48
Hi Clare, at 44 when the distance script is increased the onset of presbyopia becomes more apparant.
I have a low minus script for distance and I can read if I take the glasses off, but not with them on.
Not sure about the contacts question, but the lower the required correction the lower the difference between the contracts Rx and the glasses Rx.
Sounds like she is on the way to bifocals or taking glasses off to read or even reading glasses over contacts if she wants both clear near and distance vision
Clare 15 Jan 2010, 13:06
Just spotted the typo - he reduced it to -2.50 not -2.75. He was able to read with the -2.50.
Clare 15 Jan 2010, 13:04
A colleague was complaining yesterday that her optician has increased her prescription from -2.75 (presume both eyes) to -3 and reduced the other to -2.75. She has complained that it's harder to read, she's 44 was it misguided of the optician to increase the prescription if that was the likely outcome?
She said he's also given her the same glasses prescription and can't read with them now. She said she didn't think that glasses/contacts prescriptions should be the same - mine have always been so is this right?
Guest 12 Jan 2010, 13:33
What strength of cyl correction makes it necessary for correction at all differences? Does it make a difference to that if there is just cyl in one eye?
Aubrac 12 Jan 2010, 11:40
Jo
Sorry forgot to add that when I first had glasses, I too found a feeling of dizziness after taking them off.
I often wear contacts now and have the reverse sensation of feeling dizzy when I take my lenses out and put on my glasses.
Aubrac 12 Jan 2010, 11:36
Jo
Normally prescriptions show the sphere first followed by the cylinder followed by the cylinder axis (any number up to 180)
If your cylinder for astigmatism is as shown then you will find it needs correction at all distances, especially for reading small print. It will also make the outer edges of your lenses thicker as when combined with the spherical correction, the thickness is at the edge rather than the centre in the case of hyperopic correction.
As said it may be your frames are very thin, or possibly slightly large which would also add to the impression.
MAybe you could try getting some low cost on-line specs with small lenses and thicker frames. However, if you see the thickness of some lenses, maybe a centimetre or more, yours in comparison are quite thin
Clare 12 Jan 2010, 11:28
I have a pair of glasses in metal frames that are -2 and -2.50 with -0.50 cyl and I was surprised that the lenses were proud of the frames. These were the last I bought before trading up to high index, although I think they don't recommend high index - thinner - lenses below -2.75. I don't know why because I think the thinner lenses are much more appealing in a metal frame, I think they should point this out when the customer is making the purchase.
I've never felt dizzy after taking my glasses off but I'd say it's more like things jump into, or out of, focus. I think that's just because your eyes have become used to the correction.I suppose if you then wait a little while you'll find your eyes acclimatise.
Willy 12 Jan 2010, 10:43
Jo -- maybe it's not the "thickness" of the lenses but the "thin-ness" of the frames. I would not be concerned that the lenses appear thick from the side if otherwise you have picked out good-looking frames. Your prescrption numbers are not very high, but because a significant part of it is cylindrical correction for astmigmatism, you are likely to find that once you have adapted to the glasses, you may not be comfortable without them at near or far. Good luck and let us know how you get on.
Jo 12 Jan 2010, 10:16
post deleted - multiple usernames
Clare 05 Jan 2010, 13:40
new glasses - I agree, it's on the strong side for a first prescription. I have a prescription of -3 and -2.75 and there's no way I'd think that my uncorrected vision could be presumed to be normal. I'm guessing the optician recommended full time wear?
wombat 01 Jan 2010, 22:59
Hey, I started with -2.25 -.75 and did not "know" what it was like to see any clearer. Of course glasses made all the difference and my optometrist told me how could I possibly have lived without glasses, well I did, obviously I wasn't driving and squinting helped a lot.
My prescription went up to about -4.5 -.75 fairly quickly but luckily stayed that way.
Puffin 31 Dec 2009, 13:40
re new glasses with the daughter with
RX -2.75 -0.50, what might have happened is she might have known something was up for a while, but then fairly quickly things progressed from a bit fuzzy to quite a lot fuzzy.
or perhaps she had the problem for a while and said nothing, covering it up and sitting at the front of the class and somehow managing (this RX is definately on the borderline for this sort of thing)
either way, full time wear would be indicated.
RXologist 31 Dec 2009, 03:00
Hmmmm... let me read again this year's posts....
'Meryl', 'Pauline', 'Bifocal wearer', perhaps they are real, but for some reason all of them reported +6.25 in one eye and +6.75 in the other, plus a daughter who was just starting her journey with about +3.50 (or similar data). All of them spoke with unusual enthusiasm about how large their own/their daughter's eyes were.
Some personal fantasy perhaps?
Aubrac 31 Dec 2009, 02:48
new glasses
As Like Lenses said it is quite a strong first prescription. One would normally expect someone to realise they could not see well before this.
However, as an actual prescription it is not that strong and normal lenses (not hi-index thin lenses) will be fine.
13 or 14 is quite a common age to start needing glasses as growth spurts affect all parts of the body including the eye. Your daughter may have been needing glasses for a few years but has just got used to seeing the world in a rather fuzzy way, but I think she must find it difficult seeing the board or presentations at school.
When she gets her glasses, I think she will be amazed at how clear and sharp the real world looks.
It is entirely up to the individual about whether they wear glasses full time, but with her prescription which also has a -0.50 correction for astigmatism, full time wear would be the norm.
You may have read earlier posts from Meryl who's 13 year old daughter was suddenly found to need a strong plus prescription, this too was quite a suprise for all concerned.
Galileo 31 Dec 2009, 02:40
One of my staff, in her late 20s came to work this week complaining she could not see. She said she had her eyes tested in June and her eyesight was ok, so she was afraid the sudden deterioration was some serious medical condition and went off to the doctors.
After several trips, tests and a referal to the optician she returned to work today with a prescription she showed me.
I was suprised to see it said OS -2 cylinder -1 and OD -1.75 cylinder -1.25. No wonder she could not see! She borrowed glasses from another woman who is about -2 and looking across the room said in wonder that she could see things on my desk about 10 metres away that she had not realised were there before.
So I have another GWG in the office from January! Happy New Year.
Like Lenses 31 Dec 2009, 01:30
new glasses
That is a very strong first prescription.
Her uncorrected vision is probably about 20/300,and she should wear the glasses full time.
new glasses 30 Dec 2009, 20:46
My daughter just failed her eye test in driver's ed so we had to take her to the pearl for an exam. She was given a glasses perscription of -2.75 -0.50 in each eye. She'll be 16 in a few months. She never complained to us about poor vision before. Is this a normal first perscription? The doctor seemed surprised she never wore glasses before.
guest 25 Dec 2009, 01:45
The last post was for Meryl.
guest 25 Dec 2009, 01:44
I wouldn't even tell her, that the new glasses magnify more. She will find out by herself. Tell her something more positive. Like that her eyes are even more relaxed and visual problems will decrease even more.
There is no way to get around the increase, though.
Martyn 24 Dec 2009, 17:49
Charlotte I hope you and your sister have a wonderful Christmas and New Year, miss our little chats. Take good Care xx
gwgs 23 Dec 2009, 04:59
Good to hear Meryl, keep us posted. When are you due to get her new pair with the new prescription?
Merry Christmas to all Eyesceners
Meryl 23 Dec 2009, 04:54
I think i have turned the corner with my daughter, she now puts them on in the mornings and takes them off for bed, i dont have to get on to her anymore about wearing them. She also admits that she can see far better now, and quite likes them apart from how they magnify her eyes. I have not mentioned that her next pair will magnify a lot more, will cross that bridge when i come to it. Also she said distance is fine now, so i am just thankful she seems to accept she needs to wear glasses and is getting on with it.
Meryl 23 Dec 2009, 04:54
I think i have turned the corner with my daughter, she now puts them on in the mornings and takes them off for bed, i dont have to get on to her anymore about wearing them. She also admits that she can see far better now, and quite likes them apart from how they magnify her eyes. I have not mentioned that her next pair will magnify a lot more, will cross that bridge when i come to it. Also she said distance is fine now, so i am just thankful she seems to accept she needs to wear glasses and is getting on with it.
Aubrac 14 Dec 2009, 07:34
Hello Meryl
Glad to hear that things are going well without too much trauma. As you may have seen from posts on this site, many adults find it difficult to be seen wearing glasses.
We all know that children can be very mean to each other at times, at 14 my daughter suffered a lot of teasing and some bullying because she had a slight lisp, thankfully all in the past now.
Best to take it one step at a time, also not to mention contacts, as the promise of these will imply that wearing glasses doesn't look good, and make adjustment more difficult.
Good luck!
Meryl 14 Dec 2009, 03:09
Hi Everyone. Just like to post a quick update on my daughters glasses.On the whole, she has adapted very good to wearing them. I made her wear them as we left the opticians after collecting them,I wanted her to see, this was how it had to be. She was ok apart from complaining that her distance vision was better without glasses, and she hated how they made her eyes look so big. I have told her that this is just a first presciption before she will get her full one, but did not dwell on how much bigger these would make her eyes look, it seemed best not to dwell on that part yet. She now finds reading far easier, and said her eyes dont ache now like they used to, and even the distance is beginning to improve. The first 4 or 5 days were the worst, i had to keep reminding her in the mornings to put her glasses on. Then she came down to breakfast one morning, and hey, she was dressed for school and wearing her glasses, i never ocmmented but was so pleased that she seems to accept them. And every other morning now, when she appears for breakfast, she is wearing them. She said she had a bit of an issue at school with a few calling her names because she had them, but that seems to have passed now.
minus 5 who luvs gwgs 13 Dec 2009, 10:10
Parent this happened to me also when i was 8 I was prescribed glasses for the blackboard and TV I wish I had been told to wear them all the time from day 1 because as you grow myopia does increase and it is only a matter of time until you do need to wear them all the time however it is unlikely that a childs eyes would deteriorate a great deal so do not worry too much
Cactus Jack 13 Dec 2009, 06:39
Parent,
Sorry, I didn't pay close attention to your post. I am curious why you were not given a copy of the Rx, even if you are getting the glasses made by the Eye Doctor.
In most locales it is required by law.
C.
Cactus Jack 13 Dec 2009, 06:36
Parent,
There is no direct relationship between visual acuity as indicated by a 20/?? number. There are many factors in a glasses Rx, but the odds are that her Rx is in the -0.75 to -1.00 range which is low.
She will likely need to wear the glasses for good distance vision, but may not need them for reading. However, it is much less likely that she will loose them or damage them if she wears them full time.
You did not indicate what kind of doctor you took your daughter to. If it was an Eye Care Professional, you should have been given a prescription for glasses.
When you get a prescription, we will be happy to explain it.
C.
parent 13 Dec 2009, 06:10
My 8 yr old daughter came home from school this week with a note from the school nurse telling us that she believes we should get my daughter's eyes checked ASAP. My wife took my daughter yesterday to the eye doctor and found out that she has 20/75 vision in her left eye and 20/100 in her right. We were shocked to hear that her eyes could be that bad. What type of perscription do those numbers normally equal? Will she be full-time from the beginning? My thoughts are that she probably will.
Slit 12 Dec 2009, 20:22
Hi Nichola! Great attitude!
Is there any particular incident that grew your self confidence? Or was it the natural way you think?
(I know few girls at my college who were bold to shave their heads and make a statement in spite of different fashions!)
What was your starting RX and what made you go for it?
Nichola 12 Dec 2009, 03:49
newby. I have been fulltime from the beginning. +6.00 is quite strong. Thanks for the vote of confidence for gwgs guys.
Aubrac 12 Dec 2009, 02:59
eyespy
Yes Kate is certainly very attractive.
I would guess her RX at no more than +2.50, She wears her glasses for reading and distance, but is not full time, as I've seen her on location, and in a different programme sans glasses.
Phil 12 Dec 2009, 02:58
Meryl and Nichola, Don't fret that wearing strongish plus specs in any way diminishes a girl's attractiveness to the chaps. The most admired girl in my college 35 years ago was a lovely medic called Lindy. She was engaging and fun, sexy and flirtatious. She was also immensely clever and went on to be a successful consultant in public health. I saw her again recently and she was as gorgeous as ever. From then till now she wore nice plus glasses, around plus 6.
eyespy 11 Dec 2009, 22:11
I've always thought the BBC's Kate Silverton is a good role model for plus glasses. Her glasses don't seem too strong but it's obvious that she has some reasonable plus prescription. Does anyone have a clue as to what it might be?
newby 11 Dec 2009, 08:30
Nichola- can you manage to see without your glasses on? Or have you had to become full-time?
Nichola 11 Dec 2009, 08:25
Meryl. I have to wear plus glasses so I know how your daughter feels. My eyes look so big and vulnerable behind my glasses I feel very self conscious about it. But some of the lads I know tell me my eyes look quite sexy magnified so much, so it has its pluses!! By the way I'a around +6.00 at the moment as well, but I'm likely to go higher soon.
Clare 11 Dec 2009, 00:17
Here's another perspective on how glasses can change a look - for the better. A friend of mine, a habitual contacts wearer like me, looks older than her years (which is never popular with the girls) but when she wears glassess it seems to make her look much younger. Whereas with me I've been told I look more serious.
It's like a kind of camouflage!
Obsessed 10 Dec 2009, 14:31
Wurm, thank you very much! *thumbs up*
Wurm 10 Dec 2009, 12:59
I've tried to clean up this thread without deleting any valid content. My apologies if anyone's reply has been orphaned (there was some fairly extensive trolling going on).
Obsessed 10 Dec 2009, 09:19
Meryl
Can't believe that lady actually DID say that! Unbelievable! How rude!
I am happy to hear that your being annoyed is putting it mildly.
meryl 10 Dec 2009, 07:33
Thanks for that last post obsessed. People on the whole have been supportive of her wearing glasses except one lady, the mother of one of her friends, who was silly enough to say to me, when my daughter was by my side, oh, what a shame susan has to wear glasses now, she was such a pretty girl. I will not repeat my reply, but to say i was annoyed , is putting it mildly
Obsessed 09 Dec 2009, 17:31
Meryl, I also think it's important to explain to your daughter that there are people who find glasses very attractive. Of course, you can't talk to her about the strong glasses fetish that has created this community. But I think that she deserves to know that glasses are considered attractive by some people and that even strong glasses are found to be aesthetically pleasant.
How did her friends react when they saw her wearing +3.25 lenses?
Like Lenses 09 Dec 2009, 12:50
Slit
Unfortunately for Meryl's daughter she will not be able to see clearly enough to apply eye makeup without her glasses on.
She will either have to hold one lense in front of one eye, and make up the other, or get a pair of Rx make up glasses.
Slit 09 Dec 2009, 09:35
The girl I mentioned in below post. Who is quite confident about glasses.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pYQK7bcm2o
I, Glasses 09 Dec 2009, 09:29
Green Eyes,
What strength readers do you use?
Slit 09 Dec 2009, 00:03
Hi Meryl or any othe rmom/dad who is having issues with low acceptance for glasses by their daughters.
Here is a girl who has accepted + powered glasses (which enlarge eyes) and she runs some make up tutorial. (i am not an expert of make up, but I though generally the girls like to learn this kind of things.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtLIJ_oOys0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUJqhSiMaC8
I you have reservations on passing on these links directly to children because of unsuitable content that "might" appear in the "related videos" list on youtube (yes this is becoming a menace where I can not even run a corporate youtube chanel for my personal business because unwanted content comes to the related list!)
In that case you can down load the full video using www.keepvid.com and show later.
I found another very confident young girl with + prescription, but it seems I have not saved the link coz I was very sleepy last night :(
Like Lenses 08 Dec 2009, 19:52
Meryl
It will benefit your daughter to do a fair amount of distant viewing with the new glasses on.
She may prefer to read,or work on the computer,because of the new clear near vision,but she needs to get used to distance through the glasses. Encourage her to watch the TV,from a good distance,take her for a drive or to a movie,again at a good distance.She may complain about the blur,but distance viewing is what will be the most difficult thing for her to get used to.Also speak to her teachers,and tell them not to let her sit in the front of the class. The farther back, the better.
I agree with Green Eyes,to not get her to encouraged about contacts,as her next Rx may have some astigmatism correction, or she could even require bifocals. Too early to tell about these things.
DMG 08 Dec 2009, 12:07
Meryl- You may also want to inquire about aspheric lenses next time, in plus scripts they reduce centre thickness and eye magnification considerably.
Aubrac 08 Dec 2009, 11:51
Hello Meryl
At +3 and especially +7, lenses will be quite thick and the eye magnification will come as something of a suprise.
May I suggest you have a look at on-line suppliers, and you will find many can supply hi-index lenses that will considerably reduce thickness and curvature of the lens. Even in the short term, this may help your daughter to accept the lenses and get used to them.
As I said in an earlier post, I remember when my sister got quite strong minus glasses for myopia at the same age, and it took her quite a while to get used to wearing them all the time. However this was many years ago and glasses were the rather unflattering NHS style.
My 13 year old daughter attends stage school and one of the pupils wears about +6 glasses all the time even during show performances, and has obviously got quite used to her look when wearing them.
It will be a difficult time and I hope the eventual benefits will outweigh the short term problems.
Puffin 08 Dec 2009, 05:30
re Meryl/Green eyes, it seems that there is no strong link between hyperopia (ie, how much shorter your eyes are than they should be) and accomodation (what your lens muscles are able to do about it).
So, in the case of Green Eyes, we can surmise that she had quite a lot of hyperopia but also started out with a lot of accomodation, but as she got older it reduced to the point where the eyes were straining all the time, then getting to a "crunch point" where help is required.
In the case of Meryl's daughter, she has a bit less hyperopia, but had more normal amounts of accomodation to start with, so the "crunch point" comes sooner.
There are also people who have posted here who had similar levels of hyperopia and less accomodation than normal, so much so they hit the crunch point earlier on and end up with bifocals in their 20's.
Meryl 08 Dec 2009, 03:09
I agree with what you say handsal, how can my daughter need such a high prescription when she was ok before. I put the same question to the optician and she said, the long sight had always been there but as she did more and more close work at school, it was making it more difficult for her to focus between close and distance, hence the headaches and rubbing her eyes. She did say had she used her eyes a lot more when younger, it could well have come out before this. She blamed the increase in school work as she got older
Hansel 07 Dec 2009, 13:29
Thanks Cactus for the detailed explanation.
I suppose I should have known better, but I equated the correction numbers be they + or - to represent similar degrees of difficulty, albeit at different ends of the ocular spectrum. Obviously not as straightforward after all.
All best.
Cactus Jack 07 Dec 2009, 12:00
Hansel,
The answer is YES. The reason is how the crystaline lens does its job, the function of glasses or contact lenses, and optical physics. The primary reason for myopia (need for - correction) and hyperopia (need for + correction) is the mismatch between the length of the eyeball and the combined plus power of the cornea and crystaline lens.
The cornea typically has a power of about +25 diopters and the fully relaxed power of crystaline lens is about +15 for a total of about +40 diopters which is the amount of plus required to focus a distant image on the retina which in a "perfect" eyeball is about 25 mm behind the crystaline lens. If the eyeball is too short (hyperopic), additional plus, from some source, is required to focus the image clearly on the retina. If the eyeball is too long (myopic) less plus (minus) is required to focus the image.
The ciliary muscles can increase the plus power of the crystaline lens by squeezing it, but unfortunately the ciliary muscles have no way to stretch the crystaline lens and reduce its power. The crystaline lens in a young person is very flexible and at age 13, would easily be able to increase the plus power of the crystaline lens by +10 to around +12 diopters more than its relaxed power. Therefore, she might not have been aware of the actual need. In your situation of needing -6.50 to see clearly, any increase in the plus power of your crystaline lens would have meant that you needed additional minus in your lenses to neutralize the excessive plus.
C.
Hansel 07 Dec 2009, 11:13
Perhaps for someone like Cactus Jack.
I am interested in the situation of Meryl's daughter. As I noted in my previous post, I have a significant minus script.
I was very much a reluctant wearer, and probably went through, although I didn't really appreciate it, my teenage years in a blur. Contact lenses just before my sixteenth birthday (nearly forty years ago) made a huge difference. At that time I was -6.50. However, I knew I was badly in need of correction long before then.
My question is, how is it that a script of +6.75 can be a first, without Susan really being more aware of her difficulties. I appreciate the idea of the younger eye being able to accommodate, but so was my myopic fifteen year old eye.
Is there a significant difference between - and + in this respect?
Hansel 07 Dec 2009, 09:24
Meryl
Just adding a further thought. While probably not the best plan at this stage as your daughter Susan gets used to her first pair and subsequent adjustments, but when she gets to the full prescription, high index lenses, particularly for plus prescriptions really have a big effect on reducing lens thickness.
You might like to investigate these in time. For myself, I have a high myopic precrition and I get the highest index possible for a progressive lens, which I am grateful for.
meryl 07 Dec 2009, 08:52
Please excuse the rushed report as well, the grammer could have been better but i wanted to get a quick report of for people who have been so kind to ask and give advice.
meryl 07 Dec 2009, 08:50
Sorry card read +6.75 and +7.25 not 6.75 for both
Meryl 07 Dec 2009, 08:48
Many thanks to all who have shown an interest in my daughters glasses. We went to pick them up on Friday late afternoon, and as i saw the assistant take them out of the case, i thought, they cannot be for her, they did look very thick and the lenses seemed to bulge in the middle. They were for her, she put them on susan, and i thought she looked sweet, but her eyes looked huge. She asked susan what they were like to read, handing her a card, and she said it was very clear and sharp but the distance was blurred. Then she explained that would be the case and it could take 3 or 4 weeks before the vision became clear. It was important that i made sure she wore them all the time, then she could come back and get her full prescription, and it may take another two changes, or it may only be one, depending on how she handled these. The full Prescription on the cared was +6.75 for both eyes, but this could go up or down for her final pair. My daughter was quite upset at how they looked, she said her eyes look all distorted behind the lenses and she did not like the feel of them on her nose. I explained that she must wear them, and when she had her full strengh glasses, we would see about contacts for her. We left the shop, with her wearing her glasses, but i could see she was struggling with why she had to wear them full time. We go home without any one seeing her , which she as happy about. I will post further later, this is to long for one posting.
Obsessed 05 Dec 2009, 19:39
> Vicky
Optical aberrations are very common in the very beginning. Especially with cylinders. And you are 20, aren't you? That's tricky, too. It takes adults more time to get used to the new optical system. So, don't panic and wait for a few days. It will get much better! And eyestrain+headaches will be your past, not a reality anymore.
Obsessed 05 Dec 2009, 19:37
> Meryl
How's your daughter doing? :)
Vicky 05 Dec 2009, 07:10
Hi,
I have just got glasses of +0.75 x -0.5 in both eyes.
I am finding them very odd to get used to everything appears curved, and my vision is worse than when i have no glasses on. Is this normal?
Thanks
smudgeur 05 Dec 2009, 00:06
Meryl - in order to support your daughter have you thought about getting some glasses yourself?
Perhaps get an eye test first, if you don't need them you could always get a pair of low powered readers to make her feel less isolated.
Good luck and keep us posted!
Slit 04 Dec 2009, 05:00
Hi Meryl,
I guess it would be a rightful thing to do. And it will be more easier for her if she introduces them the glasses by herself just like a surprise. (i hope the other teenagers will not make negative remarks. In such case you will be quite an important support to the daughter emotionally)
Rick:
No. I opt to wait till I come to a point where i really need them. (though there is a internal urge to get some progressives done - merely to see how much of difference it makes to vision)
Meryl 04 Dec 2009, 03:22
Hallo to all who were kind enough to offer advice when I posted on here. To keep you updated, my daughters glasses were ready yesterday, but I decided to take her to pick them up after school today, that way she will have the weekend to try them and maybe get a bit less self conscious with them on. I have invited a few of her close friends to tea on Saturday, so they can see her in her glasses, I think that way, she may not feel so shy at turning up at school on monday wearing them.
Meryl 03 Dec 2009, 01:11
Thanks for your reply Andrew. The optician told me she thinks, according to the machine she use, that my daughters final prescription will be around plus 6 or there abouts. She said she was very longsighted and now she is doing more work at school, this is causing the headaches. Now i know what questions to ask, i can check when we pick her glasses up later today. Thanks again to all who replied
Puffin 02 Dec 2009, 15:55
The thing about the battle mentioned below is that quite likely pretty soon it will devolve into "glasses or headache", then soon after "glasses or can't see very well", so the battle won't be so bad.
Andrew 02 Dec 2009, 10:42
Meryl,
When you go to pick up the glasses, you may want to ask how strong your daughter's final correction is likely to be, and how long it will be before she gets this prescription. Two possible carrots for you to dangle before your daughter might be that of getting contact lenses when she gets to that prescription (which means the more she wears her glasses now, the sooner she will be able to ditch them in the future), or the carrot of designer frames when she gets her full prescription.
Meryl 02 Dec 2009, 08:06
Thanks Aubric, will bear that in mind, no one wears glasses in the family at moment, she will be only one. And is not happy at the thought, already she is asking if she can just wear for tv and reading, but i have told her that i will be firm , she must wear them, I think i may have a battle on my hands but we will see
Aubrac 02 Dec 2009, 07:48
Meryl
May I add a further point, and that is in a predominantly non-glasses wearing family, it can come as a bit of shock to realise that a young family member needs to wear glasses all the time.
I know that when my elder sister (also 13 at the time) was found to be quite shortisghted and needed glasses, everyone was bit dumbfounded.
One tends to see considerably more young people especially girls wearing glasses full time for hyperopia now. Not so many years ago I suppose they all managed to compensate for this without glasses, but with far more computer use, games consoles and texting, eyestrain and headaches follow, and glasses are needed.
Meryl 02 Dec 2009, 07:45
Thankyou all for the helpful replies, i can now understand it better thanks to your help. She said she is quite long sighted and her card reads Right Eye +3.75 Left eye +3.25. I can understand from what was said, why she will have to wear them full time. The optician could not tell me if she will always need them, she said each case is different. She will get her glasses on Thursday, will keep you informed if you wish how she gets on. Thanks again to you all.
Aubrac 02 Dec 2009, 07:31
Hello Meryl
May I add a few comments to Slits. Long or far sight does not mean people can see clearly at distance but refers to light rays focussing far of i.e. behind the retina. This results in blurred vision at distance and close up.
Young people can very effectively use their eye muscles to alter the shape of the lens and thereby focus on the retina and have clear vision (the physics of this doesn’t work for shortsight). Many low hyperopes, i.e. up to +2.00 can function without glasses until their forties, and only when the lens stiffens and cannot focus, realise they need glasses despite probaly have suffered from eye strain.
Your daughter may well be +3.00 or above, in which case there is a considerable amount of work for her eye muscles to do in order to see clearly, and will result in fatigue, eye strain, headaches etc. She will unconsciously have been doing this and when she first wears glasses will continue, the result is over correction and blurred distance vision. As Slit said the brain will soon unlearn this but only if full time wear is the norm, and after a few weeks will have clear distance and near vision.
An approximation of her actual correction needed will have been calculated by a machine she looks into and measures by light rays within the eyeball. This forms the basis for the chart reading test which with other tests refines the correction needed. The optometrist has probably already seen that the level of correction may be quite high and knows that full correction will result in a distressing amount of blurred vision initially for your daughter, and has decided that a subsequent increase after a few months is preferable.
Even at 35 my wife had two prescription changes within a year as her eyes became used to relaxing.
The shape of the eye giving rise to myopia and hyperopia is a physical thing and cannot be changed although growth spurts especially in early teens can give rise to quite quick changes. Once her full prescription has been established, a yearly test will probably suffice to track changes until she 18 or so.
Puffin 02 Dec 2009, 07:16
New hyperopes often have this situation, their eyes get so good at straining for close up vision it takes a little persuasion to stop them
doing this, this is why her prescription makes a her little bit myopic (ie, she can't quite see clearly in the far distance) - it won't last long (a few days or a week)
Further "persuasion" in the form of slightly stronger lenses will be needed in a couple of months.
Don't worry, this is very common.
Slit 02 Dec 2009, 06:31
Hi Meryl,
Actually this is a quite natural phenomina. And congratulations on taking right action of seeing a doctor and getting the eyes checked for near and far at the same time (many eye docs check for distance vision only in my country, which misses out the difficulties in seeing near.)
1. Why she has to wear fulltime
- She has a higher degree of hyperopia, which means her focusing system is not having sufficient power. Therefore, even though the difficulties of seeing far away objects has not emerged yet, it will be comfortable for the eyes to have some support from the eyeglasses. (however, in the first 3 -4 weeks, she may find the distant objects blurred when wearing the glasses. The reason for this is her lens of the eye is not fully relaxed. once it is relaxed, everything will come to good focus through the glasses, both near and far.)
2. Why should she have a re-check in some time to upgrade prescription
- As it seems, she has a hyperopia more than +2 or +3, which means the lens of the eye is currently quite used to work harder to achieve near and far vision. So if they give her a high prescription, the lens will find it hard to "unlearn" the habbit of over working. By giving a lower RX, the lens will slowly unlearn, and in abt 2 months or eve earlier, she can move to her fullest Rx.
---
I hope I gave a good enough view, based on the amount of science and physics I have learnt :) I could have made this more technical, but not sure everyone grasp.
What is the prescription written by the doctor?
Meryl 02 Dec 2009, 05:23
Not sure if i am posting this in the right thread, but am looking for some answers to a few questions. My daughter who is 13 has been complaining of a lot of headaches lately, and seems to rub her eyes a lot. To be on the safe side, i took her to an opticians to have her eyes tested. And was told that she was quite long sighted and would need to wear glasses.This i can accept but am not sure why she will have to wear them full time, and they will make her distance eyesight blurred until she gets used to them. The optician did explain, but i really did not understand. Another thing, is, why does she need to go back after an interval to have the glasses changed, she said that she could not have the prescription she needs now, it would be too much. I would have thought if thats what she needed, why not give it to her now. Any answers and explanations would be appreciated
Puffin 29 Nov 2009, 16:25
Basically i think most opticians will try to encourage normal binocular vision and avoid monovision unless there is some good reason to do otherwise (eg, one eye has poor distance acuity, so no point trying to enforce binocular use, rather use that eye for close work)
I think the thing about the brain taking the best image available if one is too poor to use is an evolutionary adaptation. A slightly blurred image from one eye is useful, with some interpolation and brainpower needed to make up the lacking information, but there is a cut-off point beyond which extra "processing power" thus devoted is all but wasted: nothing much worthwhile is added to the resulting image for much increased effort.
GG 29 Nov 2009, 06:14
A friend of a friend recently showed up wearing glasses so of course I had to say something. So said "I didnt know you wore glasses", trying to figure out if she just was just taking a break from contacts or if she was a new wearer. She said she recently went for an exam since it had been 5+ years since her last exam (she is 24)and the doctor told her that she was nearsighted in one eye and farsighted in the other. They didnt look that strong in each eye probably less than +/- 1.00 but she has take to full time wear right away. She looked great in glasses, they were black with black & tan wide arms. I will have to get her talking about them more to get the actual RX, but is it typical to go full time with an RX like that? Since I dont have too many glasses wearing friends(mostly contacts),I think it great!!
Mirka 25 Nov 2009, 05:55
Jane, I wait for your email. I have to say, that my glasses working very well for me, but my eyes got used to they, and I have wearing they full time.
Mirka
Jane 23 Nov 2009, 22:07
Thanks Mirka,
I will send you an email in the next few days.
Jane
ehpc 18 Nov 2009, 13:12
I am a Type 2 diabetic as well and my understanding is that providing one keep's one's blood sugar level under the strictest possible control vision problems should also be kept under control. But only a professional opinion, as on anything, can be trusted.
Mr Cockeyed 18 Nov 2009, 05:11
When I was first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, I thought I had no vision problems, but my doctor sent me for a retinal exam, and I did have some mild retnopathy.This means some minor hemorraging, fortunately not near the seeing part of the retina. This is serious, and very important you have a eye examination, with dilation. Take care of yourself, and make sure you monitor your sugars daily. Good Luck
17 Nov 2009, 21:38
Hi guys i have type 2 diabetes and so my eye doctor tells me that my vision problems are due to this and that there is no cure but i say i need a second opinion and was hopeing maybe you could help when im looking at the computer almost always ill see double and my vision tends to be really blurry towards the end of the day i sometimes get morning headaches so bad that it gives me double vision and i can only read the third line down from the top since my eye doctor suggested it was the diabetes ive lost a considerable amount of weight and kept my diet under control and dont take any medication for the dianetes anymore what could this be
Mirka 17 Nov 2009, 05:02
Hi Jane,
my email address: mirka_maj@yahoo.pl
16 Nov 2009, 20:05
hello Jane, there a cool site where you can make all the questions about eye exam, is www.lenschat.com , i hope we can help you there...
Jane 16 Nov 2009, 19:56
Hi Mirka,
do you have email or some other way I can contact you. I have some questions about the eye exam which I wanted to ask you.
Thanks
Jane
Gyest 15 Nov 2009, 15:45
Mirka
How is your glasses wearing goes?
Astra 10 Nov 2009, 02:55
Mirka wrote,
"but I find that my eyes got worse when I took off they before I got asleep."
Sure. Even under low light conditions I would find the objects on the ceiling are much sharper with my glasses on. The blur without the glasses are enjoyable, because you don't see so much detail when you are on the bed, perhaps you would sleep even better.
Astra 09 Nov 2009, 09:01
guest,
I think the most common undercorrections would be either 0.5 or 1 diopters.
Mirka 09 Nov 2009, 05:21
Hi all,
CJ, Puffin, thank you for your advice. You think I have to have strongest lenses in short time? How strong they will be? Today I was very brave at morning, like always (since few days :-) ) I put on my glasses on, and all things got very clear, and go out to the school (first time with glasses). I was very nervous what could to say my classmates. I was very amazed that they told so I looking very nice with they. Some from my friends want to try they, but all told that they are too strong (it was bad part). Just only my friends with glasses told that they are weak for her. I still amazed as clear got blackboard, I can read all!!! Some guys from another class call me foureyed, but I don't worry about it. I hope I can wearing they for all the time, but I find that my eyes got worse when I took off they before I got asleep. I'm very curious when I got full depend from they?
guest 08 Nov 2009, 11:37
Puffin, i don't think the optician gave her an undercorrection of 1-2 dpt. That would be a lot! I guess it's more like .5 dpt.
sourgrapes 08 Nov 2009, 11:25
Sorry, I misread your comment. It is true that uncorrected myopes get used to their eyes being a bit lazy, because they are focused at close range. But if that was the case, that person would also have trouble seeing far away.
sourgrapes 08 Nov 2009, 11:20
Puffin, I think what you are describing only happens with hyperopia, not with myopia. There is "latent hyperopia", where the hyperope is used to accomodating constantly, and so when given plus glasses, has to relax the eyes. Uncorrected myopes will have the opposite problem, where they are used to not accomodating at all because they are always focused at close range anyways. When given minus glasses, they will have to work harder to see up close.
Puffin 08 Nov 2009, 09:24
Mirka
As CJ has said there is probably some more myopia there than has been currently corrected. I reckon something like 1-2 dioptres more each eye. That myopia has been there for some time but has been masked because your eyes have got used to being a bit lazy (unconditioned) and now it is being unmasked because they are being made to do some work, particularly at closer range.
So, this means your eyes aren't suddenly getting worse because of wearing glasses. The more you wear your glasses, the faster this process of getting to your real prescription will occur, and conversely, the faster you'll get dependent on them - this is up to you, but it is unavoidable.
I would not worry about this or going to school with glasses on. At 16 years old you'd think people would be old enough to not say stupid things. But if they do, well, at least you know who your friends are.
Cactus Jack 08 Nov 2009, 08:49
Mirka,
It is normal for your vision to seem worse without your glasses. Before you got your glasses, you brain was having to work to make sense of blurry images. With your glasses, it no longer has to do the extra work and when you take off your glasses, things will seem blurry. Remember, vision actually occurs in the brain. Your eyes are only biological cameras and you glasses help your eyes deliver high quality images to your brain. If your eyes deliver poor quality images, your brain has to use a lot of its processing power to correct the images. If the images are high quality your brain can use the processing power for other purposes.
C.
Mirka 08 Nov 2009, 06:40
Hi all my friends,
Thank you for your advice, and your wishes, today is my second day when I have since woke up my glasses on. It is very amazing how sharp I can to see, but it is still strange to read with they, all prints looking very sharp, but they are so small now. Yesterday I first time was out my home, and my best friend saw me first time with glasses on,, she was amazed because she never think that I have to have my glasses, and that I have to wearing they for all the time. She told so I'm looking very pretty with they, but when she try they on her, she told that she couldn't see with they, and was amazed that they are strong. We was together in the cinema, and in mall. At cinema I was amazed I could read inscriptions on the screen (before it was blurry), and at mall I could see all things. I'm still scary about tomorrow, and my first day at school with glasses, but I plan to go with they.
BTW. Yesterday before I go asleep I find that my sight got worse when I take off my glasses, is it normal?
For anonymous post - I learn mathematics at school, and know how to exchange centimetres to inches (I saw here all measurements in inches).
Cactus Jack 07 Nov 2009, 13:35
It is possible she was using one of the translation programs.
07 Nov 2009, 11:36
I am quite curious that a 16 year old Polish girl would describe her ability to see in terms of inches rather than centimetres.
Traveller 06 Nov 2009, 09:42
Hi Mirka,
Good luck with your new glasses. Out of curiosity, how old are you and which country are you in? Sorry if I've missed this information.
Cactus Jack 06 Nov 2009, 06:08
Mirka,
Your prescription is about what I expected, given the problems you described and it is not unusual to be given less that full correction for a first prescription. You have to get used to wearing glasses because your brain has been used to trying to make sense of the blurry images it has been receiving. What you are experiencing is normal and you should be wearing them all the time you are awake.
Please spend the weekend exploring your new world of being able to see much more clearly, perhaps take in a cinema with your friends, if you can. By Monday, you should be comfortable wearing your glasses and by Wednesday, if you wear them Monday and Tuesday at school, your classmates will not be able to remember you without your glasses.
In a few months, you will be looking forward to getting your full prescription and being able to see even better.
C.
Mirka 06 Nov 2009, 05:43
Hi all,
It happen, I got glasses yesterday!!! As I wrote before, I had yesterday my eye exam, my eye doc was very nice woman. She testing me in dark room with some devices, and after it she projected some letters on the wall and told me to read they, I had on me some weird frames, and she change some lenses (I think it was lenses or somethings), and I finally could see clearly and read small letters on the wall. She ask why I hadn't glasses before, because I'm nearsighted. My mom got nervous, and ask her for more information. She told my mom that my vision had got worse some time ago, and I had to had glasses before, she told also that I have to wearing my glasses full time, and I have to have new exam in about 3 months, because she prescribed me weaker glasses that I need (Why she doing it?). She give for me prescription, and we went to Vision Express to order glasses for me. I ask before it my mom for copy my script, because I want to send it here. After some time we pick up some frames, they are small frames in rectangular shape in dark grey, white colour, optician told that they are match for my lenses, and for my face. I was very, very nervous, but very excited before they was ready. We was on the some shopping in this time in the mall, and after about 1,5 hour we back for my new glasses!!! (It is very odd for me think - my glasses!!!). When I put they on, I was very amazed as clear I could see with they (it is true as I read here), optician adjusted they a bit, and give me best wishes with my glasses. For rest of the yesterday evening I was with they on, and I find that before I going asleep, I got little headache, for all te time I had some dizziness too. My distance visin was very, very clear, but my close vision was good but things got a bit smaller. I find when I pull off they before I was going to the bed, that my vision got a bit blurry after I had they on me by sometime (is it normal?). My mom told for me that I have to wear they all the time as told my eye doc, and today at morning I put they on after I woke up, but I got at first some dizziness too, after few minutes, I think I got a bit used to they, because my dizziness go away. I had not courage to show off with my new glasses at school, and after I went out from home I put they in my pocket. I had hard time during class, because I back couldn't to see blackboard, etc... And before I back home I put they on again, and now I have they on. My parents will be home for weekend, and I think I have to wearing they full time, and I hope I got used to they a bit. I think maybe at Monday I will go to the school with they too.
My prescription is: Right eye: -1.25x-0.75x10 and Left eye: -1.50x-0.5x170.
Give me some advice, I have wearing they all the time or not? What do you think?
Puffin 05 Nov 2009, 15:31
About the thickness: I reckon about 3 or 4 mmm thick at the edge. Depends on what the lenses are made of (generally, tougher and cheaper lenses are a little thicker) and how wide the lenses are (wider = thicker).
But at your sort of prescription, which in relative terms, isn't going to be much, they won't be very thick.
Don't worry about an odd mm of thickness. When you've seen 15mm or more thick lenses, 3 or 4 doesn't seem so much.
Astra 05 Nov 2009, 11:46
Mirka,
Have you had any eye checks before? How was the result (say, the acuity, usually in terms of 6/x or 20/x or 0.x/1.x, depends on your country )?
For example, I had an acuity of 0.3 back at age 5. (Compare: 1.0 is normal acuity)
0.3 is roughly where one would be advised to get glasses.
Astra 05 Nov 2009, 11:37
Mirka,
Regarding "what they will be looked".
Well, it probably doesn't look exactly like a plano-lenses where there is practically no distortion at all. Plano lenses are having no prescription, and they cannot be used to correct refractive errors.
Roughly, plus lenses enlarges the image while minus lenses diminishes the image. The extent of enlargement/minification depends on the prescription.
Therefore, when one has a prescription of -10.00 for example, it is expected the minification would be significant, and that can't be changed even with a thinner lenses using materials such as polycarbonate or pure glass. Those materials changes refractive index, thereby it can produce the required refraction (distortion) with less thick materials, but the image almost appears the same looking from/into the lens.
Therefore, just by looking at the extent of minification one could have a rough idea (but difficult to estimate precisely) about the prescription of the person.
Astra 05 Nov 2009, 11:21
According to the calculator on my last post,
For example,
Let
Interpupillary Distance (mm) = 60
Frame Eyesize (mm) = 40
Frame Bridge (mm) = 20
Material = Hard Resin
For -1.00, -2.00, -3.00
Center thickness: 2.0, 2.0, 2.0
Edge Thickness @ 180° (mm): 2.4, 2.8, 3.2
Astra 05 Nov 2009, 11:09
Mirka,
If you are curious about how thick your lenses would be after getting the prescription, you may visit the following website for an estimation of lens thickness:
http://www.opticampus.com/tools/thickness.php
Astra 05 Nov 2009, 10:57
Sourgrapes,
I have also thought about that too yesterday.
I wonder if there are any evidences showing how constant blur would induce myopia.
Josh 05 Nov 2009, 08:06
Hi Mirka, i know for what you`re passing right now, but don`t be nervous, when you get your glasses maybe you feel a little strange, but it would be amazing the change in your vision, remember to tell us how rx you get,i hope you have luck in the appointment, if you`d like to talk more about it you can go to lenschat.com and share experiences, see you...
Mirka 05 Nov 2009, 02:42
Thank you for yours advice, today I'm very nervous but I am very curious too. Yesterday my mom back from work, and told for me that she call to the some eye doc, and I have today at 4 PM appointment for my eye exam!!! I write from school computer, and I can't to wait for my eye check, I'm curious if I get glasses, and what they will be looked, how thick will be lenses, if I have to wear they all the time?
PS. My friends doesn't know her prescription, they are her third glasses, and she got glasses about 3 years ago.
sourgrapes 04 Nov 2009, 17:20
I also thought that CONSTANT BLUR can induce myopia
Puffin 04 Nov 2009, 17:08
My understanding of things is thus:
The basic idea behind glasses for myopia is that they correct the problem "now" with a small risk they might induce a bit more myopia than leaving it uncorrected - this risk can be minimised by the optician knowing how much correction to give.
Unfortunately, without the glasses, you can't see clearly and the myopia doesn't go away, and with the glasses, any natural changes (ie, those that would have happened anyway with or without glasses) tend to overwhelm the effects of overcorrection.
so - the most practical answer is correct the myopia so the person can see, and worry about possibly slightly stronger lenses at a later time.
Cactus Jack 04 Nov 2009, 12:09
Astra,
I will agree that over correction can induce myopia, but there is also some evidence that not correcting myopia can also be a factor in increasing myopia if a person is genetically disposed to be myopic. There was some research at Johns Hopkins on severe hyperopia several years ago that seemed to indicate that unfocused images on the retina produced a growth hormone that was the stimulating factor that caused the eyeball to grow. This hormone may be at least one of the factors that causes the eyeball of young children to grow as their head grows. Over production of the hormone would logically cause myopia. I do not know if the research has continued or if it has been determined if the retina can distinguish if the unfocused images are caused by the eyeball not being long enough or if it is too short.
The important thing is for Mirka to get an exam so that her visual world be restored to what it should be and that she understand that not wearing glasses WILL NOT improve her vision.
C.
Astra 04 Nov 2009, 11:22
Mirka,
If you eventually find yourself discomfort to focus on close objects, it could be possible you would need reading add for close objects.
Astra 04 Nov 2009, 11:13
CJ, Mirka,
I am uncertain whether wearing glasses (or not wearing glasses) alone would cause myopia increase for teenagers. But that isn't essential for me.
I have heard some teenagers (these are rare) forcing himself reading close/watching TV deliberately in order to induce myopia. They eventually got myopia and glasses, and they keep doing so with glasses on, eventually become strongly myopic as adults.
I think besides eye growth factors, it could be easier for teenagers to get myopia increase because their eyes typically have better accommodation than adults. Sometimes they are not aware that they are constantly reading too close (say at 7-8" or even less) with their glasses on (say, daily for 3-5 hrs), unlike the deliberate case mentioned above. This is less likely to affect older adults since they probably can't accommodate the overcorrection well. I am not sure how that would affect the ciliary muscles... but this could happen whether you are wearing glasses or not.
When you find strains/discomfort focusing close objects, that probably means you should take a rest, otherwise you may induce myopia unknowingly.
Astra 04 Nov 2009, 10:43
Mirka,
Hmm... what is the prescription of your friend?
You should ask them. Knowing each others' prescriptions can be fun. Back in the school years, I was quite curious about glasses, and did ask some of my classmates about their prescriptions.
You mentinoned distant objects are sharp while close objects are blurry, and you could try them on for a few minutes... very likely (I can't be certain) it is about 0.5-2 dioptres stronger (-) than your required prescription.
Cactus Jack 04 Nov 2009, 08:37
Mirka,
It is very likely that you will become "dependent" on your glasses and that your prescription will increase some over time, but that is not caused by wearing glasses. Your eyes are really biological cameras that are supposed to supply clear focused images to your brain. When the images from your eyes are not focused, your brain has to work extra hard to make sense of the blurry images. If your vision is corrected with glasses or contact lenses, your brain doesn't have to work as hard and it does not take very long for your brain to get used to not working very hard and it will seem that your vision has become worse without your glasses.
What will happen is that once your brain decides that it likes having the clear sharp images, it will not like the blurry images and will let you know that you need to put on your glasses.
Your friends will be curious for a day or two until they get used to seeing you wearing glasses, but if they are really your friends, they will be glad that you can now see well. Ask your friends with glasses what it was like for the first few days. The reason you got dizzy with your friends glasses is that they were not exactly right for you. It might take a few hours for you to get used to your glasses, but after that they will seem natural.
C.
Mirka 04 Nov 2009, 06:20
Hi all,
Astra - I'm nervous about glasses because I heard that when I would get glasses, I would get depend on they, and my vision would get worse when I start with glasses. Very important thing for me is what will say my friends when they will be me saw with glasses? In my class is now 2 girls and 2 boys who is wearing their glasses.
Today at school, when I know that I probably will get glasses, I ask one from my classmates if I can try her glasses on me. She give me they with smile when pause start, and I put they on me (it was first time when I had some glasses on me), I was amazed as sharp got things from distance, but I have some dizziness with they (is it normal?), and close things was blurry, after few minutes pause finished and I had to give back her glasses. I'm curious when I have my appointment for eye check, I wait when my mom back from work.
Astra 04 Nov 2009, 03:14
Mirka,
Why do you got nervous about wearing glasses? At your age you should've seen many people around are wearing glasses in order to see normally. So I don't think you should be nervous about wearing glasses.
Have you tried on some of your friends' glasses? If yes, tell us about your experience. Or have you notice yourself squinting when focusing on distant objects?
Astra 04 Nov 2009, 02:39
But I think teenage human eyes are normally very adaptable, with excellent accommodation for close vision, but not for distance vision.
Quote from CJ's post
"The ability to focus close depends on three things. Their Rx, how much they can accommodate, and the distance of the text or object from their eyes. Typically, the younger a person is, the greater the ability to accommodate. Most babies are born hyperopic because their eyeballs are small for the optical power of their corneas and crystaline lenses. Young children have very flexible crystaline lenses and can accommodate as much as +20 diopters. The ability to accommodate is called Amplitude of Accommodation. There is even a formula for calculating the average ability to accommodate based on a persons age in years. The formula is: 18.5 - age/3 = Amplitude of Accommodation. The actual ability depends to some extent on actual stiffness of the crystaline lenses and the condition of the ciliary muscles. "
"Unfortunately, crystaline lenses can only relax so much and no more. That means that myopia MUST be corrected by external minus lenses to move the focus back to the retina"
Astra 04 Nov 2009, 02:21
I think Mirka's description about reading at 7"-8'' already means there could be some sort of refractive error.
For me, I can't seem to focus well at 7"-8" with glasses. Roughly I can read text size 14 at 10"-15". But my prescription has a reading add of +3.25.
I surely doubt anyone with normal eyesight would like to read that close as 7"-8". Normal reading distance should be about 12"-15".
Mirka 03 Nov 2009, 12:16
Cactus Jack, Puffin, Antonio, Minus 5 thank you for your advice and nice words for me. Sorry ChrisB, I don't understand you. My name is Miros³awa (Mirka) and I am from Poland, I'm here since yesterday, and I understand what do you mean call me old friend of you. It will be nice when we will be friend for me, but till now I don't know you. I was very nervous before my parents back home, but I give for they notice from my school nurse. My mom got nervous too, and ask me why I don't told for they about my vision before. Then told so tomorrow she try to looking for some eye doc for me, and to make an appointment for my eye test. I got very nervous, but very curious about it. I probably have to got used to it is almost certain that I'm need either glasses.
Cactus Jack - I'm from Poland, I live in small town Œwidnik.
ChrisB 03 Nov 2009, 11:17
the advice cactus jack has given is textbook stuff and good for anybody who recognises a change in their visual acuity in teens or early 20s.
Mirka's english is also very good, too good, except for the glaring errors in tenses and plurals in some lines.
I suspect Mirka is our old friend, always with an excellent grasp of english grammar and how to break a sentence into sub-clauses. That means he/she probably also doesn't have english as a mother tongue.
The chain of postings about Jessica's evolution as a glasses wearer strike me as absolutely real, but I think the Mirka postings are taking the piss out of that honest and well meaning dialogue. Shame on that person.
minus 5 who luvs gwgs 03 Nov 2009, 09:21
Please get glasses and wear them with pride I have never been out with a girl without glasses both my wives and all of my girlfriends have had them and worn them all the time I guarantee you will look great Do please tell us your prescription and what sort of frames you pick
antonio 03 Nov 2009, 09:09
Mirka,
if you get glasses it´s on your own you wear them full time or only part time at school for example when you feel needing them to see far clearly.
So please don´t be scared for that,
it´s your decision,
best regards,
antonio
Puffin 03 Nov 2009, 08:15
Mirka
btw, although I don't know exactly what the eyecharts are like where you are, they are usually a similar style with a similar range of different sizes of letters - I have seen several types in my time - on that basis, and what you said before about getting close to things to see them, I think it quite likely full time glasses will be recommended.
but, it's best to get the proper eyetest to be sure what's going on, okay?
Cactus Jack 03 Nov 2009, 08:00
Mirka,
It is almost certain that you need either glasses or contact lenses to correct your vision and will probably need or want to wear them full time once you discover what you have been missing. While you may be apprehensive about getting glasses, you should not be scared. There is nothing to be scared about. An eye exam is painless and only involves the optician or optometrist looking into your eyes to make sure that the only problem is that you are myopic and then having you look through either a trial lens frame or a device called a phropter that is just a device that can allow the examiner to let you try many different lens combinations and see which combination you need for really excellent vision.
He/she will likely use an eye chart similar to the one the nurse used and it is really a wonderful experience to see the letters you couldn't read before, become sharp and clear. The really exciting thing is when your glasses are ready and you can begin to discover the things you have been missing such as leaves on trees, birds, vivid colors, and being able to recognize your friends from many meters away. Also, I suspect you will find it really pleasant to be able to effortlessly read the blackboard in school.
By the way, your English is very good. May I ask where you live?
C.
Puffin 03 Nov 2009, 06:11
Mirka, I think the best thing you can do is tell your parents (one at a time, if necessary) that the school nurse thinks you need an eye test and take it from there. Try not to be scared and don't sit there thinking its all your fault or something like that.
Anyway, think of all the fun you can have when you can see the boys smiling at you and thinking how nice you look.
Mirka 03 Nov 2009, 05:30
Hi,
Thank you Cactus Jack, and Puffin for your advice. It sound very nice for me, that you think so girls in glasses looking very pretty, but I'm still very scary till long pause at my school. Today during long pause I decided to go to school nurse and say her about my problems with sight. She told me at first to cover one eye then, and next second eye and to read on the chart on the wall some letters. I can't see they clearly, as I remember it was about 3-4 line with my first eye, and 4-5 line with my second eye. She asked me if I have glasses, and I have to say no. Then she told for me that I probably have to getting glasses, and I'm got very scary about it. She give me note for my parents, that I have to have eye exam. Do you think it mean I have get glasses? How I can to say about it my parents? Have I wearing they all the time?
Puffin 03 Nov 2009, 00:50
Mirka, I agree with Cactus Jack. From what you say about how close you are having to get to things to see them, I'd estimate that you'd probably be advised to wear whatever glasses you get full time - so you probably need to prepare yourself for that.
However, it is not all bad, a pretty girl in glasses is quite a head-turner (see the "sightings" thread for examples) and of course, you'll be able to see things. Within a few weeks you'll be wondering why you didn't do it sooner.
Cactus Jack 02 Nov 2009, 07:48
Mirka,
It is highly likely that you are becoming myopic (near or short sighted) which means that you can see close things clearly and distant things are blurry. It is not unusual for this to occur to teen agers. The true cause of myopia is unknown, but genetics and the fact that your school work causes you to do a lot of reading and close work play an important role. The important thing is to understand that you have no control over the myopia and the only solution is corrective lenses, either as glasses or contact lenses. Also, you need to understand that attractive glasses can actually enhance your attractiveness, like jewelry or make up.
The first step is to get an eye exam to find out the exact problem. If you are reluctant to discuss this with your mom, you might mention it to your teacher or your school nurse and let them send a note or contact your mother.
You may feel you can keep this a secret, but that does not work because your friends and associates probably already have noticed that you are having difficulty, but have been reluctant to say anything.
You may initially feel reluctant to wear glasses, but almost everyone who needs glasses has that feeling initially. After a few days, you will wonder what all the concern was about and your friends will probably want to try on your glasses.
Don;t think for a minute that boys won'd like you wearing glasses. For many boys, glasses make an attractive girl even more attractive.
C.
Mirka 02 Nov 2009, 06:14
I find this site, because I'm very scary about my sight. Before vacations I had some trouble with read blackboard, I try to sit on the front of class and it was better. When my school start in September, I find that I have much more trouble with vision blackboard all letters on it got so blurry, at first I try to sit on front the class like I was doing before holidays, but it is still hard for me to see clearly. At home I find that I can't to watch TV from sofa, and when I want to see it I have to sit on the floor close to TV. I think my close vison is still ok, I can read from about 7-8" and I think it is normal distance for it, am I right? I lookin some advice, can my sight got worse? What I have to doing with it? You think I have to getting some glasses? It is terrible for me, because I am now 16 and I think I am a bit pretty. Have I told about it my mom? What do you think, give me some advice, please.
Jessica 31 Oct 2009, 10:16
Hello Amy
It did feel a bit strange seeing a photo of me wearing glasses but it was good to see that I didn't look self concious and there wasn't really any glare off the lenses from the flash, although you could tell that there were lenses there rather than an empty frame. I suppose that's the anti-reflective coating on the lenses doing its job. It might feel strange to me seeing myself in glasses but of course my colleagues see me in them all day every day and so are now used to seeing me in glasses.
I don't mind wearing glasses but I do like the fact I can see ok without them and am not totally dependant on them. But I have noticed how quickly I have adjusted to them and that any activity requiring high concentration on what I'm seeing (such as driving and especially reading/looking at fine detail close up) gets very uncomfortable quite quickly without glasses - much quicker than before I got glasses. This surprises me as my prescription is weak.
Amy 31 Oct 2009, 09:18
Jessica. Its good that you are now getting used to being seen around wearing glasses. Really that is the big thing to get over when you first get prescribed with them. Good luck. Just keep positive and pop them on whenever you feel you want to. No one will comment in another few weeks.
How did you like the photos of yourself in spex?
Amy 31 Oct 2009, 09:14
Jessica 31 Oct 2009, 06:24
I do seem to wear my glasses for longer than not wearing them. This week I have been putting my glasses on soon after getting up and keeping them on all day until shortly before going to bed. Putting them on at least a few minutes before getting in my car ensures my eyes are fully adjusted in time, although the time needed to adjust is much shorter than it was and I expect will soon be instant. I even kept my glasses on for going to the pub after work the other evening to celebrate a colleague's birthday. Another colleague took some photos of us. That's the first time I've seen myself in glasses in a photo.
It is just more convenient to wear my glasses all day during the working week. they also help my eyes relax in the evening after all the close up work during the day. I still don't consider myself as a full time glasses wearer as I don't intend to wear them during weekends or holidays unless I need to (like writing this on my computer). I didn't put my glasses on today until I started to feel a bit of eyestrain when reading web pages although it does feel a bit odd NOT wearing glasses from first thing in the morning.
Amy 30 Oct 2009, 09:15
I meant this for Jessica and put her name at the top. sorry !
Jessica 30 Oct 2009, 09:13
You may find this happens more and more times. Once you get your glasses on and get used to wearing them. But just get used to them slowly is the best advise.
Jessica 24 Oct 2009, 09:35
Thank you Amy.
I actually wore my glasses all day today, even though I wasn't at work. It wasn't intentional. I went out to meet some friends and once I had parked my car I realised I hadn't put my glasses case in my bag. I didn't want to leave my glasses in the car or put them in my bag out of their case as they might get scratched or bent. So I just kept my glasses on. The friends I was meeting hadn't seen me wearing glasses before and they all wanted to try them on. None of them could see very clearly through them. I soon forgot I was wearing them (they are very light and comfortable).
This doesn't mean I will keep wearing them all the time (sorry to those who want me to!) but I might wear them (or my other pair) at times when I don't really need them just to change the way I look.
Amy 24 Oct 2009, 08:09
Jessica. I think it's always rather traumatic when get your first glasses. I know it was for me. Even now I sometimes go out without mine on, even though everything looks really blurry and grey. Somehow I need to prove to myself that I still can and actually I find it a bit of a laugh. New glasses are great to look forwards to as well, so try and enjoy joining "the glasses club."
nostolgic 20 Oct 2009, 20:46
Phil, are you the one who posted in induced myopia that used to wear up to -6, now wearing -3s? You must be 40+, how old are you if I don't mind asking? Just wondering if you think it has helped you keep accommodation longer. Can you read with -3s? Are you emmetropic?
Brian-16 20 Oct 2009, 04:53
RL...Thanks for the info.I asked Lenscrafters in my town and they said the same thing.
RL 19 Oct 2009, 07:35
Brian-16,
Up until about four years ago I got myodiscs from Lenscrafters and then they stopped being available. These came from an independent optician called Shield Opticians in Burbank California.
Puffin 19 Oct 2009, 05:57
Strange how the myodisk bowls these days are generally smaller than of say 20 years ago for that sort of prescription. In those days it seems to me wearers went for larger bowls and accepted thicker & heavier glasses.
Brian-16 19 Oct 2009, 04:34
RL - Where did you purchase them? I see OL4 myos are glass..
RL 18 Oct 2009, 16:16
I finally got my new prescription (-15) myodiscs. They are CR39 plastic with plano fronts and a plano carrier so they don't magnify the sides of my face like the plus carrier kind do. The bowls are 32mm and the lenses are only 5mm thick at the most. This is great in comparison to the 12mm edge thickness of my high index full field glasses. These are very light and comfortable. Of course the trade off is that they are myodiscs and look it. Matter of taste, but a small price to pay for comfort.
Louise 17 Oct 2009, 07:40
Hello Jessica it seems we both got glasses around the same time, although mine are more for distance.
How are you getting on with them? I still find it strange seeing myself in them, but im kind of getting used to them.
I havent gone full time as my vision is ok without them, but i do find my eyes are more relaxed when I wear mine.
Jessica 17 Oct 2009, 06:30
I'm not wearing my glasses full time. I'll be wearing them all day at work as it is more convenient than taking them off an putting them on several times a day. I'll also wear them for driving as was recommended by the optician. I am, as before, wearing them whilst writing this. It seems that my glasses help most when I'm using a computer. Without glasses I cam read printed or hand written text for longer than text or images on a computer without glasses before I start to drift in and out of focus. I don't think I'll be wearing my glasses for more than that just yet as I don't really need to. If I'm not properly used to them in a few days (having clear distance vision as soon as I put them on) them I'll wear them constantly for a couple of weeks maybe. As I have only had glasses for a few days I still feel very self concious wearing them. If I did a job that didn't require so much close up work then I probably wouldn't have bothered getting glasses at all.
I have lots of nice comments about my glasses. One of my bosses joked that I should be able to do even more work now I can see better! A friend at work tried my glasses on. She said the frames felt very comfortable but she felt slightly dizzy looking through the lenses!
Thankfully I haven't had any dizziness - presumably I shouldn't. Holding my glasses away from me and turning them makes the view through the lenses move about in a rather strange way! That made me feel dizzy!
Phil 17 Oct 2009, 03:01
Wow Jessica. It sounds like you may be a fulltime gwg from first getting glasses. Did you get lots of compliments at work? And what did your family and friends say?
Roxy 16 Oct 2009, 17:09
Jessica, if you feel better wearing them for distances then by all means do so. I started with a slightly stronger prescription, but even then I used them for close work only for a number of years, because I honestly saw little difference at distance, even if I had been wearing them all day at work. This all changed eventually of course. With low hyperopia everyone is different I think.
Jessica 16 Oct 2009, 12:45
My glasses really do help. My eyes don't feel so tired and I have no trouble keeping focussed on my work. I have also noticed the text on my screen as I write this is darker and clearer.
I was a little surprised when I went to collect my glasses. As they were checking both pairs fitted me properly they got me to look at a sign across the street as well as looking at some very small print at reading distance. I didn't think I needed my glasses for distances as I didn't realise I had any problems with distances. At first my glasses made the sign slightly blurred but after a few minutes it was a bit better. I was told that eventually distances will be clearer with my glasses on and I should wear them for driving and other activities where I want to see distances clearly. They also said that the more I wear them the sooner I will get used to them. The even suggested that, if distances aren't clearer as soon as I put my glasses on, I should wear them all day every day until it does happen.
After that initial shock I concentrated on comparing the small print with and without glasses - definitely better with. I did ask if I would need a stronger prescription in the future. They told me that it was likely I would need a bit of increase over the next few years. Unless I have any problems, my next eye test is due in 2 years time.
I have actually worn one of my pairs of glasses all day today as well as for the rest of the day yesterday after collecting them at lunchtime. I'm not wearing them "full time" I just didn't bother taking them off between work and driving as there wasn't much point taking them off for a few minutes just to put them on again. I have to admit that by the time I got home it did feel better driving with glasses than without. I'm not sure what it was as the glasses didn't make things obviously clearer but it was just easier to see, somehow. Difficult to explain.
Roxy 16 Oct 2009, 11:50
Reading about Jessica's story, etc. and noticed that my sister just got an Rx almost exactly the same as hers--only she got an add of +1.25 on top of that. She's 38, four years younger than me, but we both have glasses now. Well she knew something was wrong, but was shocked to hear the recommendation of full time wear--or at least for driving, movies, tv, along with close work. She says that her distance vision is fine and I believe her! She says she tried full time for several days but really that it was better without glasses especially in daylight even driving. I'm thinking she shouldn't worry so much about distance yet. When she really needs them she will wear them!
By the way Jessica with your prescription and at your age, unless your optician or you think you need them for distance because of blurriness or headaches, don't bother. Let your young eyes enjoy life at distance without glasses. Eventually when you get older things will change, your prescription will change. But for now take advantage of your young eyes which probably see just fine uncorrected! That's how it was for me in my 20s.
Phil 16 Oct 2009, 08:31
Jessica, How are you getting on ith the glasses?
ehpc 15 Oct 2009, 20:07
Katy - I never give anyone false compliments - it is a sure way to find trouble !!! Welsh is a stunning language - one day I will learn to speak it properly. Perhaps Katy can teach me :)
Katy 15 Oct 2009, 12:55
Ooh yes, pile on the compliments!! :-) I'm not that young Phil, I have no idea what word I should be using!
Phil 15 Oct 2009, 11:09
Some hope of that Katy! I'm so old that I'd still use the word trendy myself! Hehe. Shouldn't you young metro types use 'hip' or 'cool'? I'm just a middle-aged chap still dreaming of that elusive gwg! Ps how perceptive EHPC is, yet again-I have always thought that you are as near perfect as a girl can be.
ehpc 15 Oct 2009, 10:25
Katy is such an elegant and cultivated GWG :) She speaks Welsh. You can't do better than that :)
ehpc 15 Oct 2009, 10:23
should be.....................'everything is going really well here, thanks'
ehpc 15 Oct 2009, 10:21
No 'old fart' here,for sure. It wasn't a personal attack on Phil. In fact,Phil was apologetic. Or, in txt spk aplgetc. Although that is the other duff thing about txt spk. Everyone uses short words instead of long words, which may be less expressive.The shorter word may be boring by comparison. Even a simple example 'everything is going really here, thanks' becomes 'all gd'. Ugh!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is the real thing with txt spk. It is generally so BORING to read.
Dieter 15 Oct 2009, 10:13
its ok 2 du it 4 txtng Phil ;-)
But dude! Don’t be dissin’ us old farts, dog!
Katy 15 Oct 2009, 10:00
Oops - didn't mean to start a fight! I was just teasing you Phil because I thought you might be trying to sound trendy :-)
Phil 15 Oct 2009, 09:38
Come, come chaps! I spend my professional life drafting elegant legislative prose. Aren't I to be allowed the indulgence of a few "u"s in my texts? I can't accept that shortening words like that is in any way wrong, so long as one restricts the practice to documents which are ephemeral and have an audience of 1. And it makes for "instant" communication with more ease and less cost. You are beginning to sound like old farts!
Dieter 15 Oct 2009, 08:53
ehpc,
I have to agree with you, Pete. In a previous job, I had to review and correct memos of my employees before the memos were sent to government employees that we supported. I understood more about the English language from high school than they had learned after finishing college. People have become too focused on technology to express themselves appropriately.
ehpc 15 Oct 2009, 08:15
Personally I can't bring myself to use txt spk even in text messages! Generational, no doubt, but good, I think! English is so expressive and it is important to preserve and use nuances. Otherwise the meaning is ambiguous. Txt spk is a reversion - going back to prehistoric grunting! Pete
Phil 15 Oct 2009, 05:55
Katy, Annoying, isn't it? I've got a new phone that lets me access Eyescene from the train (which is brilliant). But it means that, when I send a post from it, I forget that I'm not texting! I apologise. I will spell out my words in future!
Katy 15 Oct 2009, 02:05
Phil - why r u tlking in txt spk? ;-)
Phil 15 Oct 2009, 00:20
Jessica, Getting one's first glasses is such a significant thing! I suspect that u and Louise will both eventually end up as fulltime gwgs. U may get there first as your eyes will relax once u start wearing glasses and your rx will increase. Do let us know how u find it once u put them on. We myopes find it difficult to imagine what it's like to get correction for hyperopia. It's not the same instant change in acuity that a newly-corrected mynpe gets. What frames have u chosen? Do your friends, family and colleagues know u r about to be a gwg? xxx
Jessica 14 Oct 2009, 10:42
Phil, I've now just re-read Louise's posts and there is a similarity - yes we are both female and happen to be the same age. Our prescriptions are different, though. I think many opticians do special offers if you buy 2 pairs of glasses. I expect a lot of people who read this website but don't post messages are probably similar to the people who do post messages.
Phil 14 Oct 2009, 10:16
Gosh Jessica, your story and Louise's r so similar, except that u r a hyperope and she a myope! Quite a remarkable co-incidence!
Jessica 14 Oct 2009, 09:51
I think my eyes know they are going to get some help soon as they feel really tired today from me straining to focus!
The opticians phoned me late this afternoon to tell me I can collect my glasses tomorrow, which is sooner than I thought (probably sooner than they thought!).
Cactus Jack - I'm 25. Thanks for explaining the prescription.
Aubrac - A stronger prescription in the future wasn't mentioned during the eye test and neither was the glasses making distances clearer. I will have to ask about both those things when I collect my glasses and then I will have to decide which pair to wear first!
Aubrac 14 Oct 2009, 02:34
Jessica
As this is your first prescription for hyperopic (long sight) correction, you may find that within a few months, you need an increase in your prescription.
This often happens, and does mean that wearing glasses makes your eyesight worse, simply that the eye muscles relax more, and so you need an increase for to correct what is already there.
At 36 my wife had a similar first prescription, which increased to +1.50/+1.75 within two years and then stabilised. She actually had two increases within the first eighteen months.
You will find the glasses a good help with small detail work, and may also find that distance vision is crisper. Let us know how you get on.
Cactus Jack 13 Oct 2009, 19:03
Jessica,
Welcome to the group.
Eye exams always begin with your distance Rx even if you are a little hyperopic (far or long sighted), which you are. The first number in your prescription (Sphere) corrects for that part and next two numbers (cylinder and Axis) correct for astigmatism. With all the close detail work you do, you may find that these glasses will make your work more comfortable, but you may also find that you ultimately need some glasses with a little more plus sphere to make the close work even easier and more comfortable. It is not uncommon for that to occur in low hyperopes.
Please let us know how you get on and also, may I ask your age.
C.
Jessica 13 Oct 2009, 09:39
I work as a graphic designer which means lots of quite close-up work for long periods. I've had the job for around 4 years and have had no eyesight problems until the last few months. I have noticed that after an hour or so my eyes ache a bit and sometimes the piece of work I'm looking at is slightly less clear. As it is pretty much vital to my job that I can see perfectly the company I work for paid for an eye exam and said they will pay for glasses if I needed them.
It turns out that I do need glasses, although the prescription looks
quite weak as the numbers are low. It says (L)Sph+0.5 Cyl-0.25 Axis120(R)Sph+0.5 Cyl-0.5 Axis90 (not sure what it all means but I was told I am slightly long sighted with some astigmatism). The optician said as I did lots of close work it will certainly help.
I chose 2 frames (there was a 2 for 1 offer) which will be ready later in the week.
I've never had an eye test before. Is it normal to test your distance eye sight even if you are having problems close up? He did spend a few minutes clicking his machine as I was looking at the letters chart projected on the wall of the room.
Like Lenses 11 Oct 2009, 00:37
GO Cer
Last post was from me.
11 Oct 2009, 00:34
GO Cer
I will be going to a party as a phoropter.
I have a one foot by one foot by one foot cardboard box that is painted white,to which i have glued a picture of a front side, and back side of a phoropter.I found a picture of one online, and enlarged it to full size.
On the patient side, I have cut out the eye holes, so that with it on my head, my - 4.50 glasses lenses are visible.
My girlfriend will be going to the party as an optometrist.
She will set up a snellen eye chart, and then sit on my lap facing me and look into the phoropter. Perhaps we can give other party goers an eye exam.
Amy 10 Oct 2009, 03:22
Aubrac. That's interesting that you like to see clearly like me. To be honest I am surprised that your wife doesn't feel the same is she is myopic. It can be so embarrassing when you are out with friends having to strain your eyes to see things at a distance. I feel such an idiot especially when my glasses are as strong as they are. That's why I tend to push the limits slightly when I'm having my regular check ups at the opticians. I don't think wearing a slightly stronger rx than you need can do any harm.
Like Lenses 09 Oct 2009, 22:36
GO Cer
You could go as a pair of binoculars.
gwgs 09 Oct 2009, 05:11
Gini - where are you??? The glasses look great, what's your prescription. Have you had any comments on them?
nickyc 09 Oct 2009, 02:08
Sarah Palin?
Aubrac 09 Oct 2009, 01:35
Gini
Fantastis looking glasses that are sure to turn many heads.
The lenses seem to be a fairly high minus but seem quite thick - is this due to a prism correction?
Wurm 08 Oct 2009, 22:17
Professor Frink from the Simpsons might make a good costume. The gear would be pretty easy to assemble and I think enough people would "get it", particularly if you work on the voice a bit.
GOCer 08 Oct 2009, 20:56
Seeking the creativity of the ES community:
I am thinking about Halloween costumes. (male and female) While most people just ditch their glasses and put on contacts when they put on their costumes, I am wondering if anyone has any clever ideas for a costume that would incorporate, or even accentuate glasses fashion.
I am a high myope and would like my thick glasses to go naturally with a costume but really anything clever involving glasses would make good discussion here!
anonymous 07 Oct 2009, 13:19
Beautiful glasses, Gini. I bet you look great in them.
07 Oct 2009, 10:44
gini,
what is the prescription?
gini 07 Oct 2009, 10:27
My new glasses
http://www.zshare.net/image/66624084f433d950/
http://www.zshare.net/image/666241385807658d/
http://www.zshare.net/image/666242395abfc757/
guest 07 Oct 2009, 10:18
More minus does not mean sharper vision. If you just have 3.25 then the extra minus is only more strain for your eyes.
Phil 07 Oct 2009, 05:56
During an idle lunch-hour I have been experimenting with my old and new glasses. The former have -3.75 lenses with -0.25 cylinder in one lense. The new glasses have -3.25 lenses with no cylinder. I sat further and further away from the computer screen, wearing the old pair, until I could not read what was on it. Then I changed to the new pair. Oddly I found that the vision was identical. And that the writing on the screen came into focus at exactly the same point, irrespective of which pair I was wearing.
What lenses would people here think I should go with? How can a difference of 0.50 or 0.75 be entirely insignificant?
Mark 07 Oct 2009, 05:07
@Guest
Following up from what CJ said, if you can find a 1 hour glasses shop, see if they have late opening hours on a specific day of the week (some towns / cities in the uk do this) Go in on that late evening and ask them to be made. If they want to check the RX they cant, as the optician will likely be closed.
Regards
Mark.
Mark 07 Oct 2009, 05:05
@ Brian-16
Well, the minification is about the same as you get from any pair of glasses of this prescription. I dont have a pair in high index at the same prescription to compare to sorry.
I went off high index about -16, as i got some really weird distortions, even worse at night, and I started to get really worried while driving.
As for the bowl size, my previous pair were only 25mm bowls, but i found that they were a little limiting in the field of view. With the 30mm at least now i get a much larger field of view, and none of the distortions from the high index. Personally, I dont really care what they look like, anyone with strong glasses is going to stand out anyway.
If you want some more information, do you have an email address I could contact you at?
Regards
Mark.
guest 06 Oct 2009, 17:41
Rachel, good to hear from you again. Is the adjustment to your new bifocals going well?
Brian-16 06 Oct 2009, 16:15
Mark- Wow! That is a nice big bowl.Do things look a little smaller with them?My rx is about 3 diopters less than yours.
Cactus Jack 06 Oct 2009, 12:02
Guest,
Nice idea, but in some countries such as the UK and the US it is difficult to do. If the optician is the least bit suspicious that the Rx is not accurate, they will call the prescribing ECP for confirmation.
C.
guest 06 Oct 2009, 09:34
Why don't you all just go an optician with your wanted prescription and tell him to put it in the lenses? That way you don't have to fake the test and can give yourself as much overcorrection as you want.
Mark 06 Oct 2009, 06:32
@Brian-16
Bought them from an online supplier, came from china.
Brian-16 06 Oct 2009, 04:42
Mark- Where did you purchase your myodisc lenses? I am in the U.S.
Aubrac 06 Oct 2009, 04:06
Amy
I think you are quite right. I love perfectly clear vision and like maximum correction although there is obviously a boundry optimum correction and over-correction which can lead to unwanted distortion.
My wife cannot see road signs, clocks, etc at a distance but it doesn't seem to bother her. I found it infuriating if I can't see something I know I should be able to.
Amy 03 Oct 2009, 04:43
Hollie and Rachel. I think there is a danger for short-sighted people tending to enjoy a bit more minus than they actually need. It seems to be my optician's worst dilemma of knowing just where to stop when he is giving me increases. I am afraid I'm guilty when he's testing me of asking him just to go a little bit stronger. He is usually reluctant to if I can see down to the last 2 lines and tells me that it's not really necessary be able to see those! To be honest I'd actaully like to.
Rachel 03 Oct 2009, 04:20
Hollie. At our age an extra -1.25 can be easily accommodated. And if you have had your current prescription for quite a while, the extra minus will make things clearer. The only reason I like getting stronger glasses is beacuse I love the clarity thry give me.
Mark 01 Oct 2009, 11:51
Just got my new glasses.
-18.5 and -18.75.
Semi Rimless frame, turned out quite nicely.
Got them made with myodisc lenses, 30mm bowls.
Took a bit of time to get used to them, but overall im liking it.
Astra 08 Sep 2009, 09:41
I wonder if my recent experience sound strange after reading Hollie's last post here. A week ago, I got frequent headache when reading. My dad has a +2 reading glasses. I tried them on, and I could actually read more comfortably with them--- although I was like 25-30 cm from the text.
But navigating around with them was a bit challenging, feels like a -2 add to my -2.5, I have never been experiencing such blur, and it was in a dark room with some lights outdoors. I was wandering around the house for a while (10 min?) with them when my Dad was asleep. Did not bump into anything even at dark, but the blur of the outdoor lighting was amazing for me. Then I sit near the windows, and looking around the valley with bright lights under the ambient darkness. Not too bad since there are little to see besides those lights, so my -2.5 vision from "simulated -4.5 vision" doesn't seem much help for me.
I had an eye test on 2nd September. My new prescription is -2.5 for both eyes, actually dropped 0.5, exactly back to my prescription one year ago. But now I require a +3.25 (both eyes) add to read. No wonder I got headache when reading before. Thus I ordered a pair of reading glasses of +0.75.
By far however, I didn't find the +0.75 help my reading acuity a lot (it does help for small text, but the small texts still strain my eyes, prolonged reading still induce headaches).
I would prefer just staying 40-50 cm or so from the screen/book to reading instead of wearing the reading glasses to read at the moment.
Clare 31 Aug 2009, 08:48
I've come to the conclusion that my friend has a much weaker prescription than mine. I tried my glasses on over my contacts this morning and there was a definite distortion yet when I tried his on it made no difference. So no increase likely for me then, which I'm not sorry about at all!
Hollie 30 Aug 2009, 04:30
Re. people trying each others glasses on, at work a low plus wearer (she takes them on and off a lot) and a low minus wearer (wears full time, prescription perhaps -1 or -2) tried each others glasses after the plus wearer wondered if she'd suit the bolder frame style of the minus wearer. Each couldn't see at all through the others glasses, or so they said- then a 3rd bare-eyed colleague tried the minus glasses and said she could see ok. Am guessing if you are plus, you must really strain looking through minus lenses?
Clare 29 Aug 2009, 21:52
Hollie - I know what you mean. A friend offered me her glasses which were -3.50 and -3.75 so about 0.75 stronger than mine. I could see okay with them but everything seemed much more intense and I don't know if I'd have been able to read with them. We were on a plane and I didn't have my contacts in so I didn't keep her glasses on for long. I read somewhere that myopes tend to like being overprescribed which is why opticians err on the safe side and often try to underprescribe.
Hollie 29 Aug 2009, 02:29
Clare
My mum is around -2 more than I am and I can see ok with her glasses but feel things are just touch distorted. Tried a friends -1.25 glasses over my contacts and could see perfectly- maybe even a little better than with my contacts alone but doubt I need a -1.25 increase. I do think unfortunately my eyes are still changing a little though!
Clare 28 Aug 2009, 23:31
Like Lenses, Puffin, Phil - my guess then is that I have good accommodative powers. I'm not due another proper test, other than a CL checkup in December, till next summer but I think my current prescription is still fine.
I wonder if other people would also see okay with my glasses. I remember my aunt, who's hyperopic, winced when she tried an earlier pair - too different to her own + prescription I suppose ...
Like Lenses 28 Aug 2009, 22:59
Clare
The last time I tried on another persons glasses that were 2.00 stronger than mine,I could see really well with then.
Had an appointment scheduled about two months later, and found that I needed an increase of 1.50 each eye.
Puffin 28 Aug 2009, 15:35
Clare: assuming that you're young enough to have accomodative power in your eye muscles, that's enough to overcome an overcorrection of -2 for looking around in the distance. Or else it could be partly that you need a little more.
Rachel: if your mum was an OO, she'd probably view your steady increase in correction with silent fascination. She might even try them on when you're not wearing them.
Phil 28 Aug 2009, 06:59
Clare, is it time for a test? 9.20 on Wednesday for me. D&A in the Strand. I want at least another .5 in minus and .75 on my add.
Like Lenses 27 Aug 2009, 23:16
Clare
Sounds like you may be looking at a hefty increase at your next exam.
Clare 27 Aug 2009, 11:51
A guy friend of mine arrived with new glasses and wanted to try them on me. He's always worn glasses f/t and what surprised me was that even with my contacts in I could see perfectly wearing his glasses. I'm guessing they were around -2 so shouldn't that have made the world look distorted to me?? Either that or they were much weaker than they looked.
Anyone else experienced anything similar?
Rachel 04 Jul 2009, 22:57
Hollie. Yeah, the times I've had that too if anyone asks to try my glasses on. Oh my God rachel, you must be SO blind. It sure does me a power of good. My main problem is my mother (who does not need glasses at all). Everytime I get new (stronger) glasses it's the same comment. Oh, those look much stronger than your last ones Rachel. As though it's my fault.
Hollie 04 Jul 2009, 09:46
Sum1
My boyfriend has tried them on, he has perfect eyesight so can't see with them at all. So has my mum, but her rx is a bit higher than mine. A few friends who wear low minus glasses have commented I must be 'blind'- pretty standard comments if the prescription you are trying on is stronger than yours I think : )
sum1wholovesgirlswithglasses 04 Jul 2009, 05:31
Hollie did any of your friends or relatives have tried your current presc glasses on.what did they say?
Rachel 04 Jul 2009, 04:22
Hollie. we seem to be on a funny thread for this discussion.
Rachel 04 Jul 2009, 04:20
Hollie, with -5.00 you must need to get pretty close now I reckon. Poor you, how embarrassing. LOL. I've been there and done it myself though a few years back.
Hollie 04 Jul 2009, 04:16
And
As my bfs mum knew my eyesight was not great, I just made sure that she led me back to the locker! I wished I'd left my lenses in when everyone started to read magazines- my better eye is -5 with -1.25 cyl so I have to get uncomfortably close.
Rachel 04 Jul 2009, 04:14
Hollie. I suppose at your rx you can still risk it. Wait while you get higher though. Then it gets slightly more scary.
Rachel 04 Jul 2009, 04:12
And. Yeah I used to. I could still go downstairs at home without them if I wanted to. Like Hollie I know where stuff is and all that. The main problem now is the stairs. I just can't see them. LOL.
And 04 Jul 2009, 03:06
Hollie, Rachel thinks you were brave, were you not worried you wouldn't find your locker. Did you stay close to your friends
Hollie 04 Jul 2009, 02:58
Rachel
I hadn't taken my glasses with me that weekend and I usually make a drink without them at home, wasn't really thinking.
And- nope, just left contacts in the changing room.
And 04 Jul 2009, 02:55
Rachel, can you remember if you would have done some things bare-eyed when your rx was less - making tea, walking around the house, swimming etc
Rachel 04 Jul 2009, 02:46
And. Hollie is pretty brave going around so much with out glasses even at her rx I reckon.
And 04 Jul 2009, 02:26
Hollie, her contacts are -7.50 and
-5.95. How did you feel at the Spa, did you have your glasses on hand too ?
Rachel 04 Jul 2009, 01:54
Hollie. Wow, that was pretty embarassing with the tea bags. really it must have been a nightmare. like telling your bf's mum you were pretty blind without glasses or contacts. did you put contacts in then or what? why not just pop your glasses on to go down and make the tea in the first place?
Hollie 04 Jul 2009, 00:27
And
Yep, contacts tend to dry out in a spa. I just found it difficult to read signs or locate people we were in a group with. What is your girlfriends rx?
And 03 Jul 2009, 16:33
Hollie, wow did you visit the spa bare-eyed too. I think my gf is seriously worried about losing her lenses in the pool on her hols but don't think she would ever go bare-eyed. Perhaps you have more stories for the 'going without' thread
ehpc 03 Jul 2009, 16:16
Cool Hollie :) Pete
Hollie 03 Jul 2009, 15:44
And
The searching for teabags story is very short. I was in my fiancees parents house and went downstairs in the morning to make tea. As I was searching throught the cupboards, his mum came in and asked what I was looking for. I told her and the teabag box was right in front of me. She didn't know I wore glasses at this point, or contacts, and said it was right in front of you. Had to explain I couldn't see the names on the boxes without my lenses in. She then brought it up later and asked if I just needed them to read (she has reading glasses) and I explained that I'm just pretty short sighted, enough not to be able to read without them. It was a help when we went to a spa together- at least she understood why I couldn't see a thing when I had to take my lenses out!
And 03 Jul 2009, 15:22
Hollie, is the 'searching for tea bags' worthy of a 'going without' story. Have you any other experiences you can share,
Hollie 03 Jul 2009, 15:18
Ehpc, yes, although not the one I've talked about here before. This guy is, by contrast, very encouraging of me wearing glasses. Just one of the reasons why we are getting married next summer.
ehpc 03 Jul 2009, 14:22
bf from Uni, Hollie? Pete
And 03 Jul 2009, 14:03
Clare. The contacts are really hard to spot, even close up. I did notice that she rubbed her eyes occasionally very carefully but I actually heard her daughter telling a friend. I just asked one day 'have I ever seen you not wearing your contacts' and she answered, 'no I don't think so' which was my first indication that she wasn't comfortable talking about it.
Melyssa 03 Jul 2009, 11:14
Myofan,
Good point. But when I wear CAT'S-eyes, my code is PURR-fect.
Hollie 03 Jul 2009, 11:02
Clare. In my own home I'm happy to be bare eyed, but for instance when staying at a friends or my in laws to be, I will generally put on glasses as soon as I get up. Searching for tea bags bare eyed is a lot more difficult in other peoples houses I have found ; ). No Clare, study day today so at home.
Clare 03 Jul 2009, 10:36
Hollie - last post to you, sorry forgot to make it obvious. Are you posting from work today?
Clare 03 Jul 2009, 10:35
A good friend of mine is -4 and is the same. She used to wear RGPs during the week and contacts all weekend but now has soft CLs and wears them all the time, from getting up to end of the day. Even though we've been on holiday for a week or so I've never seen her wear glasses since getting the soft lenses.
Of course I can still amble about the house sans lenses but a friend of mine, same Rx, doesn't. Interesting how people react to being less than 20/20!
Clare 03 Jul 2009, 10:32
And - how did you get to mention it, did you see the contacts in her eyes? She's lucky she finds them so comfortable. I'm lucky that my Rx is low but sometimes, late in the evening, they're not that comfortable.
Hollie 03 Jul 2009, 10:17
And/sum1
I do wander round the house without them first thing in the morning. Making a cup of tea etc is ok. I wouldn't try to go bare eyed out of the house really. I suspect I wouldn't get run over by a car, but I wouldn't be able to recognise anyone or see signs or shop names etc. I don't feel helpless but I would be pretty much useless without them at work for example, or trying to go shopping. Given I wear contacts the vast majority of the time anyway, I would usually put them in after I'd been up a few minutes.
And 03 Jul 2009, 09:44
Clare, we've been dating a while and I have asked about her vision but she just says it's better with contacts and that she finds them comfortable to wear. Having never seen her in glasses of course I like her how she is, but I am curious ! Not sure she would have ever told me she wore contacts if I'd not mentioned it and she has definitely played down how 'blind' she is when I read what others describe on this site.
Clare 03 Jul 2009, 09:38
And - sorry, there's a 'not' missing there - should read 'not even to allow you ...'
Clare 03 Jul 2009, 09:37
Rachel - firstly because it's rare I'd be in a social situation with glasses, and one where someone happened to take a photo even rarer! Although it'd be a great way to introduce them to people. If I wanted to that is.
And - your girlfriend has quite a high Rx doesn't she? I can understand she'd want to be wearing them but she must feel very self conscious to even to allow you to see her with glasses. Have you been together long? Being seriously single for too long now, I sometimes wonder whether I'd wear contacts the same or more if I had a significant other in my life. We never know till it happens I suppose.
sum1wolovesgirlswithglasses 03 Jul 2009, 09:37
Hollie do you feel helpless when not wearing contacts or glasses with your current rx i mean would you still be able to find your own bathroom bedroom would you struggle going to an optical store or any other shops without corrective lenses
And 03 Jul 2009, 09:06
Hollie, I assume with your rx you wouldn't try to go bare-eyed ?
And 03 Jul 2009, 09:04
Clare, my gf is one of those who always wears contacts. We don't live together so I don't know her habits at home but we were away for a weekend recently and she wore them the whole time and I've never seen her without. I thought she would take them out for sleeping but I think she just secretly changes them in the morning - they are disposable lenses.
Rachel 03 Jul 2009, 08:56
Clare, Why ever not??
Clare 03 Jul 2009, 08:19
I'm certain there'll never be one of me unless untagged of course!
Hollie 03 Jul 2009, 07:48
Clare. There is a solitary photo of me on facebook with specs- on a plane having got up at 4am after a couple of hours sleep! I would usually whip them off if someone gets a camera out. I haven't even de-tagged ; )
Clare 03 Jul 2009, 07:30
Hollie I think you're probably right. I remember a conversation here a long time ago about whether it attracts more attention to put glasses on and off than to leave them. I'd feel it was worse to have to admit not being able to see and needing glasses, better either to be wearing them already or at least to put them on before proving you need to! Perhaps you could persuade her, or help her feel more comfortable about it.
I think contacts wearers attitudes are fascinating - I know several people that are only seen in contacts although we all know they must wear glasses sometimes, I have a friend previously only ever seen in contacts who I know wears glasses at home but now has photos of himself on Facebook with glasses, and one who used to wear contacts at the weekends but now only wears contacts since switching to soft CLs.
Hollie 03 Jul 2009, 07:22
Clare- I did feel a little sorry for her as she was squinting like mad and the women briefing her didn't seem to notice. Although her glasses, from what I remember, suited her and she clearly needed them to see the further screen. Perhaps she felt too self conscious to put them on but it is quite obvious she needs to be wearing some sort of correction at work!
Clare 03 Jul 2009, 07:12
Hollie - you have amazing recall, my Rx hasn't changed for a while so it's still -2.75 and -3 with -.5 of cyl, so yes pretty similar to your colleague's. I'm sure I'd be in the same situation, although I probably wouldn't squint and make it obvious. I know that I probably sit quite close to the PC screen when I'm not wearing contacts and would certainly find it difficult if I was watching while someone else was surfing!
I think it depends what you get used to. A couple of friends - 1 less minus, the other similar to me - wear their glasses at the PC. I never have.
Rachel 03 Jul 2009, 07:03
Hollie. It sounds like you might be actually starting to like wearing glasses, instead of lenses most of the time?
Hollie 03 Jul 2009, 07:03
Clare- a girl in my office goes bare eyed when not wearing contacts. I have seen her in glasses (she was driving us all somewhere so happy she put them on!) and I'd say approx -2.5 or -3 rx. I can always tell when she's going bare eyed as if someone talks to her from a distance she squints : ). One of the managers was briefing her once and showing her something on her laptop. She was sat in the seat next to her and obviously squinting whenever anything was referred to on screen. She ended up moving closer and apologising to the manager that she didn't have her contacts in. Would you be like her if you didn't wear them?! I seem to recall your rx being similar.
Clare 03 Jul 2009, 06:53
Nope, never! The only occasion was about 4 years ago when I had conjunctivis. I was really self conscious but got lots of compliments. Nowadays I'd find it irritating but as my Rx isn't high I could get away without them if I was having a quiet day in the office.
Hollie 03 Jul 2009, 06:36
Clare. I must admit, I quite often wear for 16 hours a day including in an airconditioned office. I do try to wear glasses during the day at weekends, but quite often I don't as Im out for social engagements where I'd rather not! However, last week my eyes were so sore I not only wore specs to work but also out to dinner and the pub with friends- a couple commented that I don't usually wear them and asked why no contacts. I didn't feel half as self conscious as I thought I would to be honest. I guess I wasn't so worried about their effect on my attractiveness when I had a bright red nose and streaming eyes already! Do you wear glasses for work?
Clare 03 Jul 2009, 06:25
Hollie - I find it amazing that some people have fabulous tolerance for contacts. I think mine is average - I can last about 12 hours - but I have a couple of friends who can go from 7 in the morning till the early hours no problem. And that's with working in an air conditioned office all day too. It's not fair, is it!!
Rachel 03 Jul 2009, 06:02
Hollie. That was quick! Yeah well it will be exciting to see if she does actually go for some new trendy specs, like you say. But with -5.75 her lenses won't be all that thick anyway. In fact it is a really nice rx, because people can see you actually NEED glasses, but don't think you will be totally blind without them, like mine.
Hollie 03 Jul 2009, 05:59
Clare - oh yes. Love how he assumed I was wearing them because 'glasses are so trendy now'. They may well be trendy but I'd have struggled without them to even work at a computer : )
Hollie 03 Jul 2009, 05:55
Rachel
She is apparently about -5.75 as far as she could recall. We discussed how uncomfortable they were in the office and she said she'd thought of wearing glasses but felt self conscious. I said I did a little too and was only wearing them because my eyes were so sore. I'm back to contacts now as I'm over the cold. She said yesterday she is going to make an appointment at the opticians so may see her in glasses soon!
Rachel 03 Jul 2009, 05:43
Hollie. I agree with Clare. Even with hi-index lenses -6.00 is a pretty strong prescription. I mean you have only to look at the cut in and how they minify your eyes. As high minus glasses wearer myself, I will be interested to hear how strong your line managers glasses are, if and when she decides to get some for work.
Clare 03 Jul 2009, 05:21
Hollie - always nice to help a know-it-all isn't it ;)
Hollie 03 Jul 2009, 05:01
Clare
I know. I have high index lenses but they still look fairly strong I think! One reason why I prefer contacts.
Clare 03 Jul 2009, 04:34
Hollie - he's obviously not that clever if he can't tell the difference between -6 a a low prescription!
Hollie 03 Jul 2009, 02:38
I haven't posted round here for a while, but have a funny story to tell from work the other day.
A new guy started about 2 months ago, and whilst well meaning he is very keen and also keen to share his 'wisdom' on lots of topics. He is also the type of guy who always has to go one better than you.
I usually wear lenses to work, but had an awful cold last week which made my eyes sore so wore my glasses instead. This guy came up to me after a couple of hours, clearly having never seen me in glasses before, and told me he thought they were nice, and obviously new frames as they looked so 'shiny' (his words!). Then he proceeded to give me advice as a 'new glasses wearer' that I shouldn't just start wearing them all the time (I had obviously come into work with them on and not taken them off) with a 'low starter prescription' because it would only make me dependent on them, as he was on his. What was most funny was when I told him I had been wearing them for 9 or 10 years, and my prescription is -6 in my worst eye and some astigmatism. He is, I'm guessing, about -3. He quickly took back what he had said, causing one of my colleagues to come up to me later and say that she thought it was funny that I had managed to 'beat' him on having the worst eyesight. This led to a discussion in the office of different people's prescriptions, including the revelation that my line manager has a similar prescription to me but is always in contacts- I had never realised before she wore them. She said the office air-con dried them out but she felt like a geek in her glasses. We were all encouraging her to try some new bold frames. She seemed to like mine, which are dark brown plastic with thick sides, and another girl's similar style. Maybe this means we are going to see more people in the office in glasses : ).
Rachel 03 Jul 2009, 01:30
myofan. I take it from your name you like myopics best? Is that correct? I'm now RE-11.75 & LE-12.50 so I know what its like. Love to hear.
myofan 02 Jul 2009, 14:20
Melyssa --
... oh, and (iii) you all like to be able to read your code....
Melyssa 02 Jul 2009, 13:20
At work, a lot of us are myopic, and I know a few people there who wear plus glasses fulltime, not including those who use glasses for close-up work, of which there are many because (1) we're all computer programmers, and (B) we're not exactly spring chickens. :)
Rachel 01 Jul 2009, 22:20
Martyn. I definitely agree with you about plus glasses even though I wear minus myself. My best friend Nichola now wears +6.00 and +6.50 and I love how her eyes look so much bigger than before. At first when she knew she needed another increase, she kept putting off going to the opticians, but now she's got it she's so relieved and has accepted seeing her "big" eyes in the mirror. I'm pleased you like plus as well Martyn.
Martyn 01 Jul 2009, 16:55
Kayrn, i agree with you plus glasses are just as nice as minus glasses, some plus wearers say their glasses make their eyes look big i was only making a suggestion, its up to individual to put eye make up on or not not at the whim of any individual, if my message came over wrong please accept my apologies.
Karyn 01 Jul 2009, 12:51
"Plus glasses are just as nice a minus, it van simply be a choice of eye make up you can either make the eyes smaller or larger with the right make up. With the right frames Plus glasses do look nice." So which glasses should I wear today, the plus, or the minus? Make my eyes bigger or smaller? Decisions, decisions. Now we know where George Bush went.
Martyn 01 Jul 2009, 09:20
Rachel Plus glasses are just as nice a minus, it van simply be a choice of eye make up you can either make the eyes smaller or larger with the right make up. With the right frames Plus glasses do look nice.
Rachel 01 Jul 2009, 01:42
Andrew. I think semi rimless frames with high index lenses look really cool. I used to wear them. In fact I had two prescription in them and wore them continuously for over two years. The problem is now that my lenses would look really reall thick in them, even with high index.
Andrew 30 Jun 2009, 10:38
It also depends on the frame you have. My glasses are semi-rimless, so hi-index look better. If I wore a thick plastic frame, it would probably not be worth the expense.
Trent 29 Jun 2009, 19:28
New Glasses
Marc Jacobs Frames
Accolade Digital Lenses
-8.00, -2.50, +2.50
Your right they can be pricey!
Melyssa 29 Jun 2009, 12:52
Jennifer,
What helps me is that I can get my lenses for $40 a pair, so there's always that competition factor. I've also heard that I shouldn't wear oversized frames because of my RX. Well, what matters most is what fits best for me. So, those bigshot chain stores have to make do without my business.
Jennifer 29 Jun 2009, 11:48
Andrew, my rx sunglasses are not hi index and, like yours, are thicker than my new glasses. Why are prescription glasses made thicker? Is the technology not there for hi index in dark tinted lenses? Why is it OK to have thicker sunglasses, but not clear lenses? I know with the dark sunglasses it is very hard to see cut in and power rings. I think most of us have been forced by a good sales job to chose the hi index lenses.
Melyssa...good for you for sticking up for your rights and purchasing what you really want!
Melyssa 29 Jun 2009, 11:43
And I've had no trouble with them at my -9.00 prescription.
Melyssa 29 Jun 2009, 11:42
I've been "offered" hi-index lenses on a number of occasions (for a phenomenal nominal fee, of course), but I've stuck with the tried-and-true CR39 lenses, even with their thickness in my large frames.
Andrew 29 Jun 2009, 09:47
Yes, but at -8.25, it's not an unreasonable thing to say. My non hi-index sunglasses are about 10 mm. thick, whereas the glasses I usually wear are about 7mm.
My wife also gets persuaded to go for them, which, given a prescription of something like +1.50 -4.25 in her worse eye, sounds like salesmanship to me.
Jennifer 29 Jun 2009, 09:37
Menthe, I just went through a similiar experience as your wife. My rx is about the same as your wife's. When I got a new pair of glasses, I wasn't even told they were being done in hi index. The option was never offered to me. I realized it was hi index when I was told the the cost of each lens. Hi index is very very expensive. I would have liked to see how much thicker my glasses would have been in CR 39. The people working in this industry are trained to sell hi index. In the past, I've been told to order hi index, because of my "heavy prescription." Any one else experienced this?
Rachel 29 Jun 2009, 08:55
Like Lens. I don't actually think so to be honest. She's 29 and her current rx is RE-15.25 and LE -16.00. She still needs small increases every few years. Now her little daughter my cousin who is only 5 is wearing glasses fulltime. RE-1.50 and LE-1.75. She's probably catch me up, lol.
Mark 29 Jun 2009, 00:58
@ Menthe
If the cost is too much through your local optician, you could go there to find the sort of frame that your wife likes, then go online to one of the many online optical stores and look for a similar frame with similar dimensions.
You can get glasses much cheaper than most standard high street opticians.
As for the thickness of the side, i myself dont know anywhere that can tell you this information, but im sure someone on here will be able to help you with that.
Like Lenses 29 Jun 2009, 00:48
Rachel
Your mentioning of your friend Nicky reminded me of something. You often mention your myopic aunt. What is her age and present present prescription, and do you think that you could get her to post here about her myopia?
Rachel 29 Jun 2009, 00:35
Ricky. No I'm minus, but my friend Nicky wears +6.00 & +6.50 now. That is pretty high for plus wearers and the lenses magnify her eyes a lot now. She doens't really like this all that much, but I think its cool.
Ricky 28 Jun 2009, 17:17
Just interested as I saw you giving advice on plus lenses and thought you might be a "plussie".
Menthe 28 Jun 2009, 14:44
My wife has just got new glasses with an increased script: now -6.25 and -7.00. I went to the optical shop to help her choose some frames. The store assistant (who was wearing lenses but admitted to being a -5 herself) strongly advised high index lenses which we went for, but I was horrified at the price. I'd like to know what thickness the lenses would have come out at if they had been standard CR39. Does anyone know of a chart which lists lens edge thickness for a given diameter of lens?
Rachel 28 Jun 2009, 02:04
Ricky. I don't wear plus lenses. I'm myopic and need minus. I started with glasses when I was seven years old and hve worn them fulltime ever since. My current rx is RE-11/75 & LE-12/50
Ricky 27 Jun 2009, 13:51
Rachel, how long have you been wearing plus lenses?
Rachel 27 Jun 2009, 00:51
Jen. What is your prescription now you'bve been to have an eye test? Sometimes with plus lenses the optician starts you off low and has to gradually work you up to the full prescription you really neeed.
Aubrac 25 Jun 2009, 01:07
Jen
Jen
At age 19 you can use your ciliary muscles to alter the shape of your lens to focus clearly for distance, your eyes do this automatically and so you are unaware of it. If your eye muscles were completely relaxed, you would find distance a blur and the glasses would correct this. The measurement of the lens strength you actually need is measured initially by an auto-refractor, one of the machines the optometrist asks you to look into.
When wearing plus prescription glasses for the first time your eye muscles still go to focus and then over compensate resulting in a degree of distance blur. Normally after a couple weeks continuous wear, your muscles learn to relax, and distance will be much clearer, and there will be less eyestrain and fatigue.
With plus prescriptions it can be very subjective, especially in teens and early twenties, about the need to wear glasses. You obviously do have some need for them otherwise bottle labels would not be clearer with them. You may also find that colour contrast rather than just acuity is a lot better. I would think that at +2.50 you are at a level when many people would consider full time wear but of course it is entirely up to you. Try wearing full time for a few weeks and see if distance vision improves, if not, then part time wear may be more appropriate
Jen 24 Jun 2009, 12:38
Aubrac
Only the "Sph" column is filled in on my copy of my prescription. All other columns are blank. The optician didn't mention anything about astigmatism during my test.
Is it common for people who have a prescription close to mine to wear their glasses all the time? I always just assumed that only people with strong prescriptions who couldn't see very far wore glasses all the time. I now realise that isn't always the case!
Aubrac 24 Jun 2009, 07:49
Jen
Did you have any cylinder correction for astigmatism in your prescription or was it just the sphere for +2.25?
Full time wear of this prescription should certainly make your eyes more relaxed, and give far better close up vision especially in poor light, or low contrast print colours.
Let us know how you get on with distance.
Phil 24 Jun 2009, 06:52
Gosh Jen, you've been so sensible! Many of us here like how others look in specs but end up finding that, maybe because of that, they are reluctant to become fulltime wearers themselves.
I suspect that, with hyperopia, you will gradually get better distance vision too when weraring your glasses. And once your eyes relax you'll end up not wanting to do without them.
I'm not surprised that you've had compliments. It sounds like you've chosen nice frames.
Jen 24 Jun 2009, 06:09
Hello Phil
I suppose I have gone "full time" quickly! I hadn't planned to it was just my curiosity wanting to see what it was like to wear the charity shop glasses for more than just reading. As I said in my last post I don't really need them all the time but my eyes just feel more comfortable if I do. Obviously I'm not used to my new/proper glasses for distances yet. Close up is fine. I could just stick to using them for reading but my eyes seem to long for seeing the world through the lenses so I am going to continue wearing these ones all the time.
I have had lots of compliments aboutmy glasses and a few people have tried them on.
Phil 24 Jun 2009, 05:51
Wow jen, you became a fulltime gwg rather quickly! Do you enjoy wearing your specs? Has anyone noticed and commented?
Jen 24 Jun 2009, 05:46
I have now got my glasses. They are very comfortable. Comparing them with the charity shop glasses they do magnify slightly more. I can also feel they are stronger when I wear them. Reading is excellant with them - my eyes have never felt so relaxed when reading! Distances are just slightly blurred but this is hardly noticeable. I have been assured that the blur will go in a few days especially as I'm wearing my glasses all the time so will get used to them quicker.
I am aware that my prescription is a lot weaker than a lot of people who wear glasses all the time. I don't really need to wear glasses all the time but I just find it more comfortable if I do. I don't know yet if these glasses will improve my distance vision. The charity shop glasses didn't make distances any better or worse but somehow improved the contrast - shadows were darker and colours richer at all distances.
My family and friends did think it was a little odd that I was wearing charity shop glasses but when I explained to them that I could see better with them they were fine. They will be pleased now that I have my own glasses!
Rachel 21 Jun 2009, 20:58
Planning to pick up my bifocals tomorrow.
Rachel 21 Jun 2009, 06:55
Astra. I'm surprised you haven't progressed more if you need -1.75 at only eight.
Slit 21 Jun 2009, 02:50
Yes Jen. Mst probably.
Hey, how is ur distance vision with new rx? - but I guess you cant answer it now since glasses are not ready yet.
What kind of occupation you are in? Does it reuire a lot of close work?
Whats the reaction of your peers/finace about wearing the charity shop glasses all the time?
Jen 21 Jun 2009, 02:40
I forgot to say that the optician said I probably needed glasses some time ago but my eyes had managed to compensate. Even if I hadn't worn the charity shop glasses I would have started noticing eyestrain or difficulty keeping focussed when reading in the next year or so.
Slit 21 Jun 2009, 02:36
Congratulations Jen!
Well, how does the charity shop glasses look like?
(we enjoy discussin frame styles also in addition to rx coz glasses frame is much of a fashion accessory today)
can please u take a pic of the charity shop glasses laying on a table and upload to some photo sharing site?
(if it deserves a antique market, you will be able to sell the frame at a good price on ebay...hope you have seen such ads on the relavant thread - glasses for auction or sale.)
Jen 20 Jun 2009, 14:09
Unsurprisingly I do need glasses. My prescription is actually slightly stronger than the charity shop glasses (they measured the strength of the glasses with some gadget). My prescription is +2.25 in the right eye and +2.50 in the left. I told the optician I had been wearing the charity shop glasses all day. He said it was up to me how much I wore my (prescribed) glasses and I won't be doing any harm if wearing them all the time was more comfortable. He said I might take a few days to get used to them.
I chose some frames. Dark purple plastic ones. Very different from the charity shop glasses (which I will continue to wear until mine are ready, which should be Wednesday).
Astra 20 Jun 2009, 12:14
Rachel. In fact my myopic onset was actually earlier than 8, as I remember when I was 5 or 6 and looking through my elder sister's -1.75 glasses, wow, everything was crystal clear. Actually I knew I must had been myopic by then, just never got an eye examination. I realised that I cannot read normal (12-14 pt) or even large (16-20 pt) sized texts with glasses on, but the problem has been neglected even till now, as I can still read comfortably without glasses. Well, it was a nightmare to read the board, but anything else seemed normal.
My recent rx is -3.25, but now I need +3.00 for reading, so I could hardly read with my glasses. Vice versa, I could hardly identify anything large further than 5 m clearly.
(To be continued in "When I was back in school" thread)
Rachel 20 Jun 2009, 09:30
Jen. It sounds like you enjoyed wearing glasses all the time Jen which is great because I do. I love the clarity and sharpness of vision I get with them. It sounds as though you need plus glasses though, which means you are long sighted, whereas i wore minus glasses for my short sightedness.
Millhouse 20 Jun 2009, 05:41
-Jen,
I concur with Slit,
As he stated, the eyetest you have taken will give an accurate prescription for you. I wasnt aware I needed glasses till I was about 10 years old simply because until I had the school test (which was available free until the mid 1970's here in the UK) I wasnt aware I had a need- to say it was a surprise for me was and understatement!
Welcome to the world of eyewear.
You sound quite a confident lady and I'm sure you will wear them with pride!
And always remember..........
Many guys (and girls for that matter) love a GWG:-)
Slit 20 Jun 2009, 03:26
Hi Jen,
Well. I believe this is one of the most common method young people find out about their eyewear need...
Don't worry. Probably your eyes must have been straining hard to keep in focus, and now when it gets suport of the additional lense it gets relaxed. In the long run wearing plus powered glasses (the ones that magnify) helps to bring down headaches due to excessive reading or computer work.
So just get the eys tested, but the exact prescription will be discovered only by doing a full eye test after dialating the pupils.
In lay mans terms, drops will be put in to eyes to make a certain part of the eye relaxed before the eye test. If this was not done, please request, a dilated test, because some places (especially in Sri Lanka) do not conduct this full test unless if its requested.
Enjoy the new glasses of ur own and keep us posted.
Jen 20 Jun 2009, 03:12
A few weeks ago I went to a fancy dress party. I went as a "sexy secretary" and my outfit included a pair of glasses I got from a charity shop. The glasses magnified things a bit but I could still see through them near and far. They actually looked alright on me - they had thin metal frames, sort of oval shape for the lenses and were the right size for my face. During the party I picked up a bottle of wine to read the label and noticed how much clearer the text was when I looked through the glasses. I thought it was because I'd had a few drinks that my sight was slightly out of focus but next day (when I was totally sober) I put them on and read a newspaper and again the glasses made the print much darker and clearer. I decided to keep using the glasses as they really seemed to help when I was reading.
Last week, just out of curiosity, I wore the glasses most of the day every day. This didn't give me a headache or eyestrain - I actually found that my eyes felt more relaxed (is this normal?). This week I have been wearing them all day as this definately feels better. This is also why I decided to book an eye test as it seems that I do need glasses and I should get some with my exact prescription. My appointment is today (Saturday) at 1:30pm UK time. I will try to update later today.
If anyone needs/wants to know - I am female and 19 years old. I have never had glasses before.
Rachel J 17 Jun 2009, 01:54
Astra. Are you still on only -2.50 now then? Wow that's amazing with myopia and maybe it's because you refused to wear your first glasses most of the time. How did you cope in class though? It must have been a nightmare for you. Did you get behind with your work or anything? Do ou wear glasses all the time when you are out now?
Astra 16 Jun 2009, 11:25
Rachel. I have got my first pair of glasses at age 8, now 13 years ago, my prescription was -2.00 and -2.00, but I rarely wore them.
It was oval metal frame in golden colors, and I thought they were ugly, so I almost never wore them, and I discarded them 2 years ago when I got my new glasses. They became too small for my head despite just -0.50 dioptre change in prescription within that 11 years.
My next frame was violet-red oval metal rim, with CR39 lenses. I wore them only when I am outdoors, as I can read comfortably without them.
Melyssa 16 Jun 2009, 07:49
Rachel J,
In my first 20 years of wearing glasses, I just wanted to have it so each pair was different from the previous one, whether in color or shape. Since then, from my first pair of drop-temples, I just bought whatever type of frame I wanted at a particular time.
Rachel J 16 Jun 2009, 07:17
Melyssa. Well not exactly oval. It was 9 years ago now and kids glasses were in various shades of metal, but sort of squarish oblong, if you know what I mean. I chose gold because I liked it better than the other colours like bronze, black or silver. Some were even a sort of petrol blue colour. My second pair were like that, then for some reason or other I fancied black sort of squarish ones. My mum hated me in them! Then I got rimless which were really nice and then semi-rimless, which I thought were very sophisticated.
Melyssa 16 Jun 2009, 06:48
Rachel J,
I guess your first pair was an oval shape, then? When metal frames first burst onto the scene around 1970-71, the choices were octagon, hexagon, round, and oval for women, rectangular for men, and aviator for both genders.
Rachel J 15 Jun 2009, 22:41
Melyssa,
See my post below yours. Little gold framed ones with an rx similar to yours only the other way round! RE-1.50 and LE-1.75. Unlike you I wore them all the time much to my mother's despair. She thought I wanted glasses because this other girl in my class had got some, which was partly true, but I found they made such a lot of difference I just wanted them on. Mum said wearing them a lot would make my eyes worse and maybe she was right! Look at me now, totally helpless without them, but I can't say it bothers me, like it does her.
Melyssa 15 Jun 2009, 12:45
Rachel J,
Nowadays I may think of those original glasses as cute, but certainly not 45 years ago. That was the -1.75/-1.50 RX, with glass lenses (not the CR-39 plastics of modern times). I did feel embarrassed at first when wearing them, but I got over it quickly enough when I was with familiar people. And I only wore them back then for watching TV or movies, and to see the blackboard in school.
My first pair of glasses as a fulltime wearer happened to be metal aviators, like my older cousin Melynda wore when she couldn't wear her contact lenses. What shape/style was your first pair, Rachel?
RachelJ 14 Jun 2009, 22:30
Melyssa.
Wow those must have looked SO cute (or maybe not).Did you go fulltime from the start or not, or where you too embarrassed? Mine were gold metal frames and I didn't want to take them off at all once I got them. My mother was really mad about me wearing them such a lot and kept saying they would make my eyes go worse. I suppose looking back she was proabaly right but I'm not in the least bit bothered. By the way what prescription did you have at first?
Melyssa 14 Jun 2009, 07:15
Rachel J,
Yes, that was my first pair's prescription. They may have seemed strong at the time, but now it's only the proverbial drop in the bucket. The frame looks like this: http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2007/09/26/fashion/thursdaystyles/20070927POINTS_index.html
Rachel J 13 Jun 2009, 22:55
Melyssa,
Were your first pair -1.75 & -1.50? Quite strong if they were.
Melyssa 13 Jun 2009, 07:54
Rachel J,
I had quite a few pairs of glasses in my old prescriptions, which ranged from -1.75/-1.50 to -9.00/-8.25. Some are still with me, but most are long gone. I did save the first pair from 45 years ago.
Rachel J 12 Jun 2009, 23:25
Melyssa. Have got lots of pairs in all your old rxs Mel?
Melyssa 12 Jun 2009, 12:45
Thank you, Andrew. And congratulations on being able to accomplish your feat.
I should try to calculate how many miles it is from all of the places I've purchased glasses to whichever house I've lived in. You'd still probably have the edge on that counter.
Andrew 12 Jun 2009, 11:55
Congratulations on 25 years Melyssa! I am also celebrating 25 years now - since I ran my first marathon. You have accumulated more pairs of glasses in the meantime than I have run marathons, but I am fast catching you up!
Rachel J 11 Jun 2009, 22:50
Phil.
I'm not the Rachel who wants bifocals
Melyssa 11 Jun 2009, 12:58
No pictures yet, either with a regular camera (which we have) or a digital one (which we don't have), unless the surveillance cameras at the stores took some.
Phil 11 Jun 2009, 09:38
Tell us about your desire for bifocals Rachel J.
Rachel J 11 Jun 2009, 09:27
Rachel,
There are two Rachels. I can post as Rachel J if you like in future.
gwgs 11 Jun 2009, 08:25
any photos Melyssa?
Rachel 09 Jun 2009, 18:54
Please fit me with bifocals. I want to be a bifocal babe.
Melyssa 18 May 2009, 12:57
Like Lenses,
Thank you for the "birthday wishes" to my simply gaw-juss first pair of drop-temples. The new ones are very cute, as my husband has told me already. And yes, the lenses are CR-39, just like in every pair of glasses I have.
Like Lenses 17 May 2009, 13:14
Melyssa,
Happy birthday to your first pair, and wishing you many more!!
The new ones sound yummy.
did you get CR 39 lenses in them?
Melyssa 16 May 2009, 08:10
Oops, that was my first-ever pair, which turned 25 on Thursday. :) Here are the stats of my new glasses:
Company: Kenmark.
Subdivision: Gallery.
Name: Judy.
Size: 55-18-140.
Shape: Mostly octagonal in front; "drop" begins near ear piece.
Colors: Listed as "Black Crystal," but is more bronze for the most part, with white in the straight part and black in the part just below it (that angles in).
Maximum length of lenses: 2.5 inches.
Melyssa 16 May 2009, 08:05
"They're heeeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrre!" Due to a scheduling change of an appointment, plus a Phillies' BPS loss, along with a power outage, I was unable to post Thursday (and Friday is bowling night). On Thursday I did pick up my beautiful new drop-temples, and this is the description:
Company: Diplomat.
Name: Veronica.
Size: 54/18 (no length number).
Colors: Brownish-gray tortoiseshell.
Maximum length of lenses: 2.5 inches.
Frame Shape: Mostly round, except more angled at the top center of each lens; sides split, with top part going straight horizontally then vertically, bottom part sliding down, meeting with the top part at the temple (just above the bottom of the front part of the frame), rounded triangular "hole" in middle on each side piece.
cayhorns 09 May 2009, 07:30
Melyssa, any chance we can get a photo of your new drop-temples when they are ready? :-)
Amazed 09 May 2009, 03:53
Wow that was an amazing story of what life could be like for many extremely nearsighted people if they never got tested for glasses. I just wish they told us Traci's prescription when they tested her. I am surprised no one else has commented on this.
http://lookupinfo.org/index.php?id=490
Puffin 07 May 2009, 13:44
I never thought we would see them come back into fashion.
Melyssa 07 May 2009, 13:08
On this 25th anniversary of ordering what is now my "senior" pair of drop-temples, I went to my regular optical store (wearing them, of course), and I found a new pair of my favorite style of frames, the first one since 1998. They will be ready next week. That gives me 10 total pairs of drop-temples.
Nova man 06 May 2009, 14:26
thet is me below responding to catus jack forgot to enter my nickname
06 May 2009, 14:25
Cactus jack, I am not for sure if my wifes lenses are super high index. How do I tell? I am not too keen on all this. I do know the lenses are pretty thick on the edges and thinner in the middle.But I know she gets some kind special lenses to make them thinner than if they were regular. with them having lots of material on the edges is what made me ask about then being "recesed" in the frames. Ihe one thing I do know it they have a bunch of power rings?? when you look at then rom the front on an angle
JP 06 May 2009, 11:08
Just to clarify that JP, who posted on 10 April, and I are different people! I've posted intermittently as JP for several years now. I'd be happy with newer JP's Rx though.
P.S. I was once asked if I was Eyescene veteran Jey Ping, and I'm not!
06 May 2009, 06:56
http://lookupinfo.org/index.php?id=490
Cactus jack 05 May 2009, 00:22
Nova man,
The power of lenses is determined by two important factors; One, the difference in curvature between the front surface of the lens and the back surface of the lens. Two, the index of refraction of the lens material. It is necessary for the front surface of a minus lens to have less curvature than the back surface. Low Rx minus lenses will usually have a plus (convex) front surface curvature and the back surface will have a minus (concave) curvature. This usually will not cause the lens to have too much edge thickness at low Rx.
As the minus Rx increases, it is not uncommon for edge thickness to become objectionable so the front surface is made flatter to minimize edge thickness. In high minus lenses, sometimes the front surface has to be made concave to achieve the power.
Today, Hi index (thin) lenses are in vogue and less curvature is necessary to achieve the Rx. The result is very much less edge thickness. Normally, lenses are held in frames by a ridge around the edge of the lens. Usually, this ridge is a mm or so back from the front edge. It may be that because of the thinness of the lens, that there simply was not enough edge thickness to to locate the ridge back from the front and the front edge of the lens is where the ridge begins and that would cause the lens to appear to be recessed in the frame.
Are the lenses in your wife's new glasses super hi index and very thin?
BTW, very thin minus lenses have a cosmetic advantage (disadvantage to some OO's). Because they are thin, the internal reflections of the edge of the lens (power rings) are minimized.
C.
Wurm 04 May 2009, 22:02
Nova man,
I saw your posts that had gone to the wrong thread so I cleaned up and fixed the problem. Thanks for letting me know and sorry about the inconvenience.
Nova man 04 May 2009, 16:55
My wife is now a minus 7 but and here lenses are totally flat on the front. she has an old pair which are minus 5.50 and they are almost totally flat on the front as well, Can anyone tell me what the reason for this is? On one of here latest pairs which are also flat front the lenses are recessed in the frame to the pint where the front edge is actually inside the wire rim?? again any reason for this why wouldnt the lense be "centered" in the frames.
M.J. the other one 25 Apr 2009, 03:58
i just noticed that there is already a member called "MJ" on eyescene so i changed my name to M.J. the other one... xD
M.J. 25 Apr 2009, 03:53
hi guys! Does anyone know how thick rimeless glasses with a diameter of 68mm and standard lenses would be? the prescripiton is
-2, +0.75x90
i ordered them yesterday and tried to choose frames in such way that the glasses become as thick as possible...
as it is for the lense material, the optitian wrote "CR". i read about CR 39 here on eyescene, but is this the same as CR?
Aubrac 17 Apr 2009, 08:55
JP
Not too bad an overall add, equivalent to +1.00/+1.75 if eyesight 20/20 for distance.
May make a fair difference in thickness between the upper part of the lens and the add.
Let us know what they look like and how you get on with them.
JP 10 Apr 2009, 23:16
A routine visit to the optician finds me leaving with a lighter wallet having ordered my 1st bifocals. I was L-3.50 -1.25 50 R-4.00 - 1.00 125, now L-3.25 - 125 50 +4.25 R -3.50 - 1.00 125 +5.25
I had for a while been removing my glasses to read, told that this is nothing unusual at my age, 48. New glasses should be ready this afternoon
Melyssa 08 Apr 2009, 12:46
Minus 5,
My vision stabilized at age 36, which from what I've read would seem to be rather late in occurring.
Melyssa 08 Apr 2009, 12:45
Well, my lenses are always reflective, and they are shimmery at least for a while after I clean them, but they're not quite flat-fronted and probably won't be.
Puffin 08 Apr 2009, 03:08
Yeah, there's something alluring about flat fronts, all shimmery and reflective.
minus 5 who luvs gwgs 08 Apr 2009, 02:44
Hi Melyssa my rx changed slightly at a test about 6 months ago .I was put down from minus 5 and minus 4 by minus0.25 about 2 and a half years ago and found distance a bit blurry so went firstly for about half a dioptre stronger and for a year or so have worn a full dioptre stronger at this most recent test I was back to minus5/minus4 but wearing a dioptre stronger gives super crisp vision so I suspect my optician is one who prescribes lower rather than higher .Interesting that your prescription has stabilised About 8 years ago I was around minus4/minus 3.50 and my worst eye jumped by minus0.75 in a year my girl friend who has a very similar prescription found her rx jumped by about a dioptre between about 44 and 48 years too she is now 50 and we both have a little astigmatism and an add of plus two we could swap glasses but my left eye is worse and hers is the right Mind you I wish she had flat fronted lenses which catch the light like facial jewels I would imagine yours are lovely
Like Lenses 07 Apr 2009, 17:24
Melyssa
Now I know you are my kind of GWG.
At minus 9 the lens becomes flat on the front, and all the power is ground into the inner surface. I love the flat front look. I have a low Rx, but had some glasses made up with flat fronts.
Wow!. Thirty pair!!
Would love to chat with you on Lenschat.
Melyssa 07 Apr 2009, 12:45
Minus 5 who luvs gwgs,
Wearing glasses almost 50 years: Some fun, eh? It's too bad you don't have your first pair for comparisons. When did your RX last change? I have a lot of astigmatism; hence the inability to wear contacts.
Melyssa 07 Apr 2009, 12:44
Like Lenses,
I'm still at -9.00, probably forever. At least that saves a lot of money on having to updated 30 pairs of glasses.
I utilize Lenschat every so often, if I have a half hour or so to spare.
Like Lenses 06 Apr 2009, 15:35
Melyssa
You sound like my kind of GWG!!
What is you present Rx?
Do you ever go to Lenschat?
minus 5 who luvs gwgs 05 Apr 2009, 09:43
congrats Melyssa I got my first glasses at age 8 years 2 months exactly 46 years ago have never had a copy of my first prescription and all my early glasses disappeared I think my ex threw them away I remember being told that my right eye was the weakest possible so I guess minus one the left was more perhaps-1.50 with no astigmatism My myopia has progressed at a steady rate and I was last prescribed -4.00 and -5.00 but I wear a dioptre stronger for crisp vision
Melyssa 05 Apr 2009, 07:40
Like Lenses,
Thank you for the anniversary wishes! :)
How many changes in RX you ask? None since 1992. But before that, I would guess about a dozen.
I got my first pair a few weeks before my 8th birthday, and the prescription was -1.75/-1.50 (which eye was which, I do not know). I found out the RX on the 25th anniversary of getting the glasses. To no one's surprise, the glasses do not fit me anymore. LOL
Like Lenses 04 Apr 2009, 14:37
Melyssa
Wow, happy 45th!
How many changes in Rx throughout the 45?
How old were you when you first got glasses, and what was the Rx?
Melyssa 04 Apr 2009, 07:43
With yesterday being bowling night, and with a Flyers game (and victory) on TV, and no time for the computer, and old glasses instead of new glasses, yesterday was the 45th anniversary of getting my first pair, which is somewhere in the basement of my house. I guess I'd better find it within 5 years to "celebrate" a half century as the Glasses Girl when the time comes. LOL
Aubrac 03 Apr 2009, 02:25
bsethu
I think everyone who gets glasses for the first time feels a little self-conscious, I know I did!
Don't worry, there are millions of people who wear glasses and once your friends see you wearing them, they might ask a couple of questions but then regard it as perfectly normal.
Needing glasses to read can be at any age, and as I said people with hyperopia will find their distance vision also better.
Usually around age 40 many people get presbyopia, this is a stiffening of the lens that affects their power of accommodation and abilility to see close up. However it does not affect distance vision, and unlike hyeropes, they may never need glasses other than for reading.
I am also sure if you look around, you will see many of your fellow students wearing glasses that you may not have noticed before. Nice frames are something of a fashion statement at the moment with lots of celebrities seen wearing glasses, and so there is nothing unusual in this.
Have a good Easter break.
bsethu 03 Apr 2009, 01:35
Aubrac I am a student so that does invovle a fair amount of near work. I was a bit shocked when I was told that I was long-sighted-I always thought it was something that affected older people. I'm still trying to get used to wearing glasses (about a month now) as I've never had a need for them and I am self-conscious about wearing them. I tend to use them at home more than at uni.
Abrac 02 Apr 2009, 07:27
bsethu
A large perecentage of the population are hyperopes and while many wear glasses, a lot of them don't.
Hyperopes differ from myopes in that their ciliary muscles can change the shape of the crstaline lens and thereby focus on objects near and far. This is done automatically and present the brain with the best image for it to interpret.
It can be simply that when the eyes are tired, and/or print is small, light is bad, etc, a hyperope cannot focus, and needs glasses for help.
You have an add for reading which will have the effect of making print look bigger and sharper, you may also notice when looking at pictires or photographs, that these are also clearer and have more detail.
It is not at all unusual for anyone under 30 to wear glasses for reading or to wear the same glasses for distance as well. Does your work entail a lot of close work or computer time?
Let us know how you get on.
bsethu 02 Apr 2009, 03:51
Hello Aubrac, thanks for the explanation-makes sense now. I did manage to get a complete copy of the prescription and everything else was +0.0.
Is it common for people to need reading glasses before 30/40?
Aubrac 02 Apr 2009, 02:32
bseth
Hello there and welcome to our club.
Your prescription doesn't seem to be quite complete, there need not be an entry in every box but it normally reads as follows:
OD (right eye) Sph. Cyl. Axis Add
OS (left eye) Sph. Cyl. Axix Add
The Sphere is the correction needed as a minus eg -1.50 for myopia, a plus eg +0.75 for hyperopia.
The Cylinder is linked with the Axis and corrects astigmatism eg Cyl. -1.25
Axis 120, whild the Add is an adjustment for reading.
I would think your prescritpion has some more figures and your optician can always (although sometimes not willingly!) give you an exact copy.
You seem to have hyperopia, sometimes called long/far sighted not beacuse you can see a long way away, but because the image is formed behind the retina.
Most people with this first get their eyes tested because they are having difficulty reading, especially in poor light, and some eye strain, headaches, etc.
After a short period of wear, you often find wearing glasses for distance is better. If this is your first pair of glasses, you will probably need a further correction in maybe just a few months time.
This is quite normal and happens because your eye muscles learn to relax thus relieving headaches. My wife had two prescription changes in eighteen months and then settled down with her current scrip.
Needing glasses for hyperopia can be at any age but it often becomes more apparant in late thirties/early forties.
Let us know if you have any more detail for your prescription and we can talk more about it.
bsethu 01 Apr 2009, 23:46
Hi, I stumbled across this website and found lots of useful information. I've just gotten glasses for the first time for reading and computer work.
L: Sph +0.50 Add: 0.50
R: Add: 0.50
Now that I have them, I can't understand how I put up with headaches and eyestrain for 2 years before getting my eyes tested!
I have noticed two things:
i) Characters seem to have more defined edges and appear in bold when I have my glasses on.
ii) I seem to have better distance vision with them on rather than off.
Are both items above a normal reaction?
lentifan 27 Mar 2009, 15:12
In my second-last paragraph I meant to put the word 'frame' after 'in-your-face'.
Aubrac 27 Mar 2009, 01:45
lentifan/Sir D
Some good comments there lentifan.
May I just add by way of explanation that without anti-glare coating, light reflected at many angles from either a natural or artificial light source, will reflect from the lens surface and obscure the eye.
lentifan 26 Mar 2009, 17:20
Sir D
Robert is right that wearing a lens with more minus power in front of the prosthetic eye will reduce the size the eye appears. However, increasing from -9 to -10 is unlikely to achieve much. It wll probably require at least a few more dioptres; an optician with a trial lens set should be able to select the right Rx.
If it is (say) -14 that lens will be a bit thicker but no-one is likely to notice; if the two eyes look the same size no one will think the lenses are different.
I wouldn't recommend tinted lenses. People wearing tinted lenses indoors and in dull weather attract attention. Folks think they are hiding something. Sometimes it is thick lenses they are trying to hide, but folks think there is something behind the dark glasses they don't want seen, such as a black eye, and they get curious and try to find out.
Anyone seeing an obviously minus lens would naturally assume the eye behind it was short-sighted. It wouuld never cross their minds it might be a prosthetic eye. Some time ago I had a work colleague I used to see sometimes who wore a prosthetic eye. However, I was completely unaware of this until she swapped her glasses for a contact lens.
It is perhaps worth considering low-index lenses which give more 'sparkle' to the eyes and would further disguise the prosthetic. And, unless she needs them for driving, you could do without the anti-glare coating. With a nice, not too 'in-your-face' she would get noticed but folks would be merely admiring her glasses.
Also she should get bi-focals if she needs them to read the small print. I once knew an elderly gent who refused to wear bi-focals. As a result, whenever he needed to read something he would take off his glasses, jam the leg of the glasses between the fingers of his prosthetic hand (which was always covered in a leather glove - indoors and outdoors; a hook couldn't have been more conspicuous and he'd have found it more useful)to hold them, and squint out of his good eye a few inches from the print, with his prosthetic eye staring straight ahead.
Robert 24 Mar 2009, 10:28
Sir D
I am not an expert on tints but would make the comment that anything like sunglasses or tints do make other people concentrate more on the eyes rather than distracting from from.
If your daughter is -9.00 then a standard thickness lens will make the eye appear smaller and so a slight increase, say -10.00 for the prosthetic eye will make that one appear a tad smaller then the other one and so help equalise their appearance.
Many people try and hide a prosthetic eye by styling hair over it but this only serves to look harder at what is trying to be concealed.
I am sure anyone who suffers the trauma of an eye loss will feel self-conscious about it, but I think a pair of stylisy frames with light tinted lenses will tend to make people look more at the glasses than the eye itself.
Sir D 24 Mar 2009, 08:10
Hello, I found this interesting page while looking for glasses solution for my girl. My girl lost her left eye in Dec. and tries to get comfortable with her prosthetic eye. She doesn't feel comfortable at all because the artificial eye doesn't move like the right one and also looks a bit bigger because eyelid movement is not as good as before surgery. She wants to wear glasses with tint but the problem is what is the best grade of tint ? It should hide the prosthetic eye a bit but also needs to give clear vision for the right eye which is nearsighted with about 9 dpt. We thought about grey tint 30% - or is it to much?
What do you think?
LT Lurker 20 Mar 2009, 15:19
Hi Natalie again.I am not sure but I think the reason you may be able to see better at distance is because your correction is mimicing that of a pre-presbyopic hyperope, ie with your old glasses you are effectively overcorrected +0.5 or so.I would suggest that you try wearing your old glasses to read for an hour or two and you may find that you get an insight into what being presbyopic is all about - blur and eyestrain.My wife is a hyperope who used to boast about her distance vision,it was truly amazing.But now she keeps quiet as its not so good and she is getting close to stepping up her wear to include distance tasks as the strain increases due to her decline in accommodation.As this decline occurs to myopes like me and you we require less minus lens power to see clearly without accommodating our cillary muscles.Give us too much minus,as in the case of your old specs, you will find that you can get a sharper picture but this is due to the slight almost subconscious strain you put on your eyes just like a hyperope would.As you are not yet persbyopic your new prescription gives you the best correction without strain.
Good eyesight is not just visual acuity.Expect another decline in a couple of years.
LTL
Charlie 20 Mar 2009, 11:49
Anyone ever bought glasses in Japan or Korea? I'm going soon and I've heard they are very cheap and you don't need a prescription and that you can just take a pair of glasses in and ask them to match the prescription. Anyone experienced this?
Thanks
Aubrac 20 Mar 2009, 07:45
Natalie
It sounds as if your optician has maybe under-corrected your distance vision so that your near vision is better. Can you read small print easily with your old glasses? If not then this will be the reason, however if close work is ok with the stronger glasses then another explanation is needed.
At 42 it is possible bi-focals might be needed with a -3.00 for distance and an add of +0.75 for reading, did the optician say anything about that?
If you are unhappy with the prescription, then you should go back to the optician for a re-test (at no cost to you) and ask him to replace the lenses in your new glasses. Eye testing is not an exact science and there is always room for error but certainly you should go back to him and say you are unhappy with your distance vision.
Do you drive? Uncorrected -0.75 may not be a great issue by day, but driving at night, especially in poor conditions would not be good.
Natalie 20 Mar 2009, 05:26
Thanks everyone for the replies. I'm 42 so maybe this is something to do with it. I definately can't see so well in the distance with this prescription as with my old one. I'd wear the old glasses but rather like my new ones AND they've cost me quite a lot of money.
Has anyone here ever gone back to the prescribing Dr because they weren't happy?
LT Lurker 19 Mar 2009, 04:37
Hi Natalie,
I f you are like me and over 40 you will naturally move in a plus direction.I was 2.75 and 2.5 , now I am 2.5 and 2.25,just now I don't have presbyopia,but if I use my old contact lenses I can see sharper at distance but if I read I get a headache,just like a hyperope would.So I would suggest it is totally natural if you are 40+
sum1wholovesgirlswithglasses 19 Mar 2009, 04:29
Natalie if you dont feel comfortable with your current rx why not using your old pair again everyones vision feels different some people just cant cope any additional overprescription and some people e.g the younger generation rather find their vision crystal clear by having more minus
Aubrac 18 Mar 2009, 14:03
Phil
You're quite right, I may be cynical but most opticians always go for a change one way or the other if only to get more business.
They just don't like saying 'no change' because there is nothing in it for them. Natalie's optician might be just the same, if there was no change in her scrip, prescribe weaker lenses and make some money.
By the way, did you buy the trial lens kit that recently finished on e-bay? I missed out bidding on that; £12 for test frames and a full set of lenses seems quite a bargain!!
Phil 18 Mar 2009, 06:43
Aubrac, opticians are often "mean" with correction (whether for distance or an add). Goodness knows why. Do they think they are slowing progression? Nowadays I always insist on full correction and the maximum add. There's nothing like the crispness of full distance correction (or, indeed, a tad of over-correction); and I hate it if my add isn't enough to let me read the share prices. To make sure that I get the right lenses I have acquired a full set of trial lenses (including 0.12 lenses) and a trial frame. I will now know exactly what degree of correction gives me clear vision.
Aubrac 18 Mar 2009, 06:33
Natalie
Hi - as Phil said it could be a combination of slightly wrong prescriptions.
I was once under prescribed and didn't like not to be able to see as clearly with new weaker glasses than my old ones.
Some eye docs will prescribe to the full limit of correction while others may stop a quarter or half diopter short, and this could account for the difference.
Try your new scrip for a few weeks and see if you get used to it, but if there is still a distance blur you do not like, either get a re-test or try a new eye doc.
Bye the way, what age are you?
Phil 18 Mar 2009, 02:12
Natalie, I think the difference could be explicable by a tad of over-prescribing last time, or a tad of under-prescribing this time, or indeed both. That it might be underprescribing now is borne out by your perceptioin that you see better with your old glasses. Why not go to a different optician for a test and see what happens?
Natalie 17 Mar 2009, 11:01
I've just found this forum trying to do some research. I got new glasses last week with a weaker prescription, I guess that makes a change from what most people experience.
The prescription has gone down from -3 both eyes to -2.25 and -2.50. To a level that someone suggested might mean I don't need to wear them full time. However I don't think I like this prescription, although I can see well enough I think I really prefer my vision through my old glasses.
Will I get used to the new prescription, and should I make myself get used to it, even to the extent of trying to wear them less. Is any of this likely to cause any damage? I really hope not but am not sure what to do as my optician tells me my eyes will get used to it. Thanks
Robert 15 Mar 2009, 14:38
Yes, lets sue all the tv companies, Bill Gates, Apple Mac, libraries, Ho Ho what fun, I read your book - and now my eyesight is weakened - rubbish, get a life
Melyssa 15 Mar 2009, 08:11
While we're at it, let's sue Hollywood and the media for always badmouthing (in various forms) eyeglasses and people (especially women) who need to wear them.
Hugs 14 Mar 2009, 22:06
Hey, Ray
I got it. I laughed. Thanks.
Cactus Jack 14 Mar 2009, 20:52
Ray,
I believe we may have come down a little hard on you. In general, this group is extremly tolerant of those who join us with questions about vision with a desire to learn about how it works. If you look back on this thread and the threads about hyperopia and presbylopia for several months, I think you will find that latent hyperopia and how approaching presbyopia reveals it is explained several times in language that almost anyone can understand. However, you will also find out that we are somewhat intolerant with those who simply want to complain that they are somehow victims when they are simply victims of being a human being and that entails.
Latent hyperopia(or farsightedness), is a very common thing and depending on the degree of hyperopia, it can be masked, unlike myopia (or nearsightedness), for years by the "auto-focus" mechanism in your eyes. Many people, who are very proud of the fact that they can see extremely well (sometimes better than 20/20) and have no apparent need for vision correction, like their "weak eyed" associates, are shocked and dismayed when when they discover, horror of horrors, that they not only need glasses, they almost immediately need bifocals.
Let me ask you a couple of questions. Have you ever had an eye exam? How do you KNOW that your vision is all it should be? You could also be a latent hyperope and not be aware of it. If you get it corrected early, you could put off the need for bifocals a bit longer than if you did nothing about it, because you would not be constantly overworking your eyes.
C.
Macrae 14 Mar 2009, 19:38
We should start by suing those responsible for sanitation practices, antibiotics, the decrease in marauding wild animals, fewer deaths in childbirth, etc. that are causing us to live to the unnatural age of 40. After that let's go after the educational system that herds us all toward literacy, and thus the need for reading glasses that we could have avoided if only we were not forced to read.
matthewson 14 Mar 2009, 18:43
ps:
let's sue the people who print the BOOKS, let's sue GUTENBERG for making the print so small.
matthewson 14 Mar 2009, 18:40
yes, sue APPLE, ray, what a great idea. you'll get rich with that lawsuit, Steve Jobs will pay Millions because people need reading glasses because of Cell Phones. fantastic idea! Cheers buddy, and now: end of SARCASM
Puffin 14 Mar 2009, 13:26
How much accomodation you start with is important, not everyone starts exactly the same, it's just that 40 is the average age when people start having problems.
I'm over 40 but happen to be one of those people who have a bit more than most to start with. No need for reading glasses yet.
Andrew 14 Mar 2009, 13:18
I wonder to what extent deterioration in eyesight at any age can be said to be self-inflicted. I believe it is true to state that educated people are more likely to be short-sighted than those who left school early, and I believe that incidences of myopia are increasing. Surely, it is not down to the existnce of new technology, but on people's insistence on using it.
Cactus Jack 14 Mar 2009, 09:52
Ray,
You didn't provide her complete Rx, but based on what you wrote, I would almost bet that her distance Rx is a + (plus) something, because she probably has latent hyperopia. A better case could be made for suing her parents and grandparents for passing on poor genes.
The idea that presbyopia doesn't start until 40 or later is strictly a myth. It actually starts at birth, but it doesn't usually become a problem until about 40 for most people, but it can become a problem for people with latent hyperopia much sooner - sometimes in their teens. The fact that she has reading glasses at work is also a clue that she has latent hyperopia. Perhaps you should consider suing the company she works for because they required her to read things or perhaps use a computer, how inconsiderate and uncaring.
Before you start suing anyone, or accusing anyone of malfeasance, you might want to read up and learn about vision, hyperopia, latent hyperopia, and presbyopia. There is plenty of information available, but it means that YOU have to do a little work so you understand what is happening. You could start by reviewing this and other threads for explanations about what is going on. It has been explained here many times in rather plain language. She might consider a "Jitterbug" cell phone instead of an iPhone, they have nice large type and you can talk on them just like a regualar phone, but they don't do all the neat things an iPhone will do like take pictures and get on the internet.
C.
Ray 14 Mar 2009, 08:46
I gave my wife for her 30th birthday an IPhone. The next day she asks meto if I know how to make the screen bigger. I tried, Some things improved some did not.Wthin a week she tells me she tried her reading glasses, she keeps at work and it made it bigger. I did think she wore them in years,at least not around me. Last Monday she calls and asks me to have lunch with her, She comes in wearing glasses. She said, after realizing her glasses made it easier to see her phone, she went to the eyedoctor, first time in over 5 years. After the exam the doctor told her she needed stronger glasses and she should wear them all the time, on top of all that they were bifocals. I had to look close but they have little circles in them, the size of a dime. She told me she had just picked them up and couldn't wait for me see her in them. I thought she looked great.I did,nt want ask her about why she did not get the ones without lines. She did say her doctor said all they new phones and blackberries were puttting additional stress on eyes. All week she has worn them all the time and now she requires them to read, dial her phone,etc. SO, Im thinking! Law suit or something, are all the phones ruining our eyes, somebody thirty should not need bifocals.
Ray
russell 23 Feb 2009, 12:07
Eddie: With the slight astigmatism, you could find that readers with that correction added to them will work better and be more comfortable. You can, however, get them very cheaply at zennioptical.com. All you need is the prescription for readers that the doctor must have given you (or if he didn't give you one, you can post the bifocal prescription he gave you here, and someone will tell you what numbers you need to put in your order for reading glasses.) The other thing you may need is a PD, which is easily measured (and you can also get info for how to measure on this site.)
But many of us here will also urge you to just get the bifocals made up. You will enjoy the clarity over all.
You can get inexpensive glasses with Progressive lenses from zenni as well, and with such a low prescription, you should be able to adjust to them quickly.
Eddie 23 Feb 2009, 10:08
I got a Blackberry and started having trouble reading the keyboard so I bought some +1.50 readers that are great. Now that I have become more dependent on them I decided to bite the bullet and get my first eye exam. Distance vision is off a bit, he says -.50, and he says the readers at +1.50 are good for me but says I have stigmatism at -.50 right and +.25 left. He says I don't really need the distance correction at this time, but told me I should get proper reading glasses made up ($90) to account for the stigmatism. Over the counters are $10 or so. Am I being hustled for an expensive pair of readers or can I but the cheap ones?
Forest 21 Feb 2009, 09:24
today is a lucky day!
this morning i had breakfast with my girlfriend
and she told me she will get new glasses.
finally! we are a couple for 5 years and even before that time
she had the same glasses. i had already proposed from time to time
that she should get a second pair but it just didn't happen.
but recently she went shopping with two other girls and luckily they
got in a shopping frenzy :)
she decided to get plastic frames with big temples, dark outside and yellow inside
and was thinking about some red half framed glasses with flower temples.
i liked that a lot -as you can imagine- and will pay for the red glasses as her birthday present.
so be patient. i wish you lot's of nice glasses too!
Julian 21 Feb 2009, 08:35
Brad: you might be interested to read the conversation I had with Andy the other week on Acuity and Prescription II. He had got a prescription not unlike yours, actually a bit less, and didn't know whether to get glasses or not. Aubrac suggested getting a cheap pair made up online to try out. Might be a good idea for you to order a pair in your distance Rx online and see how much you wear them, and if you find they help a good bit go for the bifocals.
SC 21 Feb 2009, 01:15
Brad, I've a very similar Rx to you and faced the decision a month ago. I would only address the distance issue if you accept you are going to wear glasses more often and you accept you're on a path to full time wear.
I got some cheap distance ones and they didn't do anything for me and I saw no reason to wear them. I got progressives and that was a whole different world. You will naturally wear more often because they are suited to more situations and as you wear them your distance vision will appear to deteroriate slightly leading you to wear them more often. Your vision isn't getting worse but your brain isn't trying so it amounts to the same thing.
So in a restaurant, I'd wear readers to see the menu and then take them off knowing that the food would be out of focus but my wife would be in. With progressives you can keep your food, wife and specials board in focus so you tend to leave them on. It's the same with the dashboard instruments while driving and the fact that you can see who is approaching your desk so you can adjust how busy you look as appropriate.
Personally vanity enters into it as well. I got nice readers to suit my face but ended up wearing them down my nose so I looked like Dumbledore. I also feel more like a thirtysomething myope than a fortysomething presbyope
Brad 18 Feb 2009, 06:40
I have been wearing +1.00 readers for about a year now, but never ever had eye exam. Just came back, and got the following: OD: -.50 -.75 165 +2.00
OS: -.50 -.50 010 +2.00
What does this mean? He said I can either get 2 pair - one for near and one for far, or bifocals that I can wear all the time. I didn't even know I am shortsighted. Should I get the distance glasses? Will drug store readers work for reading? What strength should I get? What effect does the second -0.50 have on my vision? Any advice?
Phil 11 Feb 2009, 07:44
Louise, maybe the fact that I've never become an entirely fulltime wearer just goes to show how boring I am then! I love the crisp vision from new lenses but that wears off until one gets an increased prescription. So, yes, very like a drug: one needs more and more correction over time!
Louise 11 Feb 2009, 07:07
Phil
I understand what you mean now. Perfect vision is nice and possibly easy to get used to. A bit like a drug maybe!
Phil 11 Feb 2009, 03:03
Ok Oluise!! I think that's what I meant by "sensible". When it becomes tricky to function without specs one has little choice but to wear them. If I tried to drive bare-eyed I'd kill myself; and if I tried to shop without them I'd never find what I wanted. I think that was what you were finding when you tried to use the tube without glasses.
Some people, of course, go fulltime ages before they get to that point. Sometimes it's because they like perfect vision. Sometimes because they enjoy wearing glasses.
Louise 11 Feb 2009, 02:41
Sorry major typo! Should have been Phil!!
Louise 11 Feb 2009, 02:40
Hpil
I guess I've never worn glasses enough to think about whether I enjoy it, its always been out of necessity rather than choice. I hadn't even been thinking about whether they'd detract or not and i don't feel they do but I suppose whatever it is with your health if something isn't as good as it was its a bit depressing!
I wonder what you mean about wearing full time being "sensible". Do you think people really do make a conscious decision like that, isn't it more that they get to the point where they can't see so they have to?
Phil 11 Feb 2009, 02:05
Why "depressing" Louise? As you are experiencing, most people think that a nice pair of specs is an attractive addition to a woman's appearance. I suspect that you are near the point where wearing fulltime would be "sensible", though how much one wears one's glasses is always a matter of personal choice. Do you not enjoy wearing glasses? If you are thinking that they detract from your looks all the surveys show you are worrying about nothing!
Louise 11 Feb 2009, 01:48
Phil
I had some nice compliments from a few friends yesterday. That's always nice. No it's not swirly when I put them on, its like it all jumps into a sharp focus and small things I'd never noticed before like yesterday I realised I could see some paint had come off a door frame but I couldn't see it without my glasses. That's also a bit depressing.
Phil 10 Feb 2009, 00:25
Any plans to "out" them Louise? Have you had any reactions from friends, family or colleagues?
I've never had more than .25 astigmatism correction but from what I read here anything of .5 or more tends to encourage fulltime wear. Do you feel things a bit "swirly" when you put your glasses on?
eyespy 09 Feb 2009, 20:39
Louise
Do you mean its better when you take them off or worse?
Louise 09 Feb 2009, 13:44
Yes Phil, I did.
Thanks for asking. They're fantasic! I guess new lenses after nearly 5 years makes a difference. I've never had any astigmatism before but it seems to make a noticeable difference when I take them off. Will I get used to that do you think?
They haven't been properly outed yet but I think they look great.
Phil 09 Feb 2009, 03:51
Did you get your new glasses Louise?
Aubrac 07 Feb 2009, 06:03
Marina
How are you getting on with your new glasses? It sounds like a big jump but until the early twenties, there is an ongoing change in the shape of the eyeball that can result in prescription changes.
It is always possible that you may have been under-prescribed before, and so the jump is not as large as it seems.
You could try contacts but with a fairly high level of astigmatism, ordinary contacts would be of little use because they do not correct astigmatism, and toric lenses can be difficult as they do not always stay in place resulting in even worse vision.
I'm sure you'll get on well and look fantastic in your new glasses.
antonio 07 Feb 2009, 00:01
Hi Louise,
a very good choice your new glasses,
you will look stunning in them, I´m sure
enjoy wearing them !
best regards,
antonio
minus5 who luvs gwgs 06 Feb 2009, 23:43
I think my post was ambiguous I wore glasses from 8 years old I do not know what my first prescription was but my left eye was always weaker but by the time I was 16 I was up to minus 3 in my left eye and minus one and a half in my right eye both have then got worse my last prescription was abot minus 5and a half and minus 4 and a half but I wear minus 6 and minus 5 now for super clear sight
sum1wholovesgirlswithglasses 06 Feb 2009, 05:51
wow marina thats an enormous jump,
im pleased to hear you like your new glasses
since your rx is now almost -6,have you ever considered of getting contacts
guest 06 Feb 2009, 00:34
Minus 5 who luvs gwgs,
that's a big difference between your eyes and strong for a first prescription. Did you immediately wear them fulltime? Did you notice a big difference between the two?
minus 5 who luvs gwgs 05 Feb 2009, 23:45
I should have said the first prescription was when I was 16
minus5 who luvs gwgs 05 Feb 2009, 15:14
Marina I wonder what prescription you will reach I was -3.00 and -1.50 with some astigmatism by age 50 I was similar to your current prescription will you get to the magic double figures /Bet you look fantastic
ehpc 05 Feb 2009, 13:55
Smart is sexy for girls too VFL. The smarter the GWG, the better............:)
Pete
ehpc 05 Feb 2009, 13:54
Substantial minus in gorgeous thick minus lenses and black rectangular plastic frames with wide sides then Marina? Sounds just GREAT................:)
Pete
marina 05 Feb 2009, 11:24
sorry for letting you wait xD. yeah, i went to my appointment and guess what, i got a new prescrpition.
now its:
-5.75 -1.25 68 and -5.5 -1.50 144
i bought two new frames. one is very simular to my old one (black plastic) and the other one is a semi-rimeless pair. both have "standard" lenses, so they really are thick, but i like it. recently i've met a friend who i havent seen for ages (she was in new zealand for two years), so she hadnt seen ME in glasses yet. i was wearing my new semi-rimeless pair which looks very strong and she was so surprised and asked me all about my eyes and how bad they are and what i can see without them (nothing btw xD). i really liked it
Phil 05 Feb 2009, 09:46
They are nice Louise. Do let us know about how you see things with them and how much you end up wearing them. You probably will be safer on the Tube next time you are in London if you wear them!
The Liverpool girl on the video conference was indeed a gwg. And no-one even noticed my horn rims!!
Louise 05 Feb 2009, 08:23
Phil
These are the ones I ordered.
I'll probably wearing them more than before. After my London excursion I recognise I need them in unfamiliar territory as well as driving/tv etc!
Phil 05 Feb 2009, 07:02
Yes, they'll be on for the video conference or I'll not be able to see the Liverpool VAT men and girls! I wonder if any of them will be gwgs.
There won't be anyone there who knows me so I'm going to be daring and wear my horn-rim lined bifocals!
VFL 05 Feb 2009, 06:21
Good golly I wish I were in Phil's meeting today. I'd be melting.
Put your specs on and keep them on Mr. Barrister Man! All the smart boys need glasses. Nothing wrong with that.
Smart is sexy. You have no idea.
Guest 05 Feb 2009, 05:39
Phil
Does that mean you'll be wearing your glasses at work today?
Phil 05 Feb 2009, 05:31
Louise, what frames have you chosen?
I envy you picking them up. I always find the clarity of a new prescription just amazing. Do tell us how it feels.
Whenever I got an increased rx I would vow to wear fulltime. But until recently I soon lapsed back into part-time wear. Now that I am almost -4, however, I simply can't function bare-eyed. For instance, today I have a video conference for which glasses will be essential! Do you envisage wearing your new glasses rather more often than before?
Galileo 05 Feb 2009, 05:05
Ted
I'm 54 and I have exactly the same thing. I have a mild prescription for myopia and astigmatism and my optician keeps suggesting a +1 add for reading.
I have the distance glasses which I use for watching movies but have not bothered with the add or readers. When my distance vision is blurry I do a few palming exercises or just go with the blur until it clears.
Louise 05 Feb 2009, 03:27
Phil
Yes I did and they should be ready for collection this weekend. I'm prepared to wear them more as the optician's reaction made me realise that maybe my eyesight is worse that I thought it was! It will be interesting to get peoples reactions on that.
Phil 05 Feb 2009, 02:19
So did you get new glasses Louise? The astigmatism means that you are now the equivalent of -3 in the one eye. And your other's up by .25. Do you think that the changes will encourage you to wear glaases more often?
Cactus Jack 04 Feb 2009, 18:07
Ted,
You didn't mention your age or your occupation. Both can affect what you are experiencing.
C.
Julian 04 Feb 2009, 12:00
Ted: I'm astounded that your eye care professional leaves it up to you to decide - or did he offer a bit more guidance than your post suggests? Anyway, I agree with eyespy: try the readers first, and if that doesn't work you can always go the other way.
04 Feb 2009, 11:59
Marina??
sum1wholovesgirlswithglasses 04 Feb 2009, 11:56
Marina how was your recent appointment at the optician?
eyespy 04 Feb 2009, 11:28
Ted
If this happens after a prolonged period of reading it's probably pseudomyopia so getting some low minus glasses won't help the problem. The plus glasses for reading are probably your best bet unless you experience any distance blur when you haven't been reading too.
Ted 04 Feb 2009, 10:12
I have noticed that after I read a lot my distance vision isn't so clear so went to have my eyes checked. I have never needed glasses, and figured my time has come. After a very thorough exam I was told I am a bit nearsighted and could wear glasses with -0.75L and -.50R. This would give me clearer distance vision, he said, and I could wear them for almost anything but reading. He also said that to maintain crisp vision I might increase by -0.25 or so per year for a year or two and I might go to full time wear. He said alternatively I could try +1.00 readers that might prevent my eyes from "cramping" and therefore might help reduce the distance blur I am experiencing. Also I would only need to wear the readers for comfort and they wouldn't harm my eyes. I don't know which way to go. Can anyone offer advice?
Louise 04 Feb 2009, 08:58
Hi Phil.
Not much change really. I now got some astigmatism but only in one eye and the other went up by the smallest amount so no huge change thankfully. The worst eye is still -2.50 but with -0.50 of astimatism and the other's -1.75. He said he wasn't surprised that I'd had difficulty in unfamiliar surroundings, so that put me in my place!
Thanks for asking. It was worth the visit and I didn't confess it'd been 5 years since my last test.
Phil 04 Feb 2009, 05:24
Louise, how did you get on?
SC 02 Feb 2009, 02:14
Despite not wanting to start wearing glasses I've got no problems now. I've always been a GWG fan, just not a Me-with-glasses.
Only downside is that I persuaded my wife to go for a test while I picked up my new glasses and she doesn't need them! I guess I'll have to wait another 2 years now.
SC 02 Feb 2009, 02:11
In the end I had 5 trips to the optician in January, some for advice but also a full retest. I suppose I was naiive in thinking that I wouldn't need my readers to use the PC & laptop but that really turned my world upside down. I'd planned to wear glasses for fine print, bedtime reading and I found myself wearing them 9 hours a day - tried all the tricks of reading over the top and just using them for the keyboard but the transition to focus was too long so had to drag the screen closer.
Readers aren't good for everything though. I have to stand up and do lots of presentations and look over the shoulder at other PCs and I couldn't do that with readers unless I sat closer to the screen than the person doing the typing!
Got first pair of progressives this weekend to see if they help. Fantastically comfortable even though distance Rx is negligible I can wear all day without eyestrain but still getting used to the blurry bits.
I've also realised that although I could still read a book, eg on the train, without glasses that I can't focus at distance for about 20 minutes if I do so - strange for someone who didn't 'need' glasses until December.
Readers
Louise 31 Jan 2009, 00:51
I posted on the Going Without Glasses section a couple of weeks ago and after everyone's encouragement I am going for an eye test today with a friend of mine. After 5 years I think it's time to buy some new glasses.
lolllll 29 Jan 2009, 00:23
Is Dan also Daisy also Erin?
My goodness, there is some confusion going on here!
Dan 28 Jan 2009, 17:39
Sorry, that post was obviously from me, and not you MJ
MJ 28 Jan 2009, 17:38
I do still wear them most of the time (I cut back a bit from full-time)...I guess I'm at a point where I don't REALLY need them for everything yet. But in general, not too many comments were made. Any comments I did get were positive though!
MJ 28 Jan 2009, 14:52
Dan
Are you still wearing full time and if so what's the reaction been? Good I hope.
(Sorry I posted to the wrong thread before)
Aubrac 28 Jan 2009, 06:36
All
Yes some ladies take to wearing glasses like a duck to water but we all seem to have reluctant wearers.
When my wife got her first glasses she said it like someone had cleaned the windows and she could see everything clearly.
She must be going through a transition period at the moment, and I often see her working on the laptop surrounded by three pairs of glasses. Maybe the time for bifocals is here. However I have to approach the subject very carefully as she knows about my fascination and backs away when the subject is brought up.
Although she has been wearing her glasses out more, and wore them nearly all Tuesday when out shopping. Problem is they have reactolite lenses and this windy and cold weather, they soon turn too dark to wear on a dull day.
Patience, our day will come!
OnLooker 27 Jan 2009, 00:25
JJ, that's exactly what my wife is going through! She had a mild astygmatism correction nearly six years ago. She rarely wore her glasses. Then she started using off the shelf +1 readers, now she got +1.5 which she feels are much better for close up. However she still can see well enough without them even for close up it's just that she gets eye strain and starts squinting very quickly when she's using the computer for example.
JJ 26 Jan 2009, 23:20
Aubrac, the wife is 49. She had low astigmatism script about 20 yrs ago and stopped wearing them for many years. About 5 yrs ago she started wearing off the shelf +1.25, +1.50, +1.75, then finally +2 over 3 years. She got the first prescription readers about 2 years ago. Alas, I really hope the time will come for her to be a full time wearer.
OnLooker 26 Jan 2009, 04:47
Unfortunately that will not be possible as i have had my latest prescription and wouldn't like to awaken anything in her in that regard. I shall just let her notice herself that she may need new glasses. She once told me she would never wear glasses unless she's seriously in need for them with a very low vision. Let's see how things evolve!!
Aubrac 26 Jan 2009, 04:39
OnLooker
My wife was 34/35 when she got her first glasses. I was due for my regular checkup and casually suggested she come along too.
We went to the 20/20 Optical Store in London, she went in first and I saw a different optician. When I came out, she was standing around and I asked how she got on - 'Oh they asked me to choose the frames I liked' - heart pounding moment as I realised that she was to become a GWG!
MAybe you could do the same thing and suggest you both go for a checkup.
OnLooker 26 Jan 2009, 04:30
She won't settle to go to the optician for an eye test!! Actually, we have an fiend ophthalmologist who has visited us and he told her she apparently has a mild myopia from what he observed...
Anyway i am just observing avoiding to get involved in convincing her to look into that as this will awaken the issue of my liking nearsighted women wearing glasses and trying to impose glasses on her!! Let's just sit back relax and wait for things to evolve naturally...I guess we're getting there!!
Phil 26 Jan 2009, 04:12
onlooker. drag her down to the optician. It looks like she needs to wear glasses for distance and close work. You are a lucky chap: I think you will soon have a fulltime gwg wife!
OnLooker 26 Jan 2009, 03:32
My wife used to wear +1 readers for the computer screen and reading rather tiny script, but she used to do well even without them on, the only thing is that she was getting eye strains... Now, i got her +1.5 readers and she's been using them for some time but on and off, the last period she started to use them more and more for the computer screen and reading small print, i also noticed she was squinting at the tv screen too at times... I guess there will shortly be developments in relation to her vision. She's now 35 in fact. Any observations?
Aubrac 26 Jan 2009, 01:10
JJ
May I ask how old your wife is and how long she has been wearing glasses?
My wife wore strong plus glasses, about +5, for a few years as a kid but got her first pair as an adult at 35. She is gradually edging towards full time wear at 39, and as I said on another thread, is wearing her old lower scrip glasses sometimes all day.
The time will come!!
JJ 24 Jan 2009, 20:34
Well, the wife got a new pair of glasses last week, and chose a beautiful dark frame. Script went up from +2 to +2.25, with astigmatism in one lense. I only wish she'd wear them more often, if not all the time...
Cactus Jack 24 Jan 2009, 19:14
enlightened,
I was primarily curious about your age, I suspected something like that. I mostly get and answer technical questions related to optics and vision and don't pay much attention to the psychology of glasses wearing. Your post was most unusual and your enthusiasm about being able to see well was somewhat surprising.
I started wearing glasses when I was 14 (nearly 60 years ago) and had a similar experience. I couldn't believe what I had been missing. I really have difficulty understanding why anyone would tolerate blurry vision, if they knew there was a simple alternative, even it they are in their teens. Vanity can apparently be a very powerful force.
I live in Houston
C.
enlightened 24 Jan 2009, 18:57
age 22, Miami,FL why the interest?
Cactus Jack 24 Jan 2009, 18:32
enlightened,
May I ask your age and where you live?
You may use cactusjack1928@hotmail.com if you wish.
C.
enlightened 24 Jan 2009, 17:00
Cactus,
The only things remotely heroic in terms of my eyesight were the late night drives with uncorrected vision and a few cocktails in me. How I survived those took some sort of heroic measures maybe with some help from the man above. AMEN!
Note: None of these "acts of heroism" make me very proud, just lucky!
Cactus Jack 24 Jan 2009, 15:08
enlightened,
That question was something I have been wanting to ask for some time. The only reason I directed it to you is that you seemed to have happily joined those of us who like to see well with little or no effort. Sort of "Damn the vanity, full Rx ahead" or something like that, to corrupt a quote of a naval hero.
I have noted what appears to be something like a tone of martyrdom on another thread, and I thought maybe you had experienced something like that and could tell us what it was like to "come out of the closet" so to speak. It doesn't sound like you are the one to ask.
Welcome to sharp, comfortable, and effortless vision.
It is great, isn't it.
C.
enlightened 24 Jan 2009, 13:42
Cactus,
"Martyrdom, Bravery, Heroism" pretty strong words for someone who simply squinted when necessary to see? Let's not get carried away here. Words like "idiotic, stupid, and retarded" come quicker to mind to describe my "non-glasses wearing life."
Cactus Jack 24 Jan 2009, 12:48
enlightened,
But didn't you have some feelings of martyrdom and sacrifice while bravely and heroically "functioning" with poor vision?
C.
enlightened 24 Jan 2009, 09:50
Cactus Jack,
I always knew that I probably needed glasses, but I always found a way to get by. I kept telling myself that it wasn't that bad. I would cheat on eye tests by memorizing the chart, and I felt like I could function with only a little inconvenience. Now I realize that it was way more than just a little inconvenience. It was a HUGE INCONVENIENCE!
Cactus jack 23 Jan 2009, 21:56
enlightened,
Sounds like you have an an "eye opening" experience. Why did you wait so long?
C.
enlightened 23 Jan 2009, 21:17
WOW! Just got my first pair of glasses in my life. I am 22yrs old and have never seen as well as I should. My perscription is L-2.25 R-2.50. What a difference these things make. When I went to the doctor,I thouht I'd wear my glasses to maybe drive at night or at a concert, but now I'm thinking I should probably wear them all the time. I can't believe I've lived so long without these. I'm new to this site and I am excited to be seeing so clearly!
Cactus jack 23 Jan 2009, 13:29
Bittie,
Prism correction can't be done in contact lenses, they won't stay in place accurately enough on your eye to make them useful.
What is going on, is one of your eyes does not want to point in the same direction as the other in the vertical axis. It is like someone who is very slightly cross eyed (squint?) except in the vertical direction. 3BU will deflect the rays of light by about 1.5 angular degrees and will be invisible to others. In some Rx, the lens of your right eye will be a little thicker at the top and a little thinner at the bottom than the lens in your left eye.
Hopefully, the result will be that you won't feel like you are haveing to work to fuse the images.
Let us know how they work for you.
C.
Bittie 23 Jan 2009, 12:02
I just received a new prescription for glasses, but this time, for the first time, it includes a prism. I've had problems for a long time with feeling like I had to actually work to 'align' my eyes and see one image. This is the first time I have been to this doctor, having spent some 20 years with the previous. I hadn't gotten a rx that seemed to work for ages, hence the change in doctors. She did several tests, spent an amazing amount of time with me, and determined the prism would be most beneficial to me. Problem is, I don't know much about them. I've looked it up on the internet, but there doesn't seem to be a ton of info. It is 3BU (or slab off-at the opticians discretion) in the right eye only. How does this work? How will it look in comparison to the other lens? I wear glasses and contacts, and asked for a rx for both. She said that she wasn't going to do the contact rx right now as I will find I will need the glasses and not be able to do the contacts after a while. Why? Is it hard to get used to? My overall rx changed some as well. Thank you.
KP 23 Jan 2009, 06:01
So I have been having a few problems at night whilst driving and also reading the newspaper, I went off to the Optician. I did buy last year soe readers which have helped.
I have a passion for GWG and have been scouting this site for the past few months.
My prescripton came up
R 0.50 0.25 2.0 + 1.75
L 0.00 0.00 0.0 + 1.75
The lady told me that I should be wearing varifocals, but these seem expensive, can anybody help me on this issue
Dan 14 Jan 2009, 18:27
MJ,
My biggest issue with wearing them part-time was constantly taking them on and off. On for a class, then off for an hour, then back on for class, etc. It just got to be a pain, so I figured I would just keep them on all of the time. They make the computer a bit clearer too (probably the minor astigmatism) so they help for that. And I haven't reached the presbyopia stage yet where I can't accommodate for reading haha.
MJ 14 Jan 2009, 14:55
Dan
I hope you have lots of comments to report back here.
When people ask, what will be your reason for wearing full time now?
Dan 14 Jan 2009, 11:03
MJ,
Interesting article...and yea, I wanted to get new frames. But that's going to have to wait until I get a new prescription.
And I agree, I love girls that go from either never wearing glasses to sometimes wearing them, or sometimes wearing them to all the time...very attractive.
14 Jan 2009, 08:48
A guy or a girl I'm sure
MJ 14 Jan 2009, 08:30
For Dan
MJ 14 Jan 2009, 08:24
Dan
There's something sexy about a guy who used to but then no longer takes off his glasses. Usually that'd be combined with a new pair of glasses but - whatever - it makes a girl hot to think of it.
Dan 14 Jan 2009, 07:30
Guest,
I definitely will post with comments.
MJ,
It doesn't really bother me that my lenses don't look very strong. The general public usually can't tell anyway. All I know is that I can see better with them so I wear them haha.
MJ 14 Jan 2009, 06:23
Dan
How do your lenses look? Do you worry that they don't look very strong, or doesn't that worry you at all?
Guest 13 Jan 2009, 23:00
Dan
Be sure to post here when you get any comments!
Dan 13 Jan 2009, 15:48
Clare,
No one has commented so far actually. My friends have seen me wear them before (in class, etc) but now I don't take them off when I'm not in class or doing distance activities. I'm sure some people have noticed me wearing them more, but so far no one has commented.
We just began a new semester here at college (yesterday) and I've only been full time since yesterday (first day of classes) so we'll see if anyone catches on that I'm wearing them full-time.
Clare 13 Jan 2009, 14:47
Dan - have you got many comments about wearing your glasses? That's what I hated when I had to wear mine a few years back because of an eye infection.
Clare 13 Jan 2009, 14:46
Phil - I think I'll like them too. They certainly suit my colouring. The only reason for replacing the others were that the bridge broke and as I'm travelling from Monday I wanted to replace them and, given it takes almost a week, I needed to do it quickly.
And - yes I'm a 99% of the time contacts wearer but there are times, such as watching TV at home and when at airports, that I don't wear contacts so it's always good to have a back up.
Dan 13 Jan 2009, 06:08
I have a very light prescription so some people might even question why I do wear them all the time haha....but anyway:
OD -.50
OS PL -.50 x 180
I think one of my biggest issues is the slight difference in prescription btwn both eyes...my eyes sometimes feel "wierd" if i don't wear them.
I have brown Nike Flexon frames. Something like these:
http://www.coolframes.com/get_image.php?fid=13656&color=&alt=
Phil 13 Jan 2009, 00:47
Yes you did Clare. They are great! Why the urgency? What happened? Now all you have to do is wear them (and, of course, let me buy you that coffee!!).
Guest 12 Jan 2009, 22:12
Well done Dan! Remind us what is your prescription and what type of frames do you wear?
Dan 12 Jan 2009, 16:36
Well, I didn't really get new glasses, but I have decided to go full-time with my current glasses. I used to only wear them to see the board in class but now I've decided just to keep them on all day. I'm sure many people on here are excited to see another full-time wearer!
And 12 Jan 2009, 15:47
Clare, aren't you a 99% contacts person,why the urgent need for glasses ?
Peter 12 Jan 2009, 15:18
Clare -- this is certainly a nice looking frame to me. How it looks on your face is hard to know for sure, but it seems like a great choice. Hope you love 'em!
Clare 12 Jan 2009, 12:13
I had to get some new glasses today at short notice so could only get to Speccies. I fancied something in keeping with my pale (blonde) colouring so chose these in a pale brown
http://www.specsavers.co.uk/glasses/womens-glasses/gretchen
I'm really looking forward to picking them up at the weekend. Did I make a good choice ;)
And I'm surprised that they were also surprisingly inexpensive. Let's hope they're worth it.
Phil 09 Jan 2009, 05:43
Kate, you've been prescribed +.5, together with another +1.5 for close work. So that's +2 altogether. Why don't you drop into Boots and buy a pair of ready readers at +2 and try them for reading. That will give you the cprrection you need for close things. Then you can decide whether to go fulltime with the varifocals.
Congratulations on becoming a gwg! Make the most of the new experience! What frames have you chosen?
kate 09 Jan 2009, 05:24
Aubrac, Willy and Bobby thanks very much for the advice. Bobby where did you get +2.00 from? I collect my glasses on the 19th and I'll let you know how I get on.I had been putting off going to the Opticians for about 18 months until it reached the point where I needed to go. I have not worn glasses before so it will be a new experience.
Willy 08 Jan 2009, 14:45
Kate -- I wouldn't say that your prescription is very strong for a first pair for reading in your 40's. As for the +.5 sph, -.5 cyl at distance, did your eye doctor indicate whether he or she expected this might increase over time? Right now, you probably don't NEED to wear them for distance, but if your distance prescription increases, it will become more necessary. For now, it will help you get used to the progressives to wear them all the time for a couple of weeks to get used to looking through the proper areas. Once you are used to that, you could probably leave them off at certain times, especially if you do not notice a distinct difference at distance. If you find, however, that your distance vision is clearer and/or more comfortable at distance with the glasses, then I would continue to wear them full time. Good luck and let us know how you get on...
Bobby 08 Jan 2009, 14:00
Hey Kate,
Congratulations on your new specs. If I read right you are going from 0 to +2.00 for reading. How well do you see without them? Seems like a strong prescrip for a first pair. Have you struggled for a while?
Aubrac 08 Jan 2009, 08:37
Hello Kate and welcome to eyescene.
Your prescription shows four elements for each eye.
Firstly the Sph +.50 is a small correction for long sighted distance correction and will sharpen your eyesight for distance. This is needed when light focuses behind the retina and not actually on the retina and so the image is not crystal clear.
Secondly/thirdly the Cyl -.50 is a correction for a degree of astigmatism which occurs when the lens or cornea are not a uniform shape. This has the effect of giving unclear vision at certain points in your field of vision and is corrected at the appropriate angle needed, in your case the Axis 175 R and Axis 15.5 L.
Fourthly the Add 1.5 is an additional correction for reading. This can be needed at any age but often happens after 40 as the crystalline lens in the eye becomes stiffer and cannot bend to allow focus on near objects or reading.
The fact that you have been prescribed progressive lenses indicates they are for full-time wear because the Sph (short for spherical) correction has been specified as well as the Add.
Have you ever worn glasses before? If not, you may find they take a little getting used to, but will give you crisp vision at distance and for reading without any eyestrain. I think anyone would recommend you wear them full-time as this will enable you to get used to them more quickly and get the benefits of clear, strain-free vision at all distances.
Let us know how you get on, and I am sure there are others who will tell you of their experiences with progressive lenses.
Kate 08 Jan 2009, 07:38
I have just got my first glasses.My optician recommended progressive lenses.My prescription is R Sph +.50 Cyl -.50 Axis 175 Add 1.50 L Sph+.50 Cyl -.50 Axis 15.5 Add 1.50.
I am 45 what do all the numbers mean and should I be wearing these glasses all the time.
Clare 08 Jan 2009, 05:57
My colleague here has just got glasses -1.50 and -3 and has been told to wear them all the time to avoid confusing her eyes. She wears them all day at work but says when she takes them off at the end of the day the worst eye really starts to feel strained. She's thinking that it's the glasses making it worse, I tell her it can't be - can it?
The rationale for being told to wear them all day is that with one eye for near and the other for distance, putting them on and taking them off only confuses and for nearer distances, like the computer is worse.
Has anyone here heard similar?
lazysiow 08 Jan 2009, 05:36
Martha, keep us posted. Sounds like your eyes might actually be worse than your bf's lol
Phil 08 Jan 2009, 02:04
Hi Hollie. Haven't heard from you for ages. Hope you are well. It'll be the end of studying that has slowed things down. How's the accountancy going? What frames are you wearing nowadays?
Smudgeur 08 Jan 2009, 01:27
Hi SC
Did you decide to get glasses made up with your bespoke prescription or are you sticking with supermarket readers?
I would recommend you getting the distance prescription made up too (why not try one of the cheap online places) - you'll be surprised how much difference even a small prescription makes - especially when driving at night.
Keep us posted on your progress.
Martha 07 Jan 2009, 16:00
SC-
Seems to me that getting a Blackberry is an easy way of getting regular eye exams for near vision. I got my BB and soon realized I was struggling to read the keys. I had already made the font size larger so reading the screen was never a problem. After realizing the problems I was having, borrowed my bf's readers and couldn't believe the difference they made! I wore them, first time for about an hour while he was driving, checking emails and such, and when we arrived took them off and couldn't even make out the keys that I could read before we left...all fuzzed out on me. Eye exam scheduled for next week. Thanks Blackberry!!
Hollie 07 Jan 2009, 13:33
Hi all
Havn't been around here for a while, but thought I would update with latest prescription- had the test just before xmas. Previous one was -4.50 -1.25 and -5.25 -1.00. New one is -5.00 -1.25 and -6.00 -1.00. Smallest increase for a while, but am hoping there will be no more!
SC 07 Jan 2009, 01:37
One last comment from me at how ironic life can be.
I'd read all the posts on this site about people needing glasses to read their Blackberries. I realised I was making decisions based on my eyesight when I decided not to buy one. When a friend got one I was pleasantly surprised to find I had no problems and so rushed out to get one at the end of Nov - now 6 weeks later I can already feel myself starting to struggle!!!
SC 07 Jan 2009, 01:12
Like Lenses
Right eye has -0.25, 75.0
As suggested by Cactus Jack I'm seeing a rapid tail off in close vision. I started (Dec 20th) with the intention of wearing when needed - ie fine print but reality is that I wouldn't attempt a book without unless it was in bright light ie outdoors or in front of a window. One glance at a page a bedtime and my brain just says 'get serious and put the glasses on'
Optician suggested I'd gradually go up +1.5, +1.75 to about +2.5 but I suspect intermediate will go first and I'll be looking at bi-focals for keyboard & screen rather than between close-up and distance
Like Lenses 06 Jan 2009, 15:10
SC
Is there a correction for astigmatism in your right lens,and if so what are the numbers?
SC 06 Jan 2009, 02:42
Panic over... things are not as bad as I thought
L -0.25, +1.25
R -0.25, +1.25 & slight astigmatism
Optician said the -0.25 not worth fixing at this time. So perhaps the 'blurred' feeling is just a reaction to the crystal clear of wearing glasses to read
Like Lenses 05 Jan 2009, 12:56
SC
It sounds like mild myopia, with some astigmatism, and at your age most likely a weak bifocal.
cactus Jack 05 Jan 2009, 08:19
SC,
Poor distance vision is usually related to some myopia, but astigmatism can also be a factor. The only way to really tell is with an eye exam.
Mild myopia can also help some with close works because it acts like built in reading glasses. If that is the case, you may find that bifocals are the solution and that you rapidly find that you REALLY need them to read. That is normal, because your ciliary muscles have been working extra hard to focus close and the glasses relieve them of some of their burden. When that happens, they soon get used to not having to work extra hard, and they become de-conditioned. In some people of your age, this can happen with surprising speed.
Look back through some of the posts of other's experiences with the rapid onset of need and their loosing battle to avoid the dreaded glasses or horror of horrors, bifocals. Or, in incredibly "tragic" cases, trifocals. Some are rather humorous.
I also think you will find, that after the adjustment period and the discovery of what they were missing, they wonder why they didn't get glasses sooner
C.
SC 05 Jan 2009, 07:18
Smudgeur I can take a hint - booked for tomorrow. I'd already realised what I was going through, I waqs just surprised it seemed to be accelerating in a few weeks.
I've never had good distance vision - just enough to get away with such as passing the driving test - but I've never known whether I was a myope or hyperope. Is there anyway to test? I ask because I saw a post on this site where someone had symptoms of presbyopia and hyperopia but in fact needed -ve lenses. With my symptoms I would guess + lenses are assumed but I've had some of the symptoms for 30 years!!!
TONY 05 Jan 2009, 05:17
Hi Marina, very nice story what you told us, so many of us feel indentified with you, but what happend in your apponintment?,did your vision get worse?, the same?, have you change your glasses?, told us about your new experience, we appreciate, thanks , have a good year!!!!
Smudgeur 05 Jan 2009, 04:13
PS - If you are in the UK your employer should fund the cost of an annual eyetest if you are a VDU user and, if the optician, prescribes particularly for Computer work, you may also get a contribution towards the cost of your specs. Check with your HR department.
Keep us updated.
Smudgeur 05 Jan 2009, 04:11
Hi SC and a Happy New Year to you.
The best advice I can give to you is to go for a professional eyetest.
As you hit 40 you become aware of changes to your vision that have actually been happening for a while longer. It's called presbyopia and I won't bother explaining it because there is loads about it on the internet.
It happens to everyone sooner or later, to reach 44 you have lasted out longer than many (my wife is 41 and already aware of it).
Close up vision problems, especially in low light, will become apparent first followed by intermediate vision (computer screen distance).
My guess is your optometrist will be able to easily rectify this for you with glasses to your own personal prescription which will be far more comfortable for you than cheap ready-readers.
Don't panic, you're perfectly normal. Accept it with good grace and pick some gorgeous frames to enhance your looks. You will see from the posts on here that many members of the opposite sex can find this quite alluring, so enjoy!
SC 05 Jan 2009, 03:41
I never really wanted to wear glasses but I've struggled with close-up for the last 2 yrs (I'm 44). Tried my Sister-in-Law's readers just before Christmas and was amazed at how print looked - I know I was struggling to read fine print but didn't realise how relatively large print was not in focus.
So I got supermarket readers (+1) and have been impressed particularly - as other posts suggest - in poor light conditions. In general In find it so much easier and quicker to read but I'm concerned I am giving in too easily.
First day back at work today and sat in front of a PC - without glasses I find myself blinking as if I'm fighting to focus, with glasses it's not quite right either - perhaps I'm just not used to it. As I look around the office what really worries me is that middle distance 3-4 metres is really not in focus. Is this a normal reaction to adjusting to glasses - I don't mean after taking them off - I mean when I got in this morning before I'd tried glasses on?
Clare 22 Dec 2008, 09:42
Wonderous - yes it's quite usual to find that vision is much worse in the dark. I wear contacts (-2.75 and -3) and would definately find it challenging to walk about in the dark in an unfamiliar area without some form of correction - glasses or contacts. I am fine with and without them at the computer but since I usually wear contacts it's mostly with ...
If you find it uncomfortable to use the computer without your glasses then just wear them. Better to be comfortable.
Wonderous 21 Dec 2008, 14:16
Antonio, Julian, Josh thank you for your replies to my question.
I have had my new glasses for a month now but am not wearing them all the time. What I notice without them is the difference in my eyes - one is -2 and the other is -3 - and it feels quite strange. I also find that because of this it's more comfortable to wear them if I'm on the computer or reading for a long time. I've heard that this isn't necessary for people with minus glasses but I find it easier. I read that this can increase the deterioration of eyesight, I hope not.
I also tried to walk back home from town on Friday night and was surprised that my vision felt very bad in the dark so I was glad to have my glasses.
Do these seem usual experiences for someone with this kind of prescription?
Jose 20 Dec 2008, 03:49
Hi Marina, great story, let us know how you were in your appointment , i`m so glad that you could see well right know...
ehpc 18 Dec 2008, 16:58
I bet you look GREAT in the 'thick black frames' Marina :) Pete
Katie 18 Dec 2008, 15:57
Great story Marina. Do you ever visit Lenschat? WIth your affinity to glasses you should come and visit and make some more friends there. Let us know if you decide to do that.
K xx
Dieter 18 Dec 2008, 11:25
marina,
Fantastic story! It's strange how so many of us refuse to wear glasses at first even when we have such an affinity to them.
marina 18 Dec 2008, 10:38
hi guys
this is my first post here..i've been a reader for quite a while, but i finally decided to tell you my story. i think that youre gonna like it. i am 19 years old and female. i got my first glasses when i was like 13 or 14 i dunno exactley. i had become a bit shortsighted and was prescribed glasses with -0.75 and -1.25 and a slight astigmatism. i constantly refused to wear them, even at school because i was one of the "cool" girls at school at could not immagine myself in glasses. that was also the time when i noticed my affection to glasses (not so much on others, more on myself), so i'd wear them regulary at home when i was alone and really enjoyed the great vision. i always wished to be really dependant on glasses so that i would not have a joice than to wear them. when i was 16 i moved to another town and made new friends and stuff..you know. that's why i decided to wear my glasses at least for school, so that the others would only know me in glasses (well not all the time just for school etc.). so i became a part time wearer. i noticed that things did not look so sharp and clear anymore even with my glasses on, but i did not bother about it since i thought i would only use them for school. time went by and after a while i had problems with seeing even with glasses, better said they were practically usless because the did not make a difference anymore. i really wanted new glasses, but my dad had lost plenty of money in business, so i thought it's better to wait a while so i did not tell my parents about my eyes. after i had finished high school i have started to work in an office, where i sit in front of a pc about 8 or 9 hours a day (i live in germany and here you can start to work right after high school, just an additional information). i still didn't have new glasses because i didnt have to see in distance for work etc, and ive never been a person who whatches tv all the time, so a just sort of put it off. but my eysight was very, very bad. by then i had even trouble on my pc. i had stopped going out because at night i would not see a thing. i was about to loose my friends and i finally made myself an appointment at the eydoctor (that was about over a year ago). when i got there i was really excited. first the doc did a few tests like preassure and things, you know... then he put me in front of an eye chart and told me to read. i hardly managed the first big letter, the rest was just horrible blur to me. after the "show" i gave me a prescription and said that i should have come years ago. the prescription said: L -4.5 -1.0 65, R -3.75 - 1.25 133. I went straight to the optician and chose some thick black frames, and a few days later i had them. the first time i put them on i honestly started to cry. i could not believe what i had missed. i have worn them full time since then. now i have again trouble with my vision and will visit the eyedoc next on friday and i think that now i'm even more shortsighted...
bye
marina
ehpc 15 Dec 2008, 19:44
As well as linguistic elegance and respect for the use of language, one crucial reason grammar and accent are both important is because poor grammar and accent are immensely confusing to anyone holding a conversation in a language which is not their 'mother tongue'. That's why visitors to the United Kingdom find London so confusing.I can 'get by' OK in German, but I am a long way from being fluent, and unorthodox grammar and pronounced regional accents really throw me.
Pete
DWV 15 Dec 2008, 17:28
I thought the original poster was not posting in his or her native language. If so, I think it is only reasonable to forgive them for using "gift" as a verb, since that usage may be normal in their language. It's quite another thing for a fluent English speaker to butcher the language.
Obligatory new glasses content:
new glasses aren't looking so new now, since I slipped on some wet leaves while mountain biking and banged my glasses and forehead into a rock. Forehead has healed, but not the scratches on the frame and lens.
SZ6 15 Dec 2008, 17:23
Surely there's room for a middle ground of sorts, whereby the English language can continue to evolve while still maintaining some semblance of grammatical structure?
Just My Opinion 15 Dec 2008, 14:08
Why the hostile attack against someone who thought the word "gift" was being used incorrectly and describe portray the poster as "pompous" and belittling? Damn... he even said please!
Although the poster is incorrect in his statement, I must add my two cents that the state of grammar found in instant messaging and email today is absolutely abysmal. The more people who use nouns as verbs, the less educated we sound as a society. Please use verbs, adverbs, proper punctuation, etc. It's not really that hard.
I don't recognize the sentiment expressed here and applaud the effort by the poster. Cheers.
Katy 15 Dec 2008, 04:47
Thanks Phil, will do! :-)
Phil 15 Dec 2008, 02:01
Nice frames Katy: impeccably good taste, as always. Let us know what lenses you go for.
ehpc 14 Dec 2008, 19:57
should be 'moaning'
ehpc 14 Dec 2008, 19:57
I am not maoning Puffin :) How are you? Pete
PeteM 14 Dec 2008, 12:29
I just got new glasses, and they are trifocals. The eye doc said next would be bifocals, but got tris. I'm a 19 yo college freshman with high hyperopia (+10), and a +1.75 add. If you want to take this off-line, the email is pedro1190munoz @ live dot com.
14 Dec 2008, 08:37
Thanks Katy and Like Lenses for talking on topic.
The rest of you talking grammar: Take it wherever it belongs!
Katy 14 Dec 2008, 08:05
Thanks, Like Lenses. I always get CR39, for that reason :-)
Like Lenses 13 Dec 2008, 17:49
Katy
I like the frames. Go with CR39 lenses, for the thicker look.
Puffin 13 Dec 2008, 16:02
Oh stop moaning. Languages evolve, get used to it. If they didn't we'd all be talking like "ugh ugh ugh ugh" all the time.
ehpc 13 Dec 2008, 13:32
Should be...............'the ugly results can frequently be attributed'.........
Any thoughts Tanya? ha ha
ehpc 13 Dec 2008, 13:30
Verbalisation of nouns is part of the developing process of language - a proces which has become endemic recently, frequently with unfortunate results. The ugly results can be attributed to the computer people, for whom elegance of language has never been a priority. It is not long ago that the word access' was used solely as a noun. (There is a famous road sign in Scotland which reads 'Kilmarnock Cemetery - Access Only :)) Computer people talk of 'accessing' e-mails and so on. Why not 'read' e-mails? One doesn't 'access' a mail letter by opening the envelope. A particularly crass example, in my view, is theword 'video' - perhaps a rather ugly word to start with. From the Latin 'I see' the word became a noun ('a video') and then a different verb ('are you going to video your wedding?')A SEROUSLY gross example I received recently was a written invitation to 'CASCADE my friends with gifts this Xmas'!!!!!! Oh dear...............
I would have thought the word 'gift' as a verb was perfectly good, and has been in use for a long time, particularly in the field of corporate philanthropy.
Pete
13 Dec 2008, 11:28
The verb gift has 2 senses (first 1 from tagged texts)
1. (1) endow, indue, gift, empower, invest, endue -- (give qualities or abilities to)
2. give, gift, present -- (give as a present; make a gift of; "What will you give her for her birthday?")
13 Dec 2008, 11:19
Dictionary.com says "gift" can be used as a verb:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/gift
Merrian Webster has an entry with "gift" as a transitive verb
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gift%5B2%5D
The Oxford dictionary has an entry for "gift" as a verb:
http://www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/gift?view=uk
I for one would like to say that I appreciate all contributions to this forum, even from those with a native language other then English. The last thing we need if for them to be belittled by pompous "grammar police" who don't take the time to research before criticizing.
Grammar Cop 13 Dec 2008, 10:14
Please remember GIFT is not a verb just because Apple says so. You can't "gift this" or start "gifting someone." The dictionary still states it is a noun. Proper correct usage is to GIVE a gift.
Katy 13 Dec 2008, 09:32
I've just got these in the colour shown - it is a gorgeous deep pink. I haven't got the lenses put in yet, I'm thinking about what rx to go for. But I'm very excited about them, haven't had new glasses for ages! :-)
http://www.valleyoptics.co.uk/product.php?productid=16486&cat=263&page=3
antonio 26 Nov 2008, 13:59
wonderous,
I think most people with that strength would wear those at least part time to often, many would wear them the whole time,
how do you do now or plan to do ?
best regards, antonio
22 Nov 2008, 10:00
i want to gift my GF glasses like this..
i dont know where i can get this..
this ray ban vintage glasses..
i dont want to spend this much amount
still hopping if i get from my local optical store
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3162/2415744658_d70e2a2eb2.jpg?v=0
Josh 16 Nov 2008, 13:57
Wonderous---just wear them when you want to.
Julian 16 Nov 2008, 09:16
OK Wonderous: if you want to see well wear them full time; if you're not bothered don't - but you'd better make sure you always have them handy. In answer to your quesion about what's usual, I'd say most (but not all) people with that Rx would wear them full time. Tom has a particular point of view which you can take or leave.
Wonderous 16 Nov 2008, 08:42
I agree with Sharon. I can see enough to get by without them but can not see well. However my question is also about when it is usual to wear something this strong.
And 15 Nov 2008, 05:58
Sharon, what activities etc do you do without your glasses, perhaps you could explain in the 'going without glasses' thread.
Sharon 15 Nov 2008, 05:17
Re the post below: I'd say that -2 is more "than on the border line for driving and watching tv"
My prescription is L -2.25D x -0.75, R -2.25D x -0.5 and I think my glasses are pretty much necessary for driving and watching TV. And essential for driving at night. Also shopping is possible but difficult without them.
I'm not a full-time wearer, but do wear them everyday for the above and more activities.
Tom 12 Nov 2008, 06:43
Wonderous: I'd say "no", you should be able to do almost everything without your glasses. But julian has probably given the best answer. It is clear that with your glasses on you can see better. Just decide if the amount of vision improvements paid for the need to use them of not. Anyway, there are several people that do without glasses even with stronger myopia than you have. At the end -2 is a low myopia, on the border line for needing glasses but for driving and watching TV. Jsut let us know wich is your decision. BTW, is it your first prescription? In this case it should be very easy to do without them: just go on doing what you have done till now ;-)
And 09 Nov 2008, 13:20
Laura, Did you think you were missing things when you went out to dinner ?
Julian 09 Nov 2008, 12:16
Wonderous: try wearing them for a day or two. When you realize what you can see with them and what you can't see without them you won't need to ask.
Wonderous 09 Nov 2008, 09:21
My new glasses are -2 and -3. The dispenser said they are 'quite strong'. Does that mean I should wear them all the time? They didn't say.eye
Hansel 09 Nov 2008, 03:05
Thanks, Clare, for pandering to my sensitivities.
Do you think I should go back to my optician and ask for the test fee to be charged?!
Clare 09 Nov 2008, 02:49
Clare - Hansel by my calculation then, the cyl in your right eye would be equivalent to an extra -1 sphere so I think you're just short of -10!
Hansel 09 Nov 2008, 02:34
Now that just confuses me , Clare! ;-)
I did get a tad upset at the idea that because the R eye totalled in excess of -10, the test became free. Perhaps that is as much of my hang up about filling the prescription.
Clare 09 Nov 2008, 02:11
Hansel - I think that the additional cyl is only equivalent to half the sphere. Small point here of course!
Hansel 09 Nov 2008, 01:43
Perhaps I should have noted that although the add with CLs has always been higher than with glasses, and the last add was +1.50.
Apologies.
Hansel 09 Nov 2008, 01:35
Aubrac
L: -7.75/-1.25 moved to --8.00/-1.25
R:-8.00/-1.75 changed to -8.25/-2.00
So taken together a shift of -0.25 L and -0.50 on the R.
Looked on this way, an effective add jump of +0.5 on the L and +0.25? on the R.
Thanks for that, at that point perhaps the change I need to instigate is the readers I use with CLs and up that to +2.00?
Aubrac 09 Nov 2008, 01:00
Hansel
How much did your distance rx increase by? If it was, say -0.75, then your add may only have increased to counteract the change. Meaning in other words that your reading prescription hasn't changed.
If you can read ok with your present glasses, then it is quite likely that with a distance increase, you will find reading difficult.
08 Nov 2008, 05:35
wear glasses it`s so nice when your vision in bad, if you do the right choose of your frames you`ll feel more confident and sure you like to wear,are you a boy or a girl? what`s your rx?
new to glasses 08 Nov 2008, 02:00
What a day for me. Today I went for my eye exam and found out that I need glasses for my far vision. Two week's ago I failed the DMVs eye test, so today I went for my eye exam at Lens Crafter's. The doctor had me read the eye chart, I didn't see all the lines of letters. Did more test on my eyes. The doctor told me that I was nearsighted and by wearing glasses I can have better vision. The next thing is picking out a frame and lenses for my glasses. I picked up my glasses after work so no one knows that I wear glasses. Too my surprise I think I might like wearing glasses, maybe not.
Hansel 30 Oct 2008, 12:56
Wondering what to do!
FYI_contact lenses at work, retreat to the specs at home.
New prescription in the Summer, different optician from normal. Specs prescription shifted somewhat, a tad more on the myopic scale, and a jump from +1.00 to +1.75 on the add. Test completed at the end of working day in front of a VDU and my eyes were tired.
Was unsure at the extent of the additional +0.75 so have dilly dallied on getting the prescription filled. Also unsure about the jump in the myopia count (now over -10 when the astigmatism count kicks in).
A bit of spare cash at the moment, so have been thinking about getting the prescription filled.
Difficulty is that i am still unsure about the prescription, my normal optician is booked up solid or I would have gone for a retest.
If I go to that optician for the specs, I will be paying premium price, but if I go elsewhere on the grounds of cost and the prescription proves not quite right, I will have little redress with the original script not least as it is now a couple of months old.
Suggestions please!
antonio 29 Oct 2008, 11:03
Thanks for answering, Laura,
how did you feel the evening without them ? Did you miss them at any time ?
best regards nd welcome to the club
8-)
antonio
Laura 29 Oct 2008, 04:53
Hi Antonio,
Thanks for the nice comments.
I have been wearing them virtually all the time. A couple of times like when I went out for dinner on the weekend and when I went to a friends for a girlie evening I took them off but the rest of the time they are on.
I love seeing perfectly!
27 Oct 2008, 13:49
very nice and stylish choice of frames, Laura !!!
I would love to see you in those 8-)
Do you wear them sometimes/often/never/a lot ?
just curious,
enjoy life,
antonio
wonderin' 24 Oct 2008, 09:06
Anybody know why the specsavers "try it on" feature might not work?
Aubrac 24 Oct 2008, 05:21
Val
Nice low plus prescription to start. I love plus lenses because of how they look when viewed from the side or from behind.
Well actually was converted to a plussie when my wife got the same prescription in her thirties. You'll find that if your friend wears them quite a lot for reading and maybe distance, she'll need a further +1.00 in the next year or so.
Possibly full time in a couple of years. Keep us posted on how she gets on.
VFL 23 Oct 2008, 09:41
Val...funny how a little plus can be a big plus in our minds, huh? Emjoy the view!
Laura 23 Oct 2008, 05:00
I hadnt spotted there was a new glasses thread. Bad Eyesight on my part lol.
I have been posting in the post your prescription section so sorry if anyone reads twice.
I got glasses for the first time this week. My prescription and the glasses I got are below.
http://www.specsavers.co.uk/glasses/designer-glasses/th23
http://www.specsavers.co.uk/glasses/designer-glasses/th06
My prescription is
R -0.75 -1.00
L -0.75 -0.75
Val 23 Oct 2008, 04:51
I am happy, because my girlfriend has just been prescribed glasses for the first time.
I am 40 and she is 38.
The prescription is low, +0.5 and +0.75 but it's something. The prescription says: just for reading. Bur I'm sure that she has a little latent hyperopia.
We are dating for about 2 month already and when I met her she did not have glasses. Nor a prescription for glasses. I am an OO, always have been, so this is a big plus.
We went together to chose frames. I let her chose and she spotted a small oval semirimless frame she liked. And I like how the frame looks on her.
14 Sep 2008, 07:03
Billy E
try Giarre.com for your new glasses. They are cheaper than iris and spex for less. Ihave odered several pairs and they are very reliable and i've never had any problems at all. They also have a huge collection.
Billy E 13 Sep 2008, 07:41
I just went for an eyetest, a slight change in the sphere and the axis of the cyl means I need some new glasses. I can't decide what to go for. I've narrowed it down to two. The more adventrous choice is a pair of plastic Gucci GG 1570 in tortoiseshell: http://www.iris-spectacles.co.uk/Gucci-GG-1570-glasses-viewFrame-6021.html
The "safer" choice (i.e. more like the pair I currently wear) is a pair of semi-rimless Diesel SV 0053 in brown: http://www.spex4less.com/acatalog/diesel_dv0053.html
I've got brown hair and eyes and am not sure what to go for. I quite like the Gucci, but they seem so different from what I normally wear. Any thoughts?
Kelly 09 Sep 2008, 08:16
Hi Tom, the only time I was told by my eye doctor that I had to wear my glasses is to drive. I do not know what the restriction is in Canada but I guess I am in it. I tried wearing contacts to try and avoid the wearing of glasses but I am over that now and wear glasses most of the time.
Could I get away without them? Probably, but I now know the difference and prefer the look (vision) with glasses. I realize that my glasses are not strong but still wear them to see better.
russell 09 Sep 2008, 07:05
Tom,
Beware of words like "usually." I have found that many people never move into contacts no matter what their prescription, while others never try glasses, even with a very small prescription (they go to contacts immediately.) Also, I have had friends with as small a prescription as -.50 in each eye who feel that their vision is much improved with glasses and thus wear the glasses all the time. We are a diverse world, so glasses wearers and how they wear those glasses are also quite diverse. Because we each perceive what we see differently, we each have a different "take" on when and why we need glasses (or contacts, as the case may be.)
Tom 09 Sep 2008, 06:39
Kelly, you prescription is quite low, especially for a contacts wearer. Usually one moves from glasses to contacts when his/her prescription is so high that glasses are very thick and he/she cannot survive without. But that is not your case, your vision is good even without correction, although not completely sharp. Why are you using glasses/contacts 90% of time? Most people with your prescription do not correct their vison but part time, just for driving (although perhaps you are allowed to drive bareeyed...) TV and cinema. Don't you think you could do like this?
Kelly 09 Sep 2008, 06:03
Picked the glasses up yesterday, however no sun to try the clip ons.
Kelly 09 Sep 2008, 06:02
Last week I called the company that made my first glasses and asked if they had any sales on, as I had lost my pair that I bought from them. The manager checked my file and asked if I wanted to come in on Friday evening as she was working late.
After introducing myself to her she said that if I wanted to browse through three drawers of frames that were being returned and choose a pair that had a red tag on them I could get them at 10% over cost. The frames in the drawer are either overstock, slow sellers or discontinued frames.
I chose a pair that are not that much different than the lost pair, but came with clip on sunglasses.But the best part was the total cost was $118 including lenses.
I was told that they keep close to 1200 frames in stock and that they have returns like this every couple of months or so.
Another thing that the manager told me is to put their business card in the case, and on the back of the card write, your name and if lost please return to the nearest ***** optical. They will be able to look up your file and make arrangements for return. The person who returns the glasses also gets a discount coupon for product if needed. Great way to do business I thought.
Kelly 03 Sep 2008, 06:28
Well after waiting and hoping for over a week for my glasses to turn up, I have come to the realization that they are lost. I went for lunch two weekends ago with a couple of friends. I remember getting out of the car and switching to my sunnies. I put my glasses in the case and thought I had put them in my purse. After returning to the car to switch back my glasses and case were no where to be found. I returned to the restaurant and table where we sat, spoke with the new customers, and also spoke with the server but no one had found them.
I waited over a week and called but still no luck.
I have my other pair that I originally bought as my main pair but switched to the lost pair and never switched back after getting compliments about them.
Anyway just wanted to rant about having to fork out more $'s that I really do not have right now. Insurance is not due for over a year. Oh well.
Melyssa 27 Aug 2008, 11:09
The Glasses Girl has two new additions to her "family" -- a wide split-temple frame which is blue in the front and purple on the side pieces, plus a top-templed black frame, almost flat at the top, and a slight curve on the side of the front part.
RL 22 Aug 2008, 09:34
Just got my new glasses. They are biconcave myodiscs with 32mm bowls made in high-index glass with an AR coating. R -10.50 -.50 X 16, L -14.00 in a 50mm "pillow shape" black plastic frame. They are the thinnest, lightest glasses I have ever had. Love them.
sourgrapes 16 Aug 2008, 04:43
I am intrigued as well.
Happy G. 16 Aug 2008, 04:32
Her previous prescription was -10.50 and - 12.00, i will post pictures of her glasses asap.
And 16 Aug 2008, 03:42
Carly, how did you notice you needed an eye exam ?
City rk 15 Aug 2008, 23:48
Happy G. -- That sounds intriguing. However, are you sure her perscription is really in the double figures, and not something more like -1.25 (which would be more of a common first prescription)? Just curious. But I'd be interested in seeing the pictures.
Happy G. 15 Aug 2008, 20:50
My fiancee just got new glasses and contacts because she flunked her eye test at the Dmv. He new contacts prescription is:OD-SPH: -12.50
OS-SPH: -13.00 X
her new glasses are awsome i will try to post photos of her new glasses.
Dre 13 Aug 2008, 09:06
Emma was there any update to your friend and her test?
Karen X 25 Jul 2008, 09:55
Carly
How often do you wear your glasses? All the time or just for seeing distances clearly? What does your frame look like?
Carly 25 Jul 2008, 08:23
Hi everyone, when I was about 15 my best friend emma had to get glasses . We had to do work experience at school and emma wanted to work in an opticians to help other people with eye problems. I went and did work experience at the same optician as she did, so we were working together. I really enjoyed it so much that I ended up working permanetly as a receptionist and booking people in for eye tests etc and still to this day work at an opticians. I am 22 now and I have never needed glasses before now, but fairly recently I started to have trouble seeig distance things! The optician where I work did an eye test on me and I have been prescribed glasses -2 in prescription. I have always worked around glasses and seen loads of people prescribed glasses but never really thought I would end up needing them, but I do like the way I look and of course I do not look out of place wearing glasses in an optician. Thank you.
aviator -oo- 26 Jun 2008, 16:42
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.
mattp 25 Jun 2008, 11:53
Trevor--
Thanks for responding--it's always comforting to know another gets stuck in the same plight.
My prism is base in, and not nearly as much as your base out. But I really need it--the closer things get to my eyes, the more my eyes (left, in particular) want to turn out until by the time I want to read fine print up close, I can't focus. That's one of the reasons taking my glasses off to see up close does not work--I need to be looking through the prism to keep my eyes together in focus!
Matt
Cactus Jack 24 Jun 2008, 17:38
Jarred,
I understand fully. I wear 15/15 BO quite a lot and I have had much trouble finding opticians who know how to fit high prism glasses. The problem seems to be that they do not know or want to learn how to adjust the PD inward so tht the optical center of the lenses are coincident with the convergent lines of vision from each eye. The result, for me is that the glasses appear to have too much minus or not enough plus (same thing). I discovered a couple of years ago that I could wear a supplemental +1.00 either as a clip on or as contacts and make the glasses where I could see close to 20/20.
C.
Jarred 24 Jun 2008, 15:41
Hi Cactus Jack
My current prescription is R +1.50 -2.00 106 6 Base Out L +1.50 -2.00 60 6 Base Out. with +2.00 add
The overall power of my prescription isn't much but with the prism the lenses are about 10mm thick at the outer edge. The prism and trifocals are to control accomodative esotropia, which I might add work very well when the prescription is right.
The problem I tend to have is no sooner have I found an optician who understands what going on then the next time I'm scheduled for an exam he/she has moved on and I'm back to square one.
Jarred
Cactus Jack 24 Jun 2008, 14:50
Jarred,
I've had some experience with prism, may I ask your Rx?
C.
Jarred 24 Jun 2008, 12:33
Hi Mattp
I'm glad its not just me that has problems! I have a prescription with prism in as well as trifocals. Again like you I always get the opticians telling me that high index/progressives and all that are the way to. I recently got my prescription updated but it is not right so I intend to go back. I get frustrated when opticians are fixated on improving the aesthetics of my glasses rather than ensuring I can get the best possible quality of vision. Assuming that my return to the optician fixes the current glasses this will make two attempts but in the past I've never even left the shop with the first two attempts as they were so bad. Maybe it's the prism that makes it so difficult? Whilst on the subject of prism and in case there are any opticians listening, you know how it really bad to not be looking through the centre of a lens (chromatic abberations etc) then WHY is decentering a lens to induce prism EVER going to be a good idea! The lenses may "look better" but I could see better without them on! Right I'm off my soap box now :)
Jarred
mattp 24 Jun 2008, 10:46
On the third attempt, my new glasses are great--Oakley frames, -4.25 distance, +3.00 add, -2.00 BI prism, some astigmatism, made into trifocals with line bisecting the pupil. The segment I need for best vision is always right at hand.
Ever since I needed bifocals, new glasses have always taken a fortune in time and pairs. This time, the OD started by keeping my old 2.50 add, reducing the distance to -3.75, and lowering the bifocal height. He said an add of more than 2.50 is useless for practically all situations, and I should just take my glasses off to see up close. I tried this RX for 3 months--I couldn't read street signs, and was always hunting for the segment to get good vision through. Finally, I went back to the OD and he reluctantly gave me my new RX. Glasses one were discarded.
Armed with my RX, I went to have new glasses made. I've had bifocals/trifocals for 20 years. Maybe 10 years ago I tried (unsuccessfully) progressives;I had too much blur to the sides and always felt like I was swimming. This time, the optometrist talked me into trying progressives again, saying trifocals would be really thick and progressives had a much wider field of view than 10 years ago. After only one month in the progressives I returned them. I never found a "sweet spot" looking through them; images were either distorted or blurry. So the second pair of glasses was discarded.
Do others spend so much time and money getting glasses right?
ehpc 19 Jun 2008, 11:48
E.Nesbit did indeed write The Railway Children.
Presbyope Lover 18 Jun 2008, 18:09
Susan, How are the readers going? Are you finding that you are using more and more?
julian 12 Jun 2008, 05:22
phil i think you mean e e cummings e nesbit wrote books like the railway children and the wouldbegoods i think
Phil 12 Jun 2008, 03:33
You are quite a gwg Emma. Not only have you gone fulltime yourself at once; but you are doing your bit further to expand the gwg population! It's great that you like how you look in specs. I wish I felt the same!
ps I love your e e nesbit-like disdain for initial capital letters!
emma 12 Jun 2008, 03:00
i first noticed i needed glasses after failing the 'number plate' part of the driving test last week. so i went and got my eyes tested straight away. im not sure what my exact prescription is, but i think the woman said some thing like -0.75 and -1? if that makes any sense?
im still wearing them full time, and one of my friends tried them on yesterday and found she could see alot better through them so she booked an exam for tomorrow.
Kelly 11 Jun 2008, 14:40
I first noticed while driving home after work. The other thing was also lights at Christmas. For some reason the lights looked to blend into one another. I figured I should get them checked. First got glasses and then a couple of weeks later went and got contacts. Which reminds me that I am still using the trial set that was given to me. Not a good idea I guess.Got to go as I am already late leaving work.
And 11 Jun 2008, 10:15
Emma/Kelly,
How did you first discover you needed glasses ?
Kelly 11 Jun 2008, 07:01
hi Emma, I'm also like you in that my prescription is -1.25 each eye. I got glasses a few months ago and just after that contacts. I am wearing glasses about 80% of the time contacts about 10% and then nothig the other 10%. Do I need to have glasses on all the time? probably not, but I notice a real difference without them Sort of like a paper cut. You can function quite normally but you are aware that it is there.
After taking off my glasses vision is blurry, but does appear to reduce in it's blurriness state a little after a while. I was in the mall the other day and for the first time went to the glasses shop to try on different frames just for the sake of it.
Can not afford a change but just window shopping along with shoes and summer fashion.
Cut-in UK 10 Jun 2008, 13:21
Emma, your final sentence says it all! This is why we're all here. You must be a perfect GWG.
Andrew 10 Jun 2008, 08:26
Another couple of factors which might make a difference to wht happens from now on, Emma, are your age, and what you do for a living.
Cactus Jack 10 Jun 2008, 05:53
emma,
Your glasses will not make your vision worse. However, it may seem like they have. Vision really occurs in the brain, which has an extremely good image processing system. The eyes are simply biological cameras. Your glasses corrrect for the focusing errors in your eyes and allow your retina to deliver very sharply focused images to your brain's image processing system.
Without correction, your brain has to work extra hard to compensate for the blurry images. With your glasses, your image processing system doesn't have to work as hard and will soon, if it has not already done so, grow used to the comfort of working with sharply focused images.
Can you become "addicted" or "dependent" on glasses - YES. But it is like becomming addicted to comfortable shoes or just comfort. I am personally addicted to wearing warm clothes when it is cold and cool clothes when it is hot. Also, good vision. Enjoy!
C.
C.
Phil 10 Jun 2008, 04:48
Tell us what happened at the test Emma. What is your prescription? And what frames did you choose?
emma 10 Jun 2008, 03:55
hi, i wasnt sure where to post this, but i went to pick up my first pair of glasses yesterday, i was so suprised how much differnce they made, and hadnt really noticed anything wrong with my eyes until i went for an eye test last week, i guess it was just what i was used to and thought was normal. iv been wearing them all the time since i picked them up.
will it make my eye sight worse if i wear them all the time? because i was only told i needed them for when ever i was having trouble seeing things at distance, like driving, tv... but i prefer wearing them all the time, because i like how i look in glasses, and its nice being able to see properly.
Presbyope Lover 05 Jun 2008, 22:11
Susan, At 42, when your eyes start bothering a bit, you can be sure that you will need glasses more and more. The trial lenses are amazing with the difference that they make. You will still think that you can see fine, but gradually need them more. Your 'addiction' is normal and it is because it is easier for you. I suspect within 9 months you will be using for close work most of the time...probably a chain around your neck in 18 months! You may want to try progressive lenses!
Willy 05 Jun 2008, 08:56
Susan -- Sounds like you and I (and your sister) are all optically similar. I got readers (+1.50) at 42 and then full-time progressives nearly three years later. My younger sister is following in my footsteps and is more dependent on her readers at 43 than I was at the same age. Genetics definitely plays a role. So knowing what is the likely outcome, you can "fight the good fight" and resist wearing as much as possible, embrace the correction, or as most of us end up doing, just muddle along, gradually increasing how much you wear them as the need increases. Let us know how you get on.
Susan 05 Jun 2008, 08:33
Willy -
Thanks for your response. I am 42. I suspected I needed glasses so went for my first exam in over 5 years. As my eyes only bothered me when reading late in the day I thought I might not be prescribed readers yet...I was wrong! When I used his trial lenses I was able to read MUCH more clearly so I got the glasses. As I said I can read without them, but become "addicted" to them in short order. Nothing was said about if or when I would need for distance. I just wonder how long I will be able to hold off really needing them to see close. My sister told me she got readers she didn't think she needed at 41, within 1 year needed them for all close work and 3 years later went ft with bifocals.
4eyes 04 Jun 2008, 16:22
Hi... Jack,
Its amazing the way you make things looks easy. Last year whendoing VT one of things I tried hard was that eyes and brain relax/control thing and was causing more harm than good, but doctors could never put the "thing" out that way. maybe I would give it a harder try...
Your comments are always a good coming. its nice to have you around.
Thanks.
Willy 02 Jun 2008, 07:23
Susan -- As you have noticed, at a prescription of +1.25, you don't fully NEED your glasses for most reading, though they probably make it clearer and/or more comfortable, and they would really help in the classic situations of reading the menu in a dimly lit restaurant, or reading a medicine label. Will wearing them increase your dependence on them? Yes to a degree, but also realize that even if you wear them very rarely, presbyopia increases independently of that, so that at some point you will need to wear glasses more often, and at a stronger prescription. Finally, as to whether you will need glasses for distance as well, not everyone does. The key factor is whether in addition to being presbyopic (as I presume), your eyes are also hyperopic, or farsighted. Did you get your glasses as the result of an eye exam? If so, the eye doctor may have told you whether you will eventually need distance glasses as well. If you have a prescription slip, what does it say? Also, if I may ask(!), what is your age? The age at which one first needs reading glasses is often an indicator of whether they will eventually need full-time glasses/bifocals.
Presbyope Lover 02 Jun 2008, 05:03
Susan, I started with a similar prescription. And I too could read, but the more I wore my glasses, the more I felt I needed them....and yes, if I stopped, it would revert to normal. However as time went on it was more comfortable to wear them. I am now at +2.00 +1.75. Ultimately you will be more comfortable and be able to see once you wear them.
Susan 02 Jun 2008, 00:10
Maybe someone can give me a reality check here. I recently got my first glasses..+1.25 readers. I don't know that I really need them, as I can read without them...picking up the newspaper, reading mail, etc. But if I DO wear them, for even 5 minutes, then take them off, everything close is a blur and I can't read without them. If I don't wear them for a while, my close vision goes back to what I would call normal. Is this to be expected? By wearing the glasses more often when reading will I become more dependent on them, as is happening already? Also, most people I know who began wearing reading glasses soon came to wear + lenses for distance too. How long does THAT progression take. I don't mind wearing, but like the luxury of my seeing well enough to decide when I want to wear them. Thanks.
Cactus Jack 28 May 2008, 15:22
Clare,
No. There can be many causes of crossed eyes other than hyperopia. It is just one of the more common conditions because of the focus - convergence relationship.
C.
Clare 28 May 2008, 14:09
Cactus Jack - does that mean that someone whose eyes converge/cross would be hyperopic?
Cactus Jack 28 May 2008, 07:09
Aubrac,
I don't believe there is a precise relationship between the degree of hyperopia and the amount of convergence.
I think in some people it is more of a situation where the brain is trying to focus the eye and when it cannot (for any reason), it just tries harder and the convergence response continues to increase until it reaches the limit of the capabilities of the eye positioning muscles.
In many ways, the eye positioning system is like an electronic servo positioning system except, there is no direct feedback mechanism to tell the brain where the eye is pointing. The only feedback it has is to match and fuse the images, but they must be close enough together to permit the match. If a match is not possible, the brain just ignores one of the images (usually the poorest).
The solution is to provide external plus lenses to assist in focusing the images thus reducing the convergence response.
C.
Aubrac 28 May 2008, 06:33
I have mentioned in previous posts that my wife's right eye always turns in when reading without her glasses. When doing very close work only half the iris is visible
I have noticed lately that her left eye is also starting to turn in when trying to focus on the TV screen or at mid-distance. Is this explained by the angle of convergence at this range and possibly an increasing degree of hyperopia?
Pauline 27 May 2008, 23:52
Cactus Jack. Thank you very much for that clear explanation, i must make a note of it. Often people who dont know me that well, or have not seen me without my glasses on, will say about my eyes turning in if i take them off.
You explained it very clearly.
Many thanks
Cactus Jack 26 May 2008, 21:31
Pauline,
There is a built in connection in the brain between the eye positioning muscles and the focus muscles. It is this connection that automatically causes the eyes to converge (turn inward) when you focus on something close. The connection is stronger in some people than in others.
A hyperope, like you, has to strain to focus even on distant objects and even harder to focus on close objects. This straining action causes the convergence (eyes turning inward) response that is hard to overcome. Your glasses let your focus muscles relax which prevents the convergence.
C.
PaulineI 26 May 2008, 12:15
I get more comments about my glasses when i take them off, and people can see my eyes turn in. They find it amazing that just by wearing them, my eyes pull back into the centre, i try to explain how the power of the lenses work but an not that good at it.
translation add 25 May 2008, 05:55
....men in particular
translation 25 May 2008, 05:54
Pauline, I think he's asking whether people comment on your glasses or pay you compliments
Pauline 20 May 2008, 08:53
dont quite understand what you are asking
For Pauline 20 May 2008, 07:12
Pauline, sorry for this question but...
Which kinds of cogitation or compliments make you men regarding your eyes or your glasses ?
Thanks.
Pauline 20 May 2008, 01:23
Murky. Most people that ask to try my glasses on just say, god, you must be blind. I am longsighted, and my glasses are what i would call moderate to strong, +6.25/+6.75 with +2.50 add for reading. I can remember when i was at school and was around the +3 range, a girl who sat next to me, always said she could see with them on, and i never believed her, because none of my other friends could. She changed schools shortly after and it was about 4 years before i saw her again, and yes, she was wearing quite strong plus glasses, so she prob needed them when she said she could see with mine on.
Ivan 17 May 2008, 04:09
re tired sight, I have a -6.5 / -6.oo rex with a nice "tight" prescription which gives me a nice sharp image, however when I'm very tired my sight can worsen-and then clear when I'm rested, it depends on factors to each individual, age,health,lifestyle and of course particular eye conditions.
matthewson 16 May 2008, 16:31
hey, calm down everybody, no big deal, peace.
russell 16 May 2008, 09:13
Please!! Give us a break, here. Some silly fool long ago decides that ALL CAPS on a computer means you are screaming, and someone who can't even post with a name chastises a legitimate poster? ALL CAPPER, you just keep expressing yourself!! ALL RIGHT?
16 May 2008, 08:32
Why must you scream at us???
Brian 16 May 2008, 07:39
CLARE, I HAVE BEEN THE SAME WAY NOW FOR AT LEAST 10 YEARS, MY EYES TURNS OUT SLIGHTLY AND THEY HAVE TALKED ABOUT GIVING ME PRISMS IN MY GLASSES BUT I HAVE NOT GOT THEM AS OF LATE. I THINK I WAS PROBABLY 19-20 THE FIRST TIME THEY MENTIONED POSSIBLY NEEDING PRISMS AND I'M 29 NOW AND STILL DO NOT HAVE THEM.. THAT IS TRUE THAT YOUR GLASSES PRESCRIPTION WITH THE STRONGER LENSES WILL NOT ALLOW YOUR EYES TO TURN AS MUCH.. MY PRESCRIPTION HAS INCREASED FROM -225 -200 WHEN I WAS 18 TO -575 AND -525 NOW AT 29 YEARS OLD.
Pauline 15 May 2008, 09:57
Claire. Your friend will not necessary need prism in glasses if his eyes turn in when tired. I have the same problem, been crosseyed since i was small. If i take my glasses off, the eyes tend to turn in after a while, but as long as i have my glasses on, the strength of my lenses, which are quite strong, pulls the eyes straight. When younger they talked about giving me prisms, but it was never needed.
Clare 13 May 2008, 11:27
There's alot going on with new glasses at the moment! One colleague came in today to say he had been prescribed glasses because his eyes turn in when he is tired. What would that be, prism?
And another is going for a test this weekend because she thinks she might need glasses - complains of blurriness and headaches when driving, although can happily read the paper quite close. Not sure what that is.
And the funny thing is, so few people know I wear glasses that I needed even join in the conversations! None of them seems disappointed to be prescribed them, which is good for the OO population of course.
Murky 05 May 2008, 04:04
The nice thing about plussies is that they take their glasses off and on in the lesser Rx years, and its possible to "borrow " them for a try, or use them as a point of discussion, asking "are they nice and light to wear" and often given them to hold, put on, and Wow, that gets me quite excited. I once borrowed a pair of female plus ones, (she had had them a week, and they tended to spend more time on the desk, that nose) I wore them about the office for a whole morning, bliss. It was interesting to note how few people noticed (or commented)that I was wearing obviously female glasses.
Anyone had a similar experience
myopicblur 03 May 2008, 04:04
I wonder whether the strength of a new prescription affects the ease of adjusting new prescription. Are minus prescriptions easier for eyes to adjust compared to its plus counterparts?
Jay 12 Apr 2008, 04:40
My girlfriend is now completely acustomed to wearing her glasses full time. She actually can't stand going without them. She didn't realise how hard her eyes had been working to focus on everything and she doesn't feel so tired in the evenings now.
Her friend did need stronger glasses and ended up with a prescription of +2.50 for both eyes which is only slightly weaker than my girlfriend's prescription of +2.75 and +3.00. Her optician said she should wear her glasses if her eyes felt tired or strained. She now wears her glasses most of the time but not all the time like my girlfriend.
eyespy 07 Apr 2008, 13:36
Erin
Great to see that you're inspiring new wearers with confidence. Keep up the good work!
Erin 30 Mar 2008, 15:51
I recently met an old friend from college. She's my age (38) and only now needs to wear glasses for the first time in her life. From someone who's been nearsighted since childhood, it's definitely changed my view of what it means to need glasses!
About me: I started around age 12. Eventually I got contacts and wore them almost exclusively through my teens and twenties--I was about minus 3.5/3.75 with mild astigmatism. After getting married, I eventually switched back to wearing glasses almost exclusively. I now have progressives with a +1.50 add. My myopia has decreased to minus 2.75/3 though the astigmatism has gone up a bit. It's not bad to be less nearsighted! I can also read without glasses easily if I need to.
Now, meeting my old girlfriend Denise: She wasn't wearing her glasses while waiting for me at a cafe. I was wearing mine as usual. I couldn't really remember whether Denise had seen me in glasses before--that didn't really bother me. She on the other hand was clearly shy and looked uncomfortable without hers on.
When our menus came Denise was squinting, pushing it away. Eventually I asked her, why don't you put your glasses on? Denise was red, embarrassed. She reluctantly did, looked much more at ease, and looked truly fantastic, which I told her. They were obviously plus and I could sense that they were progressives from her eye movements. I asked her why she hadn't put them on. She said that they were new and told how it was to go from having perfect vision to needing not just glasses but bifocals. And by the way she is afraid of contacts!
I never realized how difficult it could be for an adult to adjust to wearing glasses or contacts until now. Maybe it's easier to start when you're young. Then it's not a big deal because everyone is already used to seeing you that way. Your eyes are used to glasses/contacts and it's a part of your identity. You don't feel old. For me even getting progressives wasn't a big deal, and I'm glad that my nearsightedness has improved. Whereas, if you've had perfect vision and start in your 30s/40s you can feel old when you get them and it's hard to adjust. It's new to everyone. Anyway, I made Denise feel better about them and we walked out, both of us in glasses.
Aubrac 03 Mar 2008, 03:41
Amy
The cylinder correction is for astigmatism which OTC readers will not help. Astigmatism can give blurred vision and also give rise to headaches as there is no way your eyes can compensate for it.
Suggest you try buying cheap pair of glasses on-line and try these first as you will probably find full prescription correction better and more comfortable than OTC readers.
lazysiow 02 Mar 2008, 08:25
You can easily use OTC as cheap backups, but will def help for headaches etc.
Amy 02 Mar 2008, 08:15
I have never worn glasses and just came back from the Dr. She prescribed reading glasses +1.50 each eye, but -.50 cyl axis 150 for the right eye. Is the cyl meaningful? Should I use over the counter or pay full price at the optical store? Thanks.
25 Feb 2008, 15:19
Yeah, supposedly your brain will use the better image..
Mike 25 Feb 2008, 15:07
Been reading for a long time but not writing. About a year ago got first time glasses for distance, -.75 in each eye. Seems I can see ok without them, so don't wear them much...too self conscious so just wear around the house and driving at night. Daytime, if I don't wear them I don't miss them. I just got contact lenses though and found that if I just wear one, the difference between the vision in both eyes is enormous. Amazing what I can't see with the naked eye! I wonder if the sharpness I get with the contact "shuts down" the naked eye.
Long time lurker 03 Feb 2008, 06:38
My add is now +2. Hers is +1.00. My vision is clearer with them..very comfortable, but I can get along without them. Wife's close vision is clear, but distance was fuzzy, until just like written in many posts here, her brain adjusted. She is now full time and doesn't want to go without them. Hooked in less than a week. GREAT frames..a real turn on.
plus loving chap 03 Feb 2008, 05:39
Long time lurker - How is your wife getting on with her +1's? Has she 'adjusted' yet? What was both of your adds out of interest?
Long time lurker 27 Jan 2008, 06:42
At 44 years old, my wife and I have been drugstore readers for about two years now. We just went for exams. In addition to needing close correction, I was prescribed -.75 for distance, and she +1.00 for distance. When we picked them up, I could immediately see sharp and clear..really amazing difference for such a weak lens. My wife couldn't see distance clearly through hers. While my benefit was immediate she was told she will have to "get used" to the glasses and blurry distance for a few days until it sharpens for her. Two questions: After a few days will she lose her current ability to see distance without glasses and want to go FT? Also, how did he measure her distance if the lens she is wearing blurs distance?
lazysiow 26 Jan 2008, 09:28
This is the nice part, pretty soon she'll barely be able to see anything at all without them and I doubt she's going to be too pleased about that.
Jay 26 Jan 2008, 07:00
My girlfriend has got used to her glasses now and always puts them on when she gets up, keeping them on all day.
She says that distances are a bit clearer with her glasses on than off now. The thing she notices most is that her eyes feel more relaxed looking at all distances, much more than before she got glasses.
She reads a lot more now probably because she can see better!
She got the usual remarks from friends and family when they first saw her in glasses ("I didn't know you wore glasses", "Do you really need them all the time?", "Wow, your eyes must be really bad!" etc.).
A friend of my girlfriend is a bit concerned that she might need to wear her glasses all the time as she has had glasses for reading for a couple of years and thinks she will get a stronger prescription at her next eye test. I'm no expert but her glasses are a lot weaker than my girlfriends so she probably won't. I told her this but pointed out that it really depends on how bad her sight has got and what the optician suggests would be best for her.
By the way my girlfriend is 17.
Phil 25 Jan 2008, 01:20
I don't really believe that Hollie! You love glasses really. Anyway, good luck and let me know if you ever fancy lunch or a drink.
Hollie 24 Jan 2008, 13:05
Yes, in London. Big firm though, full of young people, not too much of a shock!!
I know you will sigh when you hear another one lost to contacts....but have only ever been a half-hearted glasses wearer!
Phil 24 Jan 2008, 03:30
Hollie, it's good to hear from you. Accountancy must be quite a shock after languishing in the dreaming spires! Are you in London? I work quite near what I call the Temple of Accountancy by Charing Cross station!
Your specs sound very nice. You are a rotter for giving in to the evil contacts. Don't specs give you gravitas in the world of beancounters! Such a pity not to wear frames that sound so attractive!!
Hollie 23 Jan 2008, 15:19
Hi Phil,
Nope, have graduated now and entered the fun world of accountancy. Got some lovely new frames with the new prescription, heavy plastic on the top and rimless at the bottom. Bit of a shame I'm now wearing contacts virtually full time!
Alicia, I'm 23. Got glasses when I was 15 or 16.
Phil 23 Jan 2008, 10:31
Katy, you sound in Heaven with a BF like that. Have fun!
I'm glad you found Glassesdirect ok: I'm very pleased with my -4.25 single vision rimless pair from them. It's so easy to bump up one's rx gradually isn't it? In a month or so I'll order some -4.5s. My "normal" -4s seem so "dim" now. What's your preferred rx now?
Katy 23 Jan 2008, 10:00
My boyfriend just got some new glasses from Glasses Direct (thanks Phil for recommendation) in his most recent rx (as tested by me!) plus -0.5 for good luck, which makes the left lens -6.75 with -1.25 of cyl (or -8.00 and +1.25, which sounds better). They are CR39, semi-rimless and impressively thick :-) He says the vision is great, will have to bump it more next time.. :-)
Alicia 23 Jan 2008, 02:47
Hollie. How old are you now, if you don't mind me asking? I'm 16 and I've got to -3.00 -1.00 & -3.50 -1.25 in just under 4 years and I'm obviously wearing fulltime now. However I find since I went fulltime, my eyes seem to have gone quite a lot worse. My sister is three years younger and has also started with glasses, so we are able to compare experiences.
Alicia 23 Jan 2008, 02:41
Jersey Girl.
Did you know that contacts are always less strong than your glasses, because of them being right on your eyes? So if this girl's contacts were -3.00, her glasses may actually have been getting on for -4.00!! No wonder you couldn't make anything out with them, when you tried them on!
Thinking about it, I suppose you are OK carrying on wearing your mum in law's specs whenever you feel like it, if your eyes feel comfortable with them. I know it's a nice feeling when you can see really clearly and everything looks crisp and sharp. I know it sounds kind of weird but actually I'm quite looking forwards to getting stronger glasses again now! Am I stupid or something?
Phil 23 Jan 2008, 01:28
Hollie, Welcome back! Are you still at Oxford? Glad that your rx is calming down. Mine's been on the increase again. I got -4s (with a +2.25 add) at the last test in the summer but I recently ordered some -4.25s online and they definitely make things clearer.
William 22 Jan 2008, 20:04
Alicia:
I am a newby at only -.75 and -1.00. Didn't even know I was needed them until the exam..really went in for readers. Was amazed when the trial lenses were tried on me, and more amazed when I got the glasses..just more vivid colors and crispness. I am trying contacts, and most interesting is wearing only one for distance and comparing the stark differences in vision between the corrected and uncorrected vision!
Jersey Girl 22 Jan 2008, 19:31
Alicia,
I see well with either my -1.75's or the -2.25's and some days I wear them for a change in style. There is a little more intensity but I don't feel any eyestrain. The -1.75's are still just as sharp to me.
A girl friend who wears -3.00 contacts let me try her glasses but they feel too strong for me to wear more than a few minutes.
I don't think my eyes are getting worse at this time but I have only been wearing glasses since July.
Hollie 22 Jan 2008, 15:22
Hi all,
Used to post here a while ago, but haven't done so for a bit. Just thought I'd report (for those interested) I just got new glasses. Must have been about 18 months since I had an eye test, and the new prescription is -5 -1.25 and -5.5 -1. Up 0.5 and 0.25, smalles increase I've had for a while!
Alicia 22 Jan 2008, 08:30
William. Roughly 4 years. I went full-time last autumn after I got my present glasses. To be honest I didn't have much choice, because I was missing seeing such a lot. I don't mind now I'm used to it and it feels funny without glasses in my face now. What rx are you on if you don't mind me asking?
Willia, 22 Jan 2008, 06:53
Alicia: How long did it take you to go from -1.00 to your present scrip and how many changes in between? When did you go ft?
Alicia 22 Jan 2008, 03:47
Jersey Girl.
You would definitely notice quite a difference in your vision if you first glasses were -1.75. My first were only -1.00 and -1.25. My younger sister is -1.75 in her left eye though and she's gone fulltime since I did. I'm up at -3.00 and -3.50 so I really need to wear my glasses now otherwise I feel pretty vulnerable. Do you think you should wear the stronger glasses your mother in law gave you though? They could make your eyes go worse quicker. But I suppose if you like the extra clarity it's up to you. Nice to swap experiences with you. Tell me what you think.
Jersey Girl 21 Jan 2008, 20:09
Alicia,
I got my glasses last summer, -1.75's, and I still love the intensity and clarity even though I have been wearing them full time. I still can't believe that I tolerated my vision without glasses before. Without glasses my vision seems dull and gray. I have also been using a pair of -2.25's which were an old pair from my boy-friend's mother which I don't have any trouble wearing even though they are a little stronger. I guess I love the intensity of vision they give me as well.
Alicia 21 Jan 2008, 05:32
Katherine. I was wondering how you were doing with your new glasses, as you did not reply to my post earlier. I've found that the intenseness is beginning to go already from mine, which is disappointing. Maybe it's because I've got used to wearing them all the time. How is it with you?
Gayle 19 Jan 2008, 17:07
Presbyopia I think. Friends say that when I first get them and get used to them, will likely go straight to full time, and usually get bumped .25 a year till I can't really function without them.
specman 18 Jan 2008, 10:24
How old are you Stacey? Is it hyperopia or prebyopia?
Gayle 18 Jan 2008, 10:07
I ordered them and should have them in a week. I wonder how long before I need them full time? When I looked at the chart with the lenses there wasn't such a big difference, but now I notice distance is not so clear. Will find out in a few days.
Willy 18 Jan 2008, 09:35
Gayle -- It does seem a little bit unusual to need a +2 add under 40 when you have a minus distance prescription, but not totally unheard of. Did the eye doctor show you a trial so you could get a sense as to whether the bifocal will help?
As for not noticing your vision problems, given the numbers you have, that isn't all that odd. Your distance prescription isn't so strong that you've been walking around in a total fog, and your net reading prescription is +1.25, where again, it will help, but it's not as if you've been having to extend your arms to read.
Please let us know how you get on.
Gayle 18 Jan 2008, 09:02
How strange is this? 38 years old, never wore glasses...took my son in for exam, and went in exam room with him. Dr. had him read distance chart, which he could see better than I could. When I joked about that to Dr, he had me sit in chair. I read first lines OK, then he tried the lenses, some clearer than others. Then read the close chart, I thought OK, and he tried lenses again. My son's vision is good, and Dr prescribed bifocals for me!! -75's for distance, which I will need for driving, add 2.00 for reading. How unusual is it for me to think my vision is good one day, and need bifocals?
Stacey 18 Jan 2008, 07:55
I was just prescribed glasses for reading, first pair +1.25's after strange exam. Sat in chair and read the distance chart while he clicked on different lenses, asking which is better, and so on. Then put a stick on a card in front of me, that had lines like spokes, and asked if any were sharper. Clicked and asked several times until none was blacker. Then swung the machine away, and told me distance was fine, and I need reading glasses. Never had me read anything close! How did he figure my prescription without me looking at a chart? BTW my close vision is great with them...brighter and blacker.
Ryan 18 Jan 2008, 00:18
Thanks for your comments. I have considered GOC, but how could I do that without my other half knowing about it. It would be a tricky thing to explain away.
I get what you say about contact lenses, but's it's not quite the same.
I don't mind if she gets them though, as long as she wears her glasses some times. In some ways it will make me treasure the sight even more.
Cactus Jack 17 Jan 2008, 08:42
Mr. Diamond,
What you are experiencing is normal. Vision actually occurs in the brain, the eyes are simply biological cameras. In your case the cameras are slightly out of focus for anything beyond about 5 or 6 feet or 1.3 meters.
Your situation is very similar to that which originally occurred with the Hubble Space Telescope. If you recall, the optics of the telescope were not manufactured correctly and the result was that the HST was slightly nearsighted and produced blurry pictures. It was possible to clear the pictures by using clever image processing software and a lot of computer power, but the results could not compare with the brilliant, in focus, pictures that were produced when the HST was fitted with corrective lenses (glasses).
Your brain is also very good at doing image processing, but it does take effort. The better solution is to supply it with sharply focused images by wearing corrective lenses. The brain, being self programming for the vision functions, quickly adapts to having the improved input and sets aside the old program. If you do not wear you glasses for a while, your brain will revert to the processing the blurry distant images. However, now that it has experienced the sharply focused images, it won't like it and may cause you some discomfort in other ways.
The brain can learn to switch between programs for occasional sharp distance vision using glasses for driving etc. The older you are, the slower you are to learn.
C.
VFL 17 Jan 2008, 08:25
Ryan...
Looking and seeing the contact lenses swimming around in your partner's eyes can be very exciting. Especially when you know that those little discs are something they "need" to help them see clearly...
I promise... You can see the edges of those lenses if you try. It's like a little "erotic" secret...
VFL
cut-in UK 16 Jan 2008, 23:48
Ryan, have you ever thought about GOC ?
Mr Diamond 16 Jan 2008, 11:16
Just got first pair of glasses -.75's. Seems I can see OK without them, but they sharpen everything when I wear them. Then take them off, and distance vision is a blur. Is this normal? Is this "normal" scrip for first pair? Age 30
Ryan 15 Jan 2008, 10:09
Hi Jay,
Your girlfriend sounds an awful lot like mine. She got glasses about 2 years ago of a similar prescription to your girlfriend's.
It took her a few days to get used to them and within a very short time she really couldn't operate without them for distance, let alone close work.
She now wears +4.5 R, +4.75 L. ...and do I love her big brown eyes through those lenses! I especially like the way the lenses distort from an angle, it turns me on every time.
I just wish I needed glasses too, but sadly I was blessed with perfect vision. I must be weird, but I'd change my eyes with anyone with eyesight that requires glasses to see properly.
Enjoy it, my girlfriend is going for her next test in a couple of weeks, I hope she needs even stronger ones. However, I am a little worried as she's mentioned contact lenses...
Andrew 14 Jan 2008, 11:08
Jay,
If she starts getting the headaches again, that, I believe, is the time to go back, even if the year isn't up.
To Jay 14 Jan 2008, 04:01
Hi Jay,
Firstable, you are a lucky man...
The, this prescription is strong for first glasses. If she is already OK n a few hours with these, I think that it's mean she will need stronger in a few time (and not in one year).
sourgrapes 12 Jan 2008, 06:54
Great! Just make sure to show her how much more you like her look, now ^_^
Jay 12 Jan 2008, 05:56
My girlfriend got glasses for the first time today.
She's been getting headaches when reading and when on the computer so decided to get her eyes tested and expected to be prescribed glasses for reading.
She got a bit of a suprise at the end of the eye test when the optician recommended that she wore glasses full time.
It turns out that she is long sighted and her eyes have been straining to compensate.
She needs to get another eye test in a years time as she will probably need a stronger prescription. The optician said the prescription she has now is weaker than what will be her full strength one so she can gradually adjust to wearing glasses.
Her prescription is Left +2.75 and right +3.00. She chose some thin black plastic frames which are sort of rectangular. As we were in one of those 1 hour places she got her new glasses later on.
She has been very good and has been wearing her glasses pretty much all the time since. We walked around town for quite a while afterwards so she could get used seeing distances with them. The optician said that it may be a bit fuzzy for a few days but will soon be perfect.
She has told me that she no longer gets a headache when reading but is still confused by needing them all the time as she thought her distance vision was ok.
I think she looks very sexy in her new glasses especially as they make her lovely eyes look bigger. I've been secretly hoping for a long time that she'd need glasses. I'd have been happy if she only needed them part time.
Alicia 08 Jan 2008, 02:36
Katherine.
I've just read all your posts with interest. I'm in my teens and started with glasses over three years ago and I was incredibly self-conscious about wearing my first two pairs. However I'm now on my third pair and my rx has risen to -3.25 & -3.50 so I don't feel at all confident without them. As a result before Christmas I took the plunge and decided to go fulltime and let all my family see me wearing them. Amazingly I've been really surprised by all the favourable comments I've receieved, even from one of my boy cousins. Now I've come to the conclusion that wearing glasses fulltime isn't all that bad after all. At least I can see where I'm going!
Katy 07 Jan 2008, 08:22
Jorge - you need the size of the frames and the axis of the cylinder to work it out. Have a look at this lens thickness calculator:
http://www.opticampus.com/tools/thickness.php
I wouldn't think they'd be very thick with your rx in a small frame.
Jorge 06 Jan 2008, 19:19
I ordered some glasses online yesterday. They are relatively small shape. I wear contacts nearly all the time because I hate thick glasses. The lenses I ordered were 1.8 Flint Glass from OPTICAL4LESS> My question is, about how thick will they be in a regular metal frame, my RX is
-5.0/-4.50 with -1.25 astigmatism in each eye. Thanks.
Phil 06 Dec 2007, 03:02
Katherine, were you interested in glasses before you got yours? It's good that you've taken to wearing them fulltime without any problems of embarrassment. It must be great to feel comfortable wearing them. I'm now at -4 but still don't wear my specs fulltime: I never wear them at work. Maybe you are just better adjusted than me! Anyway, good luck and I hope you continue enjoying being a gwg.
Katherine 05 Dec 2007, 13:44
Hi to everyone. I have accepted my glasses quite well. It still seems a bit weird but I do sort of like them. I have just joined a new gym and it required me to have a photograph on my gym card, I without even thnking had my photo done in glasses, I suppose they are now a big part of my life.
Phil 05 Dec 2007, 01:55
Katherine, You write so nicely and are so polite!!
How are things going as a gwg? Do you find you are wearing your glasses most of the time? I got my first specs at the same age as you and with the same prescription. It's not a high prescription but it is higher than most people get when they haven't ever had specs before. I remember my optician asking me how I'd managed. I bet you find everything so amazingly clear.
I'm not surprised that you've received compliments. Your frames sound very nice. And, of course, lenses to correct the degree of myopia you have are just perfect.
Cactus Jack 04 Dec 2007, 12:57
Jersey Girl,
Many people who need reading help, with an Rx in the range of your boyfriend's mother ,wear half-glasses with only the upper-half. The effect is about the same as a person with a -1.75 Rx having lined bifocals with an add of +1.75.
C.
Jersey Girl 04 Dec 2007, 12:32
My boyfriend's mother is in her late 40's and has numerous pairs of -1.75 glasses which are around their home and a pair in each car. She cannot focus up close with them so they are on and off alot. That is why she has so many pairs. She tried noline bifocals but they made her dizzy. Even with the reduced strength of -1.75 she takes them off for close viewing. She gave me her old -2.25 glasses to use as back up pairs because they feel too strong for her at this time, even though I see just fine with them even up close.
I found out that I needed glasses when I tried on one of her pairs which were in the car. It was a great rectangular plastic frame and I wanted to see how I looked in them. I could not believe the clear vision I had looking through them. My boyfriend and I were going out to a play and I was able to use them in the theater. I don't remember seeing that clear before. I made him try them on but he said they just gave him a headache and claimed they blurred his vision. He sees well without glasses, but I think I see just as well with glasses at this time.
guest 02 Dec 2007, 22:25
Jersey Girl
How often does your mother in law wear her specs now her prescrition is declining?
Jersey Girl 02 Dec 2007, 13:01
Katherine,
Isn't the clear vision incredible. I am 21 and started wearing glasses, -1.75, this past summer. I love the intense clear vision. My boyfriend's mother who now has the same prescription as me gave me some of her stronger older glasses which are about -2.25 and I can also use them without difficulty. I just can't believe how I got by without glasses before.
Andrew 02 Dec 2007, 11:48
There are certain frames which date quickly, and others which never seem to age. It sounds as if you have chosen well, Katherine, as you have avoided the sort of frame which you will look back on and think "why?"
BTW - how much are you wearing your glasses?
Katherine 02 Dec 2007, 01:55
Hi everyone. This is my first time writing here. I just got new glasses yesterday. I am 22 year old and recently noticed my eyes not being able to see in the distance and could really feel my eyes squinting. It seems weird getting glasses but I am getting used to them. A load of my friends wear glasses so it is no big deal, but they got theirs at a younger age so I thought I managed to escape poor vision, but I was wrong. I have been complemented lots. I have -2 prescription and got gold metal glasses, I look good in them. Don't know if gold glasses are boring now with all different frame styles, but I feel confident in them.
Thank you.
Infatuated 30 Nov 2007, 20:14
Anon, how is it going with your girlfriend? It's been almost four months now. There are several sub-threads in your story--romance, sacrifice for one's lover, etc. It, I think, says a lot about how she feels about you that she is willing to sacrifice 20/20 vision to have you. Has she received and her eyes accepted a prescription? If so, what frames did you select for her?
Phil 26 Nov 2007, 01:08
That's a lovely rx Laura. You have just enough minus to make it worth wearing your glasses but not enough to make you utterly dependant, or for the lenses to be distorting.
Puffin 25 Nov 2007, 16:04
Funny how people always seem to notice their vision is bad enough to need glasses when at the -2.5 to -3.0, although I know some who leave it a bit longer.
Andrew 25 Nov 2007, 11:51
That sounds pretty close to what I expected, though I think I also had a little bit of astigmatism as well.
Laura 25 Nov 2007, 00:00
Andrew, Phil
The prescription is -2.50 and -3.25
Phil 19 Nov 2007, 04:36
Laura, I reckon it's about the same as me. And I'm -4. I think it makes for just perfect lenses for a gwg: strong enough to be serious without being distorting. What frames did you get?
Andrew 18 Nov 2007, 12:10
That's all I could see when I first got glasses, Laura, but I had known for a couple of years that I needed them! Out of interest, what Rx were you given? In my day, they did not give you a copy of the prescription, and the glasses are long gone, so I have no idea how strong my first glasses were.
Laura 18 Nov 2007, 03:09
I had an eye test yesterday and I could only see the first line and the second line. Is this a really bad standard of vision?
Phil 15 Nov 2007, 01:07
Wow Dives! Those specs sound wonderful. Maybe you should just throw the contacts away and become a fulltime gwg!
diva 14 Nov 2007, 12:49
ummmm no, cls at work ...
cute frames, some rectangular-ish black plastic and some black plastic ovals.
i dunno what the rx is actually, my old cls were -3.5 and -3.75 then a new optom gave me toric ones where the astig was split out in some way ...
don't know much about these things heh :)
Phil 14 Nov 2007, 02:22
Hi Diva! I know all about the "vanity block"! Are you going "bare-eyed" at work? What's your rx? And what frames did you get?
diva 14 Nov 2007, 01:24
weeeeellll ...
I finally got glasses as my contacts were being unhappy again.
I was apparently using the wrong solution for toric lenses and wearing them too long - sigh.
Anyway got sick of the stinging and decided to get glasses as well; optometrist advised to wear glasses as well. Didn't give me any hard numbers but the suggestion was glasses as much as possible and cls for special occasions.
I haven't been too good about that, been full time glasses over the weekend, but seem to hit a vanity block over wearing them to work :(
Anyway ... they are cute frames and my eyes are very relaxed ...
:)
Phil 18 Sep 2007, 00:46
Thanks Melissa. I'd love to see your frames (even if I can't see you-only joking!). I think semi-rimless frames are yum: and the blue sounds nice. You've done so well to become a virtually fulltime gwg as soon as you got specs. Congratulations.
Veronica 17 Sep 2007, 16:04
Hi Melissa,
Sorry about the name confusion - that way my fault.
Im in a similar position to you in that I have an interest in glasses but have never really had a requirement for them. With my increased use of my laptop Ive been wondering if it is of benefit to have my eyes tested and perhaps get some computer/reading glasses like you.
I'd be interested to hear a bit more about your situation and if you could provide some specifics on what was done in the eye exam.
Thanks,
Veronica
Melissa 17 Sep 2007, 10:54
I haven't looked at Eyescene for several days. I notice there has been a bit of confusion between me and Melyssa - I have an "i" and she has a "y".
To answer your question Phil I wear my glasses pretty much most of the time. My frames are dark blue semi-rimless. If I find a photo of them I'll post the link. I am NOT going to put a photo of me anywhere - sorry.
Melyssa 15 Sep 2007, 08:47
This is what my white cat's-eyes, which I bought in 1990, (still) looks like:
Veronica 14 Sep 2007, 19:25
Melyssa,
I love the sound of the white cats-eyes and the oversized blue drop-temple. As a (hopefully) soon-to-be glasses wearer I would love to be your protege and spend a day at your place!
gwgs 14 Sep 2007, 09:30
Hi Melyssa
I seem to recall we've spoken before but can't recall when, no doubt on Eyescene.
Your collection sounds wonderful, I have a similar collection but have reduced down in size to about 12 frames now and am gently trying to encourage my g/f to wear them more and more although this isn't really working :(
It would be great to see photos of your spex, how about setting up an account on Flickr or yahoo?
Melyssa 14 Sep 2007, 09:23
Veronica,
I have 3 pairs of old-style cat's-eyes, a red one, a white one, and a black frame, plus an oversized blue drop-temple pair that I bought as sunglasses, the only way I was ever able to get those styles. I've even done that with reading glasses - big ones, not the half-readers.
As for wearing all of my glasses once per week, I use 4 each weekday along with 5 each on Saturday and Sunday, for a few hours apiece.
Smudgeur 14 Sep 2007, 04:12
Hi Melyssa
Would love to see your collection of frames - do you have any pictures?
Smudge
Veronica 13 Sep 2007, 16:32
Melyssa,
Thanks for the great advice! I've sometimes thought 'that sunglass style would look very cool as a pair of optical glasses'.
How do you get time to wear all 30 during 1 week!?
Is there any we you can share some pics of your favorite ones?
Melyssa 13 Sep 2007, 12:36
Mickey,
Yes, all 30 pairs are in my current prescription, and I wear each pair once a week.
Melyssa 13 Sep 2007, 12:35
Veronica,
If you cannot find big, bold, and beautiful frames at a regular "glasses store," you can always find sunglass frames and then have clear prescription lenses put in them, as I did for a few pairs in my collection.
mickey 12 Sep 2007, 17:34
Melyssa,
30 pairs WOOOOW! That's awesome! Are they all in your current RX?
Veronica 12 Sep 2007, 17:23
Melyssa, perhaps Im the one who needs the lenses. I apologise for the confusion. I love the sound of your collection though! If I am to get glasses, then they would definetly be bold, plastic frames.
And Melissa, I'd be interested to hear a bit more about your situation and if you could provide some specifics on what was done in the eye exam.
Many Thanks,
Veronica
Melyssa 12 Sep 2007, 12:43
Veronica,
Sorry for the confusion. Must be the lenses. :) My name is Melyssa, and I've been dealing with Eyescene for several years now. The Melissa you wrote to earlier has the normal spelling for the name, and is a newcomer. I've worn glasses for over 43 years now, and I have 30 pairs of plastic-framed glasses in my prescription.
Phil 11 Sep 2007, 07:44
Melissa, how's the glasses-wearing going? It would be most impressive if you'd gone straight to being a fulltime gwg! Do you enjoy wearing your glasses? What frames did you get?
Veronica 10 Sep 2007, 23:46
Melyssa, sorry to spell your name incorrectly. And from reading your previous post it appears that you have only recently gotten glasses. Am i incorrect with this?
Emily, thanks for the advice. Can you advise me on what I can expect in an eye exam. I heard from fellow girlfriends about different machines that are used on you.
And Glasses, Im glad I could excite you with my quest for glasses ;) It seems that guys attraction to girls with glasses is very healthy - my casual partner is also encouraging me.
I'll be more than happy to keep you posted with my progress once I get started.
Melyssa 10 Sep 2007, 12:45
Melissa (spelled differently), Veronica,
I'm the opposite. I've almost always had a requirement for glasses, but it took me 20 years after that to be interested in them, once I got my first drop-temples (named Veronica, by Diplomat Eyewear).
Glasses 10 Sep 2007, 07:18
This is marvellous. First Melissa becomes a virtually full-time gwg overnight. And now Veronica is hoping for specs. Let us know what happens at the optician's Veronica.
Martyn 10 Sep 2007, 04:14
Hi Emily, I have tried and tried to enter the chat room, still no luck. Hope your well and happy, and doing well with your studies, you must be in about your 2 0r 3rd year at uni, hope all is going well. I hope your RX is slowing down it was increasing rather rapidly, don,t want you to be wearing myodisc glasses, would nice if your present RX stabilised. Well all is well here in London, going on holiday saturday Hurrah! Take care have a lovely week Martyn
Emily 09 Sep 2007, 22:49
Veronica
Even if you see well, it's a good idea to have a periodic eye exam to ensure that everything's healthy.
Good luck!
Veronica 09 Sep 2007, 22:06
Hey Melissa,
Like you, I have been browsing this message board for a few months, but only after reading your post today have I actually posted.
Im in a similar position to you in that I have an interest in glasses but have never really had a requirement for them. With my increased use of my laptop Ive been wondering if it is of benefit to have my eyes tested and perhaps get some computer/reading glasses if required.
I'd be interested to hear a bit more about your situation and if you could provide some specifics on what was done in the eye exam.
Many Thanks,
Veronica
BTW, what frames did you get ;)
Melissa 08 Sep 2007, 02:46
This is my first posting here but I have been "lurking" here for several months.
I've had an interest in glasses for ages but never thought I needed them. My last eye exam was about 2 or 3 years ago where I was told I didn't need glasses. Recently my eyes have been getting tired when I'm using the computer so I thought I should get my eyes checked. I got my eyes tested on Monday and got a prescription that says Left Sph+1.5 Cyl-.5 Right Sph+1.25 Cyl-.75. The optician said I should wear this prescription for reading (including using computers) and I might find them useful for distances such as driving or watching tv for long time if my eyes feel tired then.
I picked up my glasses on Thursday. When I put them on everything became sharper. I read some small print and found the ink seemed darker and the edges of the letters didn't look smudged. Looking across the shop I could see a notice by the till. Although I could read it without glasses it was definately much easier to read with glasses. The optician suggested wearing the glasses for the rest of the day so I could get used to the lenses.
When I got up yesterday morning I thought I would wear my glasses all day again. This morning I didn't put them on at first but after a couple of hours I missed how clear everything looked so put my glasses on.
I know from reading Eyescene that my prescription is quite mild and probably don't need to wear my glasses all the time but I think I will. If I only needed them for reading and they didn't make any difference to distances I probably wouldn't wear them all the time. My glasses don't make a huge difference to distances but just enough for me to prefer to wear them all the time.
R Ed 31 Aug 2007, 14:28
To both Rachels,
Please post again; your many fans miss you; it has been almost a wjole month. Maybe you can differentiate yourselves one from the other by adding your year of birth. I believe 15 year old Rachel has posted once as Rachel-1992.
DWV 09 Aug 2007, 03:42
VFL:
Congratulations on the new glasses! So, are you going to put some pictures up to show us what they look like?
VFL 08 Aug 2007, 19:05
New glasses today. Feeling great!!!!!
Same prescription, but the lenses look so different... Showed everyone...first time I was ever so "open" with new glasses.... I feel like a celebrity!!!!
Thinking of going full time. Maybe half time. New specs...new stronger presciptionarooni... why not? Half time gas perms...half time STRONG specs...???????????
anon 08 Aug 2007, 09:35
I shall risk that a bit later, I took 7 pairs over to hers the other day so I think that will have to do for the moment!!
Thanks for the advice
Rachel 08 Aug 2007, 06:48
anon. Get her some decent frames then and risk having them done in -1.50
anon 08 Aug 2007, 03:09
Hi Rachel, haha, I know I am being far too ambitious, it just so happens that these two are my favourite frames though!!
I do have some -1.5's which she wears occasionly but I find the frames a bit bland
Rachel 08 Aug 2007, 02:26
anon. Surely your girl friend should be wearing glasses much less than that for starters! No wonder she is getting headaches, even of she is managing to accommodate the minus. I suggest getting her glasses that are just over -1.00. Perhaps -1.25 or even -1.50. She sould feel perfectly happy in those after a couple of days and hopefully want to keep them on all the time. Then in another 6 months try her with another -0.50 and gradually build her up over time. Thats all I usually try for extra when I go for my yearly eyetest. You are being far too ambitious for her all in one go!!
anon 08 Aug 2007, 01:41
Rachel, she is 20/20, unlike me!
However, I have a couple of pairs of -3.75's which she can wear for 1/2 hour to 1 hour and watch TV in but after a while she complains they are giving her a headache so she has to take them off.
Rachel 07 Aug 2007, 08:19
anon. Do you know what her actual prescription is at the moment. I don't think she is too young to accommodate more minus from what I have actually been told myself.
anon 07 Aug 2007, 07:22
She's in her mid 30's.
I haven't had much of a response over here So I'm going to try the induced myopia thread.
Rachel 06 Aug 2007, 05:43
anon..It depends how old she is, but wearing them a lot should help her myopia to increase. I'm myopic too but still only 15 so mine is progressing naturally, but I like to try for a slightly bigger increase than I really need each time my eyes are tested..It give me much better clarity at first.
anon 06 Aug 2007, 05:01
Over the past few months I have got my girlfriend more and more into glasses to the point where now she wears them everytime we make out :)
Unfortunately, they come straight off after this and although I've tried to buy frames she likes she still won't wear them around the house or out. :(
She did however say a couple of days ago that if I was to commit to her long term she would wear them a LOT more, to the point where she was dependent on them and when she needed glasses full time I could pick the ones she needed.
My question to you is, is there a way that I can speed up her myopia - apart from her wearing glasses more often - so she can wear them sooner?
Jack V. 06 Aug 2007, 03:30
Who's Pete?
Rachel 05 Aug 2007, 23:09
Pete. I still like the semi rimless frames with plastic sides and metal across the tops. I saw another girl wearing some red ones with fairly thick lenses at the weekend and they looked totally amazing. I don't think her rx was as strong as mine though. They looked to be around -6
ehpc 04 Aug 2007, 09:21
Absolutely no apologies needed Rachel:) Pete
R Ed 04 Aug 2007, 07:59
Rachel,
Certainly there are other women named Rachel and it may be entirely a coincidence that another Rachel posted recently. Apart from the ditso that thought you are a fake everyone has liked your posts and encouraged you to continue. Please don't stop posting
Rachel 04 Aug 2007, 01:04
Just for the record the Rachel posting on Hyperopia is not me. I am shortsighted (myopic) and do not need either bifocals or trifocals. I think someone is playing around and it puts me off posting in the future if I am going to made to look foolish.
Puffin 03 Aug 2007, 14:19
I have no problem with people dominating the threads as long as it is glasses-related.
Rachel 03 Aug 2007, 00:00
ehpc. Sorry guys I hadn't realised I was dominating the threads. I supposed I just got carried away. Personally I'm not keen on sticking things into my eyes Pete and I've read that wearing contacts can do long term damage to the eyes. I'm hoping to get permision to go for another eye-test this month so we should find out how much my myopia has increased.
Varna 02 Aug 2007, 13:56
Julian,
You are right. Sorry if I came on too strong.
Glasses forever,
Varna
Julian 02 Aug 2007, 09:01
Varna: I think you're being just a bit savage...'dominating all the threads' is pitching it a bit strong.
But, Rachel, it would be easier to understand and support you if you did stick to one thread instead of spreading your posts around as you have been. For what my opinion's worth, 'Induced Myopia' would be your best choice.
love and kisses, Jules.
Varna 02 Aug 2007, 08:25
I suggest that Rachel stick to one thread, and stop dominating all the threads. Do you know how disappointing it is to see new activity on a thread, and then you go to it, and it's Rachel again, involving everyone in her dilemma.
ehpc 02 Aug 2007, 07:30
What do you reckon to my suggestion in my previous post Rachel? Pete
Rachel 01 Aug 2007, 22:39
Gino. There's simply no way my mother is going to do that! For starters she wouldn't even be able to see what she was doing with the strength my lenses are! Like someone else suggested I might just go along with the contact idea next time providing I'm allowed new glasses as well. Then just eventually throw the contacts into touch as non starters after I've tried wearing them a few times. She may eventually give up nattering me then.
Gino 01 Aug 2007, 15:32
Rachel, I suggest you ask your mom that she puts on your glasses and walk around, function, cook,... for 1 hour while looking through your glasses, coping with them slipping down her nose, ... Then she'll realize how bad you really need them and probably won't push you to contacts anymore.
ehpc 01 Aug 2007, 05:25
Tell Ma you couldn't face the thought of putting a foreign body in the eye. Quite apart from the fact that I like GWGs, the thought of putting a foreign body in the eye makes me feel physically sick. My former fiancee Caroline used to wear CLs. Watching her put them in (especially first thing in the morning) genuinely made me feel physically sick, momentarily. Give her all that stuff.Pete
Rachel 01 Aug 2007, 04:36
Hi Tom, no she knows I can't go without glasses now. It was when I first got them when I was a kid that she used to tell me to take them off and not to wear them all the time. Now she's convinced that wearing glasses such a lot has made me as short sighted as I am. She doesn't like seeing me in thick glasses, so she now wants me to swap for contacts. It's getting on my nerves to be quite honest, because I don't know how to stop her nattering.
Tom 01 Aug 2007, 04:15
Rachel: I don't understand exactly your mother's position. Does she simpy regret that you need glasses to see (and I understand could be frustrating for a parent to see her daughtr's vision to decrease year after year) or would she really want you to go without corection with your prescription? In this case, it should be easy for you to show her (or at least to have the eyedoctor/optician to explain her) how blur is your uncorrected vision and how much dependent you are on glasses.
Rachel 31 Jul 2007, 22:55
Hi jane, thanks for all your support and understanding about me ejoying wearing glasses. I'm glad you do as well. There are so many trendy frames these days and I just love going for eyetests and choosing new ones for my stronger prescriptions. I've also never had a problem socially becaue I'm a glasses girl.
All4Eyes 31 Jul 2007, 18:44
PART 4:
Now that I think of it, these glasses do seem to be a tad stronger then Mom’s rx, with a bit less cylinder and a weaker add. The numbers on 1 arm say “ELAN 58” & down on the part that goes behind the ear “FRAME HONGKONG” and on the other arm “827 52-16-135” if that means anything. They are also D-segment bifocals and strangely enough as I’ve been wearing them I’m finding I’m acquiring a bit of a taste for bifocals. I like how there’s the sudden change to everything being bigger, and the flash of light along the line, ooh, shivery-quivers, it’s pretty, but I still think I look rather odd in them, oh, well, sooner or later I’ll find myself having no choice but to indulge this side of my OO, I suppose. But then I’m not sure even about how I’ll look in larger frames (my current pair are only a 45 eye size (I do know what SOME of the numbers on the glasses mean!) ), yet there’s a part of me that’s yearning to wear something really showy and flamboyant, could be my OOness is starting to actually affect my choice of frames for myself, but then it’s also possible that I’ve just been watching too many Elton John videos lately 8-). Sorry for such a long post, but a girl doesn’t get new glasses everyday, you know (especially this girl *sigh*), and I PROMISE to spill EVERY JUICY LITTLE DETAIL about my next eye exam (you think YOU’VE been waiting a long time to hear about it, try waiting for it on this end!).
I ALWAYS make passes at guys who wear glasses, Marie
All4Eyes 31 Jul 2007, 18:43
PART 3:
BTW, the pic of those Mainstreet 228’s looks almost exactly like the first pair of minus glasses I remember trying on that were strong enough to make a real difference for me (way back when I was 12) and that just this year I “borrowed” or misappropriated, whichever you prefer, from my mother, (which turned out not to be hers at all, more on this in a sec!) except that the ones I “borrowed” don’t have the red part. About those “borrowed” glasses, well, horror of horrors, she found them in my room not too long ago BUT (to my eternal gratitude) when I stammered out “Oh, there’s another pair of your glasses I found” she just kind of absently said “Oh, they’re not mine. I never knew who’s those were.”
The rx does seem to be pretty close to hers, though, but I’m certainly no expert at judging scripts and I guess there are probably a lot of people in the world with a minus rx that’s slightly weaker than mine on the left and a good deal weaker on the right, with a spot of cylinder and an add for good measure. I didn’t have the (courage? Stupidity? It could quite likely have prolonged the conversation on that topic and brought up more questions) to follow up by asking “So, it’s OK if I keep them?” but she just put them back down where she found them and went back to what she’d been doing and talking to me about before, no questions as to why I had them or what I was doing with them (did I mention I was grateful? 8-) ) and so I guess she said I could keep them without saying it.
I almost wonder if she understands that I like glasses (well, she sort of knows that) and want to have a collection in whatever way I can. She did call me from the other side of the house one day and say “You have to come see what’s on TV” when there was this fashion show on and they were showing new glasses frames styles and afterwards she said “I thought you’d like to see that”. So that’s twice now I’ve been found to be in possession of a pair of specs that didn’t rightfully belong to me, though I guess it could be worse-she could have walked in on me wearing her glasses over top of mine! Now THAT would have been hard to explain!
All4Eyes 31 Jul 2007, 18:43
PART 2:
I've done a preliminary look-through and found several I like, but decided I'd ask for y'alls' fine advice, just to be sure my new specs will have the desired effect upon any OOs I may happen to meet. Mom also said I MIGHT be able to get 2 pairs, depending on how much they end up costing (naturally, when it comes time to put the new lenses in, I'll be pulling for reducing the cost with low-index). The website where the frames are shown is www.newyorkeye.net and the frames I'm considering now are these (you'll have to look through the different designers collections to find them, but there aren't THAT many, so it shouldn't be too hard. I would put up direct links, but I've never done that before so likely as not I'd do it wrong and make a royal mess of things. So sorry, I know what a pain it must be for a bunch of eyeglass fetishists to have to sift through a bunch of pictures of frames 8;-) ):
Looking Glass 7555 (These Looking Glass frames all have spring hinges, which I like)
Looking Glass 7566
Looking Glass 7580
Looking Glass 7591
Mainstreet 203-T (I like the transparent look of these Mainstreet frames, next best thing to rimless!)
Mainstreet 204-T
Mainstreet 215-T
Mainstreet 220
Mainstreet 228
Let me know what you think of these frames (or any others you see there). If you'd like to see what I look like before you advise me (or even if you'd just like to chat), drop me a line at southern_starshine@yahoo.com and I'll see about sending you a pic. As to the rx that'll go in the new frames, my current is OD-4.50 OS-4.00, but my best estimate for what my new one will be (calculated with some assistance from CJ 8-) ) is OD-5.50 OS-4.75. Thanks in advance for all suggestions.
All4Eyes 31 Jul 2007, 18:42
PART 1:
Interesting developments here in my corner of the world...As y'all know, I've been trying to work my way into getting some new glasses for, like, ever now (do people still say "for, like, ever"?) but have had to wait (and wait and wait...) for financial reasons. Well, it so happens that my Mom found out while talking to her friend (who happens to be the grandmother of my blind friend Melissa, btw) that they (my Mom's friend and her husband) are going up to New York this month to visit Melissa and her family AND she knows of a place up there were one can get frames much cheaper than in most places AND they have a catalogue online AND she said if we (Mom's wanting to get new glasses, too) would pick out what we wanted she could get the frames for us when she goes and bring them back for us to have our lenses put in here (I've told Mom about the online places where you can order a whole set of glasses for cheap and have them delivered, but she doesn't trust that sort of thing, thinks you still ought to go into the optician's for the lens-fitting).
As Mom and I were looking through the frames, I was telling her some about my taste in frames and I mentioned (but tried to do so with a bit less enthusiasm than I've used to talk about them here! ) I liked those big, black plastic frames people wore in the '50's. This elicited a strange noise from her, halfway between a gasp and a sigh, kind of an "Unfh!". I quickly added that "Well, that's what I like on other people, but I'm not sure how they would look on me, they might be too much, since I'm so fair-skinned" and she agreed, saying "if the frames are very dark it makes the glasses very prominent on your face". This is, of course, EXACTLY what I like about them, but I just didn't have the courage left within me to say so, after having already been so bold as to tell her that I liked this type of frame. I mentioned I liked rimless, but most of the rimless frames there looked awful flimsy and delicate, though I suppose it's possible they aren't as breakable as they look and anyway I'm excited about the idea of wearing plastic for a change. I see this will be a long post, so I’m breaking it up.
jane 31 Jul 2007, 09:19
Rachel. How refreshing to find a young girl that does not want contact lenses. All my friends could not wait to get them and get out of their glasses. I wear glasses myself, and can understand how you grow to enjoy them. Unlike yourself, i am very Longsighted, but the same principles apply, i enjoy being a girl with glasses. Good for you, wear them and enjoy them.
Tod 31 Jul 2007, 07:46
Dear Rachel, I do not meant to offend you if you are who you say you are. I assume you to be truthful. Though there are writers on this site who pretend to be other people.
It is just from my own experience and myself at that age. That many young people who have to wear glasses in order to see are anxious and willing to get contact lenses for social reasons and other reasons. Maybe to look more like their friends who don't wear glasses.
Rachel 31 Jul 2007, 03:13
Tod. I don't know what your problem is with glasses. They are quite a fashion item now with young people where I live and if you wear strong ones you are looked on as being pretty special.
Rachel 31 Jul 2007, 03:11
Tuna. When I next get new glasses, I suppose I could play my mother at her own game and tell her I'll try contacts as well. Then, like you say, wear them occasionally and keep telling her I need to take them out because they are painful. If I did it in front of her friends a few times it might embarrass her so much she'll gives up pestering me. I'll think about it some.
Tod 30 Jul 2007, 16:23
This story makes no sense. Most young teens, girls especially want to get out of their glasses and get contact lenses.
I hope this isn't one of Tom the Hungarian's British screen play!
Tos 30 Jul 2007, 16:22
This story makes no sense. Most young teens, girls especially want to get out of their glasses and get contact lenses.
I hope this isn't one of tom th Hungarian's British screen playa!
30 Jul 2007, 16:20
.
tuna 30 Jul 2007, 13:47
If your mom keeps it up, just tell her that you are afraid that they will be uncomfortable as your eyes tend to get dry but that you'll try the contacts if she really wants you too, and you just hope you will be able to wear them but you dont want her to go to any unneeded expense (make it clear that she will be paying and you are the one who is doing the accommodating.) Then don't wear them if you don't like them.
She will quickly tire of that expense.
R Ed 30 Jul 2007, 11:15
Rachel,
Please keep us informed of the discussions with your mum. Do you think she does not realize your dependence on glasses now? Has she ever tried plus lenses equivalent to your minus prescription so she would know what your world is like if you wore no corrective lenses? Maybe that would make her more appreciative of your situation and willing to listen to your point of view.
Rachel 29 Jul 2007, 22:31
R Ed. I really appreciate your concern. If only my mum knew how dependent I am on my glasses now she may not be so disapproving of my thick lenses. I just have to put up with her comments and hope that one day she will see sense. I suppose she's only wanting what's best for me, as I am an only child. But this contact business is really beginning to bug me.
Clare 29 Jul 2007, 07:52
Mojo - I've heard it's hard to predict acurately whether someone will continue to get more myopic. There's probably some genetics involved and your lifestyle will play a part. Mine has increased throughout my 30s, with one large jump and a few smaller ones. I can't really explain it, there's no genetic predisposition to myopia in my family.
Has anyone seen any stats? I've seen something that says teenage myopia generally stops below -6 and that adult onset rarely gets higher than the -2s. I don't know where I've seen these figures, does anyone have any ideas?
R Ed 28 Jul 2007, 08:47
Rachel,
It seems much more often the teenage daughter wants contacts and the mother wants daughter to continue with glasses. You have the opposite situation.
My wife needed a strong astigmatism correction as a teenager. Her mother stated that came from the fathers side of the family even though there were no facts to support that contention; just denial. Could that be what is happening with your mother.
We still haven't figured out how to get your mother to accept your choice, which, after all, is a reasonable choice. It certainly does you no harm
ehpc 28 Jul 2007, 07:38
That's cool that you wore glasses aged 8 Rachel. Did you love wearing glasses from the start? What hair colour are you? Pete
Rachel 28 Jul 2007, 07:26
Hi R ED.
I think wanting more minus is probably a reaction to my mum's negative attitiude towards my wearing glasses. She was very upset when she found out I needed them at 8 and she never seems to have fully come to terms with it. She started on about contacts a couple of years back when i got into my teens and my glasses got thicker, but so far I've managed to stick with my glasses.
27 Jul 2007, 19:17
R Ed,
That's 10 questions.
R Ed 27 Jul 2007, 18:48
Rachel,
I have 2 questions:-
1.- Why is your mum negative about you wearing glasses. What does she say now and when you first wore glasses? Why is she pushing contacts? At what age did she start this? What do other family members say? I hope they support you.
2.- Why do you "cheat" during your eye exams? Why do you want a stronger than your needed prescription? Why do you want to increase your myopia? Is it a teenage reaction to your mothers negativity. Is the cheating in your best interest long term?
Perhaps if you can answer these questions you will learn how to deal with your mother.
Mojo 27 Jul 2007, 12:11
As I said everytime I go I get a bit of an increase. What is the likelihood that it keeps happening? I am 27. Now I sometimes feel that I definately need to wear my glasses but if I keep increasing i won't have the choice.
Rachel 27 Jul 2007, 07:17
Debbie, I was interested in your post as you may have seen my problem with my mum. As a matter of interest what prescription are you and do you wear glasses fulltime?
Debbie 27 Jul 2007, 02:34
Yes, i think glasses wearing is very subjective. It is also interesting that my brother wears contacts/glasses just slightly stronger then mine with both eyes -2.5, and will say himself that he is "blind without glasses." Before i started wearing contacts, i laughed at him when he said this and made fun of him for wearing them all the time but now i realise that it is really much better to be able to see perfectly. And although there is definately MUCH stronger myopia, i dont believe anyone should have to walk around in any level of blurr and would suggest that people with even mild prescriptions wear fulltime- it definately makes life a lot easier.
Tom 26 Jul 2007, 23:44
Mojo, Debbie, Jennifer: you share the same prescription, but a different approach to glasses. This is a confirmation of how much subjective the wearing glasses issue is with such a degree of myopia. You should probably share experiences and pros/cons of both approaches.
Guest: reason why I often suggest people to limit the use of glasses is because I don't understand while so much people are so harsh in judge the amount of visual defect they have. Still and clare posts (July 24) report people that believe to be blind with such a degree of myopia in which most other people do not use glasses but part time! Moreover, this sounds almost offensive to those people who are really close to blindness (that is much much more than -2 or so!). And I believe that even nearsighted eyes can be of much more help than most people think. I suggest shortsighted people trying to cope with uncorrected vision to know the real possibilities of their eyes. Finally, sooner or later it will most probably arrive the time when you will need/want to do without glasses (because you have forgot them, you have broken them, someone have stolen the purse where they was, or simply they are not the right color for that dress, as it was in an old Eyescene post) and will not want to ask some friend to borrow his/her glasse to see! On my side, I use glasses basically 100% of time, but I'm free to remove them and function without any trouble e.g. for a bath or a walk. Some years ago an optician took some time to mount new lenses on my old frame and, with my surprise (because I haven't started going bareeyed at that time) I was perfectly able to live without them for a couple of days (except for driving, obviously). Just needed to sit a little bit closer to the PC screen at work, that's all.
Rachel 26 Jul 2007, 22:50
Thanks Sue, I really appreciate your support. I feel glasses are a part of me and I would hate having to wear contacts to disguise my myopia. Like you say at my age my prescription is going to carry on increasing for a good number of years so my mother is just going to have to get used to me wearing thicker and thicker glasses. Its great your mother was so supportive. Perhaps eventually mine will realise her mistake when she has to get glasses for reading herself.
Mojo 26 Jul 2007, 11:30
Tom
I got my first glasses at 17 and still at school. I also needed them for the driving test. It's 10 years ago nowEverytime I get a little increase of some kind
sourgrapes 26 Jul 2007, 11:09
As for contacts, it just seems to be a bigger hassle than eyeglasses to me. And I don't like the idea of "putting something in my eye." This is what I tell people. But of course, there is also that I really love wearing glasses. :)
P.S. I have never tried contacts.
sourgrapes 26 Jul 2007, 11:08
As for contacts, it just seems to be a bigger hassle than eyeglasses to me. And I don't like the idea of "putting something in my eye." This is what I tell people. But of course, there is also that I really love wearing glasses. :)
Sue 26 Jul 2007, 07:29
Rachel. Tell her you cannot wear contacts, your eyes will not take them. I wear strong glasses and my Mother is very supportive about them, even when they got thicker and thicker, she would always say how nice they looked. At your age and your rx Rachel, the odds are that you will need a lot stronger before your eyes stabilise. Tell her she will have to get used to seeing her daughter in glasses, its no big deal tell her. Some day in the not to distant future, she will find she needs them for close work as well
Rachel 26 Jul 2007, 05:59
Sourgrapes she thinks glasses make me look plain. She's never needed glasses herself and the only other person in our family who does is an old auntie who she thinks is very fussy. She reckons I take after her.
Eyeseeit 26 Jul 2007, 05:53
Murky - I had a stranger compliment me on my glasses, and I was really pleased!
I have never liked wearing glasses, so to get a great compliment, was a really big plus.
I have asked other women about their frames when I saw something that I liked, and thought that it would look good on me, too. I ask where they got their frames, and every woman has been pleased to answer my questions.
I wish more men would be open about complimenting women on their eyewear. I think that it is a great thing, especially when you are not feeling comfortable about wearing glasses in the first place.
murky 26 Jul 2007, 01:03
What do people think about complementing strangers on beautiful eyewear, there is so much stunning stuff about at present, but is it rude?
sourgrapes 25 Jul 2007, 23:31
Why doesn't she want you to wear them?
Rachel 25 Jul 2007, 22:58
I've just found this site along with lenschat and love it. I've needed glasses since I was 8 and my mother has always been negative about me wearing them. Now at 15 my rx is just over -7 and she wants me to get contacts but personally I like they way I look in glasses. How do I stop her going on at me all the time?
cut-in UK 25 Jul 2007, 22:25
To expand on Spectator's valid point, glasses or contacts(if you can wear them)are a matter of personal choice.
Either way Debbie, you have had your first optic realisation, in that you now have seen how vision CAN be.
Not so long ago, particularly in the UK, glasses were about as exciting as the Pope's sock drawer ! Now it really is another world and a pair of glasses can, if chosen carefully, bring a new look and compliments galore. If perchance, you are of an age that conjours up visions of glasses as 'unglamourous and geeky' it can be a major hurdle to overcome. It really is worth trying to really see how you look by visiting the high street opticians with a true friend who will give you an honest opinion.
It may help to crystallise your view on whether glasses are for you, either in addition to complement contact lenses or as your main tool to perfect vision. Incidentally, you do not have to buy where you try. Look on it as an experiment. You may be surprised at how a particular frame can suit a particular mood, or outfit.
25 Jul 2007, 16:08
Jennifer,How High Is Your Prescription?
Guest 25 Jul 2007, 14:15
Don't take this the wrong way Tom but if you like glasses/squinting why are you so anti wearing them?
Spectator 25 Jul 2007, 11:17
I'm a strong believer that there are no absolute rights & wrongs in this if someone decides that they like seeing clearly. When you do it's likely you'll get used to it and like it. I don't see any harm for Debbie to wear contacts because she's shy to wear glasses. And Debbie my guess is that you haven't become dependent on contacts just because you wore them because that's actually what your vision is like. You were just used to a blur.
Jennifer 25 Jul 2007, 10:02
Tom, I don't think it has to do with having sharper vision when have a prescription of -2. I went around uncorrected at around that prescription, but then it became impossible to recognize people walking towards me at school. It wasn't that my eyesight wasn't sharp. I didn't want people to think I was rude because I didn't say hello to them until they came right up to me. That's what convinced me that I needed to wear my glasses full time and not just in class to see the board. I was reluctant to wear glasses and so I got my first pair contacts at that time.
Tom 25 Jul 2007, 08:21
Debbie: your story perfectly explains that with a low degree of myopia as you has, wearing a correction is more a matter of being accustomed to it, than of really needing a sharper vision. I think the only way to reduce your problem and mitigate the impact of removing your contacts is to confine their use to when you absolutely needs a sharp vision. I understand that contact lenses cannot be easily put on or off as glasses, but you should try at least to go around uncorrected whenever you can (e.g. doing sport or during holidays and weekends). You have already found that wear your contacts full time makes you more and more dependent on them. Finally, please don't be so reluctant in wearing glasses when needed. As you may have understood many here around in Eyescene retain glasses as an interesting and attracting accessory. P.S. I had a friend at university who was -4. She wore contacts full time and didn't want to be seen in glasses for any reason. Once I invited her to come out with other friends and she explained she couldn't because she didn't have anymore solution for her contacts and cannot go around without correction. I asked her if she had intention of not coming out of her home anymore at all, since she wasn't able to go to buy new solution in the uncorrecetd blur. She explained that she had probably gone with her best friend (that was another girl and not me, unfortunately), who she considered as the only person allowed to see her with glasses. And she probably did so since the day after I saw her again in contacts.
Debbie 25 Jul 2007, 05:45
Hi. Ive been reading this sight for a while but have not posted before. I find this topic very interesting as up until around 6 months ago i was perfectly happy to go around uncorrected with R-2.5 L-2. This was partly because of not wanting to wear glasses. 5 months ago however i got contacts which i have worn every day since. Last sunday i tried a day uncorrected and it proved very difficult. I could not make out people on the other side of the room and i could see virtually none of the signs on the streets and shops etc i have become so accustomed to seeing. It is very weird that at the beginning of this year i was getting around in that level of blurr all the time. I am slightly angry now however because i have become dependant on contacts- and being still too vain to wear glasses i fear a day where i will not be able to put in contacts.
Puffin 25 Jul 2007, 03:31
so many times I've heard "I'm blind without glasses" etc etc, with low prescriptions. Sometimes I tell them how high myopia can go... it's always "wow!"
still 24 Jul 2007, 19:19
Years ago, I met a young lady who claimed the same thing, and looking back, I'm sure she was not more than -1 in each eye. Maybe just a posture...
Clare 24 Jul 2007, 12:29
Yes, it is a subjective thing. I have a friend who was -2.50 and claimed to be blind without her glasses.
Tom 24 Jul 2007, 00:53
Spectator: it's really subjective, I do agree with you. Please note that Mojo's prescription is only -2 in the better eye. According to my experience, when I have no glasses, my overall vision is that of my better eye (-3) while the other (-5 plus 0.75 astigmatism) does not affect my vision at all. In other words, I can see equally well (or bad...) by using both eyes or by closing the more myopic one.
Mojo: is that you first prescription? How old are you? I have been using glasses regularly since the primary school, but if you have just started wearing glasses, it would be much easier for you to do without.
Phil: people where you live are really poite in avoiding comments about your eyesight! I have to admit that when I meet something that could not see well (esp. girl or woman...), I do every effort to turn the conversation into vision related subjects, because I really love to ear other people talking and repoprting experiences about their poor eyesight.
Puffin 23 Jul 2007, 16:54
With all this talk of what rx people can cope with uncorrected, let me mention that I've been pondering what effect being an uncorrected low myope would have on a deaf person depending on vision for lipreading.
This would seem to be a considerably different matter, since you are not just using your fuzzy vision to guide
yourself around.
No doubt it would make life harder, but would anyone care to suggest an rx where this becomes too awkward?
(alas, I'm neither deaf nor myopic, so I can't help, only wonder about it)
Spectator 23 Jul 2007, 11:22
Tom
I think it is all very subjective. For instance you say that Mojo doesn't need correction really with -2.50 but yet you don't like to go without your -3 too often. It doesn't seem a huge difference.
I'm interested in how different people cope so what rx do you think that glasses actually do get necessary?
Phil 23 Jul 2007, 08:55
It's surprisingly rare Tom. My last boss said he was glad I'd got specs when he saw me wearing them while giving a presentation: I had no choice. But otherwise no-one ever comments.
Tom 23 Jul 2007, 08:45
Phil, you are by far the most reluctant person to glasses I ever met! Honestly, I wonder how can you manage going around conveniently without your -4 glasses on a regular basis. I like to experience my -3 myopia uncorrected but only occasionally (and always when there is nobody I know around, exactly the opposite case from your one!). Did you ever found in embarassing situations in which someone has asked you about your poor eyesight (since I presume everyone that meets you is able later or sooner to realize that you are so nearsighted: friends, colleagues, shop assitants, etc.) or in which you had to admit that yout vision is so poor without glasses?
Phil 23 Jul 2007, 06:50
Tom, You are so right.
I picked up my new minus 4s on Friday and wore them back to the office, again on the way home and for most of Saturday. I can see beautifully with them on, and the increased add also lets me read much better in them. But when I take them off I can see almost nothing.
Having said that, it's not that, but shyness, that stops me keeping them on fulltime. However, I'm off to New York for a week on Wednesday and, as a stranger who won't see anyone who knows me there, I will wear fulltime. I suspect that, after that, I'll never be able to take them off again.
You can hold out at minus 2, even minus 3. But I think minus 4 is at the very limit!
By the way, I sent my former gwg girlfriend (who I mentioned last week)a picture of me in the new specs. She said they looked great and suited me. they are Hugo Boss.
Tom 23 Jul 2007, 01:48
Mojo: with a low prescription as you have, you should be able to do virutally antything without correction. At least as far as getting a little bit closer (e.g. to shop shelves or windows) or gently squinting is not an issue. Only situations in which you have to see clearly at distance (e.g. reading a far screen or board or watching TV or going to the theatre) should require you to put your glasses on. You have also probably observed that just after removed your glasses when you have worn them for a while makes averything to appear
even more blurred than it is. This is a normal reaction of the brain that becomes easily accustomed to sharp vision and should be (according to my opinion) reason for not wearing glasses unless they are really needed.
Puffin 18 Jul 2007, 16:59
I agree with lentifan about thickness & CR-39. It just looks so shiny and nice, especially with plano (flat) fronts flashing at me!
lentifan 18 Jul 2007, 16:47
Phil
#you think -4 lenses can be a bit "clunky". Well, not to me.
I know I'm probably in quite a small minority in my view that glasses look better the thicker the lenses. But I do think that high index lenses at low minus Rxs can look very flimsy and insubstantial - and I include my own polycarbonate lenses. To me CR39 gives a nice sparkle and looks better all round. Avoid, too, anti-reflective coating; this seems to give external reflections of a weird pastel-coloured nature at certain angles - often pink, sometimes green.
Julian 18 Jul 2007, 16:06
Oh, come on! the old jokes are the best jokes, and the Phil and Clare coffee joke has run for ages and could run for years yet. There's no need to be strait-laced about it!
observer 18 Jul 2007, 13:34
You have flirted but I havent noticed that Clare has flirted back
Jennifer 18 Jul 2007, 12:27
Phil, is friendship all you're looking for? I don't believe that. Your marriage must be in a bad state, not marriage in general. I'm sure you would enjoy having two gwgs in your company over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. What would your wife say about that? Just pointing out a fact.
Phil 18 Jul 2007, 10:28
Jennifer, I may be naive but is a married man not allowed to have a cup of coffee (or, as has been very sensibly suggested as an alternative, a glass of wine) with a friend? If he isn't the state of being married is an even sadder one than I imagined.
Hope you are not jealous that I invited Clare. Only joking!! Clare and I have flirted about that coffee for ages. Maybe you'd like to come too: that would make an already decidedly non-dodgy proposed event patently squeaky clean.
Jennifer 18 Jul 2007, 09:25
Phil....Aren't you a married man!
-- 18 Jul 2007, 05:53
good god, this is getting creepy. leave her alone!
saltnshake 18 Jul 2007, 05:22
Crikey, throw him a bone before he explodes
Phil 18 Jul 2007, 04:00
Just a further thought. If I can wear my specs "fulltime" in front of you, surely you can drink a coffee! I know who'll have to be braver. Go on Clare. You know you want to. Friday?
Fritz 18 Jul 2007, 03:55
-
Phil -- Instead of offering Clare a coffee, why not suggest you meet to have a drink. Sounds a bit more fun to me!!
A buddy of mine is also a -4 and his lenses are noticeably "serious" in CR39. Not sure why he doesn't get high-index but he does go clubbing with his specs on the top of his head. I know he really can't see a thing, especially in the dark, and clearly is due for an increase since he's squinting all of the time when he's got them on. I suspect that you look just fine in them; surely, they're not an unusual component in the law biz.
Phil 18 Jul 2007, 03:35
That's a pity Clare. I think we'd have a chuckle. I'll agree "bare-eyed" if you prefer! Oddly I think I'd be happy to wear my glasses in front of you: I know you understand.
I think we work very close to each other. I've probably seen you anyway! Or, at least, I would have if I'd been wearing my specs!
Think I might try 1.67 index next time if they are ok. I like the look of thin lenses. At -4 even the ones I've ordered will be a bit chunky. I like "serious" lenses but think they get a bit ugly when they get thick.
Clare 18 Jul 2007, 01:56
Nameless poster - I haven't come across much that makes CL wearing difficult, except dust in high winds! I even wear them on planes if the journey is not too long. I can still go bareyed, especially around the house, but for most distance activities I think it's nice to see as well as possible.
Clare 18 Jul 2007, 01:52
I didn’t think 1.67 was that high, just high for my Rx. Although I read somewhere that some opticians recommend high index over -2.50. They’re fine, I really can’t tell any difference to the last, except that they’re thinner of course. I don't know if they look fantastic. I'm not sure what I’ll do when it happens, but I hope I have some time yet till presbyopia comes along! I’ve heard that some people get less myopic as they get older, maybe that’ll be me! And on meeting up, I guess I’m like you and wearing glasses - I’m not sure I can do it. I’m just too happy to hide behind this online barrier!
Phil 18 Jul 2007, 00:54
Clare, I could give you an answer to that first question. But I won't, for fear of becoming a bore. I really do need someone to convince me that I look ok in specs.
I was interested to read that you have very high index lenses. Do they have disadvantages? Ive gone for the middle range: not sure of the index (1.59?).
At your rx the very high index lenses must look fantastic. You really should throw those awful contacts away. You may have to reassess when presbyopia comes your way: varifocals are much nicer than readers on top of contacts. But your current rx is just so perfect you must look fantastic in specs.
I'd still like us to meet up in glasses for a coffee or lunch. It would do us both good. And be a laugh. We have a lot in common. My left eye is now better than 6/6 with the -4s. So I'd have a chance of beating you at a number-plate reading game!! Go on. Send me a text (07783062869).
17 Jul 2007, 13:54
Clare - do you do anything that makes wearing CL's difficult eg swimming and can you still tolerate being bare-eyed ?
Clare 17 Jul 2007, 11:51
Phil - what are we going to do with you! When are the glasses due?
Why don't you just commit to wearing them a full day when you get them, then you'll realise just how *helpful* they will be. What will your wife say if you do decide to go fulltime? She must already realise it's necessary, even if she doesn't give compliments.
As to me, I'm not much a glasses wearer now I'm afraid. These contact lenses are just so comfortable ...
My annual CL checkup was last month. Apparently they usually reduce the Rx for aspheric contacts but mine's stayed the same, I think that's okay. I think I've probably stabilised, I probably just have good accommodation!
Phil 17 Jul 2007, 10:06
Jennifer, I'm going to have to give in, I know. I work in my own office so it's certainly not attention-seeking: quite the opposite. It's lack of self-assurance.
I'd love a gwg friend who boosted my confidence by really believing I look good in specs. I had a wonderful girlfriend a couple of years ago who was a myope herself; and I wore fulltime during the few marvellous days I spent with her. But my wife would never think of flattering me. She thinks that my speccy thing is a vile perversion. I've hardly mentioned it to her: she would divorce me if she knew I find women in specs attractive!
Jennifer 17 Jul 2007, 09:42
Phil, don't you think it's about time you just wore your glasses full time? I really don't understand why you're so reluctant? By looking at a computer screen with your face inches away, you're only attracting negative attention to yourself. Unless, you prefer someone watching you struggle to see?? Just wear your glasses. Believe me, there are many girls who prefer guys in glasses!
Phil 17 Jul 2007, 00:48
Thanks Clare-long time no chat. I'd appear in them to prove my new fulltime status if you were brave enough to agree to that coffee!
Are you wearing your specs much nowadays? When are you due another test?
Gosh, I do need them you know: my nose is now virtually on the computer screen. I'm a bit worried that my rx is going up again. Up minus .25 since last year (which was minus .25 and .5 higher than two years before). But at least this fellow gave me the add I need: up by plus .5. I'm looking forward to trying the new specs on some tiny print! And I've splashed out on top rate varifocal lenses to see if I can avoid the wobbles the old ones sometimes give me.
Clare 16 Jul 2007, 13:21
Phil - be brave when you get your new glasses. I have a friend with the same Rx, she wouldn't consider going out uncorrected. And just think, you'll be able to see the TV again, although I'm amazed you don't wear them for that already. Hope it goes well.
Fritz 16 Jul 2007, 08:59
Glassesforeveryone -- I know several people with a prescription like yours and they only wear them for things like driving and tv. It all depends on one's blur tolerance. Your last increase essentially doubled your old prescription so you might be in for some additional increases before your vision stabilizes. What did your optometrist say? Let us know what you do for your company "do".
Phil 16 Jul 2007, 03:57
Mojo. You can survive without them. I've had -3.75s for a year or so and only worn them part-time. I, of course, wear specs to drive. But I've just increased to -4 and I think I'm going to have to wear the new ones fulltime when they come. Shopping has become tricky. And I'm missing people on the street. I can't see much tv: I'm beginning to be unable to see who is who! But I'm still nervous of wearing specs at work.
glassesforeveryone 16 Jul 2007, 00:46
Morning all,
Guest, in response to your questions, I am male.
In terms of how much do I feel I really need glasses I suppose I'd say I do for working at the computer, driving, watching the TV, but general day-to-day life not really. I didn't need them for going out prior to the new glasses, so why should that change overnight?
I did wear them all weekend, but it wasn't really a test at all because I had a really quiet weekend. The first test will be this week when I have work commitments that require me to be out in the evening at a 'do'.
I'm still undecided whether to brave it at the event and wear my glasses...
Mojo 15 Jul 2007, 13:58
The need thing is very subjective i think. My glasses are -2 and -2.50. I wear them often but not all the time. Sometimes I think I NEED them (big time)and sometimes I only think I need them for a little help. I went grocery shopping today and sure I needed them but it was okay. (I wasn't alone so a bit shy to wear them)
So how much do I really need them I wonder. (Apart from safety issues of course)
guest 13 Jul 2007, 14:06
Glassesforeveryone
And another question. With your new prescription how much do you really feel you need them?
guest 13 Jul 2007, 14:05
Glassesforeveryone
Sorry to ask but are you male or femail?
Fritz 13 Jul 2007, 07:37
Glassesforeveryone -- Let us know how the weekend goes. Were you wearing your old glasses to drive?
glassesforeveryone 13 Jul 2007, 00:47
C, it's not I don't now want glasses, I do. I love wearing them, it's just I haven't quite plucked up the courage to go full time, full time.
Weekends kind of feel different to during the week. Not during the day, but when I go out at night.
Phil, good luck with going full time, if I had your Rx there is no way I could fumble around. I guess I have the luxury of choice at the moment, I don't think you do any more!
Julian 12 Jul 2007, 16:19
Spectator: I know a lot of people reckon the cylinder counts for half the sphere, but I'm not convinced: a dioptre of astigmatism is *at least* as much of a handicap as a dioptre of myopia or hyperopia. So, even though it makes some sense to take the average strength of the corrective lens, it makes more sense to add the whole of the cylinder to the sphere as and index of the person's error (assuming the sphere and the cylinder have the same sign).
Spectator 12 Jul 2007, 14:17
glasses for everyone
Technically you're not quite -2.50 and -2 as the cylinder counts for only half the sphere.
So you are the equivalent of -2.25 and -1.75.
OttO 12 Jul 2007, 13:44
Phil --- Good Luck on going full time. (I remember what it was like.) Not much fun, but a big relief when you've done it. The frustration of not being able to see can be an awful big incentive! All the best.
c 12 Jul 2007, 10:10
Glassesforeveryone,
You have a great dilemma:always wanting glasses, getting glasses when you probably didn't need them and then finally needing them and not wanting them. I think that as soon as you get contacts you will find yourself wanting to wear your glasses again! With your RX you should really see a difference with any corrective lens and are probably going to start needing to wear them all the time.
glassesforeveryone 12 Jul 2007, 09:06
Fritz, for the moment the blur isn't an issue. After a few minutes my eyes seem to be able to accomodate well enough, although I am noticing that the lag is increasing in just a few days, so maybe it will be worse in time.
The optician was a new one to me, so again, maybe that is another reason for the increase, I am not due an eye test until next June, so I went to a different outlet purely out of interest to see if I actually *needed* glasses.
Some people buy CDs, I bought an eye test.
Funnily enough, I've always wanted glasses, but now that I might need them I wonder if contacts would be an option for social occasions if I become more dependant. Strictly when out at night, I'm not that shy about them! But, apart from us at Eyescene lots of folk prefer the look of bare eyes, so hence contacts might need to be an option.
Fritz 12 Jul 2007, 08:34
Glassesforeveryone -- Nice going! That is a pretty big increase over 12 months for someone who is 32, although not unusual for a teenager. Is the blur something you can live with or do you think you will go fulltime "at the weekend." You must live in the UK. Does your eye doctor want you in for another checkup?
Best
glassesforeveryone 12 Jul 2007, 07:29
Hi Fritz,
I wasn't having problems. I've always wanted glasses and so my first pair circa 2000 were very, very low Rx. I opted for them when, in reality, I really didn't need them. I've always tried to make myself more myopic and to my amazement (at my age) I seem to be getting there.
I had the test and my eyes were prescribed as being worse than before. Interestingly, I didn't try to cheat, as I usually do, because I wanted to know what my real prescription would be.
I was amazed at the prescription; maybe my 'cheating' has always been counter-productive? I can't believe that my left eye is, basically, -2.5 and right -2. I'm not sure I should be happy. Like they say, be careful what you wish for...
A few days in and my eyes seem to have accustomed to the new Rx. My old glasses don't offer as clear a picture of the world as the new ones. I was always under the impression that the old '12 months' glasses were too strong as I had cheated in the test at the time!
So there you go, the new glasses don't feel as over-strong as yesterday, or the day before.
I am really enjoying the new myopic life I've worked hard to attain.
Fritz 12 Jul 2007, 06:47
Glasses for everyone -- You haven't told us if you were having trouble with your last (was it your very first?) prescription. Have you noticed a big difference between your old glasses and your new ones?
Phil 12 Jul 2007, 06:03
Julian, I won't find it easy psychologically. But I have little choice: I can hardly see a thing without them now. Going bare-eyed is seriously threatening my ability to shop, cross the road safely and spot gwgs. Most people are fulltime with half my rx.
Julian 12 Jul 2007, 05:36
And, assuming you are the Phil I think you are, are you going to wear them? Full time?
Phil 12 Jul 2007, 04:27
Excellent outcome. I'm up to -4 in both eyes and cylinder's gone. Add has gone up to 2.25 so I might now have a chance with the share prices! Got better grade varifocal lenses in trendier Boss frames. Hope they'll not make me feel drunk like the old ones did.
There was an absolutely stunning dispensing optician. Tall, slim, long blonde hair with perfect minus rimless glasses (around -2 to -3). But, my luck being what it, is I drew a male optometrist and a plain, though pleasant, non-gwg dispenser.
Phil 12 Jul 2007, 00:55
It's an eyetest for me this morning. I'm currently up to -3.75 in each eye with -.5 cylinder in the right. I can't see well with the right eye though the left seems fine. Think I need at least another .25 in the right. I currently have a (very mean) near add of 1.75. I will try to get that up a bit to cope with tiny print. I will report back.
glassesforeveryone 11 Jul 2007, 14:04
Clare, my astigmatism has not changed since my first prescription.
I can see through the new lenses well. I guess that because the change is large, relative to the overall prescription, it takes a bit of getting used to?
Clare 11 Jul 2007, 13:38
Glassesforeveryone - did the astigmatism change at all? I've never had any problem adapting even with a .75 increase, but I guess everyone's different. Probably best just to stick with it. If you can see through them they can't bee too strong!
glassesforeveryone 11 Jul 2007, 11:58
Hi C
I am almost 32, maybe an addition is next, but i would have though i am a bit young for that yet?
I hope so anyway! Thanks for the advice
c 11 Jul 2007, 11:19
glassesforeveryone,
I feel your pain. Keep working through it. My presciption usually changes .5 eveytime I go and it usually takes about a week to get adjusted. My best advice is to wear them as much as you can. With your presciption you are close to having to wear them all the time anyway. How old are you? Bifocals may be next for reading and close work.
glassesforeveryone 11 Jul 2007, 09:25
Thanks both, I am still getting used to the hike in strength and I have, from this morning, worn full time! No comments so far as I already wore glasses at the computer, I would take them off for meetings etc.
That will probably be the case Monday to Friday at work and in the evenings. Come Friday night and at the weekend I may revert to bare eyes... for a while at least.
Anyone got any ideas how long it takes to get used to a stronger prescription? I still get the sensation that these are a little strong for me right now. I could be imagining things though
Puffin 10 Jul 2007, 14:34
And another such increase will probably take you into fulltime wear anyway.
JP 10 Jul 2007, 14:26
Hi glassesforeveryone,
That's a nice prescription, and one that you can wear full-time with pride. Remember that no-one knows how you see with or without those glasses. If you say you need 'em, they just have to take you at your word.
glassesforeveryone 09 Jul 2007, 02:48
Just received my new glasses:
L: -2.0, -0.5 175
R: -1.5, -0.5 5
That's an increase of over half a dioptre. I love the prolonged blur when I take them off after wearing for a while.
Not yet gone full time, I'm not sure if such a slight prescription warrants it, or if I'll get found out as a fraudster if I go full time.
Yours, enjoying the momentary blur...
cut-in UK 03 Jul 2007, 14:27
Although...... 11mm, if that is correct, is a very small bridge by any standards. I can't say I ever saw a dimension that small, are you sure it is correct? The normal minimum is 17-18mm.
Georgina 03 Jul 2007, 09:01
Well Bekka, 54 is the width of each lens in mm. 11 is the distance across the nose bridge (mm) and 130 is the length of the arms, guess what? also in mm. The size you have there is pretty large by any standards!!
Bekka 03 Jul 2007, 05:32
Can anyone explain the sizing of glasses. I'm considering a pair that are 54-11-130. They are retro, and I want them to be pretty big, but I can't get a feel for how big these will be.
Thanks in advance for responding.
lazysiow 24 Jun 2007, 17:48
LOL the stereotype is disproven again. Men *DO* make passes at dames in frames, even husbands!
Minnie 24 Jun 2007, 08:44
Hello, all! Thought I'd come back and post n update on the new glasses. Went back to the doc, who told me in no uncertain terms that "If you don't want headcahes, and you don't want your eye turning out, you need to wear them all the time." So I have been. I notice that I get a bit of a swimmy feeling at the start (a bit nauseous, maybe?) and then after an hour that subsides. As for the rest, my God, is this how the world is SUPPOSED to look? The glasses have given me a depth that was lacking before; my son was playing a computer game as I was passing, and I stopped in my tracks, shocked at how the picture looked. I'm constantly getting stunned by the depth of things, and I must say, it's also disconcerting because I find myself having to re-learn or estimate distances. I'm not sure if that's normal or not, so anyone out there that's been getting by with one-eyed vision, please throw in your two cents! I have also found, to my delight, the my husband is completely digging the glasses; the first time I put them on, he said, "Wow! You look awesome with those on!" The second time was while driving, when he leaned over to whisper that he thought I looked sexy....is that a sweet man, or what? All in all, I'm loving the specs..and I'm loving the world as it's supposed to be viewed! Thanks to all who gave me feedback, and if anyone can add to it, I'd be much obliged!
Philosifer 20 Jun 2007, 11:00
HDV (High Definition Vision)
Had the interesting experience of getting new glasses and a new TV set last week.
Not a really significant prescription change, but for some unexplainable reason I had a great "Wow !" reaction the first time I put the new specs on. Then realized that the difference in my corrected vision is exactly like the difference between the 'plain old' and the new High Definition TV.
There is really nothing 'wrong' with what one sees on the old , low definition, channels. We can see them fine, and get basically everything that is going on, but somehow the HD channels are more crisp and brilliant. That’s how the whole world looks when I have my new specs on now and, after 50 years of intermittent, casual and inconsistent wear, I think I have finally gone full-time !
Minnie 15 Jun 2007, 18:23
I will be calling, Tod, because I've thought of at least ten questions to ask him. It seems strange to me, the thought of having to wear them full-time, since I use my left eye for everything and that one sees perfectly. If I were to cover my right eye, it wouldn't impact me greatly, that's how little I use it. Anyway, sorry to go on, I will follow up with the doc on Monday and he'll hopefully clear the air. Thanks again for your responses, they've been most helpful!
Tod 15 Jun 2007, 17:04
yes Minnie you should contact your eye doctor again by phone or in person and ask these questions. As for double vision, this has more to do with how your brain "sees" than your eyes. I would guess that your Rx is for full time wear in that you have trouble with your eye "drifting" when tired and the only way to get used to glasses is to wear them all the time.
Minnie 15 Jun 2007, 07:38
Thank you Mark, for your feedback. I also didn't ask him about full-time wear, or just for reading, but I will try them only for reading at the start and see how things go. I guess I should fill that prescription, huh? I will update once I get them...thanks again!
mark 15 Jun 2007, 06:11
Minnie, this does sound accurate, yes. I have had friends who have had persistent headaches and they have been to doctor and been prescribed with glasses so I would think that this may come under the same guidelines.
Your eyes will get used to the lenses and no doubt will not be tired anymore. My eyes used to get tired and I too went to the doc with this and was prescribed +3.75 and my eyes haven't felt better since
Minnie 15 Jun 2007, 04:59
Hi all! I'm new here and hoping someone can help me out with information regarding my latest visit to the eye doctor. Let me start by saying that I am 33 years old, have perfect vision in my left eye, but blurry vision out of my right; that's also my amblyopic eye, so I only use the right for peripheral vision and call it a day. The reason I went to the eye doctor this week is because for the past two years my right eye has been feeling sluggish/tired, no matter how much rest I get. Here's what I don't understand, though...the doctor prescribed glasses with a +2 prescription for my right eye. I could read fine with that lens, but when I looked up, I had double vision. I literally saw two of everything. He said that my eyes would get used to this, and that I shouldn't worry. Does this sound accurate to anyone? Also, will this affect my eyes ability to focus, because when I'm exhausted, my right eye will turn out, I can actually feel that happening. I don't want to use these glasses for reading and then take them off and lose my focusing ability . I know I should have asked the doctor all these question, but I walked out sort of stunned and these questions came to me as I've been sitting here mulling things over. Any info would be greatly appreciated!
Tanasbourne 13 Jun 2007, 17:32
Perhaps someone here could shed some light on my wife's current glasses situation and a look 1-2 years down the road.
She had LASIK done in 1999 to correct a Rx of R-3.75/-1.75x180, L-3.50/-1.25x180. She had gone without glasses until late last year when I noticed that she couldn't see well at night at all. After a fair amount of hounding her, she relented and agreed to have an eye exam. To her dismay it resulted in a weak Rx of R-.25/-.75x125, L-.25/-.50x180. She was counseled by the doctor to wear them as she needed but that they would help her with driving and the computer.
She insisted that she would only wear them for driving at night, and did just that for the first 3 months. She would not use them for school, even though there were blackboards that she acknowledged she was struggling to see. She started to wear them for distance issues at school ocassionally, and then as the school year came to a close, she started wearing them almost daily at school (but only when necessary).
I noticed that she started wearing them for computer work fairly regularly a month ago, and is now wearing them for all PC work. She has also now wearing them for all of her reading that takes more than 5 minutes.
I must say that she looks quite attractive in her frames. She is not a fan of glasses, but seems to understand that she looks good in them. But she is someone that will wear them when she feels it is necessary.
She is due for a follow up exam in October. Any ideas as to what I should expect at this exam or over the next two years? She is now 38. I like her in glasses and the idea that she is going to progress in her Rx in spite of her LASIK procedure in 1999 in strangely alluring.
Thanks in advance for any thoughts on this.
-14 03 May 2007, 07:44
RL
That was fast! My experience with Lenscrappers has always been a wait of at least a month. Glad to hear it worked out and you are happy with the results.
RL 02 May 2007, 13:09
-14
I got the 1.67 glasses and the edge thickness is 8mm. Much better than before with the 1.60 lenses. Lighter too.
lazysiow 28 Apr 2007, 18:50
Okay.. not really sure where to post this, but my glasses broke lol. One of the arms snapped, no problem that's why I get new rx's in the old frame so the old frame can be still useful for parts.
However.. these ones are spring hinges. There is a little hole inside the arm where the spring goes, then there's a small metal piece which I presume is to constrain the range of motion so they dont fold out to the sides. My problem is after I unscrewed them, I cant get the arms far inside enough to screw them back in because the spring is poking the constraint bit out. I cant push it hard enough let alone hold it to get the screw in, does anyone have a way to do this?
Makes me wonder how they were put together in the first place. If they are assembled like this then it is very inefficient for mass production. Here are the frames in question
http://zennioptical.com/cart/product.php?productid=141&cat=21&page=1
gwgs 25 Apr 2007, 07:08
Or some nice drop temples or retro Christian Dior frames....hmmm, yummy!
ehpc 25 Apr 2007, 04:16
You need glasses Diva..............black rectangular plastic frames with wide sides:) Pete
diva 25 Apr 2007, 02:40
I know mine is not the most exciting of cases but -
Is it usual for astigmatism to not be fully corrected with contacts?
Eye doc says hard contacts or glasses will give me better vision, even though the soft ones are pretty good.
However, for perfect vision, I would need hard contacts *(not an option) or glasses.
Any opinions.
RL 24 Apr 2007, 05:30
-14
My current 1.6 index glasses are about the same thickness as yours at the outer edge (11mm,) but with no prism.It will be interesting to see how the 1.67's turn out.
diva 24 Apr 2007, 03:59
So ummm
I get -2.5 (astig -1) and -3 (astig -1.25).
I think - as far as I remember.
I can see better than prev script.
However, eye doc says that while she can correct me to 6/6 just with contacts, I would have better vision with glasses or hard contacts.
Can anyone advise me?
Thanks.
-14 23 Apr 2007, 15:05
RL
I'm -14.75 and have a couple of pairs of 1.67s. Difference is I have 11BO prisms so even with the high index the outer edge is around 11mm. There is some colour aberrations and the usual high minus edge distortion but over all I like them.
RL 23 Apr 2007, 13:46
I just found out that 1.67 hi index lenses are now available in my prescription (-15) at Lenscrafters. I have a pair on order. Any other high minus wearers here have 1.67? How do you like them?
Wurm 23 Apr 2007, 10:36
I cleared some bogus posts out of this thread. Some well-intended replies may have been deleted as well.
diva 18 Apr 2007, 13:39
Yes, they are really comfortable - ummm some sort of gel material maybe?
We will see what happens today though, I said a couple of times I didn't think it was quite right (prescription) and apparently it is *shrug* so I thought I would try getting another opinion.
I found it weird going DOWN ... haha.
Clare 18 Apr 2007, 12:39
Diva - you were recommended 18 hours wear a day? I've only been told "12 hours and no more", of course I don't always do that. Did you get some glasses too?
diva 18 Apr 2007, 02:15
Hmmm well my update - my new contacts are really really comfortable (recommended 18 hours wear, very easy to do) but I still have probs with night driving and seeing some subtitles on TV - the prescription was lower than my last although increased astig.
I have given up on that optom (as I mentioned my concerns and got told they would 'adjust' - well it's been a good 5 weeks or so) and have an appt with another tomorrow ... I am one of those reluctant ppl to get higher prescriptions but it still sucks to not be as clear as you think you should be.
I am only round -3 (according to this) and there is no reason apparently to not be perfectly corrected.
sigh ...
Clare 17 Apr 2007, 11:26
Michael - -2.75 isn't so strong but plenty of people would say that anyone with that rx would definately want to wear it fulltime. I know a guy who I've only ever seen with contacts then one day he just appeared at the gym with glasses and he still does with regularity, just one day a week. With contacts you have to have at least a day's rest in a week - my optician says 2 and only 12 hours' wear a day, so it does limit and no-one can wear contacts every day of the week. Maybe you just caught her with contacts downtime, or maybe, as I did, she finds the particular type she wears difficult to tolerate for long periods. My guess is if she's still mostly into contacts she's just pacing herself on wearing times, not making a statement.
Michael 12 Apr 2007, 11:41
Maybe though i doubt it, the frames suit her but don't make a real statement and she doesn't wear them so much. Tonight I made a new discovery as one of her disposable contact lenses fell out of her bag and I managed to pick it up for her and see it read -2.75 although i'd heard her tell someone else in our circle that her eyes were -2.50 a while back before they both had a test. How strong is this prescription? I wonder if she has had an increase and so now can't go without contacts like she might have before.
Yoyo 10 Apr 2007, 00:35
Could be the lady has just gotten some new frames that she really likes, and now she wants to show 'em off sometimes.
Michael 09 Apr 2007, 12:12
Every weekend I play rugby with a local team that a friend and I have belonged to since we were teenagers. He’s been married for many years to a great girl whose attractive but not really my type. She’s got my attention recently because a few occasions when I’ve dropped by their house she’s opened the door and been wearing glasses. Unfortunately on those occasions her husband and I have been going out so I never got the chance to see her wearing them for too long. I knew but never took much notice of the fact that she wore contacts but having seen her with glasses is fascinating me, more so because she never used to be seen wearing glasses at all. I remember her husband saying they both had to make opticians appointments late last year and it’s only since then that I’ve seen her with glases. She’s still wearing contacts I know because sometimes we meet up after work and she has no glasses. I’ve known them for so long and never seen her with glasses at all that this change of tactic is driving me wild. Can anyone fuel my fantasies with some ideas why she’s going more with glasses?
Katy 02 Apr 2007, 02:59
My boyfriend just got some new glasses from Optical4Less - rimless and semi-rimless. I've had problems with O4L in the past but they've done a fantastic job with these. We bumped his rx up by 0.5, as he seemed to think things were a bit clearer with the trial lenses at this rx. This means that the left lens is now -7.75 including the cyl, and for the first time ever, the front is flat :-) His other eye is -7.00, so this lens is curved - it looks interesting that he's got one of each! The thing is though, he's used to CR39 and these are polycarbonate, and he's getting lots of blurring and distortion away from the centre of the lenses, which is putting him off wearing them. I don't know whether that's something he'd get used to, or whether it is worth putting up with that to have rimless glasses (I don't think they work in CR39, because they're more likely to break). I think we'll get CR39 lenses put in the semi-rimless, which will probably be quite chunky :-)
cut-in UK 04 Mar 2007, 13:49
Michelle, are you aware that GOC (glasses over contacts) allows the wearer to choose the actual prescription in their glasses, which may, or may not, be their true prescription, and irrespective of whether they need glasses at all !
If you want to learn more, check out the GOC thread of eyescene, and the Yahoo group of the same name, with all the links and in particular Bobby Laurel's website. It's a whole new world of optometrics and a very serious and precise corner of the world of those who love wearing glasses.
lazysiow 04 Mar 2007, 10:23
Well I don't think people's attittudes themselves have changed too much about glasses, its just that the glasses themselves have gotten more fashionable and less of an inconvenience. I bet people in the 60's etc would have loved to have our frame choices and hi index lenses etc today. Maybe if they did there wouldn't be a stigma (ism) heh about it today
Michelle 04 Mar 2007, 08:47
Since I got my new glasses a couple of weeks ago I’ve been surprised at how interested people are in glasses. Being quite new to wearing them much this is the first time I’ve noticed other people’s reactions although I’ve always liked glasses. I think people really do like the effect they can create, I mean as an accessory rather than actually needing to wear them. My guess is that if you challenged someone about whether they would like not to be able to see very well so that they could get some glasses they’d be a bit uncertain.
cut-in UK 04 Mar 2007, 06:17
As always, if you want to get the glasses that suit you best, go to a High Street optometrist with a close friend who you think will be honest with you. Take all the time you need to check out all the styles, noting make and size details of those that you BOTH think suit you best, then walk away. Then go either to your own optometrist, or if you are certain about your prescription, sizing and technical matters, order through a recommended source on the internet. In either case, you know exactly what you want, and the latter source can save you a fortune and often, chosing two different frame styles for different occasions, (work and leisure ) gives you more confidence. The key is making the right choice of frame(s) in the first place.
ehpc 03 Mar 2007, 06:32
'black'
ehpc 03 Mar 2007, 06:31
Diva.................you PROMISED to wear balck rectangular plastic frames with wide sides.................... :) Pete
diva 03 Mar 2007, 03:45
Clare:
Like you I want that sort of in-between ... I don't want rimless and I'd LOVE to have the bold ones but i am not sure if i have enough guts to do that.
some people carry them off really well and i am just not sure if i'm one of them.
i think i need to try on more frames - i do like the rectangular black plastic but i don't know if i'd like them so much out of the shop!
Phil 02 Mar 2007, 00:42
Yes Clare, it is odd. But I sort of do and don't. Before I had glasses I was desperate to get some prescribed. And I love eye tests and getting an increase in rx: the sharpness of vision from new lenses is a real excitement. And yet I am then embarrassed to be seen in them! I'm beyond help, aren't I?
The frames you have had sound fantastic: all my favourite styles in a gwg! I bet you've looked lovely in them all.
Clare 01 Mar 2007, 11:57
Diva - don't be swayed by a name, it's more important that they look good. Are they going to be a feature or do you want them to blend in? I've spent several years buying glasses that I haven't been happy with so you need to know what you want them to do for you. For example, I tried rimless because I wanted them to be 'invisible', they were fine but they didn't add anything; I tried black and bold with wide arms and I was too shy to wear them at all. Now I've just got some more that, I think, complement my colouring and have a nice cat's eye kind of shape that suits my face. And I got them from a regular high street store, nothing fancy but they look a million times better than the Vogue and other 'names' that I've bought before. So, for me it comes down to how they make you look not what they say on the side. Invest time in choosing them, it'll be worth it. Good luck.
Clare 01 Mar 2007, 11:38
Daffy - I find it weird that people actually want to wear glasses!
Lazyiow - yeah, okay point taken!!
Diva 01 Mar 2007, 02:37
And if any suggestions to my previous post (a few down now) ...
I'd really appreciate it :)
diva 01 Mar 2007, 01:41
no Jealous but I'm open to suggestions ...
The optometrist I went to seems to have weird brands. My sunglasses are D&G so I would like something hot like that.
Although does brand or shape matter more ... lol I sound shallow ...
:>
Jealous 28 Feb 2007, 21:16
lazysiow,
Are they black rectangular plastic frames with wide sidearms? If so, what are you complaining about?!?
diva,
You must keep us up-to-date with your selection. Have you tried any on yet? Any particular brands interest you?
lazysiow 28 Feb 2007, 19:11
I dont think that was the case with her, it was us that nagged her since we often had to read stuff for her lol.
Clare, you mean bug you for full time wear like Phil usually does? ;)
daffy 28 Feb 2007, 16:25
Maybe she wanted glasses and the optometrist decided to give her a pair that she probably didn't need. During the day, she could focus comfortably, but at night her eyes are relaxing and the -0.5 she's got is bothering her.
I have friends that went in to see an optometrist because they wanted to wear glasses. All they had to say is that they either can't see far or get head aches on the PC. In all instrances they walked out with a very low Rx.
At least we are seeing people "wanting" to wear glasses - even if they really don't need it.
Clare 28 Feb 2007, 14:20
Lazyiow - well at least she's wearing them, so all you need to convince her now is that your 'optician' friends say she really should wear them full time! Good luck & let us know what happens.
lazysiow 28 Feb 2007, 07:20
She has -0.25 of astigmatism in one eye, otherwise yeah strange!
Clare 28 Feb 2007, 03:56
Lazysiow - it seems strange to me! Wonder if it could be something to do with it being a weak prescription. I'm not sure what benefit people actually get from 0.50 - does she have anything else, like astigmatism? But generally you're right, for anyone who's at all myopic it's definately worse at night.
lazysiow 27 Feb 2007, 18:11
I have a strange conundrum. A friend of my girlfriend's recently just got -.50's and looks fabulous in them. She wears them mainly in the day but she says at night, unless it's indoors i.e. seeing things all the way across walmart she sees better without them.
Given that most people I've heard of that are myopic see worse in the night, is this unusual. She whips them off at night unless we go to a place indoors now lol. I mentioned that I had some "optometrist friends" I could ask ;)
ehpc 27 Feb 2007, 04:50
Cooooooooooooooooooooooool :) Pete
diva 27 Feb 2007, 02:53
i am pete!!!!
ehpc 27 Feb 2007, 02:47
You gotta get black rectangular plastic frames with wide sides.................:) Pete
Diva 27 Feb 2007, 02:14
I am being fitted for new contacts right now ... have to wear them for 2 weeks till we sort out how they are fitting.
Supposed to be 18 hour / day (i can't recall the material).
Anyway, I have to also pick glasses to wear some of the time (we are yet to 'decide on a wearing regime).
Any hints? Do I just try on as many as possible? If I don't like the glasses at optometrists is it bad to pick frames from somewhere else? If I did that, where would I get the prescription filled?
First glasses in many years so kinda naive on the subject :)
Contacts are OK but I still don't think I see quite as clearly as I would like - not sure what the protocol is here as if I'm investing in glasses I want them to be the right prescription?
Any advice appreciated :)
Geoff 26 Feb 2007, 03:42
Phil, it would probably be best if you just got bifocals and started wearing them full-time. Eventually you will reach the point of no return.
Phil 25 Feb 2007, 07:29
Hi Michelle. I always think that seeing things a bit blurry has it's advantages. You don't see pimples on noses, or moles on cheeks! On oneself or on others. On the other hand one doesn't always see things that one would want to, not least whether an obviously pretty girl in the distance is a gwg (and therby even prettier!)
Michelle 25 Feb 2007, 05:47
Yes Clare my friends all knew I had glasses but I didn’t wear them very much.
Phil you really should just get yourself some glasses you like. What do you mean you don’t like it when you can see yourself clearly?
All the comments I’ve had have been interested or complimentary ones. People mostly seem to ask if they’re new glasses or ask if I had glasses before. From other people who wear glasses if I say that my prescription has gone up they say, yes that’s what happens/get used to it/it won’t be the last time, like it’s not a big deal anyway.
lurker 23 Feb 2007, 11:30
Tom, I also hate it when my bad eyesight attracts attention. At -5 I'm rarely without glasses but when I am it's nearly impossible to act like I'd see well. One morning some time ago I woke up with a girl. She asked me to go and get her cell phone which was supposedly next to the bed. I casually glanced at the floor but with my blurry vision I had no idea where her phone was. Of course, it was impossible for me to admit this.. I don't like to squint either when someone can see me. Luckily I could spot the phone when I had gotten up, so I don't think she noticed my myopia.
OttO 23 Feb 2007, 09:35
Phil - If you really want to make the transition to wearing glasses full time, then bold is definitely not the way to go. Bold just begs for attention. The way to go is with rimless, semi-rimless, or three piece wire frames. Whatever blends best with your features. If you don't want to call attention to yourself, less is much less noticeable. And you can have some fun. Enjoy the game. Most people will figures there's something different about you. But what? New suit? New haircut?
Most will be simply reluctant to ask, and by the time the figure it out they won't even bother to ask. And by then you will have gained a certain self confidence. It will make the transition so much easier.
Tom 23 Feb 2007, 08:51
Michelle, Janet: what your are reporting exactly confirms the theory I have. Wearing minus glasses at medium-low prescriptions (for sure up to –3, probably beyond, see the case of Phil) is by far more a matter of habit than necessity. You are reporting that you are considering to wear your glasses much more often after an increasing in your prescription. However your are also saying that you were not so blind with your old (part time) glasses up to the point that you waited long time before going to the eyedoctor. Moreover you don’t report that things were going so bad at the point that there were activities you could not perform without a new correction. So, I don’t understand why you have suddenly changed your mind after having had the new prescription filled. I agree that there are activities that require a clear vision (especially those related to safety, as driving!), but I don’t understand why you have started feeling as you absolutely need glasses up to the point to consider wearing them full time. I would suggest you to go on with part time wearing to avoid being completely dependent on glasses: you are not blind at all! Or at least keep some fraction of time or some activities (as Clare does the 7th day of the week, after 6 days in glasses) to go bare eyed. You’ll find that your eyes are of much larger help that you may think, although with some degree of blur.
Phil: you reported when a colleague of you clearly was aware of your short sightedness by your squinting and working close to the PC screen although have never seen you in glasses. This a large concern for me in going without glasses when I could meet someone I know. This happened few weeks ago when I had a bare eyed walk and met a woman who lives in the flat above mine. She was pointing directly to me and to hid she was all in a blur to my eyes up to the point I wasn’t able to figure out clearly her face, I said hello to her much before I was completely sure who she was! Luckily she turned out to be the right woman, and did not comment at all to my being without glasses. This is why I don’t have any concern in going without glasses when I’m far from home, but very rarely do this when I could meet someone I know. Probably I should be more brave…
Are there other experiences from people being clearly catched as myopes (or hyperopes) while not wearing glasses? Although this is something I love to discover on other people, I don’t like to be catched when I’m without glasses and try not to squint or to get too close as much as I can.
Phil 23 Feb 2007, 03:48
Jan, do you have them? I've always found them a bit scary. And I'd need readers as I have a +2 reading add: varifocal contacts would certainly be a step too far!
Jan 23 Feb 2007, 03:37
Phil, are contacts an option? Sounds like a solution to me---clear sight and no glasses.
Phil 23 Feb 2007, 01:52
Michelle
I think it's three things with me. First embarrassment at personal comments; second that glasses are a big thing to me; and third that I don't like how I look when I can see myself clearly.
Of course I wear specs to drive, at the cinema and (in recent times) to shop. So I've increased the occasions when I wear them, but only out of necessity.
In my heart I know I'm being silly: I should just buy a cool new pair, put them on in the optician's and thereafter only take them of to sleep.
We here are all a bit unusual in our outlook on glasses. I'm just odder than most! I am normally rational (I've got a First from Oxford in law!) and I know my stance on spec-wearing is logically indefensible. In particular, it's odd that, while I find gwgs (especially in nice glasses with minus lenses around -2 to -4) utterly entrancing, I refuse to wear specs myself! I'm not sure anyone else here quite understands me.
Clare 22 Feb 2007, 14:07
Michelle - did your friends know you sometimes wore glasses before your new prescription?
For those of us who are longer term in having a prescription - whether or not we wear it - it somehow seems progressively more difficult to overcome I think. I love my new glasses but I'm so much a contacts wearer now that I think I too would be sensitive about the attention, like Phil. Even though most people know I have glasses, because I wear contacts its not an obvious thing to them so anytime I wear them attracts attention (ie because its so rare). The only consolation is that, if I were ever to get another eye infection that meant I absolutely couldn't wear contacts, I could feel as *attractive as possible* with glasses. Important point that.
So Phil, I think you need to follow Michelle's advice and tackle your issues or, like me, get contacts - it's a great way to escape!
Michelle 22 Feb 2007, 11:26
Phil
I really do think you need to think about what stops you putting on a pair of glasses, you must be nearly blind without them. Especially at night! Last night I was walking along a well lit high street but the lights were fuzzy and I couldn't read street signs, how do you manage??
Are you confident in how you look without glasses? If you are then what difference does it make, or are you embarrassed to admit that you need them? Don't your family realise how bad your eyesight is?
I'm happy to put mine on and off as I need them, although I'm still excited to have them I'm not intending to wear them all the time. They're a bit like jewellery or a well chosen accessory to me.
Phil 22 Feb 2007, 05:30
Yes Michelle, I'm daft aren't I? I think I do need some new specs (maybe something bolder). I really need someone to steel me up. And then I need to put them on one morning and keep them on for the rest of my days! You seem to have adapted to wearing your glasses more so easily. That's why I think you may just become a full-time gwg without really making a positive decision. It probably helps that you no doubt look stunning in specs. I'm certain that, unless truly awful frames get chosen, they enhance the appearance of every woman. I, of course, am I a mere weak, self-conscious male.
Michelle 21 Feb 2007, 12:01
Phil
I’m not intending to become a fulltime wearer but I’m not thinking about it either I just like the difference that my new glasses make for things a certain way away. I don’t need them for working at a PC so I won’t wear them for that. I’m not really embarrassed to wear glasses, of course people are commenting at the moment but they’re saying nice things so that’s not a problem. Perhaps you need to get some glasses you like, or are you embarrassed that you need to wear them?
As to whether I’m becoming dependent, I wouldn’t say that until I couldn’t get about without them probably but yes I can certainly notice the difference between having them on and off. And when it gets dark that’s 110 x more noticeable. I can’t believe you don’t wear yours with a prescription so high.
still 20 Feb 2007, 10:32
Graham,although -3 isn't strong, neither is it weak. You're lucky you didn't kill yourself or someone else, driving without glasses. I hope others in your situation will take note and get corrected. Here endeth the lesson...
graham 20 Feb 2007, 07:14
A recent medical for a job made me get my eyes tested! I always knew I was a bit short sighted (struggled a bit with the eye test at school)but not enough to be bothered about it or to think that I actually needed glasses. I generally could see fine by squinting a bit when necessary.
I came away with a prescription of -3 both eyes and my first ever pair of glasses (at the age of 52) WOW! what a difference they make! Everything is so crisp & sharp, I never realised what I was missing. I can distinguish faces in the room that were just a blurr before, read the teletext on the TV and sit back rather than being 12" from the PC monitor! The biggest difference is driving in the dark, much less scary.
I've already found myself wearing them nearly all the time. Comments from friends and work mates have mainly been "about time too" ! I dont really know why I never did anything about it before, I suppose I just didn't think I needed glasses that badly, it's quite amazing how such a weak presciption can make such a vast difference to my vision. I think I'll be a full time wearer in no time at all!
Phil 20 Feb 2007, 01:01
Well done Michelle. I suspect that you may soon become a full-time wearer. Did the compliments and interest make it easier for you? Or were you embarrassed? I hate it if anyone comments on my glasses: that's the main reason why I'm reluctant to wear them. But maybe that's a temporary problem. Do you use a computer? If so, do the glasses help? I find that I need to get so close to the screen if I'm bare-eyed. How did things look when you took your glasses off? Do you feel that you are becoming dependent on them?
Michelle 19 Feb 2007, 11:49
Hi Phil & Laziouw
No pics I’m afraid.
There was lots of interest in my new glasses today, I don’t think I told that many people about them but it seems word spreads and lots of people really do like glasses. I didn’t wear them all day in fact I sat at my desk all day so it wasn’t necessary unless I wanted to see far across the room but I did wear them when I went out to Waitrose at lunchtime. So nice to see signs in the aisles I didn’t realise I’d been missing that! Several people tried them on and liked them and I think there were people who don’t need them who wanted them. There must be a business opportunity in that somewhere.
Phil 19 Feb 2007, 01:16
Frames sound lovely Michelle. Bet you look a picture. So have you kept them on. Are you wearing them at work today?
lazysiow 18 Feb 2007, 12:24
any pics? I'm sure you look fabulous
Michelle 18 Feb 2007, 12:11
No black frames for me I'm afraid but a rectangular matt gold, quite unusual I think.
ehpc 17 Feb 2007, 15:01
What frame style have you bought Michelle? Black rectangular plastic frames with wide sides, I hope? :) That style is soooooooooooo cool :) Pete
Michelle 17 Feb 2007, 12:50
I picked my new glasses up this morning. I took a friend and we had to wait a while as it was busy as it was a Saturday. When the lady brought them out from the drawer I felt quite nervous. The assistant said, these are really nice. While I was sitting there the optician who tested me came by and said “I think you’ll find those a big improvement” When I put them on I immediately knew what he meant, it all looked really sharp and bright. I felt a bit self-conscious but I saw myself in the mirror and decided they do look quite nice. We walked out of the shop and my friend said, aren’t you going to wear them? I wasn’t but she persuaded me to put them on and I kept them on all the time we were shopping. I feel quite comfortable with how they look and am very pleased with the improvement that the increase in strength makes.
Phil 17 Feb 2007, 02:31
Have you got them yet Michelle? Are you intending to wear them fulltime?
Phil 16 Feb 2007, 03:28
Good luck for tomorrow. Let us know how it goes. Walking out of the optician's with a significantly increased rx is always awesome: you'll see the leaves, the signs in shop windows and pimples on people's noses! My first rx was around -2. I just couldn't believe how the world really looked.
Michelle 15 Feb 2007, 13:20
Phil
I had a message today that my glasses are in but I can't get to collect them till saturday as I am working tomorrow.
diva 15 Feb 2007, 05:21
So I've had an eye exam - it confused me.
From -3.5 contacts, I've been prescribed -2.5 but with a degree of astigmatism correction. Apparently my previous prescription was bumped up by minus diopter stuff instead of taking into account the astig.
I've been told it is half and half contacts and glasses wear.
I am still skeptical about the change in prescription. I just expected to go up half a diopter, not down and added to in other ways.
Should I get another eye check or believe this - I would love some advice before I order my glasses.
Thank you :)
Janet 15 Feb 2007, 03:04
Phil, it's not really a question of coping with glasses but seeing much better with them on. Once I discovered how much I had been missing I would never go back to my previous "world" of seriously fuzzy vision. For me it's a no-brainer, although you clearly don't agree.
The only thing I found initially difficult was my own fears about how my co-workers, friends and family would look upon me as a new glasses wearer. So I went through a whole set of elaborate strategies that would gradually allow them to get used to the new me.
Actually, and I'm typing this at work, most of my colleagues said nothing at all. Those few of my friends & family who noticed and/or made comments were all complimentary. The period of slight embarrassment at wearing glasses in front of them for the first time lasted barely a minute or so, usually far less.
What I realised was that any concerns had nothing to do with them but with me and my own self-image.
If I could accept the idea of contact lenses I'd probably try them instead, like Clare, but I don't like the idea of sticking a finger in my eye that much.
So it's glasses for me, by choice. And actually I'm fine with that. When I look at myself in the mirror I still see ME, no more or less attractive or different than before. My friends and family still see ME. That's because I still am ME.
Most importantly, I can see much better. Which is great, believe me.
Clare 15 Feb 2007, 00:51
Phil - you're right, in terms of going fulltime, I've never managed it, but with contacts I think it's possible to escape that to a large degree. The closest I came was when I had conjunctivis and that was nearly three years ago. Then I did wear glasses to work but not at my desk, and at meetings where I got some surprising compliments. So maybe you should try it! What does your wife think about your bad eyesight, doesn't she encourage you to do something about it?
Macrae 14 Feb 2007, 09:27
Thanks Julian. Well I'm not sure that I'm enjoying this. I feel a little awkward wearing glasses. It's not the end of the world and I realize it's inevitable. But at the same time I feel a little like the self-conscious schoolkid who has to put his glasses on in class for the first time. I'm sure that in a few days the novelty will wear off amongst the people at work and I'll feel like glasses have been part of me forever. Just not quite there yet today.
ted 14 Feb 2007, 07:20
Have to agree with Julian,todays society being what it is, for the most part views glasses as a fashion accesory just as much as a needed medical one. The anxiety one must feel for not wanting to be seen wearing glasses must be eating one up inside.Please put on your glasses and "see" what you have been missing. Squinting is not the answer to not seeing clearly. Vision correction is.
Julian 14 Feb 2007, 03:45
Macrae: Your amused so-workers 'seem to be enjoying this'...I get the impression that in a way you are too. Just keep your sense of humour (and keep your specs on!) and your brain will adjust to receiving proper-shaped images from your eyes.
Phil: As you acknowledge, your vision is seriously impaired, but you're behaving a bit like a boy of fifteen who's scared of being teased at school abut his first glasses (I really don't mean that unkindly!). At any age the advice is the same: put them on, keep them on and within days you and eveybody else will have forgotten what the fuss was about, or even that there was a fuss.
Best wishes to both of you - and enjoy the view!
Phil 14 Feb 2007, 00:57
Michelle, have you got your new glasses yet? I am interested to know how you cope, and how Janet coped, with going full-time. I've never managed it. And I don't think Clare has either. Did you decide to stop "hiding" and get bold frames? Or was it more that you felt you didn't really have much choice. I so badly need to wear full-time: I can now see so little! I'm convinced I need a slight increae which would make me -4!!But I still find it hard to know how I'd cope with the comments, especially at work. When a colleague did see me in specs once he said "I'm glad you got glasses. You've needed them for so long. You sit so near the computer and squint so much." Maybe those of us who worry about the reaction of others have less to fear than we think.
Clare 13 Feb 2007, 11:50
Janet - I guess the real thing is that there's a big difference between -1.75/-1 and -3.25/-2.25 irrespective of astigmatism. I suppose that with your old prescription the -1 eye was a big help, although I'm guessing as I can't imagine what the astigmatism must be like.
I did have the new prescription filled as I needed to get some new glasses. It's -2.75 and -3.00 with -.25 of astigmatism which I hear is so small that it's barely worth prescribing. The last change was only a small increase -0.25 and -0.25 cyl.
Glad to hear you're now accustomed to the change, that must be the most difficult part. I had conjunctivitis a few years ago which meant I had to wear glasses, although I did only for some of the time, and once people got over their initial curiosity it was fine. Funny this was that no-one knew I wore contacts so it came as even more of a shock to them.
Macrae 12 Feb 2007, 19:50
Thanks for the encouragement. I am 40, and the prescription is +1.75 -.75 in each eye. Certain of my coworkers had been needling me for months about my arms not seeming to be long enough lately, so I went to get the reading glasses that I thought come with being 40, but I was told that I might want to wear them more than just for reading and will probably need bifocals before long. Part of the reason I'm having some trouble with conversing while wearing glasses is that things are still looking like warpy parralelograms, and it's hard to talk to people when they're looking warpy. I'm told by the same amused coworkers that I'll get over that and things will go back to having square corners. I hope they are right. They seem to be enjoying this.
Cactus Jack 12 Feb 2007, 19:08
Macrae,
A very normal experience most of us have been through it. In a few more days, you will not notice them except when you are not wearing them. It will help, if you just decide that wearing them is normal. It is unlikely that a few days wear has changed your Rx. You are just getting used to seeing very clearly and your brain doesn't like not seeing clearly and effortlessly. Do you mind telling us your age and your Rx?
C.
Macrae 12 Feb 2007, 18:36
I got my first glasses less than a week ago, still going through the self-conscious phase - it feels very strange to have face-to-face conversations with people while wearing glasses. It seems like wearing glasses for just a few days has suddenly weakened my non-glasses vision. The whole experience is a little disconcerting.
Janet 12 Feb 2007, 15:40
Hi Clare. What I think was happening was that as my eyesight got worse it did so very slowly. That meant I didn't really realise how bad things were until I actually had my eye test. I sort of felt things were a bit smudgy, then a bit smudgier, but not much worse than that.
It was little stuff that persuaded me to go for the test, like not reading a car number plate at the required legal distance. Overall, I found not seeing well annoying rather than panicking about it.
Getting the new glasses was actually a big shock as I hadn't realise things were quite that bad, compared to what I could now see with them on. That was a BIG surprise.
I did wear my old glasses for a few things, such as going to the cinema and the theatre, so my friends and family knew that I wore them from time to time.
But going full-time is a different experience. It's like you are making a statement that you are different. A few weeks after starting to wear them full time I actually went out and had my hair done in a very different style and even had it coloured. When they saw me, my mum and dad said it completely changed me.
You mention astigmatism. I didn't find it terribly difficult to cope with it - then again, it's hard to say as I've not known what it is like NOT to have astigmatism. Not sure if that explains things well.
But to give an example, it was only in the final year or so before being tested that I found it hard to read my computer from a normal distance. Maybe my better eye was compensating a lot: I certainly noticed that I closed my (weaker) right eye to read things.
Now that I do have my new glasses, I know that I COULD get around OK without wearing them, certainly inside my flat. But it would be much harder outside, or in an unfamiliar environment and I don't really feel very safe doing so. Hope this helps.
You mention your eyesight. I have been reading various posts, including some from you, since coming on here a few weeks ago. Did you actually have the new prescription filled? And does your -3.00 and -2.75 include the astigmatism or in addition to it. I realise some people "add it" to their overall number, which is why I ask.
Clare 12 Feb 2007, 13:19
Janet - I was interested to read your post. I'm -2.75 and (recently) -3 with just -.25 of astigmastism. People here will know that I'm a regular contacts wearer (6 days a week) but on the 7th day I will often go bare-eyed. Our prescriptions are similar and I think the reason you 'get panicky' is probably something to do with the astigmatism which must make quite a big difference.
With your old prescription was it only towards the time that you went for an eye test that you found things weren't so clear? I'd have thought -1 of astigmatism would be pretty irritating at any time.
Apparently with my prescription I'm unusual, but I don't mind if I'm just going for a walk not having the world in perfect focus. For going to work or using public transport its a different story.
lentifan 11 Feb 2007, 16:08
Thick_glasses, you are a very lucky girl, being able to wear such beautiful glasses. Even luckier is your bf, being able to see you wearing them.
11 Feb 2007, 13:13
Good pictures but would look better on a pretty face.
Thick_Glasses 11 Feb 2007, 08:24
Valentine’s Day present (early) from my bf:
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/557574690SLDTma
Feel free to leave comments.
Specifics (for all you OO’s):
O.D. –16.00d –1.25 ax180
O.S. –16.50d –1.25 ax180.
Frame = DANYA KAYE 123
Frame Size = 51 x 16 x 135
Lenses = CR39
Center Thickness = 1.5 mm
Maximum Outside Edge Thickness = 13 mm
Base Curve = -1.25d
Janet 09 Feb 2007, 08:01
Michelle,
Hi there. I am similar to you in that my eyesight is currently -3.25 and -2.25, plus about -1.25 of astigmatism in both eyes. I am 29 years old. I have been wearing my glasses full-time for the past nine months since my last visit to my optician.
My previous prescription was -1.75 and -1.00, with about -1.00 of astigmatiosm in both eyes. I had not had my eyes tested for almost five years but decided to go when I realised I was unable to drive safely any longer and that there were a lot of situations where I simply could not see properly, including cinemas and theatres, clubs, dark rooms, across my office and so on, even with my old glasses on.
When I first wore my new glasses and realised what I had been missing it was a revelation. Until then, I had refused to wear them full-time, reasoning that "if the prescription is weak than I can't be that short-sighted".
But in the days that followed, every time I took them off I started to feel quite panicky. I made a conscious decision that I would wear them full-time, but chose to do it gradually. So I started at home, then at work, keeping them on all day, then slowly extending into the evening, around friends and at social events etc... Sometimes I'd start off not wearing them, then put them off and deliberately not take them off
It took me about six to eight weeks before most people slowly got used to seeing me with glasses at least some of the time. Then, one morning, I put them on all day and that was it. Now I can't do without them.
Overall, I don't think a change like yours or mine is very great, considering the amout of time since the last test. But next time I don't think I would like to leave it more than a couple of years before I havemy eyes tested again.
Julian 09 Feb 2007, 03:41
Guest: of course a lot depends on how strong your glasses are, and whether they're plus or minus. Does the loss of peripheral vision imply they're plus? Or even lenticular?
lazysiow 08 Feb 2007, 23:11
definitely bigger frames then. Your eyes should be at the center of the frame. Maybe have the nosepads flattened/widened so they fit a bit closer
guest 08 Feb 2007, 18:56
I have been wearing contacts for about 20 years but I just had a bad eye infection and had to get glasses. I actually like how they look so I am trying to wear them more. But I have to say I am having much trouble adjusting to having limited peripheral vision. Especially walking up and down stairs - I almost fell down my own stairs because I don't know how to look down. Does anyone else have this problem? Do you look through the lenses or below them? Maybe my eyes are just really poor or I need bigger frames.
lazysiow 08 Feb 2007, 11:54
Well what I mean is..
say someone is -2.0 nearsighted, a regular person can see what they see with +2.0 glasses since it gives the same effect.
Michelle 08 Feb 2007, 11:27
I’m 25 and have had glasses for almost 5 years. Its interesting to hear that your wife does wears glasses all the time Brian and that you don’t Phil even though yours are stronger! I’m not sure what to take from that.
Yes I chose some new frames as I’ve had the others for over 3 years when I last had a test. The optician was not very impressed that I’d left it so long. Unfortunately they had to make a special order for them so I have to wait a bit longer. Not being used to getting new glasses I’m nervously excited to see exactly how much difference they will make. Is .75 a big jump or fairly normal?
Lazysiow you talk about + which has me a bit confused as mine is a – prescription, are you saying you can get the same effect from the opposite?
Thanks for your replies. I’ll come back when I get my new glasses.
Brian 08 Feb 2007, 06:06
Michelle,
I started wearing glasses full time at 18 years old about 10 years ago with the exact same prescription that you have now. I am now -5.25 and -4.75 in each eye, so my eyes have got worse over the years. I think you'll find once you get your glasses and realize how well they allow you to see you won't want to take them off. My wife is -1.75 in each eye and wears her glasses all the time.
Phil 08 Feb 2007, 00:49
Michele, it's up to you. I'm -3.75 and don't wear fulltime! Then I am a bit unusual!! But if you want to you should go right ahead. Have you chosen new frames?
Random_eye 07 Feb 2007, 15:31
Michelle- how old r u? and what age did u get specs?
lazysiow 07 Feb 2007, 15:01
Yup I have a pair around the -1.75 to -2.0 mark. You'd definitely want to go full time though you'd still be able to walk around the house without them. Ive tried +2.0 readers and I already wear +0.5's and was like "woah" (insert keanu voice)
Michelle 07 Feb 2007, 14:30
This is my first post although I've been reading here for a while with nothing to contribute.
Today I had an eye exam and am now -2 and -2.25. This is quite a change as I've been -1.25 and -1.50 for a long time. I'm quite excited as I always wanted a prescription that meant I needed it. Anything in the -2 range seems strong to me even though I know there are folks here who are much much stronger.
I think I'll like the extra strength in the lenses because my others haven't made me feel like they make a big difference for some while now. I probably won't get them till sometime next week. I read on one of the sites that -2 is around the prescription where people decide they need to wear glasses all the time - can't believe that could be me as I always thought my vision wasn't too bad. I don't suppose there's anyone posting now that has a similar strength of prescription who could tell me how much they wear theirs?
Random_eye 01 Feb 2007, 10:58
Just got new glasses today from O4L. Order one pair for myself and two for my husband. Mine are -4 in each each. I am excited for me to get home ;)
Luke 31 Jan 2007, 23:49
I found a frame design company that I think has some pretty impressive frames. It's called Prodesign, from Denmark.
http://www.prodesigndenmark.com/collectionlist.aspx?page=2
There are definitely other good companies, but I feel like most prodesign frames are more interesting than almost all "designer" frames available at any chain optical place in the US.
Myopeinhere 18 Jan 2007, 06:28
Thanks guys,picked them up today,must say they look lovely,and your explanations helped no-end,my optical theory is basicaly limited to cor she looks nice in those!
Cactus Jack 17 Jan 2007, 17:08
Myopeinhere,
Generally, the sphere component corrects for optical mismatch between the length of the eyeball and the total plus power of the cornea and the crystaline lens. The cylinder component corrects for irregularities in the curvature of the cornea.
To add to Julian's comments there are two techniques for doing refraction. One technique uses plus cylinder lenses which is usually taught to Opthalmology students. The other technique uses minus cylinder lenses and is taught to Optometry and Optican students. There is a simple mathmatical procedure for converting from one format to the other. Lens makers make lenses using minus cylinder. If given a plus cylinder Rx they convert the plus cylinder Rx to a minus cylinder Rx and make the lens. The optical result is therefore identical.
Hope this helps.
C.
Julian 17 Jan 2007, 09:19
Sorry, I didn't know you didn't know: the first figure in the prescription for each eye is the spherical component of the lens (kind of like a slice of a sphere); the second is the cylindrical component and the third is the axis of the cykinder. So the cylindrical componeis added to the spherical (if the sign, plus or minus, is the same) or subtracted from it (if it's different) ALONG THAT AXIS, without affecting it along the axis at right angles to it. In your lady's left eye the cylinder is twice the sphere and completely 'obliterates' it along that axis, and to a lens-watcher like me the lens will have an odd appearance from a disstance. Hope all that make sense!
Myopeinhere 17 Jan 2007, 04:59
or does one cancel the other out giving -.25 and -.50?
Myopeinhere 17 Jan 2007, 04:57
Thanks for that Julian,ordered some today,still confused how she can have a + and - prescription in same lens and not be a bifocal,or is there some basic optical law I'm missing here?
Julian 16 Jan 2007, 13:35
Myopeinhere: prescriptions with more cylinder than sphere can look kind of weird. But try rewriting it in plus cylinder convention and it makes more sense:
R: -1.00+0.75@95
L: -0.50+1.00@90
myopeinhere 16 Jan 2007, 11:46
My very important other half has finally gone and got her eyes examined and come back wit a very strange prescription,it's as follows,I know there's astigmatism in there but it's still wierd!
R -0.25 cyl -0.75 axis 5
L +.50 cyl -1.00 axis 180
Puffin 15 Dec 2006, 07:31
That's 20/80 or thereabouts.
Doug 15 Dec 2006, 06:19
Patrick B
Your corrected acuity is a lot better than mine. At present, I can see 6/24 with reasonable ease (I'm not sure what that equates to in the U.S.A.)but for how long I don't know. Both my myopia and astigmatism have been increasing a little faster than usual during the last couple of years in which time my acuity has fallen from 6/18. However, my near vision is alright at present.
My lenses are not blended but certainl;y look better than my previous pair.
Happy Christmas.
Cactus Jack 12 Dec 2006, 22:59
new gwg,
Sound advice? YES! Astigmatism is visually very tiring and very disconcerting. If you were just a little hyperopic (requiring a +1 to correct) your ciliary muscles could add a little plus to your crystaline lens and solve the problem.
Your astigmatism causes the image on your retinas to always somewhat out-of-focus and there is nothing your brain can do to correct it mo matter how hard it tries (and it truly expends a lot of energy trying).
In a few days, you will wonder how you got along without some form of correction. You will soon be applying that formerly wasted energy to your social life, Forget you are wearing glasses, let your personality show through and I suspect male companionship will not be a problem.
C.
new gwg 12 Dec 2006, 22:00
I just became a first-time GWG. My Rx:
OD +1.00 -1.50 90
OS +1.00 -1.75 110
The doctor suggested wearing them as much as possible because of the astigmatism for more visual comfort. (Sound advice?) I was actually kind of excited about getting them and I like the way I look in them, so that's not been a problem. (When I was in college a lot of my girlfriends were getting or wearing glasses/contacts so in a weird way I felt kind of left out.)
I am a bit concerned however about my social life. I work at a university so I see lots of young women wearing glasses but somehow not really in my circle. A few friends, colleagues, etc. wear glasses but they are married or about to be. (Also they tend to be Asian and somehow you see more Asian GWGs.) I am 34 and recently out of a relationship. I know that the guys on this forum will be very enthusiastic about me...but ladies, any thoughts?
Patrick B 11 Dec 2006, 12:31
Hi Doug:
Glad you're enjoying your improved view with myodiscs. My negative, biconcave carriers contain some prescription (perhaps -18 on their own) but have the one downside that they have some edge thickness, depending on the dimensions of the frame. Mine are blended myodiscs which blend -- if not seamlessly -- to a great extent with the negative carrier. My last lenses had plus carriers since the lens was a plus lens to start with. An additional myodisc was ground into the front providing a sort of double myodisc. I never liked the way the carrier portion would magnify my face (and worse, magnify the crow's feet!!). That, and the enormous contrast between the plus and the negative was cosmetically unappealing. My eyes looked smaller than peas! I like the idea of your plano carrier. How does it show from the front? Do you have blended myodiscs within the plano carrier? I see around 20/30-40 with my glasses on and 20/20 with contacts. How about you?
My vision was stable for a long while, but I have had some recent increases in the .50 league. At 39 one would hope that these increases would stop, but whose to say. Also, at 39, you probably don't quite yet suffer the effects of presbyopia. I use another pair of glasses when I want to read that has a prescription about -2 fewer diopters than my current one. Works great. One of the downsides of myodiscs with a 20mm bowl is that there is no practical way to have both near and far correction in such a limited space.
Let me know how you continue to do and have a great Christmas.
bens 08 Dec 2006, 07:49
is it possible to fit my rx (sph -12 cyl -1.50 axis 85 / sph -13 cyl -0.75 axis 90)on this frames?
http://www.raybanaviatorsunglasses.com/rayban_sunglasses_optical_rb5014.html
i know with this rx large frames are wrong but I already have this frames (wihout lenses) and i love thick glasses! what is the lowest index optician can made with this?
bens
Doug 08 Dec 2006, 07:28
IPMC, D, Patrick B
Sorry not to have replied - been away on holiday.
IPMC - at your rx I suppose lenticulars are not essential but, knowing what I know now, I wish I had got them when my rx was like yours. You will not regret getting them.
D - my age is 36
Patrick B
Your remarks about carriers were interesting. Nobody suggested a negative carrier to me, sounds a good idea. The trouble is very few dispensing opticians have any experience of our sort of rx's. My carrier is plano therefore very thin and light. However straying over the edge (which I now hardly ever do) results in a total blur. I have had them about two weeks now and I tried my old ones on today. Apart from not being strong enough, the quality of vision and there appearance was very poor. One thought occurs - I have progressive myopia and each change of glasses has meant thicker and heavier lenses. Presumably, the appearance and weight changes will not be as noticeable when my rx increases. What is your experience, Patrick?
Ted 08 Dec 2006, 06:25
Regarding new glasses;So what do you wear in front of your eyes? Two cameras or rangefinder lenses? Just a quick check on Optiboard ( industry optical board) and no mention of these new glasses. Sounds like a Walker Mitty story to me, but I"ll play along. What is your RX? Where did you get these glasses from, ie name of Doctor, or dispensing outlet. This way surely there will be someone here who can verify your story.Antone else like to add any more questions to our Charlette?
Hansel 07 Dec 2006, 15:00
Just love the idea of a focus group testing eyewear.
Jackanory, je pense.
myofan 07 Dec 2006, 14:03
If these are for real, how come they're not on Google? If they're real, do they have another name?
Charlette 07 Dec 2006, 13:55
I am part of a focus group testing out these new lenses. It took me a couple of days to adjust to them. At first, it was like a fun house effect, but now I have seemless clear vision at all distances and angles.
Phil 07 Dec 2006, 10:25
Maybe we've turned her head!
07 Dec 2006, 10:13
i think its a joke
still 07 Dec 2006, 09:13
Internal ocular lens? New one on me...Can somebody help us here??
Charlette 06 Dec 2006, 14:46
Yes these are a new technology, working in sync with the lateral movement of the internal ocular lens.
They will replace all other multi focal lenses within a few years.
Phil 06 Dec 2006, 01:00
Charlette, tell us more? Is this a new form of progressive lense?
Tod 05 Dec 2006, 17:57
sorry. Charlette
Tod 05 Dec 2006, 17:56
No Charlett. What do you have to wear them for?
Charlette 05 Dec 2006, 14:39
My glasses are the new vertical alignment lenses, allowing for better peripheral vision and with the add on the sides.
Anyone else have these yet?
Julian 05 Dec 2006, 06:04
Er, is Sim a gwg or a bwg - a Simone or a Simon?
Phil 05 Dec 2006, 05:57
Sim, your rx is identical to mine in one eye and just .25 more in the other. And I hardly wear my glasses at all, except for driving and shopping and when I'm on holiday and want to see well! Unlike you I've never really overcome my shyness. You have done so well. I think specs are just too big a thing for me. I find them amazingly attractive on women yet I don't wear them myself. I hope you have come to realise that wearing glasses enhances your appearance and is is a very positive thing. Don't be tempted to the dreaded Lasik or contacts. Enjoy being a gwg with a nice rx and bask in the attention and compliments they bring you.
Sim 05 Dec 2006, 05:08
Phil, I wouldn't say that I enjoy wearing glasses, but I prefer wearing them and being able to see to the alternative. I think I knew that I was going to have to wear them all the time when the optician took off the trial frame and everything when out of focus. The contrast between the two was total. I know I felt awkward and uncomfortable wearing my glasses when I went back to school with them on but I never really considered not wearing them because I knew that I couldn't really see properly without them.
I am glad that I went for the black plastic frames, I think that by wanting to go for rimless I was trying to pretend that I didn't really have to wear glasses. Now I've got more used to seeing myself in glasses, I do like the way I look in them. As for my prescription, it is -3.75, -0.25, 180 un one eye, -4.00 in the other.
Guest 04 Dec 2006, 11:42
Thanks for sharing Sim. What is your new prescription?
Phil 04 Dec 2006, 10:11
Well done Sim. It was good that you got the bolder frames. They will have done great things for your confidence. Do you enjoy wearing glasses now? It's amazing when you leave the optician's wearing your first serious prescription, isn't it? What's your rx? I remember getting my first specs, even though it was about 30 years ago. I was at Oxford and was about -2.25 I think. Everything seemed so sharp. It was amazing to see signs, leaves, etc., though a downside was seeing imperfections, in oneself and others!
Sim 04 Dec 2006, 08:43
Part 2
After the test I picked out some new frames. I wanted to go for some rimless or semi-rimless frames, but I was persuaded by the dispenser to go for a pair of black, plastic Calvin Klein frames. She said that they looked better on me and that the plastic would help to disguise the thickness of the lenses. I didn't tell anybody apart from my mum that I was getting new glasses that I was supposed to wear all the time. I picked up the new glasses on my way home from school a two days later, I notcied the clear vision straight away when I put the glasses on. I don't think I'd ever worn glasses outside the house or a classroom before and it seemed really strange to we wearing them as I was walking home. Because the frame was so much heavier than the last pair and the lenses were mich thicker I was very conscious I was wearing them. I then had to go back to school later in the evening for some event. I felt really awkward about wearing my new glasses, and was worried that I was going to get a lot of comments and negative attenttion. I felt quite red and embarrassed when I walked into school, expecting everybody to be staring at me. I did get a fair few comments from my friends about the new glasses, lots of them wanted to try them on and I got lots of comments like "You must be blind, no wonder you've got to wear them". I can't say that I enjoyed the first couple of days wearing glasses, I did feel pretty awkward about them. I did start to relax and enjoy being able to see, but every time somebody made a comment about my glasses I felt uncomfortable.
However, having worn glasses full time for a month now, I have to say that (if anything) they have actually made me less shy and self-conscious. My mum used to spend a lot of time nagging me to make eyecontact with people when I was talking to them - I suppose she thought that I was being a typical sullen teenager, whereas actually I couldn't see well enough to make eyecontact properly. If I am out with my friends, thing are much easier, too. In the past I wouldn't join in things like darts or pool and even made excuses why I couldn't go to the cinema, just so I didn't have to wear my glasses.
Sim 04 Dec 2006, 08:33
I've always been quite a shy, quiet person, not really wanting to draw attention to myself, so when just over two years ago I started to have trouble seeing, I didn't do anything about it. The prospect of having to wear glasses was an extra hassle I really didn't want to have to face. Anyway, after a while my mum noticed that I was having difficulty seeing the television properly and and booked my an eyetest. I was prescribed glasses which I was supposed to wear in lessons, watching television and other times when I needed to see distance clearly. My mum would only let me choose from the cheapest range of frames, probably guessing, with some justification, that I wouldn't wear the glasses. I ended up choosing a fairly square black metal pair. I didn't tell anybody at school that I was getting glasses and for about a year I didn't wear them at school at all. I moved closer to the front or tried to copy from my friends. I did wear them a bit at home, mainly because my mum would moan if she saw me squinting or pulling the corner of my eye to try to bring things into focus. One day at school one when I was trying to copy something from a friend, he said something like 'you really should get glasses', so I was forced to admit that I had some and I began to wear them a bit in lessons. However, I always felt awkward and uncomfortable when I had my glasses on.
When I went back to school in September I noticed that I couldn't see the whiteboard or projector screen even with my glasses on; for a couple of months I carried on again relying on copying things from my friends. However, it was my 17th birthday last month, so I booked some driving lessons. I thought that I'd probably not be able to pass the eyetest part of the driving test even with my glasses on, so I booked myself an appointment at the opticians. I don't think I realised how much my eyes had changed over the past two years. At the end of the test, when the optician took off the test frames everything seemed really blurry, it was a struggle to read even the big letter on the top of the board. She then got me to put on my old glasses, made me read the last line I could see clearly with them (less than half-way down the chart). She then put some extra lenses in front to show me how much difference my new lenses would make. As she was writing out my precription, she said that I was now quite short-sighted and I should wear my new glasses all the time.
LensLover 04 Dec 2006, 04:03
Are there any chances for some one with a mild +0.5 hyperopia to bump up his prescription using +1 readers more or less often?
Ed 03 Dec 2006, 14:14
Thanks Graphic Designer, I'll give it a try. Great suggestion.
graphic designer 03 Dec 2006, 14:05
You can get 30-day trial versions of Photoshop or Fireworks 8 here:
http://www.adobe.com/downloads/?notFoundID=null
just click "try" and then you will need to fill in an email address to download
Either of those would have all the tools and fonts you would need to do what you want
Cactus Jack 03 Dec 2006, 09:18
Ed,
Paint was not a very good suggestion. I had forgotten how limited it was in the fonts department. Sorry about that. I don't know what software tools you have to work with. Also, you can do some clever things with copiers.
C.
Ed 03 Dec 2006, 08:30
Cactus Jack
I have -2 and -2.50 and I'm wanting to add a -.75 to each hence the need for the 3. With astigmatism correction i can get all the other numbers I need. The form's printed.
I'd order on line but I'm not sure what I want, I fancy a new look with this pair that I'd wear full time and am a bit dubious that I'd find something that could look good from an online optical shop.
Cactus Jack 03 Dec 2006, 05:35
Ed,
It would help if we knew a little more about exactly what you want to do. For example, what is your current Rx and what do you want to change it to? Was the Rx hand written or printed?
Have you considered just ordering what you want online? Optical 4 Less will make just about anything you want.
C.
Ed 02 Dec 2006, 22:10
Thanks Cactus Jack & Moonshiner. I have one small problem. No suitably sized 3s in my prescription, only ones are bigger and bolder. I can't seem to find a way to resize them or a font that looks the same. Can you help again please?
Moonshiner 02 Dec 2006, 21:26
Ed
Open it with Irfanview (free) then save it as a BMP. image. Open the bitmap with paint and edit away.
Cactus Jack 02 Dec 2006, 14:02
Ed,
It might be a little tedious, but I believe that you might be able to use "Paint" to modify it. Paint is usually included as a Windows Accessory under programs. You could also probably do it with something like "Photoshop" but you probably already have paint, co the price is right.
I would suggest copying your original .jpg file and working with the copy in the event you get in trouble.
Please let us know if it works.
C.
Ed 02 Dec 2006, 13:39
I need to get some new specs with a prescription dated to May 2008. I have a copy of it saved as a JPEG file but would like to make some adjustments to it before I present it in the shop.
Can anyone who's done this before tell me what kind of software package I'll need? Thanks
Patrick B 26 Nov 2006, 10:34
ipml -- Go for the lenticulars like Doug. My prescription is very close to Doug's (without much astigmatism), and I had the same positive experience he did. I had so much distortion from my standard lenses that the lenticulars were a real breakthrough. A better (and sharper) field of vision (albeit with a smaller viewing area) and far less distortion. I got high-index (1.8) biconcave lenses with the negative carriers. While thicker, I think the negative carriers are better-looking cosmetically since you don't have the plus magnification surrounding the negative bowl. Also, when your eyes stray from the bowl, there is enough minus prescription to give one some limited vision, so the transition between the bowl and the carrier isn't as dramatic.
If you're going up to -17/18, you'll soon have to bite the bullet when you hit those numbers over -20. May as well get used to them now. Good luck and let us know what you do.
Clare 26 Nov 2006, 08:23
Diva - I don't know how you get used to glasses, Hollie is probably better able to explain that to you. All I can add is that it probably wouldn't be as bad as you think. I had a period of a couple of weeks when I couldn't wear contacts because of an eye infection and, although people at work knew I wore contacts, no-one had seen me with glasses so I really dreaded it. To my surprise, I got lots of compliments. Now I'm in a new job and only one person knows I wear contacts so if it happened again I'd be in another feeling self-conscious situation (fingers crossed it doesn't). Does anyone at work know you're a CL wearer? Maybe dropping a few comments into conversation would be good to prepare people but my guess is it'll never be easy.
Anyway, you should get it checked out, you hear awful stories about people who ignore contacts problems and suffer long-term damage. Good luck.
diva 25 Nov 2006, 16:55
Clare - pretty much yes.
I have to have correction to go to work and to drive so pretty much I wear them every day - I took them out last night (sat night) cos i wasn't going out, and am not wearing them now.
diva 25 Nov 2006, 16:53
i don't know ... try and leave them out on weekends if i'm not going out ... take them out when i get home from work if there's nothing i wanna watch on TV ...
still bothering me and scared eye doc will say i'm not allowed contacts for a while.
how do you get used to wearing glasses??
Clare 25 Nov 2006, 13:32
Diva - how do you do that?? I have been *very* naughty ;) and worn my contacts for 12 successive days despite my optician's instruction to wear them 5 days for 12 hours each day. Do you really mean that for 10 years you've worn contacts each and every day?
D 25 Nov 2006, 00:04
Doug
how old are you ??
diva 24 Nov 2006, 16:08
Never full time - just for blackboard at school, lectures at uni, driving.
Then i got contacts and have not worn glasses since - 10 years almost!
I've told a few ppl here my story but in summary I have -3.5 contacts and am having real trouble seeing with them when driving, watching tv etc, and if I leave them out i cant see very far around the room and i cant deal with stuff like supermarket shopping - way blurry.
Just scared of having to wear full time and as you say, in front of people.
sher 24 Nov 2006, 15:52
Diva,
Did you ever wear glasses full time, or did you go right to contacts? Sorry I don't know your story. I just got new glasses that are plastic rectangular frames and have never been in a position where I found so many great frames that it was just so much fun to try them all on. If your friends and family aren't used to seeing you in glasses it is uncomfortable, but when they start comenting on how great they look it just makes you never want to take them off! In fact you might find that you've just gotta have more than one pair, kind of like jewelry. You may not miss your contacts at all. I'm a little obsessed since I got my new glasses and want to buy all of the others that I liked, and show them off.I don't even care if people don't say anything or may not like them, cause I find that I now have my own signature sense of style, and this makes me happy! Good luck, but definitely take the plunge!- Sher
diva 24 Nov 2006, 15:38
I'm *still* in the process of getting my glasses - I manage to get as far as trying on some frames (I love the plastic rectangulars) - but I am still too scared to have the eye test and actually get them ... even though my contacts are bothering me sooo much still.
Help :(
My email is jellybabeee@gmail.com if anyone has any helpful suggestions - I guess I am scared of having to wear full time etc.
Silly but true :/
ipml 24 Nov 2006, 09:51
Doug, I was very interested in reading about your experience with lenticular lenses. I don't know why most people are negative about them. I would like to get them for my next pair of glasses, although I am only - 16, but probably going on to -17 or -18. My g/f would like me to get them too. She has seen them on a couple of people and she thinks they are much better looking than the thick coke bottles I wear now.
Doug 24 Nov 2006, 06:38
Brian -16
I expect you would get them if you asked but I doubt they would be suggested at your prescription.
My prescription is now: R: - 27.00 - 3.25 170 L: - 26.50 - 3.50 165
Brian-16 24 Nov 2006, 05:59
Doug- Glad to hear you are getting along with your new glasses (lenticulars).What is your rx? I was wondering if you could get that type with my rx which is around -12.
Doug 24 Nov 2006, 04:24
My prescription was increased three weeks ago and I was told that it was getting very impractical to continue wearing standard lenses and that lenticular lenses would be better. For some years, this has been suggested to me whenever I have had new glasses but I have always strongly resisted the change even though I knew it made sense. Consequently, my glasses have got thicker and heavier, in spite of having very small frames. Reluctantly, I agreed to try them and yesterday I collected my new glasses. I was not happy when the dispensing optician showed them to me. Over the years, I have met a few people with lenses similar to mine but I have never seen anyone with lenticulars, that's why I had resisted them for so long. I wish I hadn't! I have now had them for 24 hours and I am very pleased with them. I had been told that it would be difficult to adjust to a narrower visual field. This was not so. I used to get so much distortion with my old glasses thatI had to look directly at an object to see it clearly, so I was well used to doing this. Amazingly, my useful field of vision is actually wider in spite of the main part of the lens only being about 20mm wide. Even allowing for the fact that the prescription is up to date, I don't remember seeing so clearly with new glasses for years. Importantly, they are a lot lighter than my old glasses were - I used to have to push them up constantly. What is most astonishing is that a few people have told me that they look better than my old glasses which, I have to say, were a lot thicker and had a mass of power rings. As my myopia is progressive my prescription changes fairly regularly and so, with luck, new lenses may not be so noticeably stronger. So, all in all, I am delighted and wish I had had lenticulars when they were first recommended to me.
Forest 18 Sep 2006, 07:52
I am very confused :(
I will get my third pair of
glasses and every time i had a
different perscription. some kind of
random-perscription?
(I know that positive cyl.
is only a different way of writing it)
1)
R -0.50 +0.50 114°
L -1.00 +1.00 78°
2)
R -0.75 +0.25 135°
L -1.25 +1.00 71°
3)
R -0.25
L -0.25 -0.75 170°
where did my right cylinder go?
GlassesAddict 05 Sep 2006, 20:15
Does anyone here have any experience adjusting memory-metal "bendable" frames? I'm trying to adjust the ear-pieces and of course when I bend it the frame does it's job and it just goes right back to where it was. I've tried heating it up too. These are frames from optical4less if that helps at all. Thanks for your help!
CaliRN 04 Sep 2006, 11:47
Hi CactusJack,
Thanks for your help. Yeah I'm gonna have to find a new ECP here, or, actually, crazy as this sounds, I'll just continue to see my guy in NM, I go home about once a yr anyway....:)
The guy I saw here wasn't so much of the attitude of "I know more about you than you know about you", but sadly of selling me the most expensive lenses he could....so $500 later I have a worthless pair of CL and a ECP who refuses to acknowledge the problem...:(
Oh, yes, being in my profession I have just about seen it all, from extremely wonderful humble attitudes to the pompous "I don't give a *&^!" attitude.
I always tell my patients "you know your body better than anyone else...." The key to being a good, IMO, HCP is to LISTEN to your patient, you know what I mean?
Have a great day!
Cactus Jack 04 Sep 2006, 11:28
CaliRN,
That would be an excellent idea. I also suggest that you find another ECP - one that listens. Vision is extremely subjective and personal. There is no way that he/she can see what you see and you get to look at your problems from the inside 24 x 7. It was smimilar attitudes that caused me do delve into optics and vision.
I take it from your name that you are an RN. I suppose you have never experienced a professional with an "I know a lot more about your problems that you do, even though I have never personally experienced them" attitude.
I wish I could be of more help.
C.
CaliRN 04 Sep 2006, 10:04
Cactus Jack,
Thanks so much for your reply. I wear RGP's, have worn them since the age of 14(a long time, I'm 39 now), almost exclusively, yet of course, have glasses for evenings, etc.
I was thinking the same thing....order a cheapie pair of glasses, knowing they may be worthless.....
My problem: I moved away from my hometown in NM, so do not have easy access to my ECP, whom I've seen forever. I trust him implicitly.
I did, however see a new ECP here in Cali, who put me in CL's that I absolutely can not see out of as well as giving me this eyeglass Rx, that I also can not see out of, after obtaining both new CL's and eyeglasses. The problem....he insists that I'm seeing just fine, even when I flat out am telling him, I can't see!
So, I was going to use my CL Rx from my guy in NM to order glasses from....hoping it would work.....
I guess I could just call him and ask him for a copy of my last eyeglass Rx.
Thanks so much for your help!
Cactus Jack 04 Sep 2006, 02:57
CaliRN,
Normally, the conversion between contact and glasses is easy, but because of your high cylinder it is more complex and subjective.
Before ordering glasses online, I would suggest either asking your ECP to put your glasses Rx in a trial frame and let you look around outside to compare the quality of your vision to the contacts, or go to another ECP and get another exam and compare Rx, or order the least expensive glasses you can to try them with the knowledge you may have to scrap the lenses.
BTW, are your contacts hard or soft contacts. Hard contacts can temporarily correct astigmatism, which makes the conversion even more complex.
Also, how long had it been from the time you removed the contacts until the exam. Your corneas need a couple of hours to relax after removing the contacts for an accurate refrction.
Perhaps Eye_Guy could offer experienced rofessional advice if online.
C.
CaliRN 03 Sep 2006, 21:49
I'm sorry if this has been asked and answered somewhere already, but I have a quick question that I can't seem to find the answer to.....:
Can you use a contact lens prescription for ordering eyeglasses? Are they interchangeable? If not, is there a formula or conversion?
Thanks so much for any help....:)
Puffin 24 Jul 2006, 15:31
Don't worry about relatively thick glasses, some people, like me, like them. Ahem, I'm a bit odd though.
Cactus Jack 24 Jul 2006, 15:03
Sometimes, there are reasons for thickness other than optical. The principal one is physical strength. In some countries, there is an impact strength test; lenses in rim;ess glasses have to be strong enough to withstand mechanical stesses normally carried by the frames; and the lenses in safety glasses have to be strong enough to protect the eyes from flying objects.
C.
Clare 24 Jul 2006, 14:01
glasses-for-everyone
I've noticed that too - my rimless are -2.75 and 3mm (I just measured) yet I see some people with much thinner lenses. I can tell a thin high index lens now but I think thicker regular (ie 1.6 ish index) can also look quite strong because they are thicker. Mine certainly look a little stronger than I'd like if viewed from the side. I'd love the very thin type but with my low prescription I don't think they'd make them for me.
glasses-for-everyone 24 Jul 2006, 00:44
Just picked up my new glasses at the weekend. They are quite thick rimmed, only L: -1.25 -0.5 175 R: -0.75 -0.5 10, which is prety-much the same as my old prescription. Strangely, people seem to think they are much stronger, purely because of the frames.
Has anyone else noticed this type of thing? Also, they are wider than my old glasses, so they seem to show omre cut-in than the old specs. Anyway, I am happy with them, might even go full time wear.
Philosifer 07 Jul 2006, 09:30
Getting back from a three week out-of-town trip, I was met at the airport by my lovely wife. I was blown away by how good she looked. Not that it is unusual for her to look good, you must understand, but this time, in an attractive summer outfit that I had not seen before, she seemed absolutely gorgeous !
And she was wearing some new glasses. Not in itself unusual because, although she hates it, she has always had to wear her specs in the Arrivals area - to see whoever it is she is meeting. These had fine gold wire frames; her blue eyes sparkling happily behind oval lenses that looked very different, and significantly thicker, than any she had worn before, with an unusual very light grey, slightly rainbow-like, tint.
I told her she looked great, then kept quiet until we had picked up the car and paid for parking, and were driving away from the airport. It was late afternoon and as I watched, fascinated, the lenses changes quickly to very dark grey.
Then "H'mm….." I said, "New glasses ?"
"Yes. Do you like them ?"
"Of course. They look great, but I didn't know you were getting new specs, and they seem - er- stronger ? "
"Yes", she said " It's quite a long story. Since about Christmas I have been having trouble seeing the small print on the TV, even with my glasses on, so the day after you left I went and visited the optometrist. She told me that I needed a new, stronger, prescription, but also that there was a new kind of glass that she wanted me to try as part of a research program. They combine photosensitivity- which is not new- with a cool new kind of polarization to exclude more of the light frequencies that can damage a person's eyes.
So that is what these are. They look different because of what the lenses do to the light, and they are a lot thicker partly because my prescription went up so much ( it is now nearly - 6 in both eyes ) and partly because there is no high-index version of this new glass available yet."
"Well, that explains it, and they do look great on you. How are they to see through ?"
"Totally brilliant; I have never, ever, been able to see so clearly in the distance. They are great for reading, and I love the way they turn dark in the sun, and clear again so quickly when I go inside. But it's not what I can see with them on that is important, it is what I can't see when I take them off !
On the first day, after I had driven home from the optician's wearing them, I went into the house and took them off, the room just seemed to dissolve into one big blur! It wasn't really, of course, but the contrast between how well I could see with them on, and how poorly I could see without them was huge that my immediate reaction was simply to put them back on, and everything went back into focus. By bedtime that night I knew I was stuck with them; kept them on till I finished reading and switched off the bedside light. The next morning I knew I needed them from the moment I opened my eyes, so I have worn them all day, every day since, and now there is just no way I could function without them ! "
(Then I woke up ! )
lazysiow 24 Jun 2006, 17:56
Recently I got a new prescription, same pair from Zenni as a replacement for an older aging but otherwise identical pair only to find that it was made with a diff material, less shiny, cheaper and the lenses were duller (prescription differences aside). ARGH.
No problem I paid 5 bucks to a local optician to get the new lenses put in the older frame but it didn't look the same. Don't you hate that? normally when someone gets lenses changed they want to keep the same look but with the newer script. Something about the lenses, not curvy enough makes them not fit or look nearly as well as they used to and to top it off I think the optician "adjusted" them a bit so now my older frame has a "wonky bridge" just like the newer one too. AUGH.
This has happened to me before with a previous attempt at "just" changing the lenses, it's obvious now this isn't a trivial matter and you may as well be getting new glasses. Anyone else feel this way?
Clare 23 Jun 2006, 11:25
Gregory - I'm -2.75. Full time when wearing contacts, not full time without!
Andrew 22 Jun 2006, 11:40
-5.00 etc.,
I was also surprised at my last test when the Rx went up by -0.5 in each eye, but the optician was rather less so. I asked what was likely to happen next, and she said I should expect increases of -0.25 or -0.50 at the next few eye tests, and that I would probably end up in the -8.75 or -9.00 region (and then get bifocals), before my eyes improved to about -6.00 after retirement. I'm not due my next eye test until October, so we shall see what happens then.
Gregory 22 Jun 2006, 11:00
Clare,
what is your presciption? fulltime?
Gregory 22 Jun 2006, 01:41
Geoff,
no i have no problem for reading. When i read, i wear mostley my glasses.
-5.00 who luvs gwgs 21 Jun 2006, 22:00
My prescription as measured by the optician has increased by about -1.50 since I was about 30 one memorable test it increased by -0.75 in 2years when I was in my mid 40s
Clare 21 Jun 2006, 13:42
Gregory - it does happen though most people will say it's less likely after the early 20s. In my case I didn't get glasses till my late 20s. Since then my prescription has gone up -1.50 in the last 4 years. Even at my last test it had changed a little.
Geoff 21 Jun 2006, 13:37
Gregory---any problems reading up close with the new glasses on?
Gregory 21 Jun 2006, 09:44
Is her anyone whose myopia was progressing after his 30's? I've had since my 18 a prescription of -0,5. It stayed stable until i become 30. Now i'am 32 and i need a presciption of -1,25 and -1,75. Has anyone have the same experience? And will my myopia progress?
Greetz
Gregory 18 Jun 2006, 06:24
I have new glasses with the prescription -1,25 and -1,75. A friend of mine was visiting me at my home and saw the glasses. He didn't know i had glasses. He wears his glasses more than 10 years. As he was starting at -1,25, he went up until -1,75 and -2,00. I thought he needed much stronger glasses. He said he knew I was not seeing well and that he probably would wear my glasses fulltime. He started to wear fulltime from the thirth grade with prescription-1,25.
Sally 08 May 2006, 10:21
JessicaM
Like you I had some doubts about if I needed glasses or not. How did your son handle having to wear glasses? Do you think you getting glasses at the sametime helped him accept them? Have you ever tried LENS CHAT? It can be fun at times> You never said what your rx was. Was your son's stronger than yours?
JessicaM 08 May 2006, 06:57
Sally,
I'm 27, I guess I was having doubts about my vision before I took my son for his eye test, and I was just putting it off. I pretty much have worn them all the time since I got them, and everybody so far has told me I actually look better with glasses than without.
Cactus Jack 28 Apr 2006, 15:53
Puffin,
My comments were intended to reassure Sally that her experience was not unusual.
My problem occurred nearly nearly 40 years ago. Varifocals or progressives had not been invented. Later, when varifocals became available, I tried them. Distance vision was good and reading vision was good but in between, the area of sharp vision at a particular distance was too small and the angle of tilt too critical to be useful for my blueprint reading task.
I'm sure the newer progressives are much better than the early ones, but my needs have changed to where my intermediate focus distance is relatiely fixed (a computer screen) and I haven't felt the need to try them again. If you have a need at intermediate distances, I think they are worth trying and if they work, go for it.
C.
Puffin 28 Apr 2006, 14:02
Isn't that what varifocals can help with, ie if your vision changes slightly just use a different bit of the lens to help focus(?)
Cactus Jack 28 Apr 2006, 08:06
Sally,
Don't be too surprised if two things happen. You may find that your first Rx needs fine tuning in less than a year and, depending on your activities, you may find that reading at intermediate distances through the distance portion of your glasses becomes bothersome. Today it is typically computers, in my case it was reading "D" size blueprints (22" x 34"). My bifocals were OK reading stuff at the bottom, but stuff at the top was blurry. The solution was trifocals which I wore, when needed, until my mid 30s, when I changed to wearing trifocals all the time.
C.
Sally 27 Apr 2006, 23:46
Cactus Jack
It was good for some one say my doctor was giving me good advise. I am happy with my new eyes and plan to wear them all the time. Went to the DMV today and got my license changed to show that I must wear glasses to drive. Now when I must show the license it will show me as a true full time wearer of glasses.
Vic 27 Apr 2006, 22:52
Hi guys.....long time no post from me :P Just thought I'd let you know my glasses are still going well and I am gaining more confidence to wear them more often. If I dont get any comments I seem to be ok. Its if someone says anything it makes me a bit self conscious.
Cactus Jack 27 Apr 2006, 20:42
Sally,
I am not in the least surprised at your experioence with your glasses. Without your glasses, you had natural Monovison where you used the -1.75 eye for close work and the -0.50 eye for distance. I had a similar experience many years ago. My first glasses were -1.50 and 0.00 or plano. Once I discovered the wonders of seeing with both eyes I never wanted to go back to not wearing them.
Initially, I didn't have bifocals, but it wasn't long until I started having severe headaches when I did much reading because my eyes were not used to having to focus together. I got bifocals and the problem was solved.
I think your optometrist did the right thing.
C.
Sally 27 Apr 2006, 18:52
He said that I would find it hard to continue to see things close up and that he expected an increase in the add by my next visit in a year. Once I started to wear them to read I found him to be correct. It is much easier to watch tv with them and not safe to drive without them and much easier and really more comfortable to just put them on in the morning and be done with it, When I tried to wear them part time I was always looking for them because things up close soon became so I could not see them without my glasses.
27 Apr 2006, 15:30
Sally
You said the optician told you to wear them all the time? What exactly did he advise, just full time or did he give you any other indication of what you needed them for?
Sally 27 Apr 2006, 12:52
It is one eye -1.75 and the -.50
27 Apr 2006, 12:04
Sally is your rx -1.75 one eye and -0.50 the other or are both eyes 1.75 and the -0.50 a prescription for astigmatism?
Sally 27 Apr 2006, 10:18
Guess I am still getting used to my
bifocals. It is Sally not Sllay on the last post
Sally 27 Apr 2006, 10:16
Sllay 27 Apr 2006, 10:15
JessicaM
What is your rx and do you wear glasses