Soundmanpt 29 Aug 2010, 10:34
Xplore
Yes! I would say your distant vision is starting to get clearer with your glasses. Sounds like as you say "distant vision is only a bit blurry now" that it is better than when you first started wearing your glasses? You have only been wearing them about 80% of the time for the past week, but your eyes seem to not like it when you take them off. It may take a little longer because your not wearing them full time, but it appears the blur will soon go away for good and you will see perfect at all distances with your glasses.
What has been the reaction from friends, family and boyfriend or girlfriend (not sure if your male or female) to seeing you wearing glasses so much? Were you nervous that first day?
John S 29 Aug 2010, 09:09
Xplore,
I sure sounds like it, only time will tell. The doctor may have made an educated guess on what your rx will end up being. It could take a month or two before you know. Your symptoms point toward you needing some plus rx for distance. Since this is your first rx, the doctor may be trying a single vision rx to see if it will solve your problem. Give it some time. Your eyes have had 30 years to get used to the focusing error. It can take them a while for them to get out of the habit. The times you do not wear them, your eyes will quickly pick up the old routine again. That is what your are trying prevent.
If your distance does not clear up by then, I would go back for a follow up.
Xplore 29 Aug 2010, 06:25
Ok, so I have been trying to go 'full time' for about a week, guess I am wearing my glasses about 80% of the time. My prescription is quite low about +1.25 in each eye. And this is where we are. My distance vision is still a bit blurry, but when I take my glasses off I feel like my eyes almost instantly get tired and my vision at all distances feels a bit blurry. Any Ideas?
Is this a sign that the blurry distance vision is on it's way out?
ehpc 22 Aug 2010, 10:27
Hey! Hey! 'Lynda Carter' frames:) COOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL :)
Melyssa 22 Aug 2010, 09:27
Pete,
Those 19-year-old frames were what you always referred to as my "Lynda Carter" frames. I did ask my optician to add that style to the list she already has of my desired frames.
Soundmanpt,
I never thought of it as losing a friend. A loss of a pair of drop-temples would then be like losing a distant relative. :) At least I managed to replace the glasses quickly enough, even with other colors.
BillyE 22 Aug 2010, 02:58
A couple of interesting posts about new glasses for college. I put off wearing glasses for a long time, partly it was the thought of not being able to cope at university not being able to see properly that made me start wearing them. Maybe one day I'll write my account of my gradual acceptance of the need for correction.
ehpc 21 Aug 2010, 19:12
Did I see a pic of those Melyssa? :) Pete
Soundmanpt 21 Aug 2010, 18:17
Melyssa
Loosing that pair that was 19 years old must have been like loosing a friend? Well at least you did the right thing to try and get over your lose. Treat yourself to a couple of new ones. Sorry for your lose.
Melyssa 21 Aug 2010, 09:27
Well, this has certainly been a unique month as far as glasses go. Two of my black ones broke 5 days apart, as I was just finishing using them. One of those was 19 years old, the square black frames that were a favorite of ehpc. To replace them, I took an old red/orange/fade pair of drop-temples which I though had a crack in them (they did not, fortunately) and had the lenses updated. I also bought an Oleg Cassini clear, top-temple, very large frame (61/14/145), which so far has received positive reviews, as it were.
troy 17 Aug 2010, 11:36
i would have round glasses with thick lenses like these!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6IrxVqZ86A
shaun 17 Aug 2010, 11:16
Soundmanpt,
I got my first prescription last year (aged 25) very similiar to Anya with R+1.75 and L+1.25. With the glasses on, I could see all distances perfect from the first day on. Is it really unusual not seeing distances blurry? I am currently thinking about getting contacts, but I don't know if this is unnecessary with such a low prescription. I can see fine without glasses and currently only wear them while working at the computer for longer times..So are there people with my prescription who wear their glasses full time?
Soundmanpt 16 Aug 2010, 07:35
Anya
Have you received your new glasses yet? I think you will find that both pairs have something to offer. You will find, provided you got fairly dark lens tint in your sunglasses, that they work better for driving during the day. The photochromatic will not change enough to make them very dark for driving. However they are nice when your out at sporting events and going in and out of buildings. Changing from regular rx glasses to rx sunglasses can be a hassle for some. I will say for function I recommend to my friends that they get both regular glasses and rx sunglasses for best results. If your light sensitive then this is even more reason for 2 pairs.
You never mentioned it, but did you have much trouble getting used to wearing your glasses for driving and other things that required distance vision when you first got your glasses? Most everyone with plus lenses hates the blur they get until their eyes adjust to their glasses.
Has your friend decided to take your advice and go full time as well? I'm sure it is hard for her to accept because she can still see quite well without her glasses. But she has aloud her eyes to get used to her astigmatism correction in her rx sunglasses and now she gets headaches without correction at all times. Your suggestion of full time wear is a good one now.
Mayu 16 Aug 2010, 04:28
Dan,
You are right about lecture halls. They are very large so that they can allow 300+ audiences in one large lecture hall. During the first week of my freshman year, I notice I can't see well from the back row of hall. I saw an eye doctor because of that.
I got my first prescription. R: -0.50 L: -0.50
With glasses I can read from about twice the distance than without glasses.
Anya 10 Aug 2010, 10:02
Xplore
Yes I do wear my glasses all the time. It was a gradual thing. I just found myself wearing them for longer periods. I didn't intend wearing them all the time when I got them as I didn't think I needed to. It was wearing them for driving that made me notice that they made my sight clearer at all distances and that's when I really started wearing them for long periods. I'd put them on in the morning as I left the house so I had them on ready for driving. Then I'd keep them on when I got to work as I needed them during the day. Kept them on to drive home and then take them off in the house. Sometimes I would get distracted before I took them off and end up wearing them much later in the evening. Eventually I got to the stage of putting them on as soon as I got up and keeping them on until I went to bed. I knew my eyes felt more relaxed with glasses on and as I was wearing them all the time during the week I just carried on doing the same at weekends.
I could go without glasses for most things - I can see without them. Reading would soon give me a headache without them. My sight for other distances wouldn't be quite so clear as I've become accustomed to - This would be uncomfortable but I could cope. But why should I have to cope? I can see better at all distances with glasses so I feel I might as well wear them all the time.
I hope this has helped, Xplore.
Cactus Jack 10 Aug 2010, 07:44
Stel,
"Normal" and "dependence" depend on your age, which you did not mention. You also did not mention any presence or absence of cylinder correction. Both affect my answer.
You have a little myopia. -0.50 for distance means that without correction, anything beyond 2 meters or about 7 feet starts to get fuzzy.
You also have the beginnings of presbyopia. Because of the slight myopia, the absolute power of the reading segment of the glasses will be +1.00. If you wear them for reading at a typical 40 cm (16 inches), your eyes will have to provide +1.50 to achieve the required +2.50 so your ciliary muscles will get some exercise.
By wearing a +1.00 CL in one eye, you will have monovision, but that will do nothing about the -0.50 in the other eye. When there is a difference between the sharpness of the images from the two eyes, the brain will select the sharpest images and use that one as the basis for what you "see". For distance the -0.50 eye will be sharpest (particularly if corrected). For reading, you brain will select the image from the eye with the +1.00 CL. Once you get used to monovision, you will not even be aware that the selection process is taking place. However, monovision may affect your depth perception.
From personal experience, I can say the monovision works pretty well, but if I want to see really well, I wear glasses with both eyes fully corrected. In your situation, the CL would probably be a nuisance, but if vanity is the driving force, go for it. You can always get glasses later.
C.
Stel 10 Aug 2010, 06:47
I just came back from an eye exam, and was given a prescription for readers, which I was expecting, and also for distance, which I wasn't expecting. This is my first prescription. The reading glasses are +1.75 and I am wondering if that is "normal" for a first prescription. The distance is -.50, and I was told I don't really "need" them, but they will help, mostly for night driving. He suggested two pairs of glasses if I don't want to wear full time so that is what I got. When I picked them up, I saw the Dr and asked about contact lenses. He said I could try to wear only one that could be +1.00 for reading, and nothing in my other eye...just use the distance glasses when I need them.
I have read on many posts that once you start wearing reading glasses your muscles relax causing dependence on the glasses. If I wear the one lens, will only that eye's muscles relax. Over time will only my left eye become totally dependent on glasses while the right remains "stronger"? Thanks
Astra 09 Aug 2010, 21:39
Mirka,
It's good that you are comfortable with your new glasses.
About dizzy,
I would say as your rx goes up, it's more likely you would find your vision without your glasses dizzy.
You should not worry about how good you see without your glasses. It's your visual acuity with your glasses that really matters. This is because you are not really expected to see very well without your glasses. And if you go without glasses, then you may find it dizzy, or you may induce strabismus.
If you try reading the text from 7"-8" without glasses (as you have stated before), you will notice you have to turn your eyeball inwards to read. That's too much convergence for your eyeball. Over some time, you may likely to develop strabismus. There's a significant risk of end up with wearing base-out prism lenses of 10 diopters or more.
Therefore it can be harmful to read from a distance beyond 15".
If you find the text is blurry without from about 25". Then it's better to read with glasses on.
If, however, you find the text is too small (not blurry) after wearing your glasses. Then you should try enlarge the font size in your text.
Mirka 09 Aug 2010, 11:23
Hi all,
Thank you all for advice. You all was right. I am after first weekend with my new glasses!!! They work for me very well. I can again to see very sharp an clear. I was at optician shop with my mom because she had to pay for my new glasses, and want to help me if I can't to see with they very well. I was very excited before optician put they on me, and after some adjustment, he told me to have a look out window. In one moment all thing got so clear and sharp!!! I can see again all people, all car on the street. I went out of optician shop in my new glasses on. But after some time I got a little dizziness and a little headache. Then I back to my old pair for back home. As told Soundmanpt I realize so my old glasses was to weak for me since some time. Because I was very exciting after back home I stay for some time with my old pair, but after dinner when I want to watch some TV I put they again. TV screen got so clear and sharp. Before I go asleep I always read some book, but this night I have some trouble with it and I back for it to my old glasses. I realize so I can to read worse with they, when I took they off I have feelings so all things got much more blurry. I have digital clock near my bed and before I was wearing my new prescription I could to see digit without glasses but now it got a bit blurry. Next day I put on my new glasses when I woke up, and after some time I don't realise so they are a new. I got so quick used to they. After few hours with they I take off they for while, and I was a little shocked, all things got much more blurry than before, I try my old pair for while and they was to weak now. I was very scary what to say my friends because I got new frames (black plastic with wide temples) and my lenses got a bit thicker. My best friend told so I looking very pretty with they and want to try they on her. I give they for while for her and she told so they have to be strong because she couldn't to see with they. We both going to the mall for some shopping and I was enjoy again my clear vision. At the night reading was much more easy with new glasses, but without they I can to see on my digital clock just only red blurry light. At Sunday morning after I woke up I always go to the bathroom without my glasses, this time my room got blurry and I had back to nightstand near my bed for my glasses. It was first time when I took shower with my glasses on. After it I spend all the day with they and they working very well for me I think. Today was first day with they at school and I got some nice comments, my teacher comment so I looking very pretty with they, but ask how much my prescription increase. And I have a good news for me, my mom told so at Wednesday this week we will be going for eye test for Driving Licence for me. I heard that I will to have glasses written in my Driving Licence, and I have to have pics with my glasses, it is a true?
Cactus Jack 09 Aug 2010, 05:10
Kayode,
Most optical stores stock single vision lenses of popular strengths in 0.25 increments. That is how they offer "one hour service" on SOME prescriptions. All they have to do is select the correct lens, cut it to fit the chosen frames and adjust the glasses on your face.
For most people prescribing in 0.25 increments is OK because the eye can usually accommodate having slightly too much minus without even being aware of it. I know of at least one opthalmologist who occasionally prescribes glasses in 0.0125 increments, but that means the lenses have to be custom ground even for very simple Rx, adding to the time. These days, most everyone wants instant results and will accept lower accuracy for sudden service, particularly if they can easily compensate for the inaccuracy.
These days, with plastic lenses and computerized lens generating equipment, even custom lenses can be made pretty quickly. However, it still takes time to ship the completed glasses to the optical store from a distant lab.
C.
Kayode 08 Aug 2010, 21:45
Re: Cactus Jack
-0.25 increase is typically the smallest increase available in optical stores.
I have no refractive error. But my wife does have refractive error.
She gave birth in May 2010. After that, She got an eye test in Jul 2010. Having -0.75 increase each eye from her previous Rx she got in Feb 2008. Her age now is 22.
Her now Rx is L -4.25 and R -4.75
My wife says she usually got about -0.75 or 1.00 increase each eye test.
Dan 08 Aug 2010, 21:37
Cactus, lecture halls are still deadly today if you are in the back. it definitely makes people realize if they need glasses or not. i never wore my weak prescription in high school but the moment i got to college had to wear them much more. the great thing though is that a lot of gwg are born during college due to the size of these rooms haha
Cactus Jack 08 Aug 2010, 18:59
college bound,
You do not absolutely have to get new glasses with a small increase, but I agree with soundmanpt. I think you will be glad you got some new glasses with as little as -0.25 increase in either sphere or cylinder. If you do not, I suspect you will need another exam and new glasses before the college year is over.
You did not mention your major, but I think you are going to be surprised at the visual workload ahead. Lecture halls are typically very large and the boards and screens are pretty far away. If you need as little as a -0.25 increase in sphere, it means that anything beyond 4 meters (13 feet) will be starting to get fuzzy. If you have any change in cylinder or axis, it will mess with your vision at all distances.
It has been a long time, but I recall that it was deadly in some classes if you could not see the board clearly or if you dropped your pen or pencil.
Good luck and keep us posted.
C.
college bound 08 Aug 2010, 17:05
Thanks for the reply. Maybe I will look into buying them online. I will definitely get my perscription. Is it completely necessary for me to get new glasses if the change is ever so slight? Will an -.25 change make enough of a difference to spend the money on the new glasses?
xplore 08 Aug 2010, 08:28
anya,
Do you wear full time? My prescription is almost identical to yours. How long did it take you to adjust to glasses? Did you Have blur with distance vision initially?
Anya 08 Aug 2010, 05:17
As some of you may remember my 1st prescription earlier this year was L+1.25, -0.50 and R+1.00, -0.25.
I recently got my eyes tested again (used a voucher for a free eye test) before buying prescription sunglasses or photochromatic glasses. I was given a slightly stronger prescription L+1.50, -0.50 and R+1.25, -0.25. As my prescription has increased by 0.25 in about 6 months I decided to get a pair of cheap prescription sunglasses and a pair of cheap photochromatic glasses via the internet. I can then see how I get on with them and decide what type of lenses to get if/when my prescription increases again.
I didn't really think I needed an increase but as I was going to get sunglasses anyway and the eye test was free it didn't matter. I think my new sunglasses should arrive this week.
Soundmanpt 07 Aug 2010, 07:37
college bound
You are being very smart, you will be using your eyes more than ever and straining would not help. getting your vision to 20/20 with correction is a good start. What is your age and gender? I would guess about 18 or 19? From when you got your first glasses in the 7th grade until a year and a half ago you didn't get too much in increases really. Sorry to disappoint you, but I would think you will need at least a little increase. It is very doubtful that you will have no change. One thing that may help save a LOT of money for you is to get your glasses on-line. If your getting your eyes examined this week be sure to get a copy of your rx for both (glasses and contacts) also have them measure your PD (pupil distance) you will need this number to order glasses. You can get glasses for around $13.00 - $25.00 including AR coating (anti-reflective).Check out "glassesunlimited.com" or "zennioptical.com" You can get contacts on-line as well if you choose. "discountcontactlenses.com" or "clearlycontacts.com" If you need help let us know.
college bound 07 Aug 2010, 07:09
I've been wearing glasses and contacts since about the 7th grade. Originally I was -1.00 with a -1.00 cyl in each eye. My last test probably a year and a half ago I was -1.75 and -1.50 with a 0.75 cyl in each eye- this is when I would say I finally felt like I needed my contacts and/or glasses all the time. I have an appt. this week at the eye doc because I leave for my freshman year of college in about 2 weeks. What type of increase should I expect? We don't have a lot of money, so I'm hoping my perscription hasn't changed so I don't have to get new glasses and contacts.
Soundmanpt 07 Aug 2010, 05:36
Flaine
There has been many that find it difficult wearing glasses for the first time in public. Your most recent posts indicate that you are getting more comfortable wearing your glasses more now, however your sister is much more reluctant to wear hers. No I had no one person in mind by asking those questions.
Julian 06 Aug 2010, 23:41
Mirka: you told us back in November that your optometrist said she was prescribing less than your full correction. So really this is quite a small increase (-1 in each eye if you add the sphere and cylinder together) and perfectly normal at your age.
Flaine 06 Aug 2010, 20:24
Soundmanpt,
hmm...was ur last 2 paragraphs referin to me?:)
Soundmanpt 06 Aug 2010, 08:11
Mirka
Your need for that much of an increase is not unusual. Back when you got your first glasses you had put off doing anything about your vision getting worse and worse until you finally had no choice. When you got your eyes examined your eyes were badly strained and some of the things you could see on the chart was because of accommodation. After you got your glasses and started wearing them full time your eyes relaxed. That is why after only a few days of wearing them when you removed them things were much more blurry than before you got glasses. Now you were seeing what your uncorrected vision really was like. You will for notice the difference the minute you put on your new glasses. Things will once again get really sharp and clear. Because you already wear your glasses full time you will not be nervous about wearing them like your first glasses. The biggest difference will be after wearing them a little while now when you take them off things will be much more blurry. You will soon realize that your current pair will be completely useless to you now. It is likely due to your age you will continue to get increase over the next years, but I think the increases will be smaller. This one was more getting your glasses caught up to your eyes. By now you probably don't even think about having them on anymore.
Since it has been about 9 months since you became a full time glasses wearer, how has it changed your life? Does wearing glasses change anything that you used to do before you got them? You stated that a concern was that you were considered attractive before you got glasses, do the boys still find you as attractive now?
I ask these questions because so many young ladies have a real problem wearing glasses for the first time in public. Your answers may help them realize that it is not that bad and can be fun.
Do let us know when you get the new glasses how they work.
Flaine 06 Aug 2010, 05:54
Hi Mirka,
its been slight less than a year since ur last eye test and by ur previous rx, it look like your eyes had needed an extra -1 and -1.25... Well at 17 this yr? U should not worry coz i think the eye for a usual person only stops changing @ 25...so u should expect more changes in the coming yrs...im 16 and im -2.75 and -2.25 so im slightly higher than you in 1 eye but i got glasses 6 yrs ago at 10. Mirka, do you wear full time? One thing that will help and control ur myopia is the thing that you should only wear t when necessary and definitely not for close work. Sry people here but yeah, i onow you all hope that Mirka is wearing full time but its just a tip from ky personal experience:)
So is the new glasses much better? And if u like clr vision and wear full time, i respect ur desicion for crystal vision rather tha. Preserving ur eyesight:)
Mirka 06 Aug 2010, 04:46
Hi all,
I am here again. I got my first glasses at November last year. Lat week I had me new eye exam and of course I got new prescription (my old was to weak for distance I think). Today I have to go for pick up my new glasses. I am very curious how I will be feel with they. My eye doc told for me, so I got a quite big increase, I don't know so much about them, but I got now -2.00x-1.00x10 and -2.50x0.50x170. It is a big increase? What do you think, give me some advice, please.
Julian 06 Aug 2010, 03:10
Xplore: correct, both times. And unless the lenses were changed to help you read the card, it isn't a reading prescription. And get this straight: your eyes are your own, and it's nobody else's business if you decide to wear your glasses full time. With even the small amount of astigmatism you've got, there will be a benefit at all distances.
Xplore 06 Aug 2010, 00:33
Julian
Thanks - so my vision should sharpen up in a couple of weeks if I go full time, correct?
I was asked to read from a card after the mirror, I think the lenses where still in place when I read from the card?
So if I understand correctly, if it had just been from the card then it is unlikely the blur would go, correct?
Julian 05 Aug 2010, 17:58
Xplore: the business of the mirror is quite simple. The normal distance for testing is 20 feet/6 metres. The mirror makes this possible in a smaller room. So that means your eyes will adjust quite happily to full time wear. Enjoy!
Xplore 05 Aug 2010, 13:14
Julian,
You are right, about the mirror, what does that mean then? Is there a difference?
Julian 05 Aug 2010, 11:22
Just one more comment/query. Xplore: when you had your eye test, I'm guessing your prescription was based on an eye chart on the far side of the room, or maybe reflected in a mirror from behind you. Am I right? If I am, then your glasses are NOT readers, but should improve your vision at all distances. Reading glasses are based only on reading a card at a distance of 12 to 18 inches.
Soundmanpt 05 Aug 2010, 09:54
Xplorer
And no you should NOT feel like a fraud by wearing your glasses as much as you choose. They will for sure help your vision.
Soundmanpt 05 Aug 2010, 09:50
Xplorer
Not really much to add, Cactus Jack has stated everything very clearly and in detail. I went back through your posts and see that your 32, you mentioned computers, but did not indicate if your job involves working at a computer all day. If so I would think it should be rather easy to get used to full time wear. Your rx is mild, but you do have some cyl. (astigmatism)correction which effects all distances.This is enough that you could start to get headaches if you do much close work without them. The fact that your reading rx is mild should be very easy adjusting to for distance. My guess, and this is only a guess, is that if you would start wearing your glasses from first thing each day until bedtime your distance vision would get perfectly clear in about 2 weeks or so. Each day it would get a bit clearer quicker. As for the vanity thing that is up to you. You did not state if your female or male. This seems to be a bigger problem for the ladies most often. As Cactus Jack said most likely you will need an increase in the next 6 - 12 months. You do have the option of bifocals or progressives if you choose, but I think now would be too soon for that.
Cactus Jack 05 Aug 2010, 08:11
Xplore,
Perhaps some of our other members can contribute 2nd o 3rd opinions. Soundmanpt, what do you think?
On the question of how long. It depends on how much, if any, latent hyperopia you have. If you only have the beginnings of presbyopia with no latent hyperopia, your distance vision will never clear up with the glasses and you should not wear them for distance. However, the symptoms you stated point to latent hyperopia, but the only way to tell for sure is to try to let your ciliary muscles and crystaline lenses relax by wearing the glasses. If you can't see any improvement in two to three weeks, just wear them for reading. If you don't like taking them off for distance, get some progressives or bifocals. That is why Ben Franklin invented them a little over 200 years ago.
I know I have not been telling you what you want to hear, but please understand that any suggestions made here by anyone are just that, suggestions. You are always free to do what you want without any consequences.
C.
Xplore 05 Aug 2010, 07:53
Does any one else have any experience of adapting to wearing reading glasses full time?
How long before the distance vision was clear?
I know from reading some of the posts here my prescription is pretty weak so does that make me a bit of a fraud wearing them full time when I don't need too?
Cactus jack 04 Aug 2010, 16:22
Xplore,
Gradual improvement in your distance vision with the glasses. Depends on what you do at the gym. Treadmill, yes. Recumbent Bike, yes. Swimming, no. Wrestling, no. Handball, yes with supplemental protection. Weight training, maybe.
Just use good judgement. You don't want them knocked off. The lenses are probably plastic and very hard to scratch or break. The frames are somewhat fragile.
C.
Xplore 04 Aug 2010, 12:03
Thanks for the advice, will try and go full time for a couple of weeks and let you know how it goes.
What should I expect in terms of my eyes adapting to the glasses?
What about the gym? Any thoughts? Any one with any experiences of wearing glasses while at the gym?
Cactus jack 04 Aug 2010, 10:43
Full time means that you put them on when you get up in the morning and take them off when you go to bed. But, you have to be practical about it.
I would suggest as close to full time as you can for about 2 or 3 weeks to really get used to them. After that it is pretty much up to you. The main clue is comfortable and effortless vision.
Remember, no one really knows how well you see with or without your glasses. Unlike people who are nearsighted (myopic) glasses are optional for you and you wear them for your benefit, not for the benefit of others.
C.
Xplore 04 Aug 2010, 09:32
Thanks, So as I understand, if I wear them more the blur will get less and less as my muscles relax and get used to the glasses. Does that mean I need to start wearing full time? What does full time mean?
In a strange sort of way I have gotten used to wearing the glasses in the house but feel insecure when I wear them outside, I think that everyone is looking at me. Strange I know?
Any advice would be welcome?
Cactus Jack 04 Aug 2010, 09:20
Xplore,
If you want to read about another reluctant low hyperope's experiences with wearing glasses. You might go back to a long series of very well written, very humorous posts by one of our members, Macrae, on the Hyperopia and Presbyopia Progression thread. There were a few posts before this on the New Glasses thread, but the epic journey begins with the post "Macrae 21 Sep 2007, 20:50" and continues for over a year.
I think you will find it a funny and informative adventure. Remember, You are not the first and you are most certainly not the last to go through the adventure.
C.
Julian 04 Aug 2010, 09:13
Xplore: let me put in my two pennyworth. I first got glasses when I was 18, with a prescription quite like yours, and for the first ten years or so I wore them pretty much as you wear yours, putting them on for close work and probably not taking them off till I went outside - so I wore them most of the time in lecture rooms, labs &c. I pretty soon found I could see long distance perfectly well with them. After about ten years I was living in a different part of the country (UK) and went to a different ECP, who was quite obsessive about full time wear and shouted at me for keeping them in my pocket. As I liked wearing glasses I went full time, but I could still see pretty well when I did take them off, and well into my 40s I could read bareyed, though it wasn't too comfortable. I went into bifocals at 40 and progressives at 50, and am NOW pretty dependent. My advice is that you may as well wear your glasses most of the time, so that you and other people are used to them. For a good few years, if you're like me, it will be no problem to go bareyed when you feel like it, so you have the best of both worlds.
Xplore 04 Aug 2010, 08:39
Thanks for that explanation, most of it makes sence...
So would I be better off getting used to wearing the glasses full time?
What prompted the question was when I last went to the gym I found it difficult to keep the TV screen on the tread mill in focus, the bigger one on the wall was OK though?
Thanks Again
Cactus jack 04 Aug 2010, 08:15
Xplore,
I suspect you have a little bit of latent (hidden) hyperopia (farsightedness) which means that you should be able to see distant things pretty clearly without glasses. You also have a small amount of astigmatism as indicated by the 2nd and 3rd numbers in your Rx. Even a small amount of astigmatism messes up you vision at all distances. I also suspect you are experiencing the beginnings of presbyopia. There is absolutely nothing unusual about any of this. Millions of people deal with similar situations all over the world every day.
Will the blurry distance vision with your glasses improve if you wear them a lot? Maybe. It depends on how much latent hyperopia you actually have.
I suspect that you have little or no knowledge about how the eye actually works. The eye is really an amazing biological camera. It has two important lenses; the cornea and the crystaline lens which focus images on the retina. The retina is the image sensor in the eye. The cornea is a fixed focus lens and the crystaline lens is the "auto-focus" lens operated by the ciliary muscles. Hyperopia and myopia are caused by a mismatch between the combined optical power of the cornea and the RELAXED power of the crystaline lens and the length of the eyeball. If the eyeball is too short it causes hyperopia. If the eyeball is too long, it causes myopia (nearsightedness). Usually the distances involved are very small. 1 mm of error causes the need for about 1.6 diopters of correction. People with hyperopia need plus lenses and people with myopia need minus lenses for correction.
Curiously, hyperopes can use their auto-focus mechanism to correct mild hyperopia, which is why people who have mild hyperopia think they have perfect vision. However, they have a surprise waiting for them. It is called presbyopia and almost everyone ultimately has it. Latent hyperopes just notice it a little sooner than most.
Presbyopia (old eyes) actually starts in childhood. When we are born, the crystaline lenses have the consistency of gelatin dessert (Jell-O) and their tiny crystaline lenses can effortlessly focus on even very close things. However, as we age, the crystaline lenses become stiffer and harder for the ciliary muscles to change their power. Ultimately, the lenses become so stiff that the crystaline lenses can no longer adjust their power. This typically become noticeable to non-hyperopes around 40, but hyperopes have, without realizing it, been using some of their focusing power to overcome their mild hyperopia and thy notice problems a bit earlier than 40. HIgh 20s to early 30s is pretty common. The initial solution is reading glasses, but they will ultimately need bi-focals or progressive glasses.
Will wearing your glasses full time make your vision worse? Not really, but you will think so. Your glasses relieve your ciliary muscles of some, but not all, of their work load and hopefully they and your crystaline lenses will relax and your distance vision will improve substantially. Then, you can just leave them on. The more you wear them the faster your ciliary muscles will relax and your Rx will stabilize. It could take several weeks or a month for full relaxation.
However, you really need to get over the vanity part or you are going to be very frustrated. You need to understand that you are stuck and you need to make the best of it. Don't be surprised if your Rx changes some as everything relaxes.
Hopefully, you selected some frames you like that enhance your appearance. The important thing is to get the initial shock of public wear, over with. Almost everyone goes through this. For a few days, you close friends and relatives will comment, but after that, no one will really notice. Other people don't pay any real attention to the lenses in your glasses, they see the frames and only notice when you start wearing or change them. If the frames bother you, consider rimless frames, with your next Rx. With your Rx, rimless glasses would almost be invisible to others.
I hope this helped. To get an idea of the experiences of others, check out the hyperopia and presbyopia threads.
May I ask your gender and where you live and your occupation?
C.
Xplore 04 Aug 2010, 06:03
OK, so here is the lowdown... I am 32, although I got some glasses I am quite vain about when and where I wear them. I wear them quite a bit around the house, getting up from my desk and walking around etc but not so much outside.
I can see great up to about 30ft with them on then a little bit blurry, is this normal? If I wear them more will this blurr go? This blurr I guess is the reason I don't wear them out too much.
I don't like the idea of putting them on and taking them off all the time
My prescription is R +1.25 / -0.50 / 135 and L +1.00 / -0.25 / 180. This means nothing to me....
Thanks for any advice
Cactus Jack 04 Aug 2010, 05:50
Xplore,
What is your age and complete Rx?
C.
Xplore 04 Aug 2010, 05:16
Hi,
I have recently got glasses for close up stuff, and computer use. I find it a real pain to keep taking them off and on though, will leaving them on make my eyes worse?
Soundmanpt 01 Aug 2010, 06:55
Aubrac
Sorry, I was typing and didn't see your response which is dead on.
The girl that cuts my hair (what I have left) very simular to this girl. A couple of years ago she had me order her glasses on-line, when she handed me her rx which was her 2nd rx I was shocked at the numbers Odd first of all that both eyes were completely the same including the axis which is very rare. Her rx was plano -1.00 180 for both eyes. I told her that was a very different rx. She told me her first rx was plano -.75 180 the year before. She told me in the afternoon while cutting hair she would get headaches, finally she went to her MD, when she said where her head hurt he asked if she had a recent eye exam, and she told him no but said she had no trouble seeing. He suggested that she do that first, she took his advice and was sure she was right when she could see every line on the chart, but after looking into her eyes he soon was putting the refracture in front of her and started changing lenses. She found that after a few changes things were clearer. She said now she realized she was going to be prescribed glasses, but oh well no big deal. Maybe something for close work maybe driving? She was shocked when he handed her the rx and told her she needed glasses and that she should wear them full time. She could not believe it, but did order glasses there. She told herself that she would never wear them, but did keep them in her bag. The first day after getting them when afternoon came and so did the headache. She thought oh why not try the glasses to see if they might help. Within a few minutes the headache was gone. She knew then she had no choice. She is okay with wearing glasses now but not crazy about it. Her last exam there was no change in her rx and she does wear them full time.
Sorry for the long post.
Soundmanpt 01 Aug 2010, 06:33
Anya
What is happening to your friend is not uncommon. I'm sure she must be confused as to why she can see near perfect without her glasses, but now must wear them full time to keep from getting headaches. Her distance correction is nor even enough for most doctors to prescribe glasses for. At -.25 most doctors will only say "maybe next visit you may need a small correction". Your friends headaches are because of her cyl (astigmatism) even though that is not much either. Sounds like she has gotten used to her rx because of wearing her prescription sunglasses so much.Her rx is not going to make her dependent on them in the sense that she can't see without them. her glasses are kinda like taking asprin. Now when she doesn't have them on her eyes rebel. Your suggesting that she wear them full time is the only cure for the headaches. I looked back and she only got her glasses about 2 months ago. It is likely that her next exam she may need an increase. For now she can certainly go without her glasses if she chooses, but will have to deal with a headache rather quickly or wear glasses she barely needs. If she wants to feel like she really needs them she could always go on-line and order glasses with a little more sph by changing the _.25 to -.75 (always leave the rest of her rx as is.) This is still pretty small but at least she would notice a little difference in her distance vision. By the way what kind of job does your friend do and her age?
Aubrac 01 Aug 2010, 06:24
Anya
As Puffin said it is the astigmatism that will be the cause of the strain and headaches.
Many people who have a low +/- sphere wear glasses FT if they have cylinder correction. It is one of the most common causes of eyestrain and headaches because it distorts in one visual axis and cannot be compensated for by squinting or other eye gymnastics.
For reading she will find glasses make it more comfortable, and the tendency to confuse letters at distance like O,D and G will be improved.
With just a -0.50 scrip, glasses would only really be necessary for night driving and reading destination boards, or the back seats in the theatre, but the cylinder makes all the difference.
Puffin 01 Aug 2010, 05:12
erm I mean the correction for it!
Puffin 01 Aug 2010, 05:11
That astigmatism would seem to be the cause of this. Once it's gotten used to, it's not easy to get unused to.
Anya 01 Aug 2010, 03:40
To save you looking back to earlier entries, my friend's prescription is Right:Sph -0.25 Cyl-0.50 Axis 87.0, Left: Sph -0.25 Cyl-1.00 Axis 120.0.
I seem to have persuaded her to wear her glasses "full time". She has been wearing her prescription sunglasses a lot as we've been having a really good summer in the UK. The other day was a bit dull and cloudy and so she didn't wear the sunglasses. She complained of a dull ache in her eyes. I suggested she put her regular glasses on to see if that helped. The ache soon went and I said maybe she should wear them all the time as she always seems to get the ache when she isn't wearing them or the sunglasses. She said she'd being trying to resist getting too reliant on them but as wearing them stops the eye ache she agreed that she should wear them all the time. She says it's weird that she can see fairly well without them but now seems to need them all the time even though she has a weak prescription.
Soundmanpt 29 Jul 2010, 09:33
happy husband
Well that is up to her for now. I would think if she already has bifocal sunglasses she should consider going for regular glasses in progressives as well. She may just getting used to wearing one pair instead of several would make life a lot easier. Even -.50 correction will make a difference on how well she sees things at a distance.
In short the answer would be "now"
happy husband 29 Jul 2010, 07:29
Wow, what a great summer. My wife, who just turned 46, got her first RX (+1.0)2 years ago for reading. For the past 2 years she reluctantly wore them and repetedly commented that she really didn't need them. She went back for and exam a month ago and had her world rocked! She received 3 different RX's. One RX (+1.0 with a +1.5 add) is for reading and computer work. The second pair is for driving at night(-.5). The doctor said she was slightly myopic. The last pair is a prescription sunglass for driving and reading at the pool eto (-.5 with a +1.5 add). It is amazing, she wears her glasses every time she is in the car and the other pair anytime she is on the computer or reads. At what point should she consider going full time with a progressive?
Melyssa 17 Jul 2010, 07:34
$5 each or 3 for $25 (LOL):
http://www.bleudame.com/index.php?cPath=159
cactus Jack 17 Jul 2010, 06:09
Anya,
Your concern about your friend and wanting to help is commendable. However, her brain is telling her more than you ever could and there is no way she could be upset with you for telling her what she absolutely does not want to hear.
Vanity, or whatever the reason she does not wear her glasses, is vastly more powerful, at this point, than her headaches. Hopefully, eventually, she will realize that she does not need to suffer and that a very simple solution is at hand but, she needs to come to that conclusion on her own.
Perhaps, she does not like the frames of her glasses. You might visit a few optical stores to look at "new frames for you" and if she comments about the cost, you may be able to tell her that you are just looking and if you find something you like, you intend to order a very similar frame at low cost from an online retailer such as Zenni. Maybe she will get the idea but, it must be hers.
C.
Anya 17 Jul 2010, 02:39
I posted a while back about my friend getting her glasses. I think she should wear them full time as she sometimes gets a mild headache in the evenings when she isn't wearing her glasses. When this happens she puts her glasses on and the headache eventually goes away. I've noticed she squints more when she isn't wearing her glasses than she used to before she got glasses.
Should I suggest to her she wears her glasses all the time? What should I say (I don't want to just tell her to wear them!)?
I got a Specsavers flyer put through my door the other day which has a voucher for a free eye test on it. I plan to use this in the next couple of weeks to see if my prescription has changed at all then I'll decide on prescription sunglasses or transition lenses with that prescription.
Puffin 09 Jul 2010, 08:41
I'm also wondering why these lenses are so thick. must be huge framed sunglasses.
Shari 09 Jul 2010, 07:29
Heather - I admit I have the same problem with sunglasses, although my rx is significantly higher than yours in -8 range for both eyes. I got a pair of rx shades a bit ago for the first time in a long while, similar reason as you that I can't any longer wear contacts as much as I'd like, long unrelated story. Anyway my eyes are very sensitve to sun, fast found I needed them badly. Yes they are big size. However I was warned against the "curved" frame styles so many sunglasses have these days and was told my rx is too strong to manage in those, maybe yours is borderline. Then after they were made, I soon had to go back to optician; I found I just couldnt see very well unless I jammed them as close as I could to my eyes and strained, very irritating, it seems I need a slightly higher rx in sunglasses, due to lesser acuity through dark lenses, so he bumped my rx up a bit to compensate. (anyone else have that?) Which oh joy I suppose makes them even thicker and heavier, I guess my thickness is in range of yours but the lenses match frames nicely so I tell myself they look ok. The heaviness gets to me, they hurt my nose after a short while. I guess I could get a smaller size, but I've already spent the money, plus the bigger size does keep the sun out better. Oh and the worst thing; I hate the flat fronts, they are very obvious. I guess on sunglasses they don't use anti-reflective coating, (maybe they can't?) or maybe I should have requested it but on top of all the money I was spending I honestly think they should have offered it for free.
Oh and I had a similar experience just yesterday with my sunnies, a newish friend wanted to try them, she liked the frames, I warned her that they were rx but gave them to her, she made a big thing about "you are SO blind! blah blah blah" etc etc, in front of a group of people. Still dont know why that bothers me so much when it happens but it does. Yes, yes, there are many reasons I hate my sunglasses (the rx ones at least). Glad I can still have contacts as a limited option. What happened to cause your contact issue?
aviator-oo- 08 Jul 2010, 16:16
Heather: sorry to read about the problems with your sunglasses. I think your friends are being rather unkind. You could try taking the sunglasses back to the optician and asking him to polish the edges of the lenses. This will give them a different look which you may prefer. A few years ago, there were some fashion sunglasses which actually aped the thick edges of rx lenses and made a virtue of them.
Heather 08 Jul 2010, 15:48
In addition to the lenses being large they are also curved lenses (as the optician told me). Maybe that increases the edge thickness as well.
Soundmanpt 08 Jul 2010, 07:17
Rayray
Her lenses are rather large, but her rx isn't so bad that they should be that thick. As you indicated your rx is almost double hers and your lenses are not high index , but yet yours are thinner. Something is not right.
Rayray 08 Jul 2010, 06:57
Heather it does seem strangely thick if the lenses are high-index. I recently got some sunglasses in cr39 (low index) which are 9mm thick. However my rx is -8.75 -8.5 so it seems strange that yours are so thick unless they are huge frames.
Soundmanpt 07 Jul 2010, 22:22
Heather
That seems very thick. It is true your lenses are pretty big. A normal lens is about 48 - 50 mm wide and the wider they are the more thickness will show on the edges. Are you certain that they did use high index lenses? You can always double check with that store or go a different store and ask if they are high index.If in fact they are you may have no choice but to go to a smaller frame even though more light will come in from the sides. It's your money, never hurts to ask questions.
ehpc 07 Jul 2010, 21:50
Wow! 10 mm thick :) If only they were 'real' glasses...............sunglasses are totally naff.......... Pete
Heather 07 Jul 2010, 20:40
What I found really frustrating is sunglasses. As I am unable to wear contact lenses I have to have sunglasses with prescription lenses. Usually people say that sunglasses should have relatively large lenses to get the maximum protection from the sun possible and as my eyes are quite sensitive to the sun, I got really nice sunglasses in size 56. I had the optician put in high-index lenses in my prescription (-4.25 and -5.00). However, due to the size of the lenses and the curvature they ended up being really thick, much thicker than I had expected. The -5 lens is about 10mm thick, even with high index lenses! So I am quite embarrassed to wear them as it kind of looks like I am somehow "handicapped".
I recently spent a weekend on the beach and forced myself to wear the sunglasses all day long because of the protection they offer but they really felt like an obstacle to everything and my friends were making fun of me. They all wanted to try on my new sunglasses and found it really awkward having to wear such a strong and heavy "device" all the time. I am glad that my regular glasses aren't like that.
Soundmanpt 07 Jul 2010, 15:57
squiggles
In regard to when and how much you should wear your glasses, as others have said it is really for you to decide. Personally having worked in vision I would recommend quite often if not full time. Even at 24 it is very likely that you will need an increase within the next year. That will make your glasses even more necessary. The best way to say it is if you want things to look nice and clear and not be straining to see things I would say wear them.
Cactus jack 07 Jul 2010, 13:31
Squiggles,
From a technical standpoint, your sphere prescription means that you cannot see anything beyond 80 cm or 31 inches very clearly because the brain will use the best image from your eyes as the basis of the image it constructs for you in your brain. The best image will be from the -1.25 eye and image from the -1.50 eye will be used for supplemental information. The -0.25 astigmatism is very low, but it tends to make small print hard to read, but usually your brain can decipher the fuzzy information and use it.
You should always remember that vision actually occurs in the brain, the eyes are merely biological cameras. The brain is perfectly capable of constructing images without any vision at all if it has ever seen something. For example, dreams are not blurry nor are hallucinations and sometimes they are in color. The only problem with not providing your brain with high quality images is that it has to expend considerable processing power to construct useful images using bad information. In many ways, your brain is faced with the same problem as the Hubble Space Telescope when it was first launched. Its lenses and mirrors had not been correctly ground for proper focus. Initially, very large computers were used to clear up the images, but when astronauts went up in the shuttle and, in effect, fitted it with glasses, we saw the spectacular images of our incredible universe in all its glory.
Many people complain that glasses made their vision worse without their glasses. The glasses did not really have much effect their eyes, they only showed their brain what it could be like, not having to use bad information to provide vision. Once the brain finds out how it should be, it soon "forgets" how to process the blurry images. However, if you quit wearing your glasses, after a few days it will "remember" how to do it. However, it may complain by causing headaches and general discomfort at having to go back to some hard work.
No matter what anyone says, the choice is yours. If vanity is the problem, while everyone will notice your glasses for a day or two, they absolutely never notice that you squint to read signs and fail to recognize friends from a few feet away, so your your secret will be absolutely safe. And if you believe that they do not notice your poor vision without glasses, you REALLY need glasses to see their faces as they watch and chuckle as you fumble through life.
C.
squiggles 07 Jul 2010, 13:31
I am beginning to see why people rave about getting glasses and having things so crystal clear, I can now see all the fine detail in the distance, I am amazed that I managed for so long, but I guess I just made adaptions like squinting to see stuff, sitting up close to the projector in lectures, I tried to make sure that I never got caught out by my friends, but the incident in waterloo made me think enough is enough!
I worry that my eyesight will continue to deteriorate, is this possible at my age of 24, I thought eyesight deterioration stops late teens, What are peoples own experiences of this?
Melyssa 07 Jul 2010, 12:50
Squiggles,
My first prescription, at age 8, was -1.75/-1.50, although I never found out the astigmatic measurement. I wore my not-so-gorgeous glasses to watch TV or movies, or to see the blackboard in school. I did, however, have no trouble playing sports (a softball was big enough and slow enough coming towards me) without glasses then.
Clare 07 Jul 2010, 11:46
squiggles - I had an optician tell me the same, that I should wear my glasses most of the time too when I was around -1.50. He explained that without glasses my vision was only 60% of normal (ie 20/20) which is quite a scary statistic.
Soundmanpt 07 Jul 2010, 09:13
squiggles
They will not recommend toric lenses for the small amount of astigmatism you have. They will only use the SPH.
That is a good thing as toric lenses cost a good bit more.
still 07 Jul 2010, 08:11
This was described by Hemingway, in "The Wayward Bus". (I mentioned this years ago on this site.) So I guess the answer to your question is yes. I noticed it, too, before I got glasses. (Many, many years ago.)
squiggles 07 Jul 2010, 05:58
hello
thanks for your post benn, the glasses certainly do make things clearer,
I was prompted to go when I was in waterloo station and couldnt read the departures board and ended up having to pull the skin by the side of my eye to make things clearer and got paranoid that someone saw me do it!!, has anyone found that doing that makes things clearer?
im thinking of going in for contact lenses, my astigmatism is very slight, would I still be able to go for normal contact lenses without the astigmatism bit built into the prescription?
Seriously? 06 Jul 2010, 18:04
Emma,
I fail to understand how you and everyone else like you can be so vain. Get over yourself and just wear your glasses full-time already. You want to see, don't you? I'm sure you look awesome.
benn 06 Jul 2010, 15:38
Mine was very simular when I first got glasses, and I went full time. I am a virgo and like things exact, so once I saw the sharpness that was it for me.
Everyone is different and vision is very personal. As I aged my astigmatism got worse (has nothing to do with wearing or not wearing glasses) and I have been full time since 14, about 53 years.
I enjoy wearing glasses and have, after some shyness at first, always enjoed wearing glasses. I have several pairs and use them as "props" for the way I want to look. In the last few years I have also "played" with GOC and have great fun with that, too.
You decide, there is no Rx too weak for full time. I have friends who wear plain glass because they like the "look".
Have fun.
squiggles 06 Jul 2010, 14:31
hello all,
I have recently been prescribed glasses for distance for the first time, I want to know if they are considered strong and warrant full time wear, the optometrist seemed to think I should wear them for most of the time, I was actually quite suprised that I got glasses! Im 24
Left eye= -1.50 cylinder -.25 axis 100
Right eye= -1.25 cylinder -.25 axis 90
if anyone out there has a similar prescription to this, how do you wear this prescription, full time/part time?
thanks very much
Emma 06 Jul 2010, 10:16
Hello, no I forgot to ask about when I should be wearing was pretty nervous by the prospect of getting them.
I did wear them when I got up this morning and for the walk to the bus, but im afraid i took them off before I got to work and kept them in my bag for the day.
I have put them back on now ive got them on now i am at home.I think i want to get used to them first before others see me.
Soundmanpt 05 Jul 2010, 16:14
Emma
It seems you didn't ask about when and how much you should wear them? The first time seeing yourself in glasses in the mirror has that effect for most. Like a different hair color you need to get used to that look. If you notice a difference in watching the TV trust me you will be shocked the first time you really wear them outside. The best thing you should do is get up tomorrow and make up your mind that your going to wear them. Take your glasses case with you just in case you need it. If you drive to work you might as well get used to the idea of wearing your glasses.
Did you ask about the cost if you want to change one of your glasses into rx sunglasses? It should not be more than about $20.00 if that much.
Be brave about wearing them in public, it really is not near as bad as you think. You will just get tons of "Oh when did you get glasses?" ans the "can I try them?" and "they really look cute on you" By lunchtime you will be old news.
In this day and age getting glasses is not much different than showing up with a different hair style, new shoes or new purse.
Emma 05 Jul 2010, 14:16
I was able to pick up my glasses after work. I was given the option to keep them on when I left the opticians, but I chickened out, at put them in my bag. I did wear them at home and they do make a great difference when watching the tv. Not sure that I like them on me when I look at my reflection in a mirror. Will let you know how I get on tomorrow with them.
Emma 05 Jul 2010, 06:54
Have just had a call from the opticians that my glasses are ready today, so hopefully if I have time I might be able to collect them after work today!!
Puffin 04 Jul 2010, 12:34
Emma
That's probably not quite enough to suggest full time wear but as you said you're having trouble, there is case for it. Possibly you'd be advised give it a go.
Soundmanpt 04 Jul 2010, 11:16
Emma
While your picking up your glasses, if they don't tell you, then you should ask when, how much and for what you should wear your glasses. Some doctors will want full time wear because of astigmatism correction, yours is small so not sure.
I'm sure they will tell you how long before you will need to come back to be examined again.
Soundmanpt 04 Jul 2010, 10:54
Emma
When you pick them up tell the person that will be fitting them for you that you have been thinking that maybe you should make one pair into sunglasses. They should have no trouble tinting them often times in store. The charge for doing this should be small. They do not need to make new lenses. They simply take the lenses out and just like you make colored Easter eggs they die or tint them however dark you want them. The only problem for you is which one you would make sunglasses. You should be able to take both home as is and then decide which. Just be careful not to scratch them.
Please don't be afraid to wear your glasses, it will be easier then you think. Look at it this way, right now NOT wearing glasses your in the vast minority. Look around at how many of your friends wear or have glasses. Be brave, you can do this.
Check back on Tuesday and let us know how you like being able to see clear at least some of the time.
Emma 04 Jul 2010, 10:42
No I havent picked up my glasses yet, I think they will be ready on Tuesday. I didnt get any prescription sunglasses, I didnt really think about getting any I think now that I should have!!
I was not planning on wearing them full time as im nervous by the prospect of needing them, I guess I will see how it goes when I get them!!!
Soundmanpt 04 Jul 2010, 10:29
Emma
You asked how strong they are and when you should wear them? Your glasses are very mild, your eyes are quite good, they just need a little help. You are mostly nearsighted with a slight astigmatism correction in both eyes.
As for how much you should wear them, that is really up to you. You will certainly see better by wearing them,but if you don't mind a little blur you can go without. Again except for driving. Not sure where you live and how often you must renew your drivers license, but you will be restricted and must wear your glasses.
Soundmanpt 04 Jul 2010, 10:16
Emma
Your rx is very normal for what you were describing you were having trouble seeing. Your glasses will make a noticeable difference in how you see things now. Without a doubt you should start right away wearing them for driving day and night. I'm sure you would not pass the drivers vision test without your glasses. You probably think your seeing okay to drive during the day without correction, but your not. So wear them when driving. At this point you don't have to wear them full time, but at least always keep them with you. You will find watching TV, outdoor sports events, movie theather, and even reading a menu board easier with your glasses. You got 2 pairs, are you planning on wearing them full time? Normally I suggest to someone with a mild rx if they are getting 2 pairs make one of them rx sunglasses as you may find that the next thing you will want or need. Do NOT try and wear non prescription sunglasses anymore.
Have you already picked up your glasses?
Also do not make the mistake so many young girls do, many young ladies will do fine wearing their glasses until they see a guy and suddenly the glasses come off and straight into their bag without the case. A few times of this and the glasses are badly scratched. Always put them in the case when your not wearing them, if you don't have the case with you keep them on.
Remember glasses are now one of the hottest fashion musts going.
Emma 04 Jul 2010, 09:29
Hey its L= -0.75 -0.50 and -1.00 -0.25. Im not sure what this means and how strong it makes them, and how often i would need to wear them.
Soundmanpt 04 Jul 2010, 09:05
Emma
Well it would seem you were prescribed a very mild rx for your first glasses? Do you have what your rx is that you can post here? You are nearsighted (shortsighted) which means your close vision is fine, but you have trouble with things in the distance such as signs an small print on the TV. What did the doctor say about when you should wear them? You could have an astigmatism which a doctor will sometimes suggest full time wear.
As for as that uncomfortable feeling you have of suddenly wearing glasses to see something clearly, you just have to go for it. Yes, you will get all the usual questions and comments, like "when did you get glasses? Some will ask to try them. Most will probably tell you "they look nice on you". These comments will not last for long depending how much you wear them. Remember more than two thirds of the population now wear some form of correction, and many more need correction but don't know it yet.
I do recommend that it is a good idea to wear your glasses for about 2 weeks full time just to let your eyes and you to get adjusted to them. After that you can choose how much you feel you need them. You may choose to only wear them for driving, movies and watching TV or you may find you enjoy clear vision all the time and just wear them all the time.
Again please tell us your rx it will help to determine useage.
Emma 04 Jul 2010, 08:40
Hello i'm 25 years old and have just been prescribed my first glasses. I had been having trouble with driving at night and reading small text on the tv. I have chosen two frames as they had buy one get one free offer on. I am abit nervous by the prospect of wearing glasses for the first time and other peoples reaction to them. Any body got any tips for how to bring up the subject of needing glasses to people, and what to do when first wearing.
Jim 28 Jun 2010, 02:24
Hollie and Clare. What prescriptions do you both have?
Puffin 21 Jun 2010, 13:47
Holiie - yep I've spent what seems like several king's ransoms on getting cars fixed. You should be well aware that contacts are invariably and irritatingly easier to lose than glasses - especially if you can't see too well (which is why you'd need the correction, ahem). sorry to hear everything's hit you all at once.
Soundmanpt 21 Jun 2010, 12:03
Hollie - Sorry to hear about the car repair bill. I know all about that, I just spent $950.00 on my car for new tires and a few smaller repairs.
You know it is a very bad idea to try and wear contacts 7 days a week without a break. Also what are you going to do if your eyes give out from over wear or from the air conditioning? Without correction you cannot drive or work.
Sorry to keep pushing it, but now might be the best time to at least order one pair just in case from the on-line places I mentioned before.
Hollie 20 Jun 2010, 14:19
Clare- nope, not any more! Search is off for the time being as the car needs repairing and I can't afford any new specs on top of that. So sticking with contacts 7 days a week at least for a few months yet.
Clare 20 Jun 2010, 09:44
Soundmanpt - my grandmother has always said 'pride comes before a fall' which sounds rather like me doesn't it? Honestly though I can go weeks when I have no trouble and can easily go 12 hours without noticing I'm wearing contacts then, like this week, I get some irritation and it's not as easy. I don't think that makes me a contender for giving up contacts just yet.
Soundmanpt 19 Jun 2010, 14:07
Clare - You said recently that you have no more problems than anyone else that wears contacts, but it really seems you do. Look back on your own comments, you can barely wear them formore than about 8 - 10 hours a day. I have many friends that, that sadly, wear contacts, and they leave them in for days, sleep in them when they shouldn't and all sorts of things, and they never seem to have problems, yet. I'm sure it will catch up to them someday, hopefully they will not be as hard to convince to wear glasses when that day comes as you are. You know I am not a drinker, but maybe it would be a good idea for you to have a shot before you leave for work for courage and put your glasses on and go with it. look how well the newbie "Rachel" has done. She has only had her glasses for a week and is pretty much full time now. She had the same feelings as so many do, but quickly found out that it's over in about a day.
ehpc 19 Jun 2010, 10:38
Got to be the black rectangular plastic frames with wide sides, Hollie :) Pete
Clare 19 Jun 2010, 10:07
Hollie - keep looking for the new frames, it'll be worth it. Are you really going to change completely to glasses for the office? I wondered if it's just me who sometimes has bad weeks with contacts as none of my friends does, I have some irritation on the surface of one of my eyes and if it flares up I think my contact lens rubs against it which can be a bit sore. I had that this week so am being careful this weekend, don't want to exacerbate it!
Soundmanpt 19 Jun 2010, 09:02
Hollie - Sorry to hear that you broke your specs, I liked them and sure they looked nice on you as well. Don't forget in your search give a couple of the on-line retailers a good look. For quality, looks and price zennioptical.com or glassesunlimited.com are very good choices. I must say I wish they both would find a new photographer as the pictures do not look near as nice as the actual glasses look. So far everyone that I know that has ordered strickly by using the pics have said that they thought the glasses look much better when they arrive. Remember the key for fitting good is the overall width across the front. Measure a current frame you have that fits well across the front (outside left - outside right) and use that for a guide. They show lens size and temple as well if that makes a difference to you. Before you ask, no I do not get any income for this reference, wish I did though. remember it will only cost a very small amount to try these places.
Good luck in your search, whatever you choose.
Hollie 19 Jun 2010, 01:13
Clare
Having cracked my current frames, I have been wearing contacts 7 days recently. Hoping to start a frame hunt this week and then wear those to work-the other day my lenses hurt so much I had to take them out and clean them, which still didn't work (they have got new air con at work which is worse than the old one!). I desperately wanted to put specs on which spurred me on to try and find the frames!
Clare 18 Jun 2010, 22:54
Hollie - how many days do you wear your contacts? I wear mine 7 days, all day at the office Monday-Friday but at the weekends I take them out when I'm home and just wear them when I go out so that doesn't count as a full day. At least at I'd argue that with my optician!
And - I think my prescription is fairly stable now.
And 18 Jun 2010, 10:35
Blurry people at the door Clare ? Is your prescription stable or do you think there might be a day when whipping off your glasses would not be a good option ?
Hollie 18 Jun 2010, 10:16
Clare
I remember doing the whipping off thing too. Even now I rarely wear glasses in front of family- I just can't bring myself to. No idea why it seems a big issue to me- am happy wearing in front of work colleagues.
Rick J 17 Jun 2010, 15:18
Got my glasses & I can read small print again. You were right Rick. Thanks.
Clare 17 Jun 2010, 12:31
Guys - thanks for your support but you do you really think it's going to happen ;) After all, I still whip my glasses off if anyone comes round to the house ... Sorry!
Melyssa 15 Jun 2010, 12:40
SoCal,
I also agree that you have picked out some fabulous frames. Cat's-eyes are my 2nd-favorite style (after drop-temples, of course). Wear them well!
SoCal 14 Jun 2010, 20:58
Soundmanpt-
I generally stick with contact lenses about 80% of the time. I usually only wear my glasses when my eyes need the occasional contact lens break every now and again. Even with my limited glasses wearing, i still love the frames that I found out here in L.A..
Soundmanpt 14 Jun 2010, 09:33
So-Cal - I totally agree, they look very retro, straight out of the 50's. I used to find many that looked like that in our collection boxes for our vision group. The only problem is I bet many will ask if they are fake glasses. But I really do love them. Will you be wearing them full-time?
Jennifer 14 Jun 2010, 08:22
SoCal, those are great frames!!!
Like Lenses 13 Jun 2010, 23:37
Clare
Make that three for you in glasses!
SoCal 13 Jun 2010, 22:56
Okay, I finally found the frames of my dreams at l.a. Eyeworks off Melrose in Los Angeles. I decided on these frames after noticing that all the frames that most people choose generally look the same. I wanted something different, something that made a statement.
http://www.laeyeworks.com/catalogFrames/frame.php?m=ECHO%20PARK&c=PLASTIC
(i ended up with naughty pearl grape and I love them!)
Soundmanpt 13 Jun 2010, 21:13
Clare - Maybe it's time to test the water?? Show that your not a follower, but a leader. Be brave one day, get up and get ready for work but leave the contacts on the sink, put your glasses on and be proud. Take a book with you to make notes of the comments that you get. I bet you would be surprised how many favorable comments you get. The problem is as you say it is much easier to remember the ones that seem not to be favorable. The picture of your glasses you posted a few weeks ago look very sexy and would go nicely with blond hair. At least it was blond a while back. Pete will tell you that you look smashing even without seeing you just because them are rectangle with wide side arms (temples). So there and you have his vote and of course mine. So it's 2 for glasses none against.
Soudmanpt 13 Jun 2010, 20:58
Hollie - Just a suggestion in your search for just the right pair of glasses to adorn your eyes with. Don't be blinded, sorry for that play on words, by name brands, find something or somethings that you like. I am not sure if anyone has ever thought about this but it really seems odd that people will spend many, many dollars for a designer frame such as "D&G" with large letters on the temples to advertise them. They should be paying you to wear their glasses and advertise. You may find that getting numerous pairs in different styles and colors of no-name frames to be a better deal and will make you more of a "diva" than ever. Melyssa is the queen of drop temples and wears more than one pair each day, something like 3 or 4 I think. A wardrobe of glasses is not a bad idea, you may even find it fun to match glasses with outfits. Cool huh??
curie 13 Jun 2010, 11:49
post deleted - multiple usernames
Clare 13 Jun 2010, 07:21
Soundmapt - you're right I haven't worn glasses enough recently to see what reaction they'd generate. As to my tolerance for contacts, I don't think it's an issue for me, I just accept that over about 13-14 hours and they start to get uncomfortable. I think there are plenty of people about who'd love to get that long from their contacts!
Hollie - frankly I don't think that alot of people who make comments that we sensitive types remember are aware that what they're saying has a big impact. And who knows, that guy who said you looked studious might actually be paying you a compliment. Like lots of people here say, the answer is actually not to care what people think - if *we* are happy with we look then what does it matter? The key is to get to that state of self confidence. How's your frame search coming along? I'm still wearing my Tommy Hilfigers, but of course only around the house ;)
Hollie 13 Jun 2010, 01:44
Soundmanpt/Clare
I have actually worn glasses to work a fair bit. I was wearing them lots for a while til one of our senior managers said one morning 'oooh hollie, you look very studious in those glasses.' The previous day I'd had a more positive comment from another manager- I'd taken my specs off (very briefly) and she had noticed the red marks on my nose and said I needed to get them altered as they must be too tight. I joked 'a problem you don't get with contacts' and she replied (a glasses wearer herself who occasionally shows up for work with contacts- and wears them out of the office given on facebook all her pics are bare eyed) 'I don't see how you can wear contacts in all this air con! You should wear glasses, they are really nice.'
So you see- some positive comments but then one negative one and I don't want to wear them in the office anymore!
Soundmanpt 12 Jun 2010, 09:56
Clare - I don't think you have wore glasses enough for anyone to have a chance to complement you. I kinda think Hollie might actually decide to wear specs if she can find a frame that knocks her out. I think the air conditioning is getting to her, or at least her eyes. And you have said that you can only tolerate contacts for so many hours and it seems to be less and less? Even though you take very good care and don't abuse their use.
Soundmanpt 12 Jun 2010, 09:30
Emma - I don't think those pics of Su Pollard helped a lot! What you said about fit, feel and vision is all very good points, but none of these seem to be the issues for Hollie or Clare. Their much more concerned about not feeling as attractive and just not very confident wearing glasses. I have never heard or read any comments about others they work with looking bad wearing glasses, instead they always seem to say how good others look.
Melyssa 12 Jun 2010, 09:25
Clare,
As long as my husband tells me I look gorgeous, that's good enough for me. :) And I have given credence to the "Glasses = Smart" stereotype as it were, because I had a 3.8 GPA throughout college, and I wore drop-temples mostly. Also, just after I bought my oversized sky-blue top-temples, a teacher (one whose courses the boys always wanted to take), one who did not wear glasses, told me how much she loved mine, the first time she saw me in them the semester after I had taken a course with her.
Clare 12 Jun 2010, 08:52
Melyssa - I have been described as studious by an aunt so in an informal setting, and businesslike on the only occasions that I wore glasses to work 6 years ago. Nothing wrong with either of those but nor did anyone say I looked glamorous or gorgeous ;) Maybe that's the problem!
Clare 12 Jun 2010, 08:49
Soundmanpt - yes I think Hollie & I often echo the same sentiment and I'm glad not to be the only doubter that visits Eyescene. I think there's an additional dimension - over and above whether someone feels comfortable/attractive wearing glasses - and that's that when you are an habitual contacts wearer who's never seen in glasses it becomes an even more momentous issue to be caught wearing them! Even if people know you wear them, the fact that you're never seen without them creates a sort of mystique. I remember confessing to colleagues a number of years ago that I wore contacts, they behaved as though I'd been deceiving them, it was extraordinary. There's a little more physology to add to the mix!
Emma - not a look I'd aspire to!
Melyssa 12 Jun 2010, 08:45
When I wear any of my unisex frames at work (and yes, I got them from the women's side of the optical store, do not worry), and more often than not I am wearing a matching skirt and jacket along with a solid-colored blouse to go with it (but I won't be needing a jacket next week, and possibly for many weeks after, according to the weather reports), no one has referred to me as looking "businesslike" (not within earshot). I guess having my hair at shoulder length instead of in a bun (like a former college teacher -- yuck), offsets the look somewhat.
Emma 12 Jun 2010, 05:57
Hollie and Clare - Soundmanpt is right, wear your glasses with pride. Like this lady http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1165402/Shy-retiring-Su-Pollard-continues-wear-wacky-outfits-approaches-60.html
nickweymouth 12 Jun 2010, 03:27
dear soundmart please i have been on here for a few years although one doesnt post a lot i tend to lurk and only speak if i have something to say
enjoy your day regards Nick
Soundmanpt 12 Jun 2010, 00:04
Hollie and Clare - I may have been a bit too harse,nickweymouth" was correct and not really mean, but the only thing that bothered me was that it came from someone never seen here before at least not that I can remember. I would have no problem if someone that is on eyescene daily or pretty often had said that. It is true we were in the wrong place. I don't wish to argue or fight with people in here, that is not why any of us are here.
Well now that I have made that person mad at me I might as well let you ladies have a go at me too.
Have you 2 ever noticed that you both seem to say and feel the same way? You both always comment about others in your office or female friends and always you say how good these other ladies look in their glasses. But you don't feel the same way about yourselves. It seems you both would rather suffer with contacts that far too often give you trouble, than just putting on your glasses and going with it. You do know that red eyes are not a fashion trend this year or last year. To your credit you both have kinda said it is in your heads. Remember being told you look smart or business like is no insult, very much just the opposite. God forbid if there is someone out there that doesn't like how you look in glasses, do you really care? There not worth the time of day.
Cactus Jack 10 Jun 2010, 16:36
Alain,
All that has happened is that your ciliary muscles have become de-conditioned. It can happen very quickly to muscles that are not having to do much work. It read at 40 cm/16in requires +2.50 from either your ciliary muscles and crystaline lenses or externally with glasses or contacts. Wearing +1.50 means that you still have to provide what ever additional plus you need to focus at your preferred reading distance.
The fact that you were getting tired reading meant that your crystaline lenses were becoming stiff with age (presbyopia) and it requires extra effort for your ciliary muscles to focus them. It is an unfortunate myth that you don't need reading help until you are past 40. Your crystaline lenses were very flexible when you were a child, but as you age, they become stiffer and stiffer until the ciliary muscles just can't focus them any more. Presbyopia can happen at any age, your onset of presbyopia is just happening a little earlier than typical, but not by much.
You can recondition your ciliary muscles by not wearing glasses or wearing weaker glasses to read. However, you should not expect it to do much good. Your ciliary muscles have been working much harder than they are capable. In effect you have been straining them when you read and they are complaining. There is no way to restore flexibility to your crystaline lenses, so get used to the idea of either reading glasses or bifocals. It is going to happen to you just like it does to 99.9% of the adult population.
C.
Alain 10 Jun 2010, 15:26
I wasn't having trouble focusing, but got tired after reading for a while, so my wife suggested an eye exam. The Dr prescribed +1.50 readers. Although I didn't NEED them to read, I didn't find myself getting tired so fast when I used them. Over a short period of time, I found that after taking off the glasses I couldn't focus on the print...was all blurry. I went back to the Dr and asked why, and was just told that is a normal effect of wearing glasses. Now I pretty much NEED the glasses to read, after only 3 months or so and wonder why I went downhill so fast. I found this site, and the explanation that I "relaxed" my muscles by not using them and this is why my vision is now so much worse without the glasses. I am only 38. Is there a way to "strengthen" the muscles to either slow down the need for readers? I could still read OK without the glasses when I first got them. If I am starting to get dependent on them does that mean I need another exam and stronger glasses? Thanks
Soundmanpt 09 Jun 2010, 12:15
Anya - Even though her glasses are rather weak by standards in here, it sounds like your friend is quickly headed for full time wear. Wearing them at the computer most of the day, wearing them to drive to and from work and then wearing them to watch TV, kinda sounds like full time to me. That ache she feels in her left eye when she takes her glasses off will soon not go away the longer she wears her glasses. The blur when she first takes them off will become more permanent. Her eyes will get more relaxed the more she wears them.I assume she was told told to come back in a year? She most likely will be ready for stronger glasses then. The good news is it sounds like she has no issues about wearing glasses? By the way do you know what prompted her to get her eyes examined in the first place? Sounds like she was prescribed glasses very recently?
Anya 09 Jun 2010, 11:00
She was told she should wear glasses for driving and other activities requiring clear distance vision. Also she should wear them when looking at computer screens.
She does wear them (or her prescription sunglasses) for driving. She wears them for watching tv. She says she wears them pretty much all day at work as she spends most of her time using a computer. She says they do make quite a bit of difference, much more than she thought they would.
Her left eye aches very slightly when she takes her glasses off and things are a bit blurry for a few minutes then it goes to being just not as clear as with glasses.
Soundmanpt 09 Jun 2010, 09:10
Anya - Your friend has a very mild rx. She has the lowest possible rx for distance. She can easily see most all of the eyechart without glasses. The main reason she was given glasses is because of her astigmatisms. Curious what her doctor recommended for when to wear them. Even though she can still see quite well without them she will find that they will be comfortable to her eyes anytime. I would say she should always wear them for driving at night and if she purchased rx sunglasses driving during the day as well. Anything she is going to be staring at for long periods, like the computer, reading, watching TV going to sporting events etc. Ask her if she finds things more out of focus after wearing them for a while and then removing them. if she holds her hand over her right eye she should notice this worse in her left eye. That is the astigmatism part.
Anya 09 Jun 2010, 08:09
My friend has told me her prescription. It is Right:Sph -0.25 Cyl-0.50 Axis 87.0, Left: Sph -0.25 Cyl-1.00 Axis 120.0.
She says it feels a bit funny when she takes her glasses (or sunglasses) off after wearing them for a while but the feeling goes away after a few minutes. She doesn't wear her glasses all the time.
Soundmanpt 03 Jun 2010, 08:37
Emma - I must admit I have never seen wooden glasses in use. The question I have is how do they put the lenses in. For plastic frames they heat the frame a bit to stretch it. For metal frames they use screws near the temples to put lenses in. Do they have to glue the lenses in? Also it looks like there would be no way to adjust them for fit. Of course the good part is they won't go out of shape on there own like other glasses do. I will admit that the pictures you you showed they do look okay.
Emma 03 Jun 2010, 02:03
There are some really cool wooden frames around now. Check out this site http://woodenspecs.com/gallery.html
I really want some of those!! I'm not sure why some of you think wooden glasses are a joke. I don't know why they haven't caught on before now.
russell 03 Jun 2010, 00:49
Does anyone else here think that Mr. Wooden Frames is pulling our legs?
Wei 02 Jun 2010, 23:06
Heather-i recommend frame non slipping for tennis: wooden. Yes is better for non slipping than being wire and of plastics! And mysodiscs having more aciuty! 1.74 aberate!
ehpc 02 Jun 2010, 19:13
Heather - new lenses in your previous pair of glasses, maybe?
Soundmanpt 02 Jun 2010, 19:10
Heather I forgot to mention I like the frame you selected. I'm sure with the thin lenses they look great. It's good that you got a strap to keep them in place for a couple of reasons, first of all so they can't slip off and next thing get scratched or broken and also with the strap they won't be bouncing around when your chasing a ball. It's hard to see when your glasses are bouncing around.
If we keep working at it we will get this tennis thing back in high gear.
Heather 02 Jun 2010, 18:54
soundmanpt - Yes, I ended up getting high index lenses (1.74 index) and they are great. Much thinner than the polycarbonate lenses I had before.
soundmanpt 02 Jun 2010, 18:44
Heather
Your point is well taken, that is a problem for someone like you that wants to be able to continue to play sports that requires good or perfect vision. Getting a bigger frame will allow you much better vision on the sides as you indicate, however that creates another problem for you. Because your nearsighted (shortsighted) with a fairly decent rx means the bigger the glasses the thicker the lenses. Your lenses are thinnest in the very center and get thicker as they go out at the top, bottom and both sides. This is why your optican recommended smaller frames for you. What I hope you did was get high index lenses put into your new glasses. This will allow for a wider view thru your lenses and yet not be too thick or heavy. You may recall Martina Navatola (spelling is wrong) always wore big glasses when she competed in tennis.
Heather 02 Jun 2010, 18:25
One thing I was wondering about: Usually when you have a stronger prescription you are told by opticians to get frames with smaller lenses so that the thickness of the lenses is reduced. However, the visual field is also smaller with smaller lenses (unless they are closer to the eyes). It seems to me that especially with stronger prescriptions it can be quite a problem if the visual field is smaller since as soon as you look to the side and you don't look through the lenses any more you cannot really see much. Therefore, it seems to make sense for people with stronger prescriptions to get larger rather than smaller lenses, doesn't it?
I recently had to switch from contacts to glasses and also got a much stronger prescription and I found it hard to get used to glasses, especially those with smaller lenses. If you look to the sides or up or down you are often not looking through the lenses any more (unless you move your head) and therefore you can barely see anything.
Schultz 02 Jun 2010, 12:46
Wei,
Ask Colonel Klink if he ever wore a wooden monocle.
Wei 02 Jun 2010, 11:40
Anya-is websites for wooden glasses. Search for many frame wooden! So is one eye poorer vision, using monacle fashion trend! Help good eye not worsen!
Anya 02 Jun 2010, 11:04
A monacle wouldn't be any good for my friend, Wei, as she needs a prescription for both eyes and also it wouldn't really suit a woman in her early 20s. Never seen wooden glasses.
My friend is really happy with her glasses. Driving and looking at computer screens is much more comfortable. The frames look really good on her. She only wears her glasses when she needs them, not all the time. She is wearing her prescription sunglasses at the moment as it's sunny this evening. If this weather continues she'll be wearing them a lot more as they look good as sunglasses as well as clear glasses.
I haven't found out her prescription yet but I do know that one eye is worse than the other. I have tried her glasses on and she tried mine on at the same time - niether of us could see very well with the other ones glasses! I felt a bit dizzy with hers on and when I held them out at arms length everything was at a different angle through the lenses than it was outside of the lenses. I presume this is a characteristic of lenses for astigmatism. I'll try to find out her prescription asap.
Wei 01 Jun 2010, 22:52
Frame wooden. Is being organic! Look very nice is nature! Is mysodisc lens very good and aciuty fine! And is lens light!
01 Jun 2010, 15:22
Everyone likes wooden frames for different reasons.
Personally I like them because they are not magnetic
so when the flying saucers come over they are not sucked off my nose by the magbetic wash behind the ship.
ehpc 01 Jun 2010, 14:21
Wei - I am sure we would all be most interested to know why you like wooden frames and myodiscs so much. Would you like to elaborate in a longer post?
Wei 01 Jun 2010, 14:08
Anya-i recommend friend a monocal! Frame wooden.
Anya 28 May 2010, 10:25
Had a phone call from a friend asking if I fancied going shopping with her tomorrow to see if there are any Bank Holiday bargains to be had and also to collect her glasses. I said I didn't know she wore glasses. She said she doesn't - until tomorrow! It turns out she's been having mild focussing trouble when driving and tired eyes when using computer screens. She had an eye test which revealed she has astigmatism and if she got glasses her eyesight problems would stop. She's already picked out some frames (2 the same, actually. 1 with clear lenses and the other as prescription sunglasses). Both pairs should be ready on Saturday.
I don't know her prescription - I didn't ask. I know some people here would like to know so I'll try to find out without her thinking I'm odd!
I have found that my non-prescription sunglasses will just about fit over my prescription glasses. This will do as a temporary solution until I get my eyes checked again and then I'll get some prescription sunglasses or photocromatic glasses in that new prescription. It's not ideal but it doesn't look to strange (I hope!) as my sunglasses lenses are larger than my prescription ones so cover the front of my glasses. The arms of my sunglasses are quite wide and cover the arms of my glasses. It's a bit of a squeeze as the hook over my ears - it feels like my ears are getting pushed off and my head is getting gently crushed! It's not painful though.
SC 25 May 2010, 13:16
Hubby of GWG
The biggest difference on driving will that she will be able to see the dashboad, sat nav etc. I doubt whether the -0.25 itself will make much difference unless there is astigmatism (that is my prescription also) but it is useful to be able to read things at the same time as looking in the distance. I have a big problem with non-prescription sunglasses as the reduction in light makes the close-up vision worse and after about 50 miles I have to take them off due to the headaches.
I'm surprised that the computer prescription was only +0.5 - I found I needed +1 from the start.
Hubby of GWG 24 May 2010, 12:10
Hey this may be a dumb question but here it goes. 2 years ago, my then 44 year old wife was prescribed to wear glasses to read and for computer work. She chose to go with a lined bifocal. The way it was explained to her, the top half is for her computer midrange and the add is for reading. The RX was +.50 with an add of +1.25. She just went for an exam Saturday and was given an RX of +1 with an add of +1.5. The doctor said it was normal for an RX to go up every year or so. The other thing the doctor said was that she has become somewhat myopic and prescribed her with a RX for sunglasses (for driving) of -.25 with an add of +1.5. She gave her the option of getting that RX but said she would notice a differnce when she drives. Does all of this makes sense and will she notice a difference?
Aubrac 18 May 2010, 04:12
first time wearer
My wife started wearing glasses after I casually suggested she might like to have a test while I was having my regular check-up.
I remember coming out after my exam and asked her how it went, she said they asked her to chooses some frames. The old ticker started pounding away rather hard when it sunk in that I would soon see her wearing glasses.
A very pleasant morning followed with us visiting all the optical shops in Oxford Street for her to try frames!
Suggest you do the same, you can always mention that regular eye exams are not just to test vision, but are part of an overall health check.
Dee 11 May 2010, 12:04
I finally ordered glasses over the internet and even though mine were more than $10 due to my prescription, I save over $150 over my eye doc price with insurance. Without insurance I saved well over $250. They fit relatively well and my eye doc staff adjusted them for free no questions asked. They fit great now, they are womderful, and I see perfectly. Thank you to all who helped me with this.
Now for sunglasses!
first time wearer 03 May 2010, 13:20
Hi Soundmanpt, thanks for the advice.
I'm only just getting used to wearing glasses myself so I won't rush in and force the issue, although I've got to admit that I think she'd look fantastic wearing glasses.
She asked me a lot of questions over dinner tonight about what it's like without my glasses? Do my eyes feel worse since getting the glasses? Can you read this without your glasses, can you read that?
So, maybe she's interested enough to explore further?
soundmanpt 03 May 2010, 10:23
first time wearer
Working in an office and doing lots of close work and computer work often leads to the need for glasses. To enhance the chances that she needs a slight prescription, schedule her an appointment at the end of a work week and after work. That is when eyes are most stressed. Currently does she ever complain about driving after dark? Often having trouble seeing after dark is a sign of nearsightedness. Something else to test the water, go to some of the on-line retailers that you can put your picture up and try on different frames. First go in as if your looking for a second pair for you and then have her put her picture up and try on different styles and see how she reacts.
first time wearer 03 May 2010, 03:27
Hi Dan,
She said that they gave her a bit of a headache. She's 25 and also works in an office.
Maybe I'll suggest she should get her eyes tested as I didn't realise I needed glasses and now I am so much more comfortable. I went for an eyetest because I knew I couldn't read text on the TV very well and I was getting headaches a lot. So I wasn't surprised I needed glasses.
I would have thought Jess would have had some indications she needed glasses, so she'll probably not go for it. But I will suggest that she go and get checked too since I am seeing so much better!
Dan 03 May 2010, 03:12
First time wearer, That`s too bad. If you really like her in glasses maybe you could convinve her to get an exam. Sometimes a lot of people could use a slight prescription and not know it. I assume she has tried on your glasses and they don`t help her see better? May i ask her age?
first time wearer 03 May 2010, 03:04
Hi Dan,
My girlfriend doesn't wear glasses. Although having seen her in mine I wish she did!
Dan 03 May 2010, 02:52
First time wearer,
Looks like all is going well! I have a prescription similar to yours and I wear full time. I just can't stand not seeing clearly.
It's great that your girlfriend likes you in glasses! Does she wear glasses herself?
first time wearer 03 May 2010, 01:09
Well, I am a few days into wearing glasses and it's certainly been interesting.
I went out on Saturday night with my girlfriend and a group of friends. My glasses were the talk of the evening. Everyone decided to make (good natured) fun of the fact that I needed glasses, although I did notice one friend said that they could read the words on the special's board better with my glasses (could be a glasses wearer soon).
At the end of the evening my girlfriend said she felt sorry for me, with everyone poking fun at my expense.
On Sunday morning I decided not to wear my glasses to see how I got on. I can still operate as normal, but the blur, or rather slight double vision (hard to explain, but it's like there are two cameras slightly out of alignment) is really off-putting and I feel my eyes working hard. Putting my glasses on is like letting them relax.
Anyway, I was really surprised when my girlfriend got back in from her jog and straight away demanded to know why I wasn't wearing my glasses! I made some comment about I thought she'd prefer it if I didn't wear them and she said, "actually, I really, really like you in your glasses. Go and put them back on."
Without going into too much detail we had a very passionate encounter and I kept my glasses on throughout, apart from when she took them off and put them on herself, which I thought was really sexy!
I think my friends are already accepting that I wear glasses, certainly I wouldn't expect so much attention next time.
So, I think I am going to stick with wearing them. It is really amazing what a big deal getting glasses is. I know my family will also make a big deal about it too as nobody in my family wears glasses.
DC 02 May 2010, 09:17
Cactus Jack, thanks for coming back to me very informative, I shall wait and see how she develops and I look forward to seeing her more often in them
I shall continue to visit this site its great.
Cactus jack 02 May 2010, 07:30
glassesforeveryone,
Cylinder correction for astigmatism should not cause the effect you described. It is possible that the PD is not correct or that the ECP prescribed a reduced PD to "induce" some prism in the glasses without actually prescribing any.
C.
glassesforeveryone 02 May 2010, 01:51
Thanks CJ, I don't have any prism in my glasses, I hear that if you do get prism then you become really reliant on the glasses and struggle with contact lenses. So, I am not sure I want to have the option of contacts removed from me!
Cactus Jack 01 May 2010, 06:54
first time wearer,
Why don't you order a pair of low cost glasses with different - less bold - frames from an on line retailer. Even better yet, let her pick the frames that give you the look she REALLY likes. You might be rather pleasantly surprised at the result. You can wear the frames you like at work and the frames she likes at play.
If you don't have your PD, it is easy to measure. We will tell you how.
Please re-read what I said about vision occurring in the brain. Apparently, your brain didn't take long to decide it likes the help. To put it in computer terms: Sometimes a little bit of simple hardware (a lens) can eliminate the need for a lot of software and processing power. Your eyes don't get used to your glasses, your brain does.
glasses for everyone
Can prism do the same job as cylinder. Yes, but it requires a much more complex arrangements than a simple single prism like you find in glasses. Do you have any prism in your glasses?
C.
glassesforeveryone 01 May 2010, 03:52
by sphere I mean cylinder!
glassesforeveryone 01 May 2010, 03:52
Congratulations on tackling your vision issues 'first time wearer'. I'm sure your girlfriend will come around.
My prescription is not too dissimilar to yours. When mine reached your strength I went full time and have been wearing glasses since.
A quick question for Cactus Jack. My astigmatism is very similar to 'first time wearer's' and I note that the plane of the sphere acts to almost converge my view. So, is it possible that a prism could ever do the same job as a sphere?
I'm sure that's not the case, but I just wondered?
first time wearer 01 May 2010, 01:47
I thought I'd do a quick update on getting my new glasses.
The attendant gave me the glasses and asked me to have a good look around to check that my vision was okay... I was amazed by how much better I could see. I really couldn't and still can't believe that I wasn't seeing that well at all really.
The glasses themselves are quite bold and I'm still not sure about how I look in them. However, I've worn them all the time since picking up the glasses, simply because I love my vision through the glasses - I can't stop looking at things in the distance! I have noticed that my vision seems a lot worse when I take my glasses off, if that's what my vision is going to become like when my eyes become accustomed to the lenses then I don't think I will go without my glasses as I almost see double.
In terms of the feedback I've received, Cactus Jack you were spot on! People have commented and asked to try them on and the responses were almost verbatim what you said they would be. "I can't see a thing! You must be blind." or "My glasses are much stronger than these, are you sure you need them?"
My girlfriend isn't at all sure about the glasses. She thinks they are quite bold, maybe too bold. She says she needs a bit of time to get used to them.
So, to quickly summarise. I am wearing them now and can see everything very clearly. When I take them off, everything is pretty blurry, even after a short time, so I've just popped them back on and that's where they are staying.
I hope people can come to terms with my new look as I think I am a full time glasses wearer!
Cactus jack 30 Apr 2010, 07:27
DC,
The reason I did not answer your first post is that you did not provide enough information to do much other than guess. Even with all possible information it is guess work because everyone is different. All I can tell you is ha is typical.
Because you have been married 20 years, I am going to guess she is in her early 40s. Because the Rx you provided is incomplete I am going to guess it is:
Right Eye (OD) SPH 0.00 (or Plano), CYL +0.75 AXIS 160, ADD +0.75
Left Eye (OS) SPH 0.00 (or Plano), CYL +0.50 AXIS 180, ADD +0.75
On first glance, I would say that your wife only has two problems. Her astigmatism (CYL & AXIS correction) is enough to cause discomfort and blurriness which causes discomfort and fatigue when reading or doing any close work that involves fine work such as sewing. It can also cause distant signs to be difficult to read. The ADD indicates that she has early presbyopia which causes focusing close a bit more work.
The lack of sphere correction (SPH) could mean that she requires no sphere correction or if the exam was done WITHOUT cycloplegia (dilation) she may be a very low latent hyperope whose hyperopia is being masked by her accommodation.
If the above is true, I would guess that over the next 2 to 5 years, her SPH may increase by a small amount, say +0.50 to +1.00 and her ADD WILL increase to somewhere in the +2.50 to +3.25 depending on how much close work she likes to do and how close she likes to hold it. It will likely not go higher. Her astigmatism may change a little, but that is to be expected. Astigmatism actually changes very slowly, but the accuracy of the Rx to correct it depends to some extent on the skill of the patient. Small changes are usually of no consequence.
Save her prescriptions and check back in a few years and let me know how goo my guesses were.
Note: Development of cataracts or other serous eye conditions void the game and the entry fee must be refunded.
C.
russell 30 Apr 2010, 05:15
First time wearer: the frames you chose are great. I predict that you will be so happy with your new, improved vision--and get so many compliments on your new glasses--that you will be a full time wearer very soon. Good luck!
DC 30 Apr 2010, 04:45
Cactus Jack Ref my post earlier this week please would you let me know what progression I can expect my wife has finally got her glasses her prescription is Left CYL 0.50 Axis 180 Add +.75 Right CYL .75 AXIS 160 ADD +.75.
What progression can I expect she has been told only to wear them when she is tired, but oh my yesterday evening she had to admit defeat and wear them as she was reading a document.It was fantastic to see
Wei 29 Apr 2010, 14:56
I get new glasses. Is mysodisc! Yes i have frame in gold is very nice. New rx is -18d. I have problem of crossed eyes reading so get reading glasses!
Andrew 29 Apr 2010, 13:26
At least you're not watching it in 3D - now that would be scary!
first time wearer 29 Apr 2010, 13:12
Wow, thanks for all the feedback. It has been really helpful, I am 26 and work in an office so am on the computer - my headaches come after prolonged use of the computer, so I think I will wear my glasses in the office, when driving and watching the TV. I'm watching the Prime Ministerial Debate in HD at the moment and just wondering how much more HD an experience it will be when I get my glasses... although that would mean seeing politicians in a bit too much detail!
The lady in Vision Express was very helpful and they did have a very good range of glasses, so I am happy even if I have paid a slight premium. The good thing is that my glasses will be ready tomorrow. They would have been ready today but I opted for the anti-reflection coating and apparently it takes time for that to harden.
Thanks again for all your kind comments.
Cactus Jack 29 Apr 2010, 12:39
first time wearer,
A further comment. The primary thing that prevents people for wearing needed glasses is vanity and worries about what other people think. When you get right down to it, wearing glasses is of no more real consequence that getting your hair cut in a different style or getting a new suit. You may get a couple of comments for the first day or two, but a good response is that you see better with them or they keep you from getting headaches. You need explain no more than that unless you want to. A lot of new wearers express their surprise at how much they were missing.
Remember the glasses are for YOU, not for them. They have absolutely no idea how well you see or don't see with or without your glasses. Most new wearers are surprised at how many people noticed their squinting, before they got glasses. Many wonder why the fool doesn't get glasses, but were reluctant to make any comment.
Some may ask to try them. Some will comment that they can't see with them. A few non-glasses wearers will not say anything, but you can tell by the look on their face that they see better with them than without. Guess who else needs glasses..
Welcome to the group.
C.
29 Apr 2010, 11:32
First Time Wearer
CJ sums up the situation exactly and here is no wiser head here. The only thing I would add is next time check the internet for glasses. Dare I say it but Vision Express are a rip off but they do provide a service to the new comer. Make a note of the sizes on your glasses and from looking on the net you will see what they mean next time and save no end of money. I use the internet providers with complete confidence provided you learn the meaning of the numbers. Congratulations on your choice of frames!!
Cactus Jack 29 Apr 2010, 09:46
first time wearer,
the answers to your questions depend very much on your age, occupation, and personal preferences.
It is a low Rx with, as your optician says, enough astigmatism to cause problems if you have to do a lot of reading and close work. Your Rx may increase some over time, but how much it will increase depends on your age, occupation, and to some extent your visual environment.
You definitely need to wear them for driving, but comfort and visual quality should be the guiding factor otherwise,
I suspect that after a few days, you will WANT to wear them full time for good vision and comfort. You may find that after wearing them a few days that you notice more apparent blurriness without them. This is normal. What is happening is that your brain has been relieved of a large image processing workload by your glasses. Vision actually occurs in the brain, the eyes are only biological cameras. Without correction, the images being supplied to your brain are not sharp and clear. Your brain has the ability to do some image processing to "clear" up the images, not unlike the image processing that was necessary for the early pictures from the Hubble Space Telescope - before they fitted it with "glasses". Your glasses let your eyes supply sharp and clear images to your brain so the extra processing is not necessary. When your brain discovers that the extra work is no longer necessary it will signal you with headaches and fatigue that it really doesn't like the blurry images and pretty much insist that you wear them.
Let us know how you get on.
C.
first time wearer 29 Apr 2010, 08:39
Hi all,
I've just been prescribed glasses for the first time. I think I've been quite brave and gone for bold frames (http://www.visionexpress.com/glasses/oakley/male/full-rimmed/77951/?page=1/9/sale-price/asc)
Can anyone tell me if my prescription is going to be very weak or whether my eyesight will soon require me to wear glasses for more than just watching TV / driving?
The prescription says:
Left eye: SPH -1.25 CYL -0.75 AXIS 170
Right eye: SPH -0.75 CYL -0.50 AXIS 5
The optician did say that I had a reasonable amount of astigmatism which is why I've been getting headaches. Will this mean that I won't be able to get by without these glasses?
I'm not sure whether to be excited or worried!
Andy 26 Apr 2010, 06:00
RayRay follow this link http://www.sehshop.de/SEHSHOP_PDschablone.pdf and print the pdf document at 100%. Check with a ruler if the dimensions are correct. If everything is fine cut out figure one and fold it along the dotted line. Then just do as the girl on the printout.
I hope this helps,
All the best
DC 26 Apr 2010, 05:16
After 20 years of waiting my wife has finally had to accept that time is catching up. I have been a long time lurker and ready the site most often.
Her prescription is Left CYL 0.50 Axis 180 Add +.75 Right CYL .75 AXIS 160 ADD +.75.
What progression can I expect she has been told only to wear them when she is tired, but of my yesterday evening she had to admit defeat and wear them as she was reading a document.
Rayray 18 Apr 2010, 23:25
Thanks very much guys
I used both methods and they both gave the same outcome in the end - 65mm so i'm going with that.
soundmanpt 18 Apr 2010, 18:05
Rayray
Even easier if you pass a optical shop and they aren't busy they in most cases will be happy to do it for you. There are some that may not but most will. They are not stupid, they will know your planning on going on-line for glasses, but they know times are hard and money is short. I go into over 40 optical shops monthly and know the opticans pretty well and I think all would not object to doing that for you. It only takes a few seconds to do. At least then you know it is very accurate.
Cactus Jack 18 Apr 2010, 17:51
Rayray,
All you need to measure your PD is a bathroom mirror and a ruler marked in mm.
1. Look in the mirror and measure the distance from the center of your nose to the center of the pupil in each eye individually. Write down the number.
2. Do this 3 times and average the distances.
3 Add the two distances together. The result is your PD for distance.
I will probably be in the 55 to 70 mm range unless your head is very narrow or very large.
If you are ordering bifocals, you will need both your distance PD and near PD. All you have to do to calculate your near PD is subtract 3 mm from your distance PD.
These results may not be exactly what would be measured by an optician, but it will be so close that you would not notice the difference.
C.
soundmanpt 18 Apr 2010, 17:44
Rayray
Find a ruler that has inches on one edge and millimeters on the other edge. Gte about 12" from a bathroom mirror. Looking straight ahead simply go from the outside edge of your left eye pupil (that is the small circle in the center of your eye) and measure to the inside edge of your left eye pupil. If your an adult female it should be around 60 mm - 62 mm if your an adult male it may be a bit more.
Hope that makes sense!
Rayray 18 Apr 2010, 15:53
Can anyone tell me how to calculate my own PD at home?
Thanks
Brian 18 Apr 2010, 11:37
Athlete Parent, As someone who has been playing tennis for a long time, I have to ask has there been any change in your daughters tennis game since she started wearing glasses while playing. If she is playing better or worse wearing them that should be considered as well when making the final decision of playing with glasses or contacts. How did your daughter originally find out she needed a visual correction 2 years ago and what made her choose to get only contacts? I only ask because she does have a mild prescription and could really get away with wearing glasses part time. The good news for you if she decides to wear only glasses is you'll probably save a lot of money on contact lenses because toric contacts can be very expensive. So my advice would be if there has been no change in her tennis game or if her tennis game has improved wearing glasses, let her stay with the glasses.
Anya 18 Apr 2010, 05:31
Thanks again for the advice. I'll just look at prices for now! I had no idea that my eyes would change so soon. I thought it would be at least a couple of years! So it's probably a good thing I've more or less got used to wearing glasses all the time now as I think I will probably become more dependant on them if I need a stronger prescription in just a few months time.
I suppose it's pretty difficult to tell if someone is likely to need a stronger prescription in the future and how much stronger it's going to be. Reading some of the posts on this site I get the impression that the younger you need glasses the more likely your prescription will change as you get older and should stop changeing by the time you're 30. I'm 23 and these are my first glasses. I use computers and my mobile phone a lot which is how I noticed my eyesight problem.
When first I got them I only wore them when I was using the computer at home or at work and then take them off if I went for a coffee break or lunch. Then after a couple of weeks I tended to keep them on all day at work. I thought I would try them for driving as the optician suggested. They helped my eyes feel less tense when driving. I would put my glasses on before leaving home and they would stay on until I got home again. By now I had noticed my eyes were more comfortable with glasses on than off and that was for just general vision, not just close reading. So kept my glasses on after work and at weekends. This is the 3rd weekend.
r 17 Apr 2010, 23:08
Though I do agree that maybe waiting for a stable Rx might not be a bad idea.
r 17 Apr 2010, 23:05
You may get enough UV to give you a sunburn driving with enough time, but not enough at the correct angle to get photochromic lenses to darken while driving. I was driving westward to home from Michigan one sunny day in May a few years back, and I had a somewhat sunburned left side of my neck by the time I got about an hour west of O'hare.
As for me, I would probably go for polarized Rx. One way I currently go is polarized non-Rx over my contacts....
soundmanpt 17 Apr 2010, 19:00
Anya
Aurac is correct that you will most likely be getting at least one and maybe more increases before your eyes stabilize. If you want you can go on-line and purchase a very nice pair of sunglasses from "zennioptical.com" for around $15.00 - $20.00 if you need help just ask. I am not a big fan of the transition lenses. What they don't tell you is that they are almost useless for driving, that is because your car windshield has a UV coat and the suns UV is what makes those lenses change to dark. If someone is outside most of the day they would be great. I think regular sunglasses are the best and actually cheaper in the long run. If you look at zenni you want the 80% gray for nice dark lenses. Remember any glasses you see can be made into sunglasses.
As stated it would be best to wait a bit before spending too much on any expensive designer glasses now.
Aubrac 17 Apr 2010, 15:02
Anya
As you only got your glasses a couple of months ago I would suggest you wait a little longer and have another eye test before going to the expense of sunglasses or transitional lenses.
My wife has two prescription changes within nine months before settling on her presesent scrip. Hyperopia usually needs a few changes before you get the best correction, and wearing glasses FT is the best way to ensure you get the right correction.
Most eys docs do not mention this at the time, maybe because they do want to appear pushing more expense on their patients.
If this is your first prescription, i would certainly advise waiting another two months and then having another test.
Anya 17 Apr 2010, 14:33
Aubrac & Soundmanpt thanks for your responses.
It's not that I enjoy wearing glasses, although I don't mind, I wear them because I need them and i'm glad to know now that many people with a similar prescription to mine also wear their glasses full time. I have come to accept that I seem to need to wear them full time. I'm going to look into getting prescription sunglasses or those glasses that darken in the sun and lighten in the shade/dark.
Very interesting website and the regular contributors seem very well informed and welcoming.
High Minus Dude 17 Apr 2010, 13:00
Brian -- I just scraped by the vision exam two years ago with glasses but am not sure if I could do it today. I need a small increase which may or may not let me pass. I do wear contacts, however, and much prefer to drive in those since I have much better vision, especially at night. Also, backing up the car is much easier with contacts since I don't have to turn my head around as much to see what I'm backing into. With contacts, I have around 20/30 - 20/40 which is fine in all 50 states.
Your eye care professional should be able to help you with myodiscs if you think you might want to try them. You're moving into the zone where you might want to give them a go.
Let us know you your exam goes.
Cactus Jack 17 Apr 2010, 11:57
Dee,
The -0.50 x 110 is the cylinder and axis correction for astigmatism in that eye. The -0.50 is the cylinder correction and the 110 is the long axis of the cylinder. It must be aligned with the astigmatism error in your cornea to correct it. If it is not aligned, it will reduce your visual acuity significantly.
The components of a prescription are:
Sphere, Cylinder (if any), Axis (must be specified if there is any cylinder), and then Add (if near correction is needed) and Prism (if any is needed)
The only other thing you need to order glasses is your Pupilary Distance (PD)
C.
Dee 17 Apr 2010, 11:31
Well I made my eye doc appointment the other day. The eye doc, in a very professional way, commented on my "high myopia". I asked if there were any other patients like me and the answer was no, mostly -5s. I never looked at my actual prescription before but one eye says "-0.5 x 110". What does that mean?
Wei 17 Apr 2010, 07:53
Man with mysodisc walk through airport turnstil going to Bangkok.
Aubrac 17 Apr 2010, 04:20
Anya
It is entirely up to the individual whether or not they wear glasses no matter what the strength.
Some people like having crystal clear vision all the time, and will happily wear a low plus/minus prescription full time, while others don't mind, and sometimes enjoy, going around in a constant blur.
However, it would seem that low plus wearers especially with astigmatism, like yourself and Athlete parent's daughter, do often go FT as it does reduce eyestrain and they always have their glasses on for reading, in addition to be able to see very clearly.
Wei 17 Apr 2010, 00:30
Yes i write of mysodisc but if glasses in full field very thick of bifocal so is high indexes good of with prisms if eye crosses to read?
soundmanpt 16 Apr 2010, 22:27
Anya
The easiest answer is whatever your comfortable doing. Everyone is different, some here seem to have no problem going without correction in the -3.00 range, most would not, others like to see as clearly as possible and have no issue wearing glasses or contacts full time. You are correct in saying your prescription is a weak one and you could get by without them if you wanted. It would seem you are fine with wearing glasses and even enjoy them, so wear them it is your choice. For some reason there are people in here that acts like you are breaking some kind of law to wear glasses full time unless your vision is beyond a certain point. Interestingly 99.9% of the people you see day to day has no idea how strong, or not strong your glasses are. Only you know. In the case of the tennis player or any athlete that requires very good hand eye coordination it is critical that their vision be razor sharp and even the slightest prescription will be of value.
Anya 16 Apr 2010, 20:10
I've just read the recent posts by Athlete Parent and was interested to see that their daughter is wearing plus prescription with astigmatism correction full time. I have a similar prescription that I got just a couple of months ago. I went for glasses rather than contacts as I wasn't intending to wear them all the time. I got them mainly for reading including looking at my PC monitor. It was also suggested I wore them for driving, too. I have found myself wearing my glasses for longer and longer periods. I just don't bother taking them off most days now. They are very comfortable to wear and of course enable me to see perfectly although I don't think my vision is too bad. I can go without them but it feels very strange and I get eye ache after a while reading without them. I went for an eye test because I suspected I needed reading glasses because of the eye aches. My prescription is L+1.25, -0.50 and R+1.00, -0.25. As you can see, it is not a very strong prescription. As I said, I wasn't intending to wear my glasses full time but I seemed to have got myself "addicted" to them now and I really don't like NOT wearing them. It is reassuring to read about someone who is younger and with a similar prescription and wears correction full time. Is it common for someone with prescriptions like mine and hers to wear them full time?
16 Apr 2010, 19:37
Wei is back!!!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wei 16 Apr 2010, 15:52
Yes i have mysodisc also but i need bifocal i think
soundmanpt 16 Apr 2010, 10:53
Athlete Parent
Oh I do agree never try to figure out women or even worse a female teen. I still think she has a friend or friends that have gotten glasses recently and she has seen the attention they have gotten from wearing glasses. Her statement about enjoying taking off her glasses and seeing the "vast" difference. Her prescription is very mild. The plus part is useful for close work and maybe driving at night. She does have a bit of astigmatism that she may notice because of wearing contacts all the time. If it weren't for the tennis I would say she should only have glasses and wear them as needed, full time if she wants. It seems she picked out an expensive pair of glasses and for school and casual wear that is fine. If she is happy wearing glasses for playing tennis get her full rx from her doctor including the PD (pupil distance) and go to "zennioptical.com" or "glassesunlimited,com" You can get her some inexpensive semi-rimless, for better view on both sides without seeing the frame, for under #20.00 or so. Be sure to get the AR coat (anti reflective)
As stated by myself and others your daughters eyes are not very bad at all, she just needs a little help. But playing tennis requires the best vision possible, so she will need glasses or contacts to achieve that.
athlete parent 16 Apr 2010, 08:37
My daughter is a sophomore (15yrs old). The last day or so she seems to have "backed off" her original claim that she could see 100 times better with the glasses than the contacts. Her claim is that with the glasses she can take them on and off instantaneously and see the vast difference between correction and no correction while with contacts she can't compare so easily. I've never been able to figure out women, let alone teenagers so I just smiled and said "ok honey." Thanks for the replies, and I think I'll give her at least another week to decide which direction she'll go while playing tennis (glasses or contacts) before I purchase another pair of glasses.
gwgs 16 Apr 2010, 08:35
Hi Emma
I've come in right at the last minute, but have enjoyed reading through your history of going from the choosing stage of hi index or myodiscs and am also suprised that you have had myodiscs suggested for such a relatively low prescription. It had been my previous understanding that myodiscs were only selected for the prescription over -20! What made you choose myodiscs over normal lenses - were you concerned about the lens thickness? I own a pair of -12.5 glasses that are drop temples (a style from the good old 80s) and the lens thickness isn't that visible so it goes to show that a good optician can produce some marvellous things if he/she wants to.
Which frames did you go for? Can we see a photo of you in your myodiscs, or a photo of them? As I'm used to seeing them in twice this strength I'd be intrigued to see how they have worked out.
Mark 16 Apr 2010, 08:07
Hey Emma
Glad you like them, how long did it take you to get used to them?
What sort of size bowl did you go for in the end?
If you got a skilled lab tech making them, they can sometimes blend them well enough that unless people are directly looking at it, they cant tell that its different from a normal lens, its hit and miss with those though, as most tech's dont have a clue.
How much did they end up charging u in the end? I know of an online company that can usually do them fairly cheaply if your interested.
Brian-16 16 Apr 2010, 07:26
High Minus Dude- Are you able to drive in your state/country? I do not know where I can get myodisc's as my present rx is -15/-16.Although I will be getting an exam after college lets out.
Emma 16 Apr 2010, 05:37
Oh and the comments I got about the myodiscs were "wow, those really are strong glasses", "I've never seen glasses like that before" and "can you see how many fingers I'm holding up when you take your glasses off" (no, lol!!!)
Emma 16 Apr 2010, 05:33
Thanks for the replies about the myodiscs. They have a plus carrier which I was advised would be "more suitable" but I didn't really get an explanation why. I think they are great though, much lighter than normal glasses and Mark I think you're right, younger optomentrists don't seem to have a clue about myodiscs. It's like a "one size fits all" kind of approach and they get grumpy if you don't agree with their recommendations!! I don't like hi index because the vision distorts and anyway WHY are they so expensive? Does really cost so much more to produce hi index lenses? Yeah, I know it will cost more but is really THAT MUCH more?
Aubrac 16 Apr 2010, 05:02
Athlete parent
I don't think ther is any problem with wearing glasses for playing tennis even at the most energetic level.
Martina Navratilova always wore glasses to play but did not seem to wear them at other times, and it certainly didn'e affect her game!
To return a ball coming at speed demands a high degree of visual acuity, also the balance between the eyes must be perfect for best binocular vision to determine length and position.
Toric contact lenses have often been a bit hit and miss (bit like my tennis!)because they do not guarantee the best correction in both eyes at the same time - just what is needed in tennis.
I would suggest a pair of lightweight rimless frames with flexible arms. She will hardly notice wearing these, and there is little danger of them slipping or falling. They are of course fine for everyday wear as well.
High Minus Dude 15 Apr 2010, 13:35
Hi Emma! Glad to hear you've joined the small and exclusive group of myodisc wearers! My prescription is twice yours and I've been wearing them for nearly ten years when my prescription entered the high teens. My first ones had a plus carrier which I didn't like for cosmetic reasons but my new ones all are in a negative carrier. Combined with biconcave high-index glass lenses, blended 20mm bowls and small frames they look great and give me pretty good vision (I'm about 20/50) I've an old back-up pair of non-myos at -23 which I bought because they were cheaper but they're so thick and heavy and obviously super strong. They also produce so much more distortion.
Saw that a guy named Charles has plano carriers. I've never seen those but they intrigue me. My negative carriers have some thickness but no more than I see on any number of high myopes each week.
What kind of comments do you receive?
benn 15 Apr 2010, 12:48
I have a lot of astigmatism and for years had toric lens. Used them for TV and stage work where my glasses got in the way. I never had as good of vision as with glasses. The lens were always moving and while I could see I would need to "focus" (concentrate) to see clearly.
Now my astigmatism is out of range for torics, so I use special none glare single vision lens in my glasses. Should have done it from the start.
Tennis is the toughest sport on sight in my opinion. The need for speed.
soundmanpt 15 Apr 2010, 12:31
Athlete Parent
I will start by saying I am not a big fan of contact lenses and certainly not for a rather light rx like your daughters.
But that being said, if someone is into sports that requires good hand-eye cordination and needs to see as perfect as possible, then I think contacts are the best option. The thing that is odd is that she has her full prescription in the toric lenses which should make her vision 20/20 and be perfect and allow for good vision on all sides. Sometimes to save a patient money a doctor will increase the sph and not correct the astigmatism. This over correcting without the astig. most often does not give perfect clear vision, as glasses with the total correct lenses will. as you know toric lenses are a good bit more money. I am very surprised that she wants to wear her glasses for tennis. The biggest problem with glasses is that when running glasses tend to bounce around and make it hard to focus, not mention that if she even bumps them with sweaty hands she will have smeared glasses to try and see through. I'm sure won't want to be stopping play to clean her glasses too much. May I ask your daughters age? The wanting to wear glasses at school could be more because i'm sure she has gf's that wear glasses and glasses are very fashionable these days. She may just want them more for fashion than need. Her rx isn't very much but if she is used to wearing contacts most of the time i'm sure she is now used to clear vision.
Emma 15 Apr 2010, 11:04
I got MYODISCS!!!!!!!!! They really are unusual glasses but much lighter than my old glasses with very thick lenses so I'm happy...........even more happy with all the attention I get wearing them lol!
russell 15 Apr 2010, 07:10
Certainly with a teen, it is probably best to wait a couple of weeks. But if she is so happy with the glasses, I'm sure she will want to continue wearing them for her games, as she will become more competitive if she sees clearer.
athlete parent 15 Apr 2010, 06:31
My daughter is a tennis player and was perscribed a contact perscription of +0.50 -0.75 both eyes about two years ago. At that time she decided on toric contacts only and wore them for all her tennis matches and in school most of the time I would say. Recently, she had a vision check-up and had a similar perscription the left eye became+0.75 but everything else remained the same. This time she wanted both contacts and glasses(for the first time in her life). When she received her glasses last week she was amazed at the clarity of her eyesight with the glasses saying that she could see "100 times better out of the glasses than the contacts." She said she couldn't stop looking around the classroom in amazement at the difference between wearing the glasses and not, and she didn't feel that same difference between wearing the contacts and not. I'm wondering if this is normal or is she just being impressionable by getting glasses for the first time? She's now been wearing the glasses for tennis (which I didn't anticipate)and I'm wondering if I'm going to have to now purchase some glasses more conducive to athletics than the designer gucci pair she currently has? Should I give it a week or two to see if her feelings change about the difference between the two before I spend more money?
soundmanpt 10 Apr 2010, 21:38
Dee
They should not mind giving you your rx, if you wear contacts as well be sure to have them write it for glasses as well as contacts. The numbers will be somewhat different for each. When they give you your PD measurement if they write it as something like 32 and 31 just add the 2 numbers together for your overall PD, so in this case it would be 63. They may well just write it as 63 from the start. Here in the US most doctors are independent of the optical store that they work out of. So they should not care that your going on-line for glasses and should not mind advising you on frames as well.
Please let us know how the glasses look when you get them.
PS Don't forget your appointment this time! LOL
Dee 10 Apr 2010, 17:01
Sorry, I had this brain spasm. You already answered my question. Probably explains why I forgot my Saturday appointment-LOL.
Dee 10 Apr 2010, 16:59
My eye doc appointment is next week. I plan to mail order glasses based on your help (Thank you again!) Will my eye doc have isses giving me my measurements that Glassesunlimited wants?
Mark 10 Apr 2010, 06:17
Hey Emma,
That is very common from my experiance, loads of opticians (especially the young ones) dont know about things like myodiscs. Instead they just push high index regardless of what you ask for. (some are on commision for high index etc, i once heard an optician advising high index for a minus 3 prescription..)
I know a store online that does reasonable ones if you ask for it. Let me know if you are interested.
Keep pushing it's probably worth it.
Emma 10 Apr 2010, 01:21
Thanks for the replies about myodiscs. I've had an eye exam and asked about myodiscs and then the optician just tried selling hi index. Which is different to what the last optician said who thought myodiscs would be a good idea. It seems like opticians just all have their own individual strong opionions. Which will suit some people but not others.......they just don't seem very objective if you know what I mean. Even diffent opticians in the same practice. So I'm not buying any new glasses there lol!! I determined to get myodiscs so I'll update when I've got 'em!
soundmanpt 07 Apr 2010, 07:10
Jude
That is a fairly strong rx for being first glasses. You did not say, what is your age and are you male or female? If you are part of the working force, what type of work do you do or are you still in school? How long have you had your glasses and have you been wearing them full time? It would be best to wear them full time except for possible close work. Yes you will get dependent on your glasses but you will be able to see clearly all the time. Did the eye doctor tell you that you should come back in 6 months or a year? I would think 6 months because you most likely will need an increase when your eyes get totally relaxed with the ones you have.
Were you shocked at how much you have been missing by not having glasses before this?
Mark 07 Apr 2010, 05:28
Hey Emma,
I personally use myodiscs myself, but didnt swap over until around -15.00. At which point i had rather large 30mm bowls, edge thickness was pretty thin only around 5mm, and were light too, also could choose any frame I liked rather than going for plastic to hide edge thickness etc. Took about 2 or 3 days to get used to them, where I had edge distortion before I now have the carrier portion of the lens. It was pretty crap vision through that area anyway so I didnt really end up losing anything in my opinion. You start turning your head a little more if at all. When the RX gets stronger you end up turning less and less as the stronger lenses actually increase ur field of view (so long as you keep the same size bowl).
If you have any questions let me know (my sister also wears myo's and is younger than me, cant remember when she started with them I think around what you have? She wears contacts full time now though at about -17.)
Mark.
Jude 07 Apr 2010, 03:27
dear antonio
yes, even the both Rx are same the left lens thickness is visible.
Will I have to totally depend on them? Its bit uncomfortable without glasses now?
antonio 07 Apr 2010, 00:24
Hi Jude,
oh, quite strong already for first glasses ?
great you got them !
are they already glued to your nose or do you use them only part time ?
best regards, antonio
Jude 06 Apr 2010, 23:12
hay i cant write a comment. It wont apply. Only displaying blank screen.
Why is that ?
Jude 06 Apr 2010, 23:11
My Rx is L E -2.75 x -1.0 x90 R E -2.75 x -0.50 x90
Jude 06 Apr 2010, 23:11
My Rx is L E -2.75 x -1.0 x90 R E -2.75 x -0.50 x90
Jude 06 Apr 2010, 23:11
and said I should consult a eye doc
Jude 06 Apr 2010, 23:10
Doc checked my eyes
Jude 06 Apr 2010, 23:07
Recently it got worse.headache & eye pain came more often.
So I went to Doctor.
Jude 06 Apr 2010, 22:53
Hi antonio
I was having a bad headache with a pain in my left eye form a long time ago. I didn't know it’s a problem with my eyes. I used to have a paracetamol and having a nap for those times.
Jude 06 Apr 2010, 22:42
test
antonio 06 Apr 2010, 09:40
Hi Jude,
nice to hear you can see again 8-),
how strong are your first glasses ?
What made you getting them ?
my first ones were -1,5 ones and I´m nearsighted besides
best regards,
antonio
Emma 06 Apr 2010, 07:16
That's interesting Puffin. I've been told that my RX could well get higher. It's weird but until about 27 my RX was pretty stable but I've been getting an increase of about -1.00D every year since then. My eyes are healthy but the lenses are certainly getting thicker and thicker! So this is why the myodiscs might be needed. I've tried a very hi index lens but the vision wasn't great and they are not cheap!! Maybe myodiscs have an appeal of their own but I guess they would take some getting used to.
Puffin 06 Apr 2010, 07:01
That's low for myodisks, these days high index lenses would give about the same weight/thickness without having a line in the lens and looking "odd" as it were.
Unless you have a problem with the distortion (maybe if you have high astigmatism?) or if your myopia is likely to go much higher soon (say minus 15 at least) I'd go with high index. That's if price isn't an issue.
Emma 06 Apr 2010, 06:51
Hi
I've got an RX of -12.75D and have been advised that my lenses will be very thick and heavy so I should think about getting myodiscs. I'm not so sure; I don't really mind thick lenses but what do you guys think about myodiscs?
Jude 06 Apr 2010, 00:16
Hi
I received my first glasses today! I was so excited to wear them.
Wow I can see thinks very clear now. When i removed them everything is very blur. I don't know how i managed without glasses before.
Katie 01 Apr 2010, 16:02
What a week, first time i've had chance to get on here! Unusually high incidence of kids with broken limbs this week - I wonder if there is some reason for that?!
Soundmanpt, thanks for info. I had concluded it must be to do with the way the light hits the sides of my not so thin lenses as it is marginally better in natural/even but not bright light (i.e not bright sun or rooms with spot type lighting). I am still trying to persevere but I am finding I get some eyestrain.
After the holiday I will most likely order those frames you suggested so will keep you posted. My last order from zenni took around 3-4 weeks to get to the UK by which time I will be needing the sunnies (hopefully).
ephc - still have post problems?
Kat
soundmanpt 31 Mar 2010, 16:35
Dee
If I may suggest, when you go to see your eye doc, take a print-out of the glasses you are thinking about. You may want to bring several different ones. He or she will be able to tell you if they will be best suited for your face. As ehpc suggests so often a small retangle plastic frame with the wide sides should work nice and not give the effect of tunnel vision at all. Be sure to look at the zenni frame number 3391 it is rather small and should work well. Also anything else that you find in glasses unlimited take also. As you noticed each frame has all the sizes needed for your doctor to give good advice from. Hope this helped?
Dee 31 Mar 2010, 16:03
ehpc
I'm going to my eye doc Saturday and have him make the measurements glassesunlimited requires. I am a little hesitant on thick sides as I wonder if I will feel like looking through a tunnel. Unfortunately since I cannot wear contacts now trying on frames at a shop would be useless because my eyes are so bad.
soundmanpt 30 Mar 2010, 11:59
Katie
I was talking with a doctor friend of mine the other day and I asked her about the problem you are having with your rimless glasses. She asked if the edges were polished, I told her that I think zenni does polish the edges on semi-rimless and rimless. She didn't think that poly lenses were the problem. She said she had a pair of rimless glasses once and she to noticed a halo effect on her glasses as well. She asked what your prescription is and she said that hers is very light so her lenses would have been even thinner than yours. She said that it is caused because light most often shines down and with no frame at the top to block light it hits the edges of your lenses and causes that effect. In her case she got used to it after a bit. She wears plastic frames now.
If you do order the plastic frames I suggested please let me know what you think.
ehpc 29 Mar 2010, 17:12
What will you do, Dee? Black rectangular plastic frames with wide sides? :) Pete
Dee 29 Mar 2010, 16:34
Female 36
And thank you
soundmanpt 28 Mar 2010, 21:49
Dee
It just occured to me, I think ehpc and myself are assuming you are female. Is that in fact true? May we ask your age?
ehpc 28 Mar 2010, 21:37
Too right I'm right :) (not 'actually' - sounds rather patronising)
soundmanpt 28 Mar 2010, 21:32
Dee
Actually Pete (ehpc) is right, although it doesn't have to be a black frame as he suggests, all the time. You should try and get a small plastic full frame with wide temples (arms). This will help conceal the thickness of your lenses. Also get high index lenses. If you go to zennioptical.com or glassesunlimited.com you can purchase complete glasses with AR coating and the thinner lenses for around $55.00 - $60.00.
Hope this helps.
ehpc 28 Mar 2010, 15:57
Black rectangular plastic frames with wide sides are great on every female in the world, Dee :)
Dee 28 Mar 2010, 15:22
A friend suggested this site. I have gone from contracts to now a full time glasses wearer. My back-up glasses were basically free safety glasses from work because glasses from an optician were out of sight because of my prescrioption. According to an opticion I just saw they are wire frames size 49 (whatever that means) bioconcave polycarbonate? lenses. They are huge and the lenses are very thick. I started getting a headache listening to him give suggestions. I hope this group can give me some advice on buying everyday glasses that don't make me look like a nerd. My perscription is -12.50 and -13.00. Thanks so much.
ehpc 28 Mar 2010, 11:23
Katie - still foxed by long posts! If you wish you can e-mail peterseivewright@hotmail.com. Or we could chat in LensChat. Pete
soundmanpt 28 Mar 2010, 08:30
ehpc
If a patient is getting glasses and the rx includes a cyl correction, the doctor will write the script for the exact numbers. If the patient is getting contacts and the cyl is less than -.50 often times the doctor will write the script without cyl and bump up the sph by -.25 to compensate for the cyl. The reason for this is that toric lenses are a good deal more expensive and most will not notice much difference in their vision with regular lenses. Most if their glasses rx is up to date will tell you that they can see better with their glasses than their contacts.
soundmanpt 28 Mar 2010, 08:18
Katie
The extra charge kicks in at -2.25 cyl, but remember if you opt for the mid hi-index which costs $17.00 they will not charge the $9.00 for the extra cyl. If you choose to just go with the 1.57 lenses at no additional charge they will then add the $9.00 for your cyl. I hope I did not make that too confusing. About a year ago I ordered that frame for someone with a sph of -5.50 and -.50 cyl in both eyes. Because of the rx I added the $37.00 for the best hi-index lenses. Later that day I got an e-mail from zenni telling me that they were refunding my $37.00 because the hi-index was not necessary. They were right, the glasses looked great. You could only see the lense thickness on the inside of the lenses, they did not stick out at all in the front. I was very impressed as were some of my optician friends.
In regards to cyl, you told ehpc correctly. It does not effect your sph. and is something different. As you said if you didn't have any cyl you could probably read without your glasses. A friend has an rx of plano sph with -1.00 cyl and 180 axis in both eyes. When she gave me her rx I was shocked because she wears her glasses full time. I told her it was a very unusual rx. She said she had to get glasses due to headaches but showed me even after dark she could remove her glasses and read distant signs with no trouble.
Sorry for the long post.
Katie 28 Mar 2010, 01:16
Pete: rather annoying for you but no worries ;-)
K
ehpc 27 Mar 2010, 19:14
Katie - doubtless this fault will be resolved.Apologies in the meantime. Pete
ehpc 27 Mar 2010, 19:11
Still can only post tiny posts!
ehpc 27 Mar 2010, 16:59
Hi Katie :) It is such a pleasure to read your nice friendly posts:)I would reply but I can't seem to send a post longer than a few words for some reason.
Katie 27 Mar 2010, 16:38
ehpc:
I thought you lived in Scotland?
Cyl is to do with astigmatism. It indicates the amount of cylindrical power (in one direction as indicated by 'axis')ground into a lens, along with plus or minus sphere, to correct for astigmatism (caused by uneven corneal surface usually).
I believe UV light does increase the risk of cataracts, as it increases the level of 'oxidative stress' in the eye which decreases our ability to deal with the harmful free radicals which cause damage to our bodies - including contributing to the opacity of a lens with cataracts.
Katie
ehpc 27 Mar 2010, 16:27
Does sunlight increase cataract-risk? I live on a tropical island where the day temperature rarely goes below about 27 Celsius and this had never occured to me.Mind you - I don't do 'safety' and 'careful'.Absolutely not. Not my temperament at all !!!
ehpc 27 Mar 2010, 16:21
I am about minus 7. I never know exactly. I am very much a 'frames' man :)Does 'cylinder' correct astigmatism?
Katie 27 Mar 2010, 16:18
ehpc:
I detest 'half hearted' tints but I do not detest proper sunglasses tints and in fact it's important I have a good pair of sunglasses because there is a strong history of cataracts in my family and I could do without adding to the risk. The tint would have to be grey or brown, not some other bizarre colour!
Katie 27 Mar 2010, 16:13
ehpc: no cyl is a separate thing entirely. I can tell you that with my Rx I struggle to do much at all without correction as the astigmatism effectively adds to the minus in terms of level of blurriness, even close up things look distorted and fuzzy whereas a -3.5 without astigmatism could, I believe, read a book close up without too much of an issue?
ehpc 27 Mar 2010, 16:13
I thought that, like me, you detested 'tints' Katie ? :)
ehpc 27 Mar 2010, 16:09
Thanks very much Katie. It is nice to have you chatting here:) Pete
ehpc 27 Mar 2010, 16:08
smpt - I enquired because I never understand 'cylinder', and whether that counts in the minus or not.
Katie 27 Mar 2010, 14:46
Soundmanpt: does the extra charge for cyl kick in AT -2, or at -2.25?
Katie 27 Mar 2010, 14:44
My most recent post shows my most recent Rx, the other posts I was remembering/guessing off top of my head but was in the right region. I also had a -3.75 contact for the -4 eye as I got better vision that way which is what confused me. Similarly with the cyl in contacts I had -.25 more (i.e 1.75 and 2.25) because of the increments they go in. I remember there being quite a bit of trial and error when I was last fitted as I tried ones with too little cyl first and they were a bit off. Anyway, what I just posted is my glasses Rx.
Soundmanpt - you are a good salesperson, I will probably order those frames as you suggested but with the 80% grey tint, see how I get on with them in view of getting some more as everyday glasses.
soundmanpt 27 Mar 2010, 14:17
ehpc
If you look back in Katie's post on March 23 (14:27) she said her rx is -3.75 / -4.00 On march 26 (9:48) she said her cyl is -2.25 and -1.75.
Katie
I have used this frame for several ladies with higher rx's than yours without going to even the mid hi-index lenses. But you should do the mid hi-index because they will drop the extra charge for your high cyl. Hope that makes sense?
Katie: 27 Mar 2010, 14:12
ehpc:
My Rx is: OS: -3.50 -1.5 X 65, OD: -4.00 -2.0 X 80
soundmanpt 27 Mar 2010, 14:09
Katie
I thought they might be a bit on the too wide side. I have been doing this for a while now. The frame I mentioned to you is one of the most picked, I have a sample case with about 50 different styles in it. That frame is liked by most. It does not look cheap at all. Everyone I know that has that frame tells me they get loads of complements on their glasses. I am sure you will like it. So far have I not been right-on? Trust me it is very nice. I think you will like the fit as well. Actually I will go so far as to say you will love them. How's that for sounding sure?
I am in the USA St. Louis Missouri to be exact.
ehpc 27 Mar 2010, 13:50
How much minus are you altogether, Katie? Pete
Katie 27 Mar 2010, 13:17
Soundmanpt:
You are right, 20mm is a little too wide for me, I would usually have 18mm, although a current pair of glasses that I purchased on the high street last year with higher index lenses (http://www.specsavers.co.uk/glasses/womens-glasses/myra?price=99&brand=6&start=27)are 19mm and are ok but I do think the zenni ones are a bit on the wide side. I do absolutely wear full time (even normal print is hard to read with -2 cyl with glasses off!) so hopefully the screw issue wouldn't arise. Re the frames from zenni you mentioned before - do you know someone who has them? Is the plastic not too 'plasticky' or cheap looking? This is what I am slightly concerned about.
Thanks for career compliments. It's been incredible hard work I can tell you. I am almost 30 and spent 5 years in Med school plus 2 years rotational training before the 3 years in A+E with a few locum jobs before my current position. I like the 'patching up' aspect that comes with orthopaedic trauma but wasn't cut out for constantly not knowing what was going to come through the door next in A+E, at least with this one, if it's an emergency it's an orthopaedic emergency ;-)
Where are you Soundmanpt?
Soundmanpt 27 Mar 2010, 08:52
Katie
I looked at the frame and lenses you purchased from "zenni" very attractive. They look like they would be very comfortable to wear. The only comments I have is that 20 mm for the bridge seems rather wide for someone that is tall and slim, I would think that 17 or 18 mm would be better? The other problem people often have with that rimless (drill mount) frame is that the little nuts seem to come loose too often. This is not as much of a problem for someone that wears their glasses full time as i'm sure you must. If you want to stay with that frame I would suggest AR coat and the higher index lenses ($37.00 additional) this will make the lenses thinner and should eliminate that white effect you are getting now. Your prescription is enough that your glasses will still have a nice look and not look too thin. If you decide to go with a plastic frame I really think you would like one of those I mentioned before. They do make nice sunglasses. If you want them nice and dark go with 80% gray tint. Then as you say you may want to get regular glasses in that same style.
Good for you for wanting to wear glasses as opposed to contacts.
It sounds like you have a very nice career going, good for you. May I ask your age? How many years of schooling to get where your at?
Priscilla 27 Mar 2010, 06:08
NEW YORKER Magazine March 29 issue has piece on FOUR EYES:
Those interested might enjoy...Below a brief:
ON AND OFF THE AVENUE about eyeglasses. Eyeglasses can be big, brash, early Eltonish, but they can also be staunchly studious. After surveying thousands of eyeglasses, the writer would still find it tricky to pick out a pair of Ray-Ban Wayfarers in a police lineup. The Italian firm Luxottica…
ehpc 26 Mar 2010, 20:34
Defeated at last.Aw shucks......................
Katie 26 Mar 2010, 17:57
ehpc: Ah, you are wrong I am from the south midlands and now live in the south east ;-)
ehpc 26 Mar 2010, 10:13
And GO FOR black rectangular plastic frames with wide sides:)
ehpc 26 Mar 2010, 10:12
Katie - I was going to estimate further and say England (i.e.within the UK - I'm Scottish) but you have 'stolen my thunder' :)However let me guess the part of England..................I would say not too far South..............Manchester? Northern half of England anyway (it's the open friendlieness:))Pete
Katie 26 Mar 2010, 09:48
ehpc: I am indeed in the UK - well guessed!
Soundmanpt: Thanks for the ideas. I do like the look of those frames and almost ordered them before with 80% tint for sunglasses. I do like brown frames as they really pick up the colour of my eyes and hair. Black looks a bit harsh on me though because of my pale english skin :-) Maybe I will do that anyway and if I like the fit of them order another pair with the non tint lenses as you suggest. And yes I have -2.25 cyl and - 1.75 cyl so had noticed the extra cost, not that this is a problem.
The ones I recently got are fully rimless (#3636 in purple with lens 355) and they look nice but I am totally sure its the Zenni poly lenses that are causing me all the problems. I see loads of mid range myopes wearing rimless and I can't imagine they would if they were having as many distracting abberations as I am.
Interestingly, does anyone know if hyperopes with rimless lenses also experience such issues with reflections etc? I've often wondered.
You can ask what you like and i'll choose whether to answer - in this case I am an orthopaedic/trauma registrar but have just finished a 3 year stint as an emergency dep. doctor. As you can imagine being able to see really well at all times and not having glasses slipping etc is very important in this setting hence I was almost an exclusive contacts wearer. But my new job is a little less crazy and i'm enjoying wearing glasses again more often - but it's just a case of finding something that is both comfortable and stylish.
K
ehpc 25 Mar 2010, 16:47
Where are you Katie? United Kingdom? United States? Canada? Australia? Your writing style suggests United Kingdom to me, although I wouldn't 'bet the farm' on it.
soundmanpt 25 Mar 2010, 11:18
Katie
I am not sure why you are getting that effect on the edges of your lens, could it be because they are poly? Is your frame completely rimless or semi-rimless? Actually what is the number of the frame you got?
If you decide to go with a full plastic frame, with wide temples, "ehpc will love you, take a look at frame #3391 and frame #8391 both from zenni. Notice that 3391 comes in all black, all brown and all red, 8391 comes in black with red insides. This style is very popular with your age group. The width of the frame is only 127 mm which should keep it up without slipping down.
I would say don't bother with poly lenses, get the AR coat and only get the mid range hi-index lenses that are $17.00. If your cyl is more than -2.00 they normally charge $9.00 extra for that, but getting the slightly higher index they wave that off. So your total cost including shipping should be $35.00. Any questions just ask.
May I ask what field of medicine you are in? I'm old I may need your services one day.
Katie 25 Mar 2010, 00:47
ehpc (or Pete - seems much more likely I get that one right!): I do apologise for my typos, when I type here it is usually the end of a long shift and i'm not concentrating much! Incidentally ephc is an abbreviation for something at work and am often writing it so perhaps it's become involuntary :-)
I'm not taking chat ups either but thanks all the same. Many of my patients, when they get to know me a little ask me if my hair all natural, which it is, and say i'm very lucky. I appreciate it now, but imagine being the ginger haired lanky girl with glasses when I was at junior school. It was not always easy I can tell you.
I remember you liked black plastic frames. I've really never been brave enough to buy any bold frames, not least black and plastic. Maybe I should give it a go and be pleasantly surprised. They'd certainly deal with my internal reflections issues....
Katie
ehpc 24 Mar 2010, 19:56
Katie - I am twice your age (I am 55) so I am not trying to chat you up! But I admit to a huge liking for long red hair :) Pete
ehpc 24 Mar 2010, 19:54
The tall, slim, red hair and deep brown eyes sound good though :) Especially with HOT glasses, which in my book means black rectangular plastic frames with wides sides :)
P.S. It hardly matters (in fact it doesn't matter at all) but you always write the letters of my handle 'ehpc' in the wrong order! Pete
Katie 24 Mar 2010, 14:11
ephc: yes, imagine this; tall, slim, long red hair, deep brown eyes, a doctor....and tinted specs....hmmm not the look i'm after. Absolutely no disrespect to Cactus there as his advice is probably spot on as usual - I just wish I could find another way around this problem!!
ehpc 24 Mar 2010, 13:47
Good for you, Katie. Tints are horrible!
Katie 24 Mar 2010, 13:12
I am not too keen on tinting, I think low tint lenses look a bit old fashioned and I don't wish to draw attention to myself! I have no problem with the appearance of power rings either, unless of course they are causing this particular problem. Am I the only one who seems to experience this or are there others out there with similar issues? I compared the look of the lenses to my boyfriends polycarbonates (-2) just now and his seem much clearer whereas mine definitely have a whiteish look to them. I am now wondering if it is something to do with the anti-reflective coating. I am constantly feeling the need to clean the lenses, which does help for a while but then they seem to 'fog up' again.
Katie
Cactus Jack 23 Mar 2010, 19:33
Katie,
Larger lenses would have thicker edges allowing more light in from the side.
C.
Cactus Jack 23 Mar 2010, 19:31
Katie,
You might consider having the glasses tinted very slightly. That will tend to reduce internal reflections because light from the side has to travel through much more lens material (across the lens) reducing its intensity. It will also reduce the intensity of any "power rings".
C.
Katie 23 Mar 2010, 17:44
Cactus Jack
Thank you, yes that makes sense as I notice it less during the evening when working in dim light. Going outside it bright daylight seems to be very difficult, and since i'm a doctor doing things under brilliant white light in the treatment room is a nightmare. Oh, it's so annoying as I really love the fact that rimless glasses are so light and blend so beautifully into the face. It's a pity that they are distracting me more than my previous heavier full rimmed ones which kept slipping down my nose when I bent over. I don't particularly want a larger lens size (these are 52mm x 27mm) but I wonder if that would help at all?
Katie
Cactus Jack 23 Mar 2010, 14:55
Katie,
You could be seeing internal reflections of light entering through the polished edges of the lens. You might try holding your fingers on the lens edge to block the light entering from that direction and see if it makes any difference. Bright lights located one each side are typically the source. If there is a lamp located in that area, you might try turning it off and see if you notice a difference.
C.
Katie 23 Mar 2010, 14:27
CJ:
My Rx is -3.5/-4 plus astigmatism. The edges of the lenses are polished and are 1.6 polycarbonate and thickness I estimate is possibly 5mm or more (I don't have a ruler to hand so not really sure).
Katie
Cactus Jack 23 Mar 2010, 14:19
Katie,
What is your Rx?
How thick are the edges of the lenses?
Are the edges polished or frosted?
C.
Katie 23 Mar 2010, 13:46
Hi all
I recently received some rimless glasses from Zenni Optical. In general I am pleased with them given the price. I posted on the online shops thread a few weeks ago as I wanted to try rimless again after being unsucessful with them a few years ago. I have been wearing them for a few days now and am experiencing some problems. I find that my vision is slightly hazey and there are significant white reflections/halos. This is similar to how I felt before while wearing rimless specs. Has anyone else experienced anything similar with rimless glasses in general? I have read somewhere that the anti reflective coating that Zenni applies is possibly not of a high standard. Or could it be something to do with polycarbonate lenses? I have no previous experience of these. Any ideas/advice would be appreciated. Thank you!
Katie
soundmanpt 17 Feb 2010, 09:02
SoCal
Sorry I didn't know you allready purchased the frame. I agree you should go for it. Maybe I can help with this suggestion, Sam's Warehouse or Costco will put lenses in your frames with AR coating for $68.00 ($50.00 for the lenses and $18.00 because it's your frame) I went through this for a friend that had a BeBe frame that see wanted her rx put into. I checked all the optical stores then for the best deal. Hope that helps.
SoCal 16 Feb 2010, 22:49
Luke
Thank you for a definitive answer. I think I will definitely get the rx filled and take the frames out for a spin.
Luke 16 Feb 2010, 20:58
SoCal -- I really think you should. You have the frames, and even if you don't like the look ALL the time you probably will like them SOME of the time. It's a striking look. Go for it.
SoCal 16 Feb 2010, 20:53
Well, I already have the frames so there is no reason for me to go out and purchase new ones. I guess it depends on my look and what I look like. So, the question still remains . . . do I fill the rx or not.
Tim 16 Feb 2010, 20:18
They can occasionally look good on a girl
http://ad2412.free.fr/BL3/blandi79.jpg
but not often, I think.
soundmanpt 16 Feb 2010, 20:17
SoCal
No that style is becoming very popular with young ladies. I have seen many pictures here of Hilary Duff wearing that style frame and many others. They seem a bit pricey though. Take a look into "zennioptical.com" click on the $8.00 glasses catagory and look at the first 2 shown. They are exactly like the Ray-Ban Wayfarers. I have ordered these for several young ladies recently and they do look very nice.
Jim
SoCal 16 Feb 2010, 19:39
Are thick, chunky plastic frames considered attractive on a girl?
Here are the frames I have but I am hesitant to get my rx put in for fear of looking too man-ish. Any thoughts?
http://www.moscot.com/vintage_eyewear_Moscot_Originals-Nebb-121.html
(color: tortoise)
soundmanpt 12 Feb 2010, 09:00
Boris
I would suggest just going to any local optical store. They will adjust them for you at no cost. The memory style frames are very difficult to adjust even for the opticans, so best you not try.
boris 12 Feb 2010, 08:23
Hi!
I'm considering buying a bendable (memory) metal glasses online. Any advice on how to adjust them, since they are supposed to resume their original shape if you bend them? :)
Clare 10 Feb 2010, 13:46
Hollie - I think some people struggle more than others - your colleague is a classic example. Even with the silicon hydrogel lenses by the end of the day my eyes still get dry, so the eyedrops are a great help.I'd suggest using the eye drops (my optician suggested every hour or so) as a bit of a precaution. Good luck!
Clare 10 Feb 2010, 13:40
Thanks Like Lenses, not sure if it's nice to be mild or moderate in the myopia stakes! I guess that technically I'm only mild in the -2.75 eye ... !
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