Eyeglass question......

[weathermom]

It seems I have reached the age where bifocals are necessary. I have previously only worn reading glasses. I just got a pair of contact lenses for my distance sight and reading glasses for the reading. (I was afraid bifocals might make me "pukey" as I get carsick very easily.) My question is, at what distance should the reading glasses be necessary? Should I have to wear them to make my kids lunches or cook dinner? Or only to read?

[alicia-w]

I would wear them only to read. I recently got trifocals and once you get used to it, it isnt bad. In fact, it's just terrific to be able to SEE!

[j]

I do the readers over contacts myself. I did try the monovision which was nice because I didn't need the readers, but it sacrificed my distance vision.

Face it, the computer generation of workers are destined to go blind before we retire.

quick edit to answer your question...I can't read anything w/o them (without severe straining) so I wear them all day at the computer....and look over them a lot to talk to somebody or look away. I stick them up on my head when I get up and walk away from the computer.

[coriolis]

Not growing old gracefully here. I've been nearsighted since 5th grade, and my prescriptions for distance are still getting stronger. I have to take my glasses off for anything close up. Perfect candidate for bifocals, I guess, but I haven't made the plunge yet.

[Stephanie]

I've been near sighted since being out of college and started working in accounting (20 years). I only needed the glasses for driving really. I'm noticing now though when I go to the grocery store or the mall, when I want to read something, I have to lift my glasses. It didn't bother me much up until the past year. RATS!!

[coriolis]

It drives me nuts at work. I nead my glasses to see the computer monitor two feet away. I have to take them off to read a paper document one foot away.

[Miss Mary]

I'm pretending I didn't see this topic - pun intended! Because I will likely be there one day soon....

I wish I could see 20/20 again! I thought my 30s were rough....until those 40s started!!!! Yikes, I haven't a clue what my 50s will bring. I am not going to think about that right now....LOL

Mary

[alicia-w]

can anyone explain how bifocal contacts work?

[DaylilyDawn]

I too am nearsighted . I have to raise my glasses to see or read anything up close. My vision is so bad that I can not see more than a foot in front of me without glasses. It looks like I will have to get bifocals when I get my next pair of glasses.

[Cookiely]

I have known several people who wear one contact for reading and one for distance. This would drive me bananas but these people manage fine. I tried the bifocal contacts but tried six or eight different sizes and could never get the right fit. Also, tried the contacts and reading glasses but I was constantly looking for my glasses and I refuse to wear them around my neck. I LOVE my trifocals. If it weren't so expensive I might have a go at the surgery, I've heard a couple of acquaintances who were thrilled by the results.

[Lindaloo]

I had the laser surgery 3 years ago. No more glasses or contacts.

[weathermom]

I am having trouble when I am wearing the contacts. I cannot see well for picking up around the house, things are blurry, not just the words, but the items themselves. It is somewhat blurry when I am sweeping the floor. I wouldn't think I should have to wear reading glasses for these things. The far distance (such as for driving or watching my kids soccer games) is great. Am I right to think something isn't right? Or am I just in denial??

[Lindaloo]

Sounds like you need to take a trip to the eye doctor. Cataracts do that to your vision.

[weathermom]

It isn't like that when I am not wearing the contacts, which I just got a week ago. I am going back tomorrow to have her check them, because it doesnt seem right to me. I feel like the contacts have made my vision a little better in one way, but much worse in another.

[Lindaloo]

Some people just can't wear contacts. Maybe you are one of them? Hope everything is okay. Keep us posted.

[SouthernWx]

Not growing old gracefully here. I've been nearsighted since 5th grade, and my prescriptions for distance are still getting stronger. I have to take my glasses off for anything close up. Perfect candidate for bifocals, I guess, but I haven't made the plunge yet.

Same way here. I can see great with my newest pair of eyeglasses, except small print on newspapers or maps. My optometrist told me last summer I'd soon need bifocals....her prediction is now reality (and I'm only 43

[streetsoldier]

I've been wearing bifocals for about ten years. My older pair had "graduated" lenses (they had no demarcation between the main RX and close-up), while my new pair (2 months now) has a clearly visible line.

That line takes getting accustomed to, but it isn't that diffficult.

[azskyman]

I was diagnosed with middle age at age 40...and the prescription to make me feel younger was to wear bifocals. At that time, I used them just for reading, and the upper part of the lens for driving, etc..

Since I turned 50, I went to trifocals, so now I can bobble my head in many different ways to see the computer, read a book, or drive a car.

I suspect when I turn 60, I will be asked to consider quadfocals!

What I really want is night vision glasses since going anywhere at night is becoming harder and harder to enjoy.

I'd suggest that the bifocal should be for close work like reading only...not for much of the in-between stuff.

And good luck with steps. I do fine going up, but when I walk down, there are three different sets of steps to choose from.

[weathermom]

The steps and I already have a history!! Busted my kneecap on icy steps 2 years ago! Down is already harder because of the bad knee. I guess I'll see what the Dr. says about the lenses tomorrow.

[CajunMama]

I've worn glasses for 39 years. YIKES I'm in bifocals now and they work so-so. For close up work I still see better by taking the my glasses off or peering underneath them. Sigh...age sucks! LOL