Vision correction, progressives or bifocals?

I've had progressives for about 10 years, but the initial transition was somewhat difficult, primarily when going down stairs. Eventually I bought a pair of glasses just for reading, especially for doing taxes as it was awkward shifting from close to middle range viewing. Then gradually over the years I got used to them, until my vision changed.

Then it was more irritating and I began to hate the progressives, or at least the portions allocated to near and far term distance. When driving and hold my head straight, I was essentially seeing through the close-up portions. If I wanted to use the distance section, I had to lower my head, giving me a neck ache. Playing piano was became problematic, as well as watching tv and using the computer.

Outdoors isn't an issue though unless I'm looking at something which requires very close-up capabilities. In fact, outdoor vision is a lot easier since for me it's primarily mid and long range focus.

I mentioned this to one of the technicians at an optical company and was told that the relationships and allocations between short, mid and long term distance can and should be addressed by the company which provides the lenses, so perhaps that was the issue. You might want to explore this issue.

daveb, was there a significant change in the strength of the glasses? That could cause more difficult adjustments. How long have you been wearing the new glasses?

No, they tweaked the axis just a bit in one eye but pretty much the same prescription. I've gone a week at a time and have my old to compare to. I even wear taller frames in order to get the full benefit of the progressives.

I had the same problem with driving and after they marked my eye location with the marker at the lens place I had them lower that by 4mm. Which put the near vision correction starting at about even with my dash in my car. (Yeah, I hate a stiff neck after driving too). Which works...if the lens were at the proper correction.

I'm temped to get a pair done as bifocals with the same adjustment as far as having the reading part lower down in the frames and at a farther distance for hiking and animal watching. Maybe I could use a reader glasses headband too.

I found progressives really interfered with observational astronomy. Averted vision is important in that pastime and they were too pinpoint for that, the peripheral vision was a problem. The eye doctor told me that truckers also have problems with that as they don't turn their heads to check their mirrors, just move their eyes.

I use progressives when I backpack. And I bought a pair of "Go Over Everything" polarized sunglasses for backpacking. They work great, and I don't need a separate pair of glasses for after the sun goes down---these just get stored next to my hat.

The only issue I have with progressives is, ironically, a computer screen. The glasses are set for me to read with something in m lap...not at eye height in front of me.

Luckily, I play guitar, not sax, so music isn't an issue!

Both my distance and close vision are so minor, that my progressives rarely get worn. I will wear glasses for reading now though, only because I'm finally at that point of needing them.

That's what I wear hiking (and driving the car) as well. My only complaint, other than looking like a 90-year-old dork, is that I think my glasses tend to steam up more easily when I'm really working up a sweat with that second pair of glasses reducing the ventilation.

My next pair of progressives are going to be transitions lenses, which will eliminate the need to extra sunglasses in most circumstances.