Glasses (as used for seeing)

[popotla]

I've been thinking of buying a pair of those "tri-focal" glasses: reading, "computer screen distance" (which is the distance my satnav is at) and long-range. However, I've heard they can be problematic and not highly recommended: too narrow a range for reading and "middle" because of 'cramming so much in', and thus somewhat difficult to use/unsatisfactory - and they're expensive, of course.

I was wondering if I might receive advice from other Funsters who use or have used them. For me it's a relevant topic here: I'm going to be spending a lot of time in the motorhome.

 

[Augusta08]

What's wrong with varifocals ? I use them all waking hours no problems. I use them when typing on my phone (now) and driving. I even race and rally classic sports cars wearing them.
They are only bog standard Boots glasses.

 

[ChrisL]

I have varifocals as well and like Augusta08 i wear them all waking hours with no issues at all.

 

[davanne]

Varifocals for me too

 

[golly]

It took me long enough to get used to varifocals, don't think I could cope with trifocals

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Clickem]

Worn varifocals for 15 - 20 years. The only problem I find is that as my eyesight deteriorates the area through which I can see clearly, at any distance, gets smaller, therefore I need to move my head more to focus the correct part of the lens

If I had Trifocals I suspect that the need to focus the correct part of the lens would increase

 

[The Wino]

Trifocals are more poular in the States Varifocals over here there are pros and cons to both. I would visit your optometrist tell them what you do and want your specs to do and see what they advise. Its tempting to ask others but everyone is different a bit like asking is Stilton better that Cheddar. Whatever you go for don't expect your sight to be like when you were 20!!!!!!!

David ( Optometrist qualified too long ago!!!)

 

[Lenny HB]

I have varifocals for normal everyday use, my distance vision is fine but it saves keep taking glasses on and off. The varifocals are fine for viewing my 13 laptop screen but I didn't like them when using my 24" screen for that I have occupational varifocals, top is mid rang and bottom reading, use them most of the time for reading as well as reading area is larger.

 

[tofo]

I've been thinking of buying a pair of those "tri-focal" glasses: reading, "computer screen distance" (which is the distance my satnav is at) and long-range. However, I've heard they can be problematic and not highly recommended: too narrow a range for reading and "middle" because of 'cramming so much in', and thus somewhat difficult to use/unsatisfactory - and they're expensive, of course.

I was wondering if I might receive advice from other Funsters who use or have used them. For me it's a relevant topic here: I'm going to be spending a lot of time in the motorhome.

Varifocals for me
Zeiss lenses but cheap frames!

Used em for 20 years, on when i get up ,off when its bedtime.

Hardest thing is getting used to them the first time

I would suggest best lenses you can afford
its they that do the work
Not the frames

I like to view a whole paper page rather than just a column
Which is another reason and i dont like nodding to find the focus

I need a new pair now but opticean said you need your
Cateracts done wait till they are done
( feb not looking forward to it to be honest )

 

[DBK]

I have varifocals for most stuff but a separate pair for when sitting at a computer screen. The advantage of the latter is I don't have to tip my head back to see everything in focus.

My experience of varifocals is you get what you pay for. The more you pay the wider is the area in focus.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[wasp]

I got two pairs normal and reading because, when I was working on boilers an such stuff due to having to get me head under an appliance I couldn’t wear varifocals . I’ve stuck with them since although I did find the pound shop glasses at the right strength so stuck with them

 

[carolyn]

I have varifocals for exactly the reason you seem to want trifocals, reading, middle distance computer work and distance. Took me about a week to 10 days to get used to them and haven't looked back.

 

[iandsm]

I have Varilux series x lenses, they are two years old and at the time I bought them they were £350 plus frames. They have a very wide angle of view and are very easy to adapt to. Now I think there is an even more advanced lens from Varilux which I expect would be around the same price. I went to an independent optometrist and got great service because I was not at all happy with Boots. The frames were not very good even though they were expensive and the recommended Boots varificals were not in the same class as genuine Varilux so I would recommend staying clear of the high street chains and go for independent.

 

[Nasher]

Have had both varifocal glasses and multi focal contact lenses for years

Both took a couple of hours maximum to get used to

As others have suggested, go to a good opticians and be prepared to pay for good quality ones

 

[PhilMary]

Just been to get my new variafocals from Asda. My God, I needed to lie down at £80 for two pairs!
Me. I only have two eyes so just one pair, so that will be £40?
Assistant, No. One pair is £30 for lenses and £50 for frame.
Me. Am I getting ripped off?
Assistant. Yes, but they are more expensive at Boots!!!!
So that's half of this week's pension gone, good job I don't need to eat!

Phil

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Madcaravanner]

I've been thinking of buying a pair of those "tri-focal" glasses: reading, "computer screen distance" (which is the distance my satnav is at) and long-range. However, I've heard they can be problematic and not highly recommended: too narrow a range for reading and "middle" because of 'cramming so much in', and thus somewhat difficult to use/unsatisfactory - and they're expensive, of course.

I was wondering if I might receive advice from other Funsters who use or have used them. For me it's a relevant topic here: I'm going to be spending a lot of time in the motorhome.

I have had "Varifocals" of triple lenses for years and years - - initially you need to get used to moving your head instead of eyes to focus but once that is easy then everything else is great
BUT don't forget if you go abroad you NEED two pairs just in case you break one pair

 

[The Wino]

and haven't looked back.

Yes one of the problems at first can be turning around to reverse!!!!!

 

[wingman]

Varifocals here too. People say there’s a danger when walking down stairs, though I haven’t found this.
The secret is, ‘Point with the nose, adjust with the chin’.

 

[busby]

Bifoculs for me. Tried varifocals but they ruined my peripheral vision ,,,,BUSBY.

 

[trophychap]

I need a new pair now but opticean said you need your
Cateracts done wait till they are done
( feb not looking forward to it to be honest )

Takes 20 mins per eye once you actually get into the theatre and it's just ruddy peculiar cos it's all sensations you've never had before. But they put about half a gallon of drops in your eye before you walk into the theatre, so that takes a while (some to numb and some to dilate) beforehand, so the entire process is painless. You just have to get comfy as you can and keep looking at that ruddy light, which they keep reminding you to do even when you are already anyway. You are aware of pressure in the eye a few times and don't like it but it is only 20 seconds or something at a time so by no means unbearable. Eye pad on overnight, drops for about a week, back for post op check up 4 weeks post op, go to optician get new eye test and order new glasses.

Can't say I LIKED having mine done - but it was WELL worth it.

Sedge

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[gus-lopez]

BUT don't forget if you go abroad you NEED two pairs just in case you break one pair

No ,you need 3 pairs, as if you break one & use the spare pair you haven't got the legally required spare pair,have you ?

Takes 20 mins per eye once you actually get into the theatre and it's just ruddy peculiar cos it's all sensations you've never had before. But they put about half a gallon of drops in your eye before you walk into the theatre, so that takes a while (some to numb and some to dilate) beforehand, so the entire process is painless. You just have to get comfy as you can and keep looking at that ruddy light, which they keep reminding you to do even when you are already anyway. You are aware of pressure in the eye a few times and don't like it but it is only 20 seconds or something at a time so by no means unbearable. Eye pad on overnight, drops for about a week, back for post op check up 4 weeks post op, go to optician get new eye test and order new glasses.

Can't say I LIKED having mine done - but it was WELL worth it.

Sedge

Are you saying they do both eyes at once then if required ,in the UK?

 

[tofo]

No ,you need 3 pairs, as if you break one & use the spare pair you haven't got the legally required spare pair,have you ?


Are you saying they do both eyes at once then if required ,in the UK?

I went to the opticean re eye test (2 yearly check )
I knew i had Cataracts forming
Opticean said time is right for the op
( I had a meltdown )
dont like pills potions doctors or hospitals
mild panick cant watch medical programs !!

Anyway called back next day opticean said
3 choices either
local nhs hospital
A little distant nhs
Or this private one via nhs

She recomended it faster turn round so 2 weeks later i went
Booked op in 26 feb
1 eye first second 4-6 weeks later

I thought you only had 1 done and waited years for the other

 

[Silverwhiskers]

I've used tri-focals for the last 5 years for the same reasons that you have mentioned, (close reading, dashboard / sat nav & distance) with no problems at all, my last set cost £135 including frame & all coatings. One thing you do need to consider is choosing a set of glasses with larger lenses to allow a reasonable area of for each magnification. As others have mentioned, go to a good optician not necessarily one of the national brands.

 

[Silver-Fox]

Trifocals are more poular in the States Varifocals over here there are pros and cons to both. I would visit your optometrist tell them what you do and want your specs to do and see what they advise. Its tempting to ask others but everyone is different a bit like asking is Stilton better that Cheddar. Whatever you go for don't expect your sight to be like when you were 20!!!!!!!

David ( Optometrist qualified too long ago!!!)

Can I ask your opinion on the replacement lens procedure that’s been available for some years now?

 

[scotzsue]

Another variofocal wearer. May be unlucky but had most problem when using a reputable independant firm. Just had eyes tested no change in distance, minimal in reading so slight not worth changing my glasses, such a pity I have broken the leg on my spare pair. might have to try a Jack Duckworth.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[The Wino]

Can I ask your opinion on the replacement lens procedure that’s been available for some years now?

Have not seen many patients post op essentially its a cataract op for people who don't have significant cataracts usually very sucessful a low risk of serious side effects etc. But all surgery carries risks and I don't know of any ophthalmologists who have had lens replacement without needing a cataract op!!!!. Personally it wouldn't be for me

 

[trophychap]

Ordinary NHS - if they are both equally bad then yes they get you in as quickly as poss for the second one BUT the countdown doesn't start until they've done the check up after the first one cos if there's some prob with it they have to sort that one out first. Our local hosp use what they call a 'one stop clinic' system so you get referred, you get your first appointment at the eye clinic within 11 weeks or whatever the waiting list happens to currently be at that hospital, and attend that where they do every single test and measurement necessary beforehand, then confirm or otherwise whether you can have it done, if Yes - you then have your Pre-Op there and then. Then wait to get your Day Surgery appointment which at Geo Eliot is within 12 weeks of receipt of the original referral by the hospital.

For eye #2, they count the 12 weeks commencing at the check-up for the first eye so in other words - within 14 weeks of the first op.

Privately whoever is footing the bill, the wait is shorter for all of it - but 'private' isn't an NHS choice round here! Plus the wait at all 3 NHS establishments on offer, is longer at either Solihull or UHCW than GEH. GEH is nearer our house and has cheaper parking and every speciality they offer is great - BUT they don't undertake every single one - eg Prostate ops or any Radiography - though they do offer some Chemo for some cancers, just not all of them.

 

[The Wino]

No ,you need 3 pairs, as if you break one & use the spare pair you haven't got the legally required spare pair,have you ?


Are you saying they do both eyes at once then if required ,in the UK?

Not usually one of the risks is post op infection you wouldn't want to get it in both eyes. There are exceptions eg if a GA is needed and its thought more risky to have 2 anaesthetics.

 

[SpeedyDux]

Contrarian as usual - tried varifocals but couldn't get used to them when driving because holding my head at the required angle for distance vision gave me terrible neck ache. That might be due in part to an old whiplash injury. Still wearing separate distance and reading glasses.

 

[Silver-Fox]

Have not seen many patients post op essentially its a cataract op for people who don't have significant cataracts usually very sucessful a low risk of serious side effects etc. But all surgery carries risks and I don't know of any ophthalmologists who have had lens replacement without needing a cataract op!!!!. Personally it wouldn't be for me

Interesting, thanks for your reply.
I hate glasses especially as I'm now using bi focals and would like to not use them at all.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}