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Progressive bifocals for all-day computer use?

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May 15, 2018, 10:52 PM
4x5
Progressive bifocals for all-day computer use?
I've reached that dreaded point in life where my eyes won't focus closeup anymore. I spend most of my day in front of a computer, and I'm wondering if progressive bifocals is the answer? Anyone use these lenses all day in front of a computer? I'd love to hear how they work.

The doctor also said there's an 'office' bifocal, with a large medium-distance lens and a smaller near-focus lens, but that would mean I'd have to carry two sets of glasses around - one for work, and one for driving. I'm not sure I want to go that route.



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May 15, 2018, 11:05 PM
detroit192
I have a set of computer glasses. The stay in front of my home desktop, unless I need them at my work laptop. Side note I keep a set of Transitions Drivewear in the car. So my progressives stay with me the others stay where they are needed.




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May 15, 2018, 11:08 PM
sigcrazy7
I hate progressives for computer viewing. They make me hold my head back at a funny angle, causing my neck to hurt. I switch to straight reading glasses for computer work.



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May 15, 2018, 11:13 PM
Ronin101
I love mine...some people have a hard time adjusting. I didn't have any problem
May 15, 2018, 11:16 PM
HRK
They make progression lens for computer work the sections sizes are changed. Had the same problem having to lift head to see, they make the mid range larger and a bit higher and they work great, also had them coated for uv protection as well at Costco.
May 15, 2018, 11:57 PM
SeaCliff
I like mine. Progressive and photogrey lens.
May 16, 2018, 12:09 AM
bigdeal
quote:
Originally posted by sigcrazy7:
I hate progressives for computer viewing. They make me hold my head back at a funny angle, causing my neck to hurt. I switch to straight reading glasses for computer work.
+1,000


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May 16, 2018, 12:22 AM
slosig
I wear progressive sunglasses all day and can read with them, but for computers or books I use cheapo Costco readers in the lowest power that will get the job done. I think I am up to 1.5 lenses now. I don’t know what they are these days, but I think they used to be something like $10 for a three pack. Shoot, I have a pair at my desk, a pair at my reading chair, a pair that goes in my shirt pocket as part of my EDC, a pair in the mapbox of the airplane. They’re so darned cheap it doesn’t make sense not to have a pair everywhere I might need them.

ETA: I *LOVE* the progressive sunglasses and wear them as much as I can. However, to sit down and read inside? Cheapo readers every time.
May 16, 2018, 06:48 AM
PD
Some people like them and some people don’t. Unfortunately, there is no way of knowing what you will like until you try it. I regret the money I spent for progressives 4 or 5 prescriptions ago. Would have been better off buying a new toy.
May 16, 2018, 06:54 AM
bryan11
I'm using computer glasses tuned to focus at the distance to my monitor. For everything else, regular bifocals work for distance / close.
May 16, 2018, 07:54 AM
Georgeair
I'd love some insight to what y'all are calling "computer glasses".

Like OP I crossed into this realm some time ago. First readers, then realized needed something for PC too. Distance vision is perfect.

I've got bifocals that are ~2.0 for reader section and something else for entire upper range. Supposed to have been geared toward making it easier for reading at a very specific distance I gave but it's still not as sharp as I'd like. Both the optometrist and the glasses place seem confused at what I was trying to accomplish - how hard can that be? Not a mall of big box store, actual separate shops.

Any tips on solutions or how you finally got this resolved from others would be great. Hell, I'd be fine with two sets of glasses even if needed - one for PC and other for reading up close.



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May 16, 2018, 08:08 AM
Harleysbluff
Computer Glasses are :

1) Single vision set for the distance to your monitor

2) A pair of bifocals ( lined or progressives ) with the top area set for the computer monitor ( ~ 24 inches ) and the bottom is set for reading ( ~ 16 inches )

Depending on your age and demands, you may or may not need the bifocal.

Optometrist here btw.

MDS

PS: I have people literally measure the distance to their monitor and desk and then we go from there.
May 16, 2018, 08:10 AM
MNSIG
I wear progressives, but the warning about neck strain is real. You may need to sit higher to avoid it.
May 16, 2018, 08:10 AM
GJG
quote:
Originally posted by Georgeair:
I'd love some insight to what y'all are calling "computer glasses".

Like OP I crossed into this realm some time ago. First readers, then realized needed something for PC too. Distance vision is perfect.



Measure the distance from your glasses to the computer screen, and convert it to meters. Take the reciprocal, and round to the nearest .25 - i.e., 1.25, 1.50, .75 and so on. Now, add algebraically to your distance glasses Rx, and you have the required Rx for your computer. Easy peasy.


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May 16, 2018, 08:12 AM
FlyingScot
I have progressive glasses for daily wear. However, most of the day in the office I wear my single-vision computer glasses. I made the switch a few years ago and the eye-strain improvement has been incredible.

Still love my progressives for general use (my sunglasses are also progressive - no contacts for me)...but when spending hours working on a monitor, strongly suggest a good single vision set of computer glasses.





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May 16, 2018, 08:27 AM
V-Tail
quote:
Originally posted by Harleysbluff:
Optometrist here
Neither email address nor location in your profile.

Where are you located? Reason I'm asking -- if you're anywhere near me, I need an optometrist I can feel comfortable with.

I need exam / refraction for new prescription following cataract / IOL a year and a half ago, and YAG Capsulotomy this month (OS yesterday, OD next week).



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May 16, 2018, 08:33 AM
Vanwall
I have been using computer progressive glasses for over 10 years. My job involved using a desktop computer most of the day. Now that I’m retired I still keep my computer glasses by the computer.
May 16, 2018, 08:39 AM
Scoutmaster
I had progressives for my computer work (I teach accounting in college, do accounting work on the side, spend lots of time in front of a computer).

The progressives were great to properly focus with the slight up and down head movement. Problem was, they had a narrow field of vision, the sides of the monitor were always blurry, so I kept having to move my head left to right as well as up and down. I went back to std bifocals.




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May 16, 2018, 08:47 AM
jbcummings
While I was working, I spent at least 8 hours/day in front of a computer screen. The progressives worked just fine for me. As already mentioned some people have issues, I never did because that’s what I started with when I left single vision glasses behind.


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May 16, 2018, 09:48 AM
mikeyspizza
Separate pair of glasses that stay at the computer for me.