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Bifocals

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DeltaRed

Well-known Member
Just got bifocals.they are wierd!ZDoes any one get used to them?The optometrist says that I need them now.
 
I have had them for years. 99% of the time I leave them in the other room and only wear them if I have to read something out of a book and even then you have to hold your mouth and neck and head and then some just right to be able to read with them. Me I would prefer to have 2 sets of glasses instead of them cotton picking junk bifocals which make it harder to see then not having them on. Yep I can still do this computer stuff with out glasses unless I need to read something out of a manual for one of you guys
 
I have been wearing them for a couple of yrs, I had to have the opt DR move the spot down a little for me to be able to stand them. They can move the line up or down, in the beginning, and have the first pair right, if the coustomer insist"s. It sure beats losing a pair of supermarket, reading glasses, everytime I bent over, and forgot to button my shirt pocket. I was always tilling up glasses in the garden before.
 
delta: after about 45 my eye doc says, time to get bifos. thought ah sh#$, got two pair, big pair so i can drive 18 whlr/work/play and not moving head up and down to see everything, small pair when i go out on the town. takes some time at first, after a while, you stop moving head to look at everything./// welcome to the old foggie's club. lol
 
delta: after about 45 my eye doc says, time to get bifos. thought ah sh#$, got two pair, big pair so i can drive 18 whlr/work/play and not moving head up and down to see everything, small pair when i go out on the town. takes some time at first, after a while, you stop moving head to look at everything./// welcome to the old foggie's club. lol
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I have worn bifocals since high school (35 years ago)They are great! You will get used to them and learn to love them. I do not like the progressive ones that I have had for the last few years as I find the transition blend to be out of focus.
If you read or do close work you will like your bifocals.
 
Steve,not bad at all I really never minded as I could see the instrument panel when driving for the first time in years. I now have trifocals. I tried the progressive no-line type and they gave me head aches.Good Luck
 
Yeah I fought them things for a number of years and was always laying them down where I would know where they were and then couldn't find them back. Now I mostly wear them all of the time and they work out pretty well. I have also slipped to where I need a distance correction which helps out for driving and other long distance viewing. I tried the no line glasses a couple of times and they were harder to get used to. Heck with the no lines I couldn't even look at a post and tell if it was straight up and down. :eek:)
 
I had bifocals for most all of the 1970"s but have had trifocals since about 1980 or so. Never thought about keeping track of when the switch was made.i have one pair with photo grey and safety rating ,One pair w/photo grey[this is my regular pair for out side] and 1 pair with plain lens for in the house wear.Just had a eye exam today and the eye glass prescription has a drastic increase in range from the glasses I wear . Old age,Diabetes and Cataracts are sure playing heck with my sight it seems.JH
 
I didn"t need any glasses until my late 40s, then just got reading glasses. They were a PITA- always taking them off, putting them on. Eventually went to bifocals, that was fine, but WHERE they locate the bifocal in the lens, is critical to getting used to them....opt has moved them for me for better results. Sure, in a store, looking at a product above my head, I have to tilt back to see...otherwise, they are fine. I"ve heard of electricians, others, that do overhead work, getting bifocals on top and bottom of their lenses- so they can focus up or down. My wife has had glasses since a child, and now has the variable, no line bifocal- had them redone once after first fitting, and been fine since.
 
When I first got bifocals in 1996 at age 42, I told people: "If you see me nodding my head, that doesn't mean I'm agreeing with you...it may just man I'm trying to get you in focus."

Nowadays, bifocals are natural; it's that blurry stuff I see when I take 'em off that's strange. I've always had no-line bifocals.
 
I have had trifocals for years..really no biggie...if you ever have to transition to tri........here is a cool fack..the tri part is set up to focus twice the distance of the bi...so bi are usually set for 18 inches and it would be 366 inches for the tri focus..as I sit in front of a computer screen for the majority of the day, and I like to be 28 inches from the screen, I have the bi set at 14 inches..thus making the tri focus at 28 inches..it all works out good for me...forget getting the blends so you can"t see the lines..There is too much space used up to do that..go with the lines..no one cares anyhow!
 
The first time my optometrist recommended bifocals I went with straight lens. But I quickly regretted my decision and switched to bifocals the next year. I've had a lot of problems with some of my prescriptions; I'm pretty sure that the problem is the GLASSES, not the prescription, since my prescription doesn't change much. If you continue to have problems with your bifocals, go back to your optometrist. It's entirely possible the lenses were ground wrong; just like everything else these days, eyeglass quality is crap.
 
Was never happy with bifocals until optometrist introduced me to the "executive" - the ones that go clear across the lens. No more "peep holes" in the bottom of the lens! I don"t need them except close up. Keep seversl cheap - drug store plain lense ones around the farm, shop, etc when doing mechanical or other close up work.
 
I have quadrafocals! I love them. I started out with reading glasses and then Bifocals, Trifocals and many years ago to Quadrafocals. and I really like them. Some one saw them and asked "how long did it take you to get used to those lenses"? I said "about 10 minutes". I was not going to get the top lens after I retired 15 years ago until I discovered I was looking for a frame through the top portion. That settled it ! I have had these Quadrafocals for, probably 25 years or more, and I love them.
 
Bifocals don't really bother me UNLESS I'm laying on my back all twisted up under something trying to do some repair work and canNOT see what I'm doing because focal plane/distance is wrong...guaranteed to put a cramp in your neck!!

I have the "line" rather high up as that keeps me from having to tip my head up/down so much.

Stairways can be a bit of a problem till you get used to them...be careful.

Rick
 
I wore bifocals for about fifteen years and then trifocals for five or six. That really took some getting used to. Then got lucky and had cataracts. Had them cut out (thanks medicare) and now only need drug store glasses for real fine print. Can read newspaper now without glasses for first time in twenty years. Life is good. TDF
 
At 45, I could still read at any distance. Then I had shoulder surgery and when I came out of surgery, I could not see to read. Distance is still good. Eye doctor made my first pair with "clear glass" in the top. I could not use them for anything. After arguing with him and telling him I was leaving them and he could do what ever he wanted with them, he looked at them and reground the top. I still do not need them for anything further than reading a book. I am now 62. Most of the time, my glasses are in my pocket.
 
Had Byfocals for years, when got glasses went directly to the by, after several years went to tryfocals and need the quadrafocals as looking up is the hard part. After getting the first by in 5 minuts did not notice them and same for try. Never had a no line.
 
Needed glasses to see far since 4th grade.

Past 3 years needed bifocals because the eyes can't overcome the 'see-far' part of the glasses any more.

Really feared needing them, figured it would mess up seeing stuff with farming.

First set didn't even notice the difference (other than I could read!), worked well.

2nd set now seems to be some unfocused spots off to the side, wonder if they got something off a bit, but for the most part adjusted quickly.

I have the graduated type, no lines.

--->Paul
 
Most people that have trouble getting used to bifocals probably waited too long to get them!I needed them at about age 40 to read the sizes on drills and taps, and we always had to wear safety glasses anyhow. I have always wore no line and I think they are easier to get used to, as I have some sunglasses for driving with lines. Lines are ok for driving as the line is right on the dash where there is nothing important anyhow, that way I can read the gauges and I don't need correction for distance. I used to be able to buy generic lined bifocal sunglasses at Walgreens but no one seems to have them any more, does anybody know where I can get some? Thanks, Russ
 
Snoop put it in the terms all of us mechanic types can relate to.

If you weld you'll need a helmet with a big lense so you can tip the helmet FORWARD a bit so you can tip your head BACK a bit to be able to see your weld. Jim
 
If you use a computer a lot, trifocals are better. I had bifocals, had to take them off and put on reading glasses (that had too long a focal length for reading) to read computer screen at 2 feet away.

I had unlined bifocals years ago- didn't like them- Paul below referred to the "unfocused areas" on the sides, meaning I couldn't read a full line in a book without moving my head from side to side. Kind of like a mini-tennis match.

Yeah, you get used to them. Kind of a necessary evil, I guess, for many of us.
 
I might add that the worst thing about having to use bifocals is when welding or using a cutting torch with goggles. When I tilt my head down to look at where I am working I find that I am looking through the part of the glasses above the bifocal so then I don't get the close up help and I still struggle with that.
 
I agree. Might take some adjustment up or down.

I got used to having the line lower for one reason. With the line where the doc recommended it, I had trouble running a combine. I couldn't tilt my head down far enough to see the header above the bifocal line.

Now, I've had trifocals for 10 years. However, at age 76 my distance vision is 20/15, better than 20/20. It's just below 4 feet or so that things get squirrely. I probably exasperate people when I order glasses. I'm real picky about where the lines are, and the distance at each part. But, I figure I'm paying for them, (except at the VA, where I get a freebie every two years) they're going to be the way I want them.
 
I have a pair of upclose glasses (reading glasses) for fine work.

Use a pair of progressive lenses that have a tapered "T" shaped lens for distance/close adjustment.

There are stick on vinyl magnifiers that you can apply to safety glasses and move to suit your needs. Available in different strengths.
 
I have them. Only use them for watching tv. use reading glasses for close up work. Ended up having to get them about 5 years after PRK surgery on my eyes. Doc said that it would happen.

Leonard
 
I don't know how it came about but, one company in Cincinnati sells two pair for $59.95 and other one $69.95 with eye exam and TWO pairs of glasses included. Bifocals advertised as same deal only $97.95 If you live too far from there, get a local exam and order by mail might do it. Send an old pair for measurements for them.

I once was with a friend who was working on something up under the dash of a car and of course the bifocals wouldn't work for him. I told him to turn the glasses upside down AND IT WORKED for him!...ohfred
 
I have transition lens. Like them better than bi or trifocals. No lines. Had them about 15 years.
 
DeltaRed was my moms nickname when she lived on NW corner of Redlands Mesa. Red because of her hair color. I graduated from Hotchkiss High school. Small world.

I would buy a pair of all glass reading glasses. No twisting your head to see what you want to look at, yet see good enough to take a walk. Best glasses I ever bought.

T_Bone
 
I have mono vision. I have had hard contacts for 35 years. When I got so I could not see things close I went with one contact for seeing far away and one for seeing close up. Works pretty well. It does affect depth perception a little.

My wife has 20/20 vision but wears one contact for up close work.
Everybody has a dominant eye and that is what determines what eye will will recieve the lens for up close work.

I have bifocals but prefer the contact lenses.
 
I've had then for about 10 years. Mine are the "no-line" transition lenses, but they're still bifocals. Didn't like them at first, but got used to them real quick and don't even notice I have bifocals on now. Mostly you start to move your head more to focus thru the part of the lense you need, instead of just moving your eyes.
 
My vision is so goofy right now, I can't figure squat. Was just diagnosed diabetic almost two weeks ago. Stuff just started going so awry that I went to see the doctor. In about two weeks vision got so blurry that talking to a person five feet away was blurry. Vehicle pulled up next to me, could see the plate, not read the plate. They gave me a huge shot of insulin and when was driving home, vision got so clear could read the 1" lettering on mailboxes as was driving home. Could even read the little print on cans at the grocery store to see how much sugar and stuff is in them. But something happened over the weekend. Now stuff, print within 3' of me is blurry again, but anything beyond that is clear. One of my guages is the TV Guide on TV from across the room. Two weeks ago, I couldn't make out squat. But after that shot I can see it all clear still, even the tiny print. Up close though, reading glasses. Gosh will I be glad when I get back in for a full exam in a couple of weeks so at least I can get a handle on this stuff.

No more 1/2 dozen oranges, couple of gallons of gator or powerade, 1/2 dozen fruit cups per day for me. I should have done a better job of taking care of myself. But...at least its still Type 2, which means I might be able to work my way out of this. Well, at least my blood sugar has gone from 400 to 200 in two weeks on my way to a normal 70 - 110 taking those horse pills. And I don't have to pee a gallon once per hour 24x7 anymore. You don't get mch sleep when are waking up every hour on the hour to GO RIGHT NOW THIS SECOND, or else. Exercise and cut way down on sugar, and a couple of huge dill pickles a day. Good thing I love dill pickles.

Good luck with your vision. I've gotta take these reading glasses off. I don't want to get anymore dependent on anything than I am now.

Mark
 
Be careful, especially on stairs. I had a terrible time getting used to bifocals and stumbled going up stairs many times. The darn stairs just weren't as far away as they appeared! But I got used to them after a couple of months, and it was nice to be able to read something without setting it on the floor.

I am farsighted and have astigmatism, so I have worn glasses since I was a preschooler. I took some crap over wearing glasses, but with them, I could see close things well. Without them, I just about couldn't read.

I had to get bifocals in my late 30's, due to aging eyes. Getting used to bifocals was a challenge, but about 10 years later, adjusting to trifocals was just plain easy. Multi lens glasses are a lot easier to deal with than having to carry different pairs for different things you want to do. Thank Ben Franklin!
 
In my experience if you got them from a good eye doctor you should be good in a day or two. When I got my first glasses, no line bifocals, my insurance only covered a place in Rockford IL., about 40 miles away. I couldn't see anything for over a couple minutes, was like welding with no helmet. They said I'd get used to it, I didn't know what to expect so I tried them on and off for a couple months and took them back. Somebody mistook a decimal point for a zero or visa versa in the prescription, second try was good. The next couple of sets of glasses came from a local top shelf optometrist and they worked perfect instantly.
Then the insurance had a new big deal with shopko, got their glasses, couldn't see, took em back about three times, went across the street and west two blocks to the genuine eye doctor and have had two more sets of glasses that were perfect instantly.
So I refer to the cheaper places as quick lube joints and tell every body to stay away, it ain't worth the aggravation
 
I've always been a little near-sighted. Can't quite get a drivers license without glasses. When I was about 50, my eye doctor said "You need bifocals!" I groaned, and he said, "Well, you made it longer than a lot of people do without them!" I got no-line bifocals, and adjusted to them pretty well, but found I could NOT safely handle stairs while wearing them. A year or so later, I was complaining about the nuisance of wearing them, and he said, "I have a suggestion, if you really want to get by without them. Your eyes are like any other muscle in your body; if you can force them to focus, they may get enough better that you can read without the bifocals. But stop doing that if you get headaches!" That was 16 years ago, and now I only wear the bifocals when I drive.
 
I've found that the quickest way to get used to them is to just put them on and wear them.

I've worn no line (progressive) bifocals for over 20+ years. I also have a pair of lined trifocals. When I first got those, everyone told me I would never be able to switch back and forth between the two. But once I got used to them, I now switch back and forth all the time. Often, I forget which pair I'm wearing. Your brain will program itself to adjust, and soon your eyes will automatically go to the right place on the lens.

For overhead tasks, or lying on my back under the truck, etc., I had a pair of reading glasses made to match the bifocal part of my prescription. (The store bought ones do not come strong enough!) It's a little bit of a hassle switching those, but at least I'm not breaking my neck trying to see in those conditions.
 
Good idea Jim,
I once worked for a fellow machinist shop owner that had attended the Henry Ford Trade School for machinists and he had a small round magnifier ground into the upper right corner of his right lenses. Good for looking at splitting those lines on vernier calipers...that was before the dial and digital types, 1962 era.
I think we got Grumpy thinkin in a new direction...smile...glad to be of some usefulness at 69 years old. I believe in passing it on rather than taking it to the grave. ohfred
 
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