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Speaking of Vision -- How 'bout Progressive Bifocals?



 
 
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  #1  
Old June 2nd 06, 10:59 PM posted to rec.aviation.piloting
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Default Speaking of Vision -- How 'bout Progressive Bifocals?

I have been forced to face the fact that I can no longer read a
sectional chart with my current glasses. It's been getting worse for
some time, but lately I've realized that it has become downright
dangerous. (Moreso driving a car, actually.)

So, it was off to the eye doctor, who said I would definitely benefit
from progressive (the ones with no lines in the glass) bifocals. When
I asked her about flying, she said that they would be excellent for
viewing the panel (one distance) *and* the charts (another, closer,
distance).

So, I ordered them.

Now, of course, I've talked to a pilot friend who tells me that
progressives totally suck, and will make me nauseous in the plane,
thanks to the eternally variable prescription!

So, what's the verdict from my fellow "old farts" on this group? Do
you guys wear "progressives"? Or do you prefer the "lined" bifocals?
LensCrafters has a 30 day money-back guarantee (I don't actually have
them, yet), so I can change my mind.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

  #2  
Old June 2nd 06, 11:05 PM posted to rec.aviation.piloting
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Default Speaking of Vision -- How 'bout Progressive Bifocals?


"Jay Honeck" wrote in message
oups.com...
I have been forced to face the fact that I can no longer read a
sectional chart with my current glasses. It's been getting worse for
some time, but lately I've realized that it has become downright
dangerous. (Moreso driving a car, actually.)

So, it was off to the eye doctor, who said I would definitely benefit
from progressive (the ones with no lines in the glass) bifocals. When
I asked her about flying, she said that they would be excellent for
viewing the panel (one distance) *and* the charts (another, closer,
distance).

So, I ordered them.

Now, of course, I've talked to a pilot friend who tells me that
progressives totally suck, and will make me nauseous in the plane,
thanks to the eternally variable prescription!

So, what's the verdict from my fellow "old farts" on this group? Do
you guys wear "progressives"? Or do you prefer the "lined" bifocals?
LensCrafters has a 30 day money-back guarantee (I don't actually have
them, yet), so I can change my mind.


I had a pair of progressives -- operative word=had. I didn't like them
for any purpose from planting seeds in the garden to driving and flying.
On the other hand, I have a pal who swears by them. I accused him of not
wanting to admit he screwed up when he bought them which made his resolve
even stronger.
Take a couple weeks of your 30-day trial and try them.

Let's go FLY!!

Casey


  #3  
Old June 2nd 06, 11:07 PM posted to rec.aviation.piloting
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Posts: n/a
Default Speaking of Vision -- How 'bout Progressive Bifocals?

"Jay Honeck" wrote in message
oups.com...
I have been forced to face the fact that I can no longer read a
sectional chart with my current glasses. It's been getting worse for
some time, but lately I've realized that it has become downright
dangerous. (Moreso driving a car, actually.)

So, it was off to the eye doctor, who said I would definitely benefit
from progressive (the ones with no lines in the glass) bifocals. When
I asked her about flying, she said that they would be excellent for
viewing the panel (one distance) *and* the charts (another, closer,
distance).

So, I ordered them.

Now, of course, I've talked to a pilot friend who tells me that
progressives totally suck, and will make me nauseous in the plane,
thanks to the eternally variable prescription!

So, what's the verdict from my fellow "old farts" on this group? Do
you guys wear "progressives"? Or do you prefer the "lined" bifocals?
LensCrafters has a 30 day money-back guarantee (I don't actually have
them, yet), so I can change my mind.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"


I have reading glasses (now mandated by my medical...) that have relatively
small frames and are very light in weight. When I need them, I simply put
them on over my sunglasses and just slip them down my nose to where I look
over them to scan outside and can just glance down to read something.

Works just fine for me as my distance vision is still solid...it's just that
as I passed 40 years old, my arms started to get shorter and shorter.

Jay B


  #4  
Old June 2nd 06, 11:11 PM posted to rec.aviation.piloting
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Default Speaking of Vision -- How 'bout Progressive Bifocals?

I have reading glasses (now mandated by my medical...) that have relatively
small frames and are very light in weight. When I need them, I simply put
them on over my sunglasses and just slip them down my nose to where I look
over them to scan outside and can just glance down to read something.


I don't think that's an option for me, as I am incredibly near-sighted.
I need glasses on ALL the time for distance -- so swapping (or adding)
glasses in the plane really wouldn't help the situation.

It's really frustrating, as I've got excellent close-vision -- with a
focal length of about 6 inches from my nose. Thus, removing my glasses
has become my preferred way of viewing sectionals, but that makes
maintaining any kind of a scan (inside OR out) impossible.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

  #5  
Old June 2nd 06, 11:15 PM posted to rec.aviation.piloting
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Default Speaking of Vision -- How 'bout Progressive Bifocals?

I have been flying with Varifocals (as we call them in the UK) for
more than 10 years. They never make me nauseous. I have asked my
optometrist to supply lenses with the widest area in focus(side to
side). I was warned that one of the problems was getting used to the
peripheral vision being in softer focus than with lines type bifocals.

In the UK the CAA discourages the use of varifocals because of the
peripheral vision difference.

I do remember a period of aclimatization when I first got them, not
retsricted to flying. However I have found that every change in
prescription has needed a few days at least to get used to it.

If you get on with them they will be fantastic.

Best wishes

Ian

In message .com
"Jay Honeck" wrote:

I have been forced to face the fact that I can no longer read a
sectional chart with my current glasses. It's been getting worse for
some time, but lately I've realized that it has become downright
dangerous. (Moreso driving a car, actually.)

So, it was off to the eye doctor, who said I would definitely benefit
from progressive (the ones with no lines in the glass) bifocals. When
I asked her about flying, she said that they would be excellent for
viewing the panel (one distance) *and* the charts (another, closer,
distance).

So, I ordered them.

Now, of course, I've talked to a pilot friend who tells me that
progressives totally suck, and will make me nauseous in the plane,
thanks to the eternally variable prescription!

So, what's the verdict from my fellow "old farts" on this group? Do
you guys wear "progressives"? Or do you prefer the "lined" bifocals?
LensCrafters has a 30 day money-back guarantee (I don't actually have
them, yet), so I can change my mind.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"



--
Ian Whitmore Please reply to iwhitmore at argonet dot co dot uk
  #6  
Old June 2nd 06, 11:22 PM posted to rec.aviation.piloting
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Posts: n/a
Default Speaking of Vision -- How 'bout Progressive Bifocals?


"Jay Beckman" wrote

I have reading glasses (now mandated by my medical...) that have
relatively small frames and are very light in weight. When I need them, I
simply put them on over my sunglasses and just slip them down my nose to
where I look over them to scan outside and can just glance down to read
something.


I remember seeing some flexible plastic lenses (on a link from someone on
rec.aviation. something) that you trim to the size you need, and stick them
on your sunglasses, regular glasses, safety glasses, or whatever you want
to.

That would be a good thing, to find out what size of close in lens you need
to have, for the best results.

I have line bifocals, and I would not want to consider anything else. The
thing is, you get to choose where the line goes on the glasses, as to how
far up on the lens the transition is placed. I also have the auto darkening
kind, and love them. I always have my sunglasses when I need them.

I have my line pretty far down, since as a carpenter, I want to have my far
vision to be in effect without looking down, so I can see what I am walking
on while up high in the air on a beam or floor joist. There is a trade-off,
since if you get it too low, and too small, you really have to tilt your
head back very far to read a display, or read a book.

Bottom line? Personal preferences. Try some, and if you don't like it, try
the others. It's only money! g
--
Jim in NC


  #7  
Old June 2nd 06, 11:31 PM posted to rec.aviation.piloting
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Posts: n/a
Default Speaking of Vision -- How 'bout Progressive Bifocals?

Jay Honeck wrote:

Now, of course, I've talked to a pilot friend who tells me that
progressives totally suck,


I agree with his verdict, but for a different reason (I wasn't flying
when I had 'progressives'). I found that the cone of correction is
-narrow-; I found it necessary to move my whole head side-to-side in
order look left and right across a page (or my computer screen, etc.); I
couldn't just move my eyes because left or right of center, acuity
suffered. The vertical angle also is, or seemed to be, small.

So, what's the verdict from my fellow "old farts" on this group? Do
you guys wear "progressives"? Or do you prefer the "lined" bifocals?
LensCrafters has a 30 day money-back guarantee (I don't actually have
them, yet), so I can change my mind.


I chose bifocals (a few years ago), and as my eyes 'hardened up' I went
even to trifocals. I did have to play with the location of the 'lines'
since that equates to the vertical angle where the correction changes.

I'm very pleased with 'lined' bifocals and now trifocals (I've required
glasses since I was 14, almost 50 years now, so I was already accustomed
to the limitations spectacles impose).

george
  #8  
Old June 2nd 06, 11:54 PM posted to rec.aviation.piloting
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Posts: n/a
Default Speaking of Vision -- How 'bout Progressive Bifocals?


"Jay Honeck" wrote:

I wore progressives until I started flying 10 years ago. They didn't work
for me in airplanes.

I've got trifocals now, with the middle lens ground for panel distance.
They work fine, and I don't give them a thought when I'm flying.

--
Dan
C172RG at BFM


  #9  
Old June 2nd 06, 11:55 PM posted to rec.aviation.piloting
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Posts: n/a
Default Speaking of Vision -- How 'bout Progressive Bifocals?

gyoung wrote:
Jay Honeck wrote:

Now, of course, I've talked to a pilot friend who tells me that
progressives totally suck,


I agree with his verdict, but for a different reason (I wasn't flying
when I had 'progressives'). I found that the cone of correction is
-narrow-; I found it necessary to move my whole head side-to-side in
order look left and right across a page (or my computer screen, etc.); I
couldn't just move my eyes because left or right of center, acuity
suffered. The vertical angle also is, or seemed to be, small.

So, what's the verdict from my fellow "old farts" on this group? Do
you guys wear "progressives"? Or do you prefer the "lined" bifocals?
LensCrafters has a 30 day money-back guarantee (I don't actually have
them, yet), so I can change my mind.


I chose bifocals (a few years ago), and as my eyes 'hardened up' I went
even to trifocals. I did have to play with the location of the 'lines'
since that equates to the vertical angle where the correction changes.

I'm very pleased with 'lined' bifocals and now trifocals (I've required
glasses since I was 14, almost 50 years now, so I was already accustomed
to the limitations spectacles impose).


Yup. Tri-s are the answer. My mother was an avid bridge player. She
pointed out the value of the intermediate zone in trifocals for looking
at the bridge table. The instant I put them on, I said, "This is
right!" Looking at the instrument panel is the same distance as the
bridge table.

Any prescription for bifocal lenses can be used for trifocals. They put
the middle zone half way between the distance and reading prescriptions.
You can play with the vertical placement of the lens structure.
It's easy to go back to bifocals if you don't like trifocals.
  #10  
Old June 3rd 06, 12:15 AM posted to rec.aviation.piloting
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Posts: n/a
Default Speaking of Vision -- How 'bout Progressive Bifocals?


"Jay Honeck" wrote in message
oups.com...
snip
So, what's the verdict from my fellow "old farts" on this group? Do
you guys wear "progressives"? Or do you prefer the "lined" bifocals?
LensCrafters has a 30 day money-back guarantee (I don't actually have
them, yet), so I can change my mind.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

I represent being called an old fart......
I've been flying for 23 years and used progressive lenses for about 20 of
those years. No problem at all. About 10 years ago I had the eye doc order
a pair of bifocals and progressives at the same exam. Reading with the
bifocals was easier (no head "nodding" to get the right focal length), but I
could not get used to the abrupt change in focal length at the "line".
So the progressives are the best for me. It took only a few days to get
used to them originally and I've used them ever since. YMMV.

Regards,
John Severyn @KLVK


 




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