Bifocals vs Progressives and Alternatives: Which is best for you? Time to Decide!
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- čas přidán 10. 08. 2021
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Ahh the debate as old as time! We've covered this a couple of times already, but there's a new kid on the block and he deserves some attention! So let's check it out and take a quick overview into each of these ways to have an add power in your lenses!
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Very helpful information, thank you for the video🙏🏻
You’re welcome! Thanks for watching!
Hello Glasses Guy
I am at a point in my life where my reading glasses are not really cutting it anymore. I was born with very good vision but these days I have a lot of difficulty seeing a lot of things around me.
So now it’s time for combination prescription lenses. After my thorough eye examination with my ophthalmologist she suggested I get progressive lenses and wrote a prescription.
However when I went to the optical store the tech suggested I get bifocals instead. After watching your video I can see why. I think I would go crazy having to move my head around to see things beside me . I don’t even like to wear a hoodie jacket because it blocks Mike peripheral visionI am also going to inquire as to whether I can get trifocals and if that would be more beneficial for my vision correction needs.
I am an extremely active person and live in a city where I do a lot of walking and there are a lot of people around me. I work at a job where I am not sitting at a computer all day, I do use my iPhone a lot and my iPad as well.
I would really love it if I could find one pair of glasses that I could wear all the time and see everything great.
I am not sure if I need to go to a really specialized eye glass maker, but this video has given me a lot of food for thought as I said about getting my very first pair of prescription eyeglasses. I am nowhere in near going for LASIX surgery or anything like that at this point. The doctor did not even suggest it to me. So I’ll take a crack at the glasses first (no pun intended). I am also going to have a conversation with the doctor at the eyeglass store that I visited because I have a lot more questions about the glasses that I am ordering after viewing this video.
Very informative and thank you very much!
This stuff is great, you probably don't have many subs because people come here, solve their problems and leave.
I am already accustomed to using prescription sunglasses in my car and single vision elsewhere. I just got my first progressives but realized they are giod for shopping but not for work.
As I don't need much correction diff between reading at 20cm and computers or a bit further away I think there must ve something that maximises expansiveness of vision either side, hopefully without a line.
Great info! I'm about to jump to some type of progressive but I don't like what I see about multi-vision option. How do I order the no line bifocal option that you're talking about. I just want distance and reading.
Specifically address it like that and you’ll find it. I will say I haven’t seen these designs in any chain stores yet, so best bet will be smaller practices or independent optician owned shops.
I just want a bifocal for when I’m working. I’m on the computer all day. I like the one with the line, but would love the blue light blocker built in. I have an astigmatism. I only want to wear the bifocals for work, can I wear non bifocals also, without any issues? Or Is it strictly one or the other?
Totally fine to combine the two, and before modern computer specific lenses it’s exactly how we created computer pairs for pal wearers 😎. Most bifocals are molded lenses and not available in blue light control lenses however so something digital is better here. However, 1.6 index naturally blocks a big chunk of blue light, so if that’s an option with your provider that will get you to a solid point in a lined bifocal.
Great video - well done. Hello from FL.
-NB (L.D.O.)
Thanks! 🙌
Would you say bi-focals work better in some ways, such as less distortion and easier to get used to? For years I have been just using light magnification reading glasses 125 magnification for driving and TV etc. ...and strong reading glasses 325 for reading and computer. The only problem is the switciing .
1000% I would say that. Particularly for your described use case. Whether you opt for a digital bifocal with no perceivable line or a classic flat top bifocal, it is the ideal solution for this and what I still use today even with all of the magical lenses we have out there. You’re “rx” here would be +1.25 with a 2.00 add. I would say if you want to experiment with progressives shift that a smidge for a walkabout pair…. +1.50 with 1.75 add. Far far distance will be a little less crisp but PAL designs work infinitely better under a 2.00 add. I love multiple pairs, for obvious and not so obvious reasons, but this is a golden magic trick, obviously this wouldn’t be a pair you want to drive in, but general around town walking in the office putting around the house etc. kills it. Just some ideas to kick around. Have a great day!!
Professional thanks
Have done both over the years, back to bifocals now & probably soon to be tri-focals. How's this for an interesting vision problem: Ptosis induced irregular astigmatism in both eyes, producing the effect of a vertical double image. The droopy eyelids cause a wrinkle in the top of the cornea, causing the astigmatism and the double image. By the end of the day it's so bad that current Rx is completely useless, no difference with or without the glasses for detail vision. Suggestions other than eyelid surgery? The surgery to shorten the eyelids may amplify another issue, that of eyes not closing totally & consistently while sleeping.
The eyelid surgery when done properly makes a huge difference just from normal drooping. You're case in particular is a lot more! I use to work with an ophthalmogist who performed this pretty regularly, and I wouldn't even hesitate when the time comes for me (I've already got quite a bit of extra skin there so it's inevitable). They test and take measurements to get the proper amount of skin removal. Well worth the endeavor.
I tried progressives for over 6 months and about lost my sanity. I felt as if I could easily step on a snake without seeing it, or trip going down steps…unless I was nearly bent over to see with my chin on my chest. I now have a pair of glasses for each near and far and am living the frustrations Ben Franklin felt juggling glasses. Bifocals we’re never suggested for me. Would I be able to see as I walk better or would it be like wearing progressives? So disheartened after over a year trying to get some glasses that work for more than one thing at a time. I really couldn’t adjust to progressives, though. Tried with 2 different frames. And does having prisms matter for bifocals? Thanks, love your educational videos!
So, any of the add power options (lined bifocals included) will have that affect to some degree. It can be minimized with various designs and tweaks to both lens position and design, but can only go so far. The digital rounds handle this aspect the best IMO, and would be worth a shot for you. Sounds like you’re extremely sensitive to the add “bubble” and I’m not sure in your case even that will do the job. It’s a tough nut to crack for some :/
@@ThatGlassesGuy03 thanks for the quick response. Do you think adjustment to the digital round would be easier than progressives? Anything new on the horizon that could be a game changer? When out and about I use a cheap monocle I wear as a necklace to read menus and price tags, etc instead of changing glasses all the time. Such a pain.
I just ordered progressives. Im debating i should get bifocals without line instead to get bigger distant view, and just get rx readers for computer?
It's a perfectly fine alternative, a good progressive or even multiple progressives can really accomplish some great visual goals. But maximum peripheral distance views right now will still come from another type of design like a backside freefprm surfaced flat top mold or a complete digital round segment design... or just a set of distance only and then progressive for most other things. Pick your poison and needs, lots of ways to get there 😎
Trying progressive. I hate the mid range space. Would no line bifocal basically be the progressive without the 3rd focal point/mid range? I'm happy with normal glasses except for reading up close
Some progressives provide for a much better mid range zone than others.
A non lined bifocal would indeed do that, but the industry terminology is wonky here, and most will think you’re asking for a progressive lens. A digital round segment is the way to get there for near and far only :)
8:52 i would like to know more about that basic vs fancy progressives. Do you have a video about that? I want to teach my my mind not to fall on that trap!
Man I had an attitude about that 2 years ago. 😂. Anyway, I’ve done a lot of videos addressing progressive lenses but haven’t specifically addressed the pros and cons of “standard” designs vs “premium” designs. Sounds like a fun topic so keep an eye out for that in the coming weeks!!! 😎
I recently had an eye exam and were ordered new glasses. I have been using progressive type for several years. However the eye doctor prescribed me bifocals, i never told him i wanted them, i guess that's what he thinks i need. I'm waiting on them to come in. But i am now worried that i will not be able to see the computer screen clearly. I did do ok with the progressives, i got use to them. But i did not care much about the limited blurry vision to the sides. Just hope the bifocals are not a mistake.
How did ya make out here Jeff? I’m guessing just a terminology mix up but I’m super curious!
I need to clarify regarding my text below my annoying problem is having to always lift my glasses to help read intermediate. Thanks
Actually did a whole video on this more recently. Check it out here: czcams.com/video/RTIvE1h5JRE/video.html
Hi. Im a 26 year old medicine student, I've been having trouble with reading as it is a very difficult task for me and makes me very fatigued easily. I have two eyeglasses, one for far, one for close. But theyre not enough, i still get fatigued if i try to read with the not correct glasses. I have ordered progressive lenses but Im scared of the limited view of the glasses, and walking up stairs and such stuff.. is there a possibility that I'll get used to them?
Most everyone does very well with progressive lenses, and since your eyes are under huge strain as a med student, I’m willing to bet you’ll love the trade offs of a well fitted set 😎
@@ThatGlassesGuy03 I am alot less fatigued now during the day thanks to the new eyeglasses. I don't like using them too much because my normal sight is better without them, but they have for sure upgraded me as a person. I can function alot better through the day. Thank you for your message!
Hi there! What are the digital bifocal lenses called without the line? My rx is -1.25 & -1.50… I think I can just get single lense & remove glasses for reading..just got my first progressives and don’t think I can compromise peripheral vision and all that jazz.. your thoughts?
you can still get by for awhile by removing your glasses (as a fellow -1.50 wearer on the verge of progressive wear, LOL!) lower add power in low myopia is less prone to the peripheral blur, so it may not be as bad as you expect at this point, BUT if you want to go the digital add here's the one I use: www.iotlenses.com/iot/Discover-our-lenses/Bifocal-solutions/Endless-Bifocal.html
@@ThatGlassesGuy03 How do we get Endless Bifocal, the site looks like for Optician only and nothing for ordering glasses. Is there a place that it can be ordered online?
@OdelleBonifacio directly from me 👌🏻 thatglassesguy.shop/products/prescription-lenses-for-your-frame?ToPasteboard
Yeah, that's what I want. But finding it on the old side of the pond is gonna be hard.
Digging in the web pointed me only to the "Digital Round-Seg" by IOT, but they rely to third-party to manufacture the lenses. Everything else is a PAL or a PAL hybrid (I think the B-free is the DAL?).
Anyway a hybrid, such as Shamir Duo could be fine for me.
CZcams strikes again.. my comment ddint post and disappeared.. *sigh*.... at any rate, they can definitely be troublesome to find. There are three independent software companies that make lab surfacing programs that create these digital add lenses, iot being one of the more variable. As you noted the problem is finding an independent lab with the needed qc and maintenance standards to really make it worthwhile... on your side of the pond... check out rodenstock. No one is superior. No. One.
@@ThatGlassesGuy03 I can actually get Rodenstock from a Lindberg dealer. I didn’t buy the frames from them because they put out some excuses before going on holiday. IIRC they do a +80D addition
Went there today. Got retinal scan. Right eye doesn't see shit in low light (like I didnt know). Price not cheap but not much more than Hoya. Did reading test again: +0.80 is right for me (but no less than 0.75). I still think the Hoya with +0.95 is too much for starters.
I'll get my frames tomorrow (yay).
I'm don't know what to do for my new eyes now after cateract surgery. I was -5. After surgery I am -2.25 and focus between 18" to arms length. Because of my work and hobbies I get very used to being very near sighted and honestly, I miss it. My Doctor gave me a prescription of (-2.25 add +2.75). This seems ridiculous to me. I never got used to progressives before surgery and used bifocals. I think I should just go with single vision lenses and get some reading glasses for close hobby work. But the DAL lenses might be an option. Thoughts?
I would consider sticking with the lines lens or a digital round seg at this point, but I would also mention you liked that overpower for your hobbies. It’s really not a big deal to make a pair of glasses that would act like your eye before surgery, or even consider just an off the shelf +2 to get close! This would put your effective eye as acting like a -4.25 eye with the +200 worn over your own eye 🫠
@@ThatGlassesGuy03 It was mentioned to me elsewhere that besides the round digital bifocal you mentioned, there is also a "lineless bifocal" with 1-2 mm blur where the line would have been. Local opticians don't mention or can't (or won't) offer these options.
I have reglazed several and purchased one new pair. They are...
1) Markus T w/ level 3 grey distance w/full red mirror sunglasses.
2) Traction Productions funky round lavender pink tint distance.
3) Prodesign photogrey Extra glass bifocals. My work hobby glasses.
4) (new) Ovvo frame with distance Transitions Amethyst with red flash mirror.
I will be looking for what you mention or a lineless bifocal for my all purpose glasses. But what I really want is not available in the US.
Zeiss Photosun brown 75-25 gradient with a red flash coating in some sort of digital or lineless bifocal. Unfortunately I may have to go overseas unless I can find a work around.
Blended bifocals are the other one. I prefer the smaller blend some of the digital surfaced ones myself, but we’re all different.
I haven’t seen the Zeiss photo sun brown gradient available in the US market. You could fudge it with a drivewear lens and a custom tint+ mirror, but the outcome would be slightly different. You’ve got a nice collection rolling there though!!
@@ThatGlassesGuy03 I was considering just that, but unsure if I like the colors of Drivewear. Maybe Transitions XtraActive with a gradient tint? If possible. I'm very light sensitive and need the tint AND sun protection. 🌞
The like the newer extractive, but even the Hoya sensity dark and photofusions dark are equally good alternatives. Some time back I would’ve recommended a different lens but your options for a polarizing photochromic are so darn narrow today for anything custom it’s unreal! Most all of them have been discontinued due to low adoption. The new xtractive polar would probably be the best starting point, but I don’t believe that one comes in a brown version, at least not yet.
Have been using progressive lenses for about a week so far…Starting to get used to them, but don’t know if I’ll ever be able to adapt to the limited view. Watched your video about progressives and found it to be helpful. But, the free form generated ones you discuss in this video sound like they would really help to improve my overall view both distantly, up close, and even peripherally…Is this true? Or do these free form lenses have other drawbacks? And are these lenses even more expensive than the HD Progressives? And where could someone purchase these lenses in WI? Thanks for your help…Would very much like to see clearly again without the struggle of having to get used to progressives…
without knowing what your prescription is like and your exact lens design that's tough to say. There is no such thing as an "HD" progressive, that's all marketing crap >.< At any rate further to the point, balancing the lens for your use and having a good well made freeform lens that keeps your needs (both RX & Lifestyle) in mind will provide the best results, however, as I mention in the video, a progressive is all about compromises and will never be perfect optically and wide. We can balance blur, reduce prismatic affect, make small corridor tweaks, adjust the RX across the lens in pretty cool ways, but physics is still king and limits how the curves can be merged in the periphery, and that's what determines how large of a zone you can get for each field. The art comes in balancing those for the best result, but the ultimate result is one "general use" do it all progressive, and then various other pairs for certain tasks that take up a bulk of your time :)
That is to say... you can spend $1500 on the most advanced lenses in the world (rodenstock impression 2) and you're still going to have a narrow field of view within the corridor of the lens vs say a lined tri-focal. BUT the way the blur is handled is MUCH more pleasing to the eyes and brain making the lens FEEL much more expansive (which is really the ultimate hat trick of a top tier progressive).
So, is it possible that I could be a candidate for the lenses you mention in this video, and that there is an optician in WI that could help me with the purchase? In the progressive, my numbers are OD -7.75 , Cylinder DS, and OS -4.5, Cylinder-.50, OS Axis 120, and then Add +2.25 to each lense. Not really sure what all of this means, but hope it helps you to better help me with my questions…And could these lenses be added to my new and current frames. And of course, would really like to still have the anti-reflective and blue light options-and hopefully all of this for an even better price than the progressives??? Thanks again for taking the time to follow up with my questions.
@@lynnvv9716 your larger problem is the imbalance in power between the eyes. I'm not familiar with opticians in your area so unfortunately can't help in that regard. These powers are best handled in person, but I could certainly replace lenses in your frame rather easily. As for cost.... not likely. You're easily going to be around 700-1000 for a properly designed lens to handle all of that if you opt for a better progressive lens. Of course the task specific lenses would vary depending on the task and if single vision or specialty lenses needed some sort of add power as well.
So, to have my lenses replaced it would be very costly and I may have to just continue to try to adapt to my current progressives which supposedly will just require a little more time. In the progressives, I struggle most with always moving my eyes and not moving my head…Even when just conversing with multiple people, it feels like I can’t follow the discussion as well because I can’t look at everyone at the same time, and then if I try to work on a computer during this same discussion, I become even more confused, as it feels like I am trying to do 3 things all at the same time…OR might I be better off purchasing single vision lenses with a separate pair of reading glasses OR do you have other suggestions? Really just hoping to find the easiest and most affordable way to improve my overall vision needs…Thanks again for sharing your expert opinion with me.
@@lynnvv9716 happy to do it. And yes on both points regarding adapting to your current lenses and adding a single vision pair for whatever task gives you the most trouble after. 🙂
Thanks for this explanation. I still wear lined trifocals and have no not a single problem with them. I have not been able to bring myself to make the jump to progressives as I am afraid that the intermediate and reading will not allow deep enough vertical space to see any one thing well up and down. I have heard some optometrists and opticians say that eventually lined trifocals are already rare will become extinct and not available while others dispute this saying they would recommend keeping what one is used to. But trifocals go off the market then what choice will people have? I like to think they may still exist even if only as a specialty lense of some kind. What is your view on the future of lined trifocals?
The future will be industry and mfg dependent. They absolutely still have uses but how the industry sees alternatives increase and volume of orders for lines trifocals decrease it very well eventually will cease to exist. Conventionally surfaced progressives designs are largely already gone today, and that’s much newer technology than a lined trifocals. I have already seen some have trouble getting access to trifocals so the future looks unfortunately bleak on that front my friend.
@@ThatGlassesGuy03 Thanks. Do lined bifocals still look to be available for a while?
@@goodwill6767 yup, aside from a shortage on polycarbonate lined bifocals which actually resonates back to a machining issue in 2020 😂
@@ThatGlassesGuy03 Sorry to keep this going but you clearly know what you are talking about and you make it easy to grasp. If a person needs intermediate correction but can't find trifocals any more then the only option seems to be either bifocals with maybe the strength focused a little further away to try and regain some of the intermediate or they would have to take the plunge and get some form of progressive. I think it is well worth paying for a good quality progressive if I do that. But if the progressives continually progress down through the intermediate is the eye able to encompass enough of any one thing at intermediate distance to get a clear view of any one thing, or do you only see a narrow sliver of what you look at because it keeps progressing and doesn't stay the same? In other words, is there any vertical depth at all in intermediate distances with a higher end progressive? Sorry for so many questions but I need to have some idea of what I am doing before I get my next exam.
Think of progressives more like a smoother way of making a trifocal. There are specific zones of vision and they generally are a 40-60% of add zone and then your full near as a 80-100 zone. The exact power, ramp rates, path, and zone powers are determined by the lens design. That’s where it gets hairy, as I can with an absurd level of confidence tell you most opticians don’t have a clue how the lenses they’re schlepping handle those corridors. “It’s wider than others” nope run away, they’re preaching marketing materials.
Nice
🥂
Have had progressive for years. Tired of them . How hard is it to switch to lined bifocals???
Easier than the other way around 😅 if you use a computer a lot you'll want another option for that though. Line trifocals or multiple pairs.
* Don’t like to wear a hooded jacket because it blocks my peripheral vision. Typographical error!
Never would have thought that bifocals are built for fishing 😂
Gotta get that cast on point! and what good is a cast if you didn't tie your knot right LOL
@@ThatGlassesGuy03 True that
So much focus on the line when people are watching these videos because they are trying to figure out and help the optical people figure out what you need. I am no expert but it seems that when your up closeup gets really weak the progressives won’t work any more because you don’t get enough intermediate magnification that you
Also really need. I have heard about the executive bifocal which would allow for larger magnification area to help with intermediate as well and the other half for distance. You basically halve the lenses. I hope LensCrafters can provide these. Will find out tomorrow. I can’t deal with this weak intermediate power where
I have to lift my head constantly to be able to read. Sigh.
it's actually an RX/Lens design issue, I finally went through and addressed the constant head lifting in another video, check that one out here! czcams.com/video/RTIvE1h5JRE/video.html
A lined bifocal actually only makes the problem worse unless it's a specific pair made for the computer, as you lose the intermediate all together.