Glassed In: Multiple Pairs Of Single-Prescription Glasses May Give You More Flexibility

Health & Medical Blog

If you've just found out you need different prescriptions for near and far vision, you're no doubt starting to look at whether you want to get progressive lenses or actual bifocals or trifocals. Another choice you should consider is having separate pairs of glasses for each type of vision. While this sounds like a less optimal situation -- you'd have to keep track of all those pairs instead of just tilting your head to change your vision -- it can be more convenient for people who don't want to have to hold their heads at odd angles in order to see.

Switching Focus

Progressive lenses, bifocals, and trifocals combine different lens strengths into one lens. If you need glasses to read, but you also need glasses for driving (distance vision), the lens would be divided between those two prescriptions. In bifocals and trifocals, there are distinct lines where the lens switches to another prescription. This switch can be very annoying to people.

As a response, lens companies created progressive lenses that transition gradually. There's no dividing line and no jump, and the glasses are much more comfortable to use for many people.

However, progressive lenses still require people to look through the glasses at certain spots on the lens to get the right prescription. This means people may have to hold their head as if looking straight ahead, while looking down with their eyes in order to read. This can feel unnatural to a lot of people who would prefer to just tilt their head down to read like they normally would.

Even Field of Vision

Enter the idea of having multiple pairs of glasses, each with its own prescription. It's not a new idea at all, but it's not one that you see promoted a lot compared to progressives. Having a dedicated pair of distance glasses, a dedicated pair of reading glasses, and so on lets you move your head and eyes naturally without losing the ability to see things at a particular distance.

If you're wearing a pair of glasses dedicated solely to reading or computer use, for example, you won't lose focus (literally) unless you look up off into the distance. If you just look at things in front of you, like your computer, the desk, your pencil holder, and others, you'll be able to see each clearly. This gives you greater flexibility to move your head around without creating jumps or blurry spots in your vision.

If you want to see what frame choices you have and get more information on having separate pairs of glasses, talk to an optometrist. Get your vision checked so you have an up-to-date prescription from places such as Cohen's Fashion Optical.

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13 November 2014

No Time to Exercise? Get Fit With These Tips

If life keeps you busy, you might not have time to work out or play sports. As a busy parent and teacher, I don't have much time to spare when it comes to exercise. Every time I sign up for a fitness program, I end up quitting due to my hectic schedule. But after gaining 30 pounds last year, I decided to start an exercise program and stick with it. Now, I'm pleased to say that I'm 15 pounds lighter and feeling much healthier. If you want to set fitness goals but lack ambition or time, read my blog. I offer tips on how to set and meet realistic goals. You also learn how to improve your goals with the right diet. Good luck and don't give up.