Eyeglasses and Bi Focals

Why not get the no-line bifocals (progressives)? I have them. They go up and down rather than side to side and I can't tell a difference (except that I can see). You can't see them when looking at the glasses. They are a little bit more expensive, but well worth it.

No you do not have to get bifocals. When you go to order your glasses, just tell them what you want. If you want just reading glasses, just tell them that. The doctor doesn't need to change the prescription. Any doctor is going to prescribe you bifocals if they feel you need glasses for distance as well, but when you order your glasses, the opticians know how to make the prescription just reading glasses or just distance glasses.

Hi C., When I was first prescribed bifocals, I told the optician that I only wanted the distance portion, and not the bifocals. It was not a problem. As my eyes have gotten worse, I went to the progressive lenses, but still like to have a pair of just distance for driving, and my sunglasses are distance only. The optical dispensary will make whatever you feel you need. (It will not make your eyes worse if you don't wear the bifocals - this is a myth. My dad was an opthalmologist, and my brother is an opthalmologist as well)

If you need bifocals then you must have them or your eyes will get worse. I don't know of any eye doctor who will give you the wrong prescription just because you don't want them. Why do you not want them? Today you get the progressive ones and there is no line and no one can tell you are wearing them. The days of lines and thick glasses are long gone. I don't know much about contacts since I like my glasses but maybe they make contacts for your eyes. Check it out.

C.,
I found at one point my glasses for distance would not longe let my eyes adjust to read things when I was in the car. I didn't need reading glasses yet when I took the others off, but that is not always practical when you are driving.
I you decide to keep the bifocals, I would make sure to get the progressives.
However, your doctor should follow your wishes on the prescription if don't wan the bifocals.
Victoria

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I'm 67 and have had bi-focals, progressives, and two pair of glasses with one for reading and one for distance. I've found progressives the easiest to use. I found two pairs of glasses totally impractical. Having to change glasses in the midst of things was stressful. And often I needed the reading pair when they were in another room or at home when I was away. Two pairs are a hassle.

I never got used to the lines in bi-focals. I found it easy to adapt to progressives and have been wearing them for 20 years or more.

I did choose to get only correction for distance in my sunglasses because of the expense and had to buy another pair because I couldn't read the car information on the dash with them. I bought progressives for my sun glasses too.

Which you choose depends greatly on how much correction you need. If you can still read, tho with effort, perhaps two pairs of glasses would work for you. However, I have a couple of friends who need only glasses for reading and they frequently don't have them with them and I have to read the menu for them. For me the choice is clear because I can't read without glasses. Progressives for sure.

Personally, I told the doctor, with this being my first set of prescription eyeglasses, that I wanted one for distance (driving) and one for reading. He let me but now I wonder if the bifocals would make taking care of two pairs of glasses less of a hassle.

Also, my thinking was that I just was not ready for bifocals. I couldn't imagine that I would ever get used to them. I have heard that a period of adjustment is needed but I still hesitate. I'm 49 and spent 47 of those without the need for Rx glasses (unusual probably).

Whatever you choose, ask your doctor to explain why he insists on bifocals when that isn't what you want. It doesn't hurt to ask.

Good luck.

Uh--last time I checked, we are the masters of our own bodies! LOL Why would he do that when you specifically said not to? Weird. I'd make him redo it.

it is your choice I believe and I would address that with your doctor. Just be glad you are not quite as blind as my MIL who has bifocals and still has you use reading glasses... she is only 48. I can't imagine how her eyes are going to get worse!

Good morning C.. Who is paying for the glasses and then wearing them? I would find another doctor.

L.