Do you wear (have you tried?) Bifocals?

[Sailor Sam]

Hello fellow people with eyeballs, do you currently wear bifocals? Or have you tried bifocals, then decided to just switch between corrective glasses and readers? 

As another owner of already-shitty eyeballs, I'm seeking advice!

Three days ago, my very nice optometrist diagnosed my sudden discomfort in rapid changes in my focal length (ie: lifting my phone to my face parts, and trying to focus on it) as presbyopia. Which fuck, because I already have complicated vision, needing glasses to correct both nearsightedness and also a robust astigmatism that causes the pretty world to double.

The nice optometrist offered bifocals, or a dedicated pair of readers. I'm wary of trying bifocals, due to the already complicated vision and lifelong bad experiences (splitting g-dam headaches, wow) with sudden changes in focal length. But I'm attracted to bifocals, because juggling two pairs of glasses, plus prescription sunglasses sounds like a huge drag.

Anyone have tales of adjusting to bifocals? Any failures? Contacts won't work for me, so while I'm aware of mono vision is a solution for many, it's not in my personal future.

[Uturn]

I switched to progressive bifocals about 7 years ago, and did not have much of a problem.  The first week or so was odd until my eyes got used to them.  Because the prescription changes depending on what part of the lens you are using, you cannot just cut your eyes over to look at something to the side.  You have to turn your head if you want it in focus.  It's not difficult, just takes a few days to learn it.

Once the office shut down and I went full time WFH, my whole day is spent with me looking at screens 18" from my face.  I don't look at things at different distances, like coworkers, things around the office, and such. 

I was having headaches daily, even with new prescriptions.  I finally got a set of single focus lenses just for the computer.  I also have reading glasses, for those times that I will spend time in a physical book.  The readers is not a necessity, but nice.  I can read a book with my bifocals, but not the computer glasses.   

[dcheesi]

The first time I got bifocals, the reader magnification was wayyy too high. Felt like I was swimming any time I looked down at my feet. I adjusted it for the next pair, so it's more like my regular Rx but with no far-sight adjustment. Still, I find myself wanting to take them off whenever I'm on the computer or any kind of intermediate distance situation (I couldn't get progressives for some reason related to my Rx).

[Daley]

Absolutely cannot tolerate traditional bifocals, and progressives make me woozy. I also tried doing the one eye-distance, other eye reader thing like a few others have adapted to, and it just resulted in terrible eyestrain since I couldn't un-train my eyes to work together. Part of the solution was to abandon optometrists who wanted to correct me to 20/15 Superman's Cousin Vision just because they could with me, as that actually caused more eyestrain than it relieved, especially once I hit the reading glasses milestone. Going less aggressive (correcting to around 20/20 to 20/25 and knocking about a 1/4 diopter off the magnifiers) with the corrective lenses on both the myopia and presbyopia ends helped with overall eye-comfort immensely. YMMV.

Since I can't afford fancy glasses and have to shop for the super-cheap, no-frills options on Zenni, I leaned into that. I'll find a set of identical frames that has two color variants that I can stomach, put the distance lenses in the first and the more neutral and un-spectacular frames, and then put the reader lenses in the slightly more garish but still tolerable frames. Then I'll just do the super-cheap $4 sunglasses and yellow clip-ons which then fit on both pairs. That gives me two pair that I can instantly recognize which pair I'm currently wearing based solely on color if I get confused, and sunglasses options for either pair as well.

This said, a part of me is also tempted to do clip-on-flip-up readers Dwayne Wayne style.

[Sibley]

Sometimes the presbyopia can actually help reduce your prescription. That happened to my mom, and it looks like it's going to happen to me.

I do know that when you get bifocals, it's an adjustment, particularly when going down stairs. So be super careful until you've adjusted. And some people (my mother) never manage to fully adjust and just have to be extra careful forever. Mom tried progressives and fell down the stairs, so those got sent back. Dad has bi or trifocals and is fine, his balance issues are something else. It's all very personal and down to your brain.

If you frequently do a lot of computer or close work, then having a specific pair of glasses can be more comfortable. It just depends on you.

[farmecologist]

Ugh...I have not been to the eye doc in a LONG time.  Because reasons...covid, and then difficulty getting an appointment due to backup, etc...  I finally was able to snag an appointment in early July...so yay for me, I guess. 

I have noticed my eyes have aged a LOT during this time and I'm definitely going to need readers/bifocals/trifocals/whatever.   So this thread is right up my alley.  I am nearsighted as well and currently wear glasses...and my nearsightedness has gotten worse as well.

I'm only in my early 50s as well...but I guess this is when these things usually start happening.  Sigh!

Looks like a lot of differing opinions on what might be best...and glasses are pretty expensive...so I guess I'll go with what the eye doc recommends to start with.  I may just take the prescription and order glasses online like I have done in the past ( MUCH cheaper ) until I find something that works for me ( BTW - I have had good luck with "eyebuydirect" but that was a few years ago ).

[Rural]

I have a pretty pronounced astigmatism with nearsightedness, too.


I tried traditional lined bifocals first and never adjusted, just constant headaches and nausea. But then I tried progressives a year or so later and have done just fine. Felt a bit weird the first day, but I can walk around and also look down and read things and it's fantastic.


I do also have a pair of midrange computer glasses (with blue light filter; totally worth it if you spend hours at a desk). And I've added in a pair of distance-only for outdoor activities and it's made hiking much more enjoyable.


I get them all at Zenni and probably have $200 in all my various pairs (I have two computer ones because home office and office office - the glasses live on the desks.) I ran out of colors in the color coding that Daley mentions, but for $1.99 you can have words like "Distance" imprinted on the inside of the arm at Zenni, so I did.


I do still hold the handrail on stairs if I'm in the progressives, which is almost all the time. And I often go squintily to the bathroom in the computer ones at work because I forgot to change.

[Daley]

Huh, for what it's worth, I just discovered these: StickTite removable bifocals

Provided you need at least a +1.25 lens and a pair of frames tall enough to accommodate the things, it might be a cheap, low-risk and easy way to try out bifocals on a regular pair of glasses in a way that doesn't hard commit you to them.

[Shinplaster]

I've worn lined bifocals for decades.   Key part is to get the line for the reader part correct.  If it is not, you will get the disorienting issues.  I did try the no-line bifocals, but found those harder to adjust to.   My brain figured out pretty quickly where to look with the lined ones, whereas with the no line ones I always seemed to be searching for that sweet spot.   I can't even see the line anymore - my brain has learned to filter it out, while still knowing it is there and having me look where I need to.

I tried trifocal progressives a few years ago when it was decided I also needed mid-range computer glasses.  That was a hard no.   The corrected vision is in an hourglass shape, (even though you can't see that by just looking at the lenses).   If you have wide peripheral vision like I do, it means you see some things clearly, and other things blurry, all at the same time.   Also, you have to turn your head constantly to look directly at what you want to see - no side glance if you want it in focus.   They kept saying my brain would adjust, but it wasn't worth the headaches and constant tripping on stairs in the hope that would happen.     Mr. SP also told me I looked like a little bird, bobbing my head around to try and focus on things.   I don't have much vanity, but I don't want to look like a damn bird.   

So now I have bifocals, and dedicated computer glasses.   That works fine for me.   

Also - you can get your primary glasses to be photo sensitive, so you won't need sunglasses also.   Go outside, you have sunglasses within a few seconds.   Come back in, and your glasses are clear again within a minute.  I wouldn't be without those now.

[sonofsven]

Bifocals were recommended to me years ago but I've refused them so far. I have a pretty strong prescription for nearsightedness.
I have two pairs of glasses I wear daily: one pair for driving and being outside that are the strongest prescription possible for distance, which makes it impossible to read things up close, they are "transitions" also (they are tinted depending on the amount of light.
I have another pair with a weaker prescription that I can read the computer screen with, so these are for inside, after work. I'm reading a book I don't usually wear any glasses but I do need to hold the book close to my face
At work if I'm reading a tape measure or something I'll look over my glasses, sliding them down my nose. Also, I've found that I can do a lot of carpentry work by feel, without measuring; muscle memory.
I'm afraid of all the problems with bifocals that others have mentioned so I'm putting it off as long as possible.

[Cranky]

I am extremely nearsighted and have quite a bit of astigmatism. When I first started with the age related presbyopia, it did give me a better focus length at first - for a couple of years I could read without glasses.

I went straight to progressives and have always liked them. There were a couple of days when they felt pretty weird the first time, I guess.

I have been thinking about getting dedicated readers because sometimes the spot where I want to hold my book doesn’t line up comfortably with the reading field on my glasses, but we’ll see. I’ve tried the drugstore readers and they don’t work at all.

[sisto]

I've been using progressive lenses for quite some time now. I also have transition lenses so I don't have to deal with sunglasses too. So much easier than managing a bunch of different glasses. When I spent tons of time on the computer for work I did have a dedicated pair just for that which was great, but I didn't like having to switch them out.

[Dicey]

Creds: I am nearsighted, farsighted, astigmatic, and have glaucoma.  Aren't I fancy?

I wear bifocals and opted for progressives. Though I had been warned to expect a period of adjustment, I had not one lick of trouble with them. They were like magic from the beginning.

Tip: choose frames with relatively large lenses. Not Mr. Peepers big, but not too small. Mini lenses that are progressives have too small a sweet spot.

Recently, I bought a pair of single vision glasses for TV watching in bed. They rock!

[GuitarStv]

I wore them most of my childhood.  Eventually my eyes changed somehow so I didn't need them any more.  You kinda get used to them eventually, but I always hated them.  They're a compromise.  If I had to go back I'm not sure if I would get bifocals or a pair of distance and a pair of close up glasses.  To me, the annoyance of switching glasses would be about the same as using bifocals.

[rosarugosa]

I'm nearsighted with some degree of astigmatism.  I started out with lined bifocals (this was about 20 years ago).  I had a bit of trouble adjusting, but then I was OK with them.  A couple of years later, a new provider suggested I try progressives and they turned out to be perfect for me, no adjustment at all.  I also have transitional lenses so don't use sunglasses.  I have no interest in juggling multiple pairs of glasses.  DH uses reading glasses, has about 10 pairs, and never has a pair handy when he needs them.  I like having the pair of glasses that I need conveniently sitting on my face at all times!

[rosarugosa]

Oh, and I also wanted to mention that Dicey gives good advice in terms of not going too small with the lenses, because then your different fields of vision are just too tiny.
By the way, I get my glasses from Costco and I've been very pleased with them.

[SotI]

Tried bifocals a few years back but it didn't really work for me. A year or two later, I decided to go with 2 sets of glasses instead, once for distance and one for computers. Reading distance works without any glasses. As the purpose of either set is normally quite clear (walking/running/driving = distance; Work/computer/household stuff = near-sight), I really don't have to change all too often between the sets. So I prefer it this way.
I switch from the same case to keep them, so I always have both at hand, one on and one in the case. Easy and straight forward.

[GilesMM]

Bifocals have been around since Benjamin Franklin.   Many millions of people have used them.  I'm not sure how a dozen recommendations here will help you, but go for it.


You might just start out with some reading glasses around your neck for when you need to read.  They are super cheap at the drugstore. 


You considered laser surgery to correct your nearsightedness?   It works, then you just have to deal with reading glasses.

[Dicey]

Bifocals have been around since Benjamin Franklin.   Many millions of people have used them.  I'm not sure how a dozen recommendations here will help you, but go for it.


You might just start out with some reading glasses around your neck for when you need to read.  They are super cheap at the drugstore. 


You considered laser surgery to correct your nearsightedness?   It works, then you just have to deal with reading glasses.

It might not be allowed in SS's line of work.

[La Bibliotecaria Feroz]

Bifocals have been around since Benjamin Franklin.   Many millions of people have used them.  I'm not sure how a dozen recommendations here will help you, but go for it.


You might just start out with some reading glasses around your neck for when you need to read.  They are super cheap at the drugstore. 


You considered laser surgery to correct your nearsightedness?   It works, then you just have to deal with reading glasses.

It might not be allowed in SS's line of work.

I'm not a candidate because of my congenital toxoplasmosis, either.

I've been following this discussion with interest because I can't read my FitBit or cellphone with my glasses on anymore. (I have always put them on my head for reading anyway.)

People who have tried progressives and bifocals: which would you recommend for the specific application of wanting to do cross stitch while watching TV? I need my glasses to see the TV but if I am wearing them I can't see my work.

[Miss Piggy]

I tried progressives several years ago. I get motion sickness pretty easily, and stairs were a problem (down mostly). But what really turned me away within a week was the narrow field of focus when reading. With a page in front of me, the area in focus was about 3 inches across. That made no sense to me (like, surely that can't be right, right?), but when I questioned it at the optometrists office where I bought the glasses, they said that was normal, and you just have to point your nose at what you're reading...So essentially, turn your head from side to side constantly while reading. I had a completely unreasonable hatred of that answer (it still seems ridiculously, outrageously stupid to me), so I traded in my progressives for a different solution: monovision glasses, where one eye is for close-up, and the other is for distance.

In addition to the monovision glasses (which I can wear anytime), I have a pair JUST for computer, which is where I sadly spend far too much time.

I will likely never try progressives again...I'd be more likely to go with lined bifocals, but ONLY if they don't have that narrow field of focus like I described above.

[snic]

Can't stand bifocals. I asked the optometrist, "how do I know I'll like them," and he said, "you don't, the only way is to try them out." Part of the problem is that I need one prescription for distance, one for reading up close (books, magazines, restaurant menus, fine work with my hands), and no prescription at all for medium distances (laptop screen, desktop screen, cooking, etc). As I'm pretty sure trifocals would drive me completely insane, I've stuck with prescription sunglasses for distance and reading glasses for reading.

[AccidentialMustache]

Tried progressives. Can't adapt. Went with regular glasses plus computer glasses although generally I use neither. Regular for distance (so, basically when out of the house) and I have a pair for the computer but don't need them yet (I'd have to push the monitor away to use them and be comfortable).

[Uturn]

People who have tried progressives and bifocals: which would you recommend for the specific application of wanting to do cross stitch while watching TV? I need my glasses to see the TV but if I am wearing them I can't see my work.

I can read with my progressive for a bit.  If I am going to sit down with a book, I grab the reading glasses.  For multi focus things like cooking and reading a recipe, or internet articles while the TV is on, the progressives are fine.

[Dicey]

Can't stand bifocals. I asked the optometrist, "how do I know I'll like them," and he said, "you don't, the only way is to try them out." Part of the problem is that I need one prescription for distance, one for reading up close (books, magazines, restaurant menus, fine work with my hands), and no prescription at all for medium distances (laptop screen, desktop screen, cooking, etc). As I'm pretty sure trifocals would drive me completely insane, I've stuck with prescription sunglasses for distance and reading glasses for reading.

My Dad was an Air Traffic Controller. He needed to see fine detail above and below. He also needed correction for the middle distance. He got used to trifocals because he had to. I suppose when people's lives depend on your ability to see, you figure it out.

BTW, he retired at 50, and was always my example that retiring early was achieveable. This was way back in 1981, before Reagan fired them all. So Dad FIRE'D so he didn't get fired. Smart man. He enjoyed 35 years of retirement. RIP "Pops".

[Malossi792]

Didn't read all replies.
I decided to go with laser eye surgery for myopia.
In my 30's now, figure I got a decade free of glasses, then won't have to waste top dollar on multifocals, just the el cheapo reading glasses for me please.
Surgery pays for itself from savings on glasses.
Opportunity cost pays for a decade of comfort.
Worth it for me.

[Dicey]

Didn't read all replies.
I decided to go with laser eye surgery for myopia.
In my 30's now, figure I got a decade free of glasses, then won't have to waste top dollar on multifocals, just the el cheapo reading glasses for me please.
Surgery pays for itself from savings on glasses.
Opportunity cost pays for a decade of comfort.
Worth it for me.

Wow, where were you buying your glasses?

[Sailor Sam]

@Dicey, I am allowed to get either Lasix or PRK! Both the .mil and the civilian licensing sides of the USCG allow corrective eye surgery. TRICARE will even pay for it. Thank you American tax payers!

The actual stopping point is that eye surgery isn't for me. Partially because I want to run zero risk of developing halos are glare in low light. Partially because I've been wearing glasses since I was literally (pre-millennium usage) knee high. I don't mind them. In fact, I'd have to go through some sort of personal development stage if I stopped wearing them.

Thanks for the responses, everyone. Always fun to swap tales. If you're the type that enjoys resolution from the OP: I'm going to ignore this issue for about a year, then I'm going to try getting dedicated reading glasses.

[Dicey]

@Dicey, I am allowed to get either Lasix or PRK! Both the .mil and the civilian licensing sides of the USCG allow corrective eye surgery. TRICARE will even pay for it. Thank you American tax payers!

The actual stopping point is that eye surgery isn't for me. Partially because I want to run zero risk of developing halos are glare in low light. Partially because I've been wearing glasses since I was literally (pre-millennium usage) knee high. I don't mind them. In fact, I'd have to go through some sort of personal development stage if I stopped wearing them.

Thanks for the responses, everyone. Always fun to swap tales. If you're the type that enjoys resolution from the OP: I'm going to ignore this issue for about a year, then I'm going to try getting dedicated reading glasses.

I've told this story before, but IMO, it's worth re-telling. Every year I would ask my ophthalmologist it the procedure had improved enough for me to consider it. One visit, she did a test, thought a bit, and then said the following,

"You know that money you're saving for eye surgery? Spend it on some other body part."

Turns out my corneas are too thin for surgery. I wore contacts until my eyes just couldn't stand them any more, so it's glasses until I develop cataracts, which could be a very long time.

[Malossi792]

Didn't read all replies.
I decided to go with laser eye surgery for myopia.
In my 30's now, figure I got a decade free of glasses, then won't have to waste top dollar on multifocals, just the el cheapo reading glasses for me please.
Surgery pays for itself from savings on glasses.
Opportunity cost pays for a decade of comfort.
Worth it for me.

Wow, where were you buying your glasses?

I live in Europe.
Here, 3 pairs of bi/multifocals cost more than I paid for the surgery.
Regular reading glasses can be had for a couple 'bucks'. I write in dollar terms since this is a US based forum.

[Hadilly]

I  have progressives too. They are great. I do find myself taking them off when reading up close.

Like some of the other commenters, I got a pair of glasses for fixed distance when I play piano. That middle ground was not served well by my progressives.

I also have prescription sunglasses and recommend them highly.

[rosarugosa]

I  have progressives too. They are great. I do find myself taking them off when reading up close.

Like some of the other commenters, I got a pair of glasses for fixed distance when I play piano. That middle ground was not served well by my progressives.

I also have prescription sunglasses and recommend them highly.

I also take off my progressives for reading up close.  DH puts on his reading glasses for reading up close.  I figure that means we've somehow got a perfect set of eyeballs between the two of us!

[Dicey]

Didn't read all replies.
I decided to go with laser eye surgery for myopia.
In my 30's now, figure I got a decade free of glasses, then won't have to waste top dollar on multifocals, just the el cheapo reading glasses for me please.
Surgery pays for itself from savings on glasses.
Opportunity cost pays for a decade of comfort.
Worth it for me.

Wow, where were you buying your glasses?

I live in Europe.
Here, 3 pairs of bi/multifocals cost more than I paid for the surgery.
Regular reading glasses can be had for a couple 'bucks'. I write in dollar terms since this is a US based forum.

The real question there was what the surgery costs. In the US, typically it's many thousands of dollars.

[Dreamer40]

I read a lot so my eye doctor thinks it’s better to just have a separate pair for reading. Especially if you want to read laying in bed or in any position that isn’t upright looking down at a book.

[teen persuasion]

Never needed glasses until I hit mid-40s, then needed readers. Well, actually, I'd been working all along with effectively one good eye, the other is weak but really didn't notice. So of course the optometrist wants me to wear glasses to correct that, strengthen the weak eye as much as possible. Those glasses were ok, I really saw little difference with glasses vs without, BUT once I'd put the glasses on I needed to wear them all day - my eyes were messed up when I took them off.

Tried wearing them regularly to strengthen the weak eye, didn't see any benefit, so eventually stopped. Once I needed readers, I was recommended progressives.  I adjusted to them well, they were great for reading, but going down stairs was a problem due to the difference between prescriptions in each eye - looking down thru the lower edge of the strong lens was seriously disorienting due to refraction adjacent to no lens as I looked further down. That's when I switched to readers.  Much better. I use readers .5 down for my computer glasses at work because the focal distance is different (different styles for easy differentiation). Take them off for distance, or look over them for quick conversations.

One thing I've noticed is that I have trouble wearing plain sunglasses now - I think my brain sees the frames in my field of vision and expects magnification/shifts focus, and my vision feels blurry - but I'm most likely to want to put sunglasses on while driving, when I don't use distance correction!

[kanga1622]

Had bifocals for years. I have a pretty significant correction for distance so progressives weren't a good option for me. This does limit me a bit - I have to have a decent sized lens to have enough room for both corrections. I found that having my bifocal slightly lower than recommended was best for me. Having it sit a little higher was horrible for stairs. Had to send a few lenses back when they didn't believe me about that correction when I ordered.

[farmecologist]

Ugh...I have not been to the eye doc in a LONG time.  Because reasons...covid, and then difficulty getting an appointment due to backup, etc...  I finally was able to snag an appointment in early July...so yay for me, I guess. 

I have noticed my eyes have aged a LOT during this time and I'm definitely going to need readers/bifocals/trifocals/whatever.   So this thread is right up my alley.  I am nearsighted as well and currently wear glasses...and my nearsightedness has gotten worse as well.

I'm only in my early 50s as well...but I guess this is when these things usually start happening.  Sigh!

Looks like a lot of differing opinions on what might be best...and glasses are pretty expensive...so I guess I'll go with what the eye doc recommends to start with.  I may just take the prescription and order glasses online like I have done in the past ( MUCH cheaper ) until I find something that works for me ( BTW - I have had good luck with "eyebuydirect" but that was a few years ago ).

Quick update.  I'm done with the eye doc.  Since I hadn't been there since 2016 ( yikes I know...time flies ), they found a slight pressure difference in one of my eyes.  Because of that, they had me go through more intensive eye tests to use as a baseline.  Thankfully, everything checked out ok!  Interestingly, my nearsightedness barely changed...but yeah, I definitely need glasses for reading and such.

I went ahead and ordered "premium" progressive lenses with some Oakley frames.  Since I still wear my generic frames from "eyebuydirect", I went ahead and ordered from them again since they now offer premium frames, and they gave me a substantial discount.  They also have a neat "try on" feature that uses the live camera from your device.

One question....has anyone done "transitions" lenses that change from clear to dark?  I'm thinking of ordering a pair of "Transition Xtractive" to use as sunglasses.  Looking at a few reviews, they seem to be FAR better than the last time I looked at transitions lenses.

https://www.transitions.com/en-us/products/transitions-xtractive/

[La Bibliotecaria Feroz]

I've worn transitions since my first child was born and love them. I do sometimes put them on top of my head while they change back.

[rosarugosa]

Ugh...I have not been to the eye doc in a LONG time.  Because reasons...covid, and then difficulty getting an appointment due to backup, etc...  I finally was able to snag an appointment in early July...so yay for me, I guess. 

I have noticed my eyes have aged a LOT during this time and I'm definitely going to need readers/bifocals/trifocals/whatever.   So this thread is right up my alley.  I am nearsighted as well and currently wear glasses...and my nearsightedness has gotten worse as well.

I'm only in my early 50s as well...but I guess this is when these things usually start happening.  Sigh!

Looks like a lot of differing opinions on what might be best...and glasses are pretty expensive...so I guess I'll go with what the eye doc recommends to start with.  I may just take the prescription and order glasses online like I have done in the past ( MUCH cheaper ) until I find something that works for me ( BTW - I have had good luck with "eyebuydirect" but that was a few years ago ).

Quick update.  I'm done with the eye doc.  Since I hadn't been there since 2016 ( yikes I know...time flies ), they found a slight pressure difference in one of my eyes.  Because of that, they had me go through more intensive eye tests to use as a baseline.  Thankfully, everything checked out ok!  Interestingly, my nearsightedness barely changed...but yeah, I definitely need glasses for reading and such.

I went ahead and ordered "premium" progressive lenses with some Oakley frames.  Since I still wear my generic frames from "eyebuydirect", I went ahead and ordered from them again since they now offer premium frames, and they gave me a substantial discount.  They also have a neat "try on" feature that uses the live camera from your device.

One question....has anyone done "transitions" lenses that change from clear to dark?  I'm thinking of ordering a pair of "Transition Xtractive" to use as sunglasses.  Looking at a few reviews, they seem to be FAR better than the last time I looked at transitions lenses.

https://www.transitions.com/en-us/products/transitions-xtractive/

I've been wearing transition lenses for many years, and I like them.  I wear my glasses all the time (progressives), and there is no way I want to swap back and forth with sunglasses.

[sonofsven]

I wear transitions in my outdoor glasses with the strongest prescription, I am pleased with them. I used to wear prescription sunglasses but the transitions are more practical.

[Rural]

Do transitions change when you're driving in the car? I'd read they don't.

[GuitarStv]

Do transitions change when you're driving in the car? I'd read they don't.

No.  They need UV light to hit them to darken, and car windows block enough UV light to stop them from triggering.  They also kinda suck in cold weather . . . they get much darker and take forever to clear when chilly.

[Malossi792]

Yeah FIL looks like an FBI agent on family event photos.

[farmecologist]

Do transitions change when you're driving in the car? I'd read they don't.

No.  They need UV light to hit them to darken, and car windows block enough UV light to stop them from triggering.  They also kinda suck in cold weather . . . they get much darker and take forever to clear when chilly.

I've been looking into "Transition Xtractive" and they do darken in the car much better than previous versions ( not perfect though ).   HOWEVER, they take longer to change back to clear when indoors.  This is why I'm looking into "Transition Xtractive" for sunglasses...so I also have the option of using them indoors as well when I don't want to bring my regular glasses. 

[farmecologist]

Ugh...I have not been to the eye doc in a LONG time.  Because reasons...covid, and then difficulty getting an appointment due to backup, etc...  I finally was able to snag an appointment in early July...so yay for me, I guess. 

I have noticed my eyes have aged a LOT during this time and I'm definitely going to need readers/bifocals/trifocals/whatever.   So this thread is right up my alley.  I am nearsighted as well and currently wear glasses...and my nearsightedness has gotten worse as well.

I'm only in my early 50s as well...but I guess this is when these things usually start happening.  Sigh!

Looks like a lot of differing opinions on what might be best...and glasses are pretty expensive...so I guess I'll go with what the eye doc recommends to start with.  I may just take the prescription and order glasses online like I have done in the past ( MUCH cheaper ) until I find something that works for me ( BTW - I have had good luck with "eyebuydirect" but that was a few years ago ).

Quick update.  I'm done with the eye doc.  Since I hadn't been there since 2016 ( yikes I know...time flies ), they found a slight pressure difference in one of my eyes.  Because of that, they had me go through more intensive eye tests to use as a baseline.  Thankfully, everything checked out ok!  Interestingly, my nearsightedness barely changed...but yeah, I definitely need glasses for reading and such.

I went ahead and ordered "premium" progressive lenses with some Oakley frames.  Since I still wear my generic frames from "eyebuydirect", I went ahead and ordered from them again since they now offer premium frames, and they gave me a substantial discount.  They also have a neat "try on" feature that uses the live camera from your device.

One question....has anyone done "transitions" lenses that change from clear to dark?  I'm thinking of ordering a pair of "Transition Xtractive" to use as sunglasses.  Looking at a few reviews, they seem to be FAR better than the last time I looked at transitions lenses.

https://www.transitions.com/en-us/products/transitions-xtractive/

I've been wearing transition lenses for many years, and I like them.  I wear my glasses all the time (progressives), and there is no way I want to swap back and forth with sunglasses.

I'm not quite ready to make the transition...to transitions yet, so I just ordered some regular progressives as indicated above.

However, I think I am going to go with a pair of "Transition Xtractives" for sunglasses.  That will give me the option of wearing them indoors as well if I don't want to bring my regular glasses.

[La Bibliotecaria Feroz]

Yeah FIL looks like an FBI agent on family event photos.

I actually have a separate pair of glasses that I wear only for outdoor photos! I got them for my wedding photos in 2018. I had already learned that I don't like how I look if I just take them off.

Do transitions change when you're driving in the car? I'd read they don't.

No.  They need UV light to hit them to darken, and car windows block enough UV light to stop them from triggering.  They also kinda suck in cold weather . . . they get much darker and take forever to clear when chilly.

I've been looking into "Transition Xtractive" and they do darken in the car much better than previous versions ( not perfect though ).   HOWEVER, they take longer to change back to clear when indoors.  This is why I'm looking into "Transition Xtractive" for sunglasses...so I also have the option of using them indoors as well when I don't want to bring my regular glasses. 

I just don't wear sunglasses in the car anymore and it is almost never a problem. YMMV of course but I long since got used to it.