Progressive lenses

[Crankin]

Wow, my vision (the distance stuff) is a 2.75 for my left contact and 3.5 for my right. The distance vision is actually better in my left eye. My prescription has gone down a lot in the last 2-3 years as it used to be 4.5 and 3.75, then I switched doctors and the new one gradually reduced it, and I can see a lot better now. I have had so many eye doctors in the 21 years I've lived here, I can't keep track. My reading prescription got worse at the same time the distance got better, but now, that has stabilized. I have absolutely no problem with the regular Accuvue contacts. I wear them from the minute I get up to the minute I get into bed.
I am not really sure if the astigmatism has anything to do with my horrible depth perception, it's really just a thought in my head, in the hope that if it gets fixed, my riding skills might improve. When I try to explain how things look/feel to me, to my DH, it's really hard for him to understand.

[OakLeaf]

I wonder if a neuropsych workup might give you some clues and as jess suggested, some exercises? It seems like you've had to make a lot of accommodations through your life. (I'm curious ... how is your balance with your eyes closed? Not that it's necessarily better, that's a whole 'nother set of issues that I've been working on myself in PT, but it might help isolate your visuoperceptual issues from balance issues related to tendon and muscle sense organs and strength.)




Also FWIW, I wore Accuvue successfully for years until they came out with their latest "new improved" version. As soon as my optometrist put the trial lens in my eye it felt like it was inside out - the edge was very perceptible. There's got to be some kind of record for the shortest time anyone's ever worn a trial lens! He said a lot of people have issues with the new coating. I'm wearing Cooper Avaira now.

[Tokie]

This has gotten very technical, so my reply is a bit out of context....but Crankin, I am very petite too, and used to only wear children's frames - usu a bit clunkier than adult styles. My optometrist carries small frames, the last 2 pair I have purchased are from "Bevel" brand - pricey, but well made,fashionable, and well-proportioned for petite faces. Frameless models- any brand- are good for any size face. And when your prescription changes, they can make new lenses in any shape/size that you prefer! Tokie

[Crankin]

Oy, Oakleaf, I would be embarrassed as he** to go for a neuropsych eval, as it would make me look like an overachiever . And, since I know most of them around here, I know they are not too proficient in evaluating these issues, but more in the areas of learning and ADHD. I almost wonder if there's any PTs who work with this stuff and maybe an eye doctor who knows a lot about depth perception. I am not sure about my balance with my eyes closed, maybe I should test it.
And yea, those new Accuvues suck. I also put one in for about 5 minutes and said "no." I am wearing the older version. Again, the doc thought I was nuts, that I could feel a difference. The thing is, that the balance and probably the depth perception issues run in both sides of my family. My dad is super uncoordinated and my mom's sister makes me look like an Olympian. My mom, however, was extremely athletic and coordinated, which is where I probably get the endurance genes from. Too bad I didn't get the rest.
I am somewhat leery of "eye exercises" to cure anything. I just remember lots of ODs trying to cash in on visual training to cure everything from reading disabilities to bad behavior in adolescents.
You are right, I have many compensatory strategies, mostly consisting of knowing what I am good at and sticking to that. But the thing is, I am somewhat of a risk taker as I get older, and now I'd like to be able to do more.
ETA: Tokie, yes the last place I got glasses at had "tween" sized glasses and they were perfect for me. I will keep the Bevel brand in mind.

[BikeDutchess]

Just like some of you, I wear contacts for distance but need readers for close-up. So I've been having more trouble reading my Garmin when riding, and I imagine trying to find/dig out goatheads and such from my tires would be a challenge too. I just found & ordered sunglasses with built-in magnification from this place: http://www.dualeyewear.com/ Sort of like bifocals, but without any correction in the main viewing area. They aren't terribly expensive at $50 a pair.

I just received my order today and like the way they look! I can read my watch, my phone, etc., with these on! I only wish they had adjustable nose pads so they wouldn't rest on my cheeks. Haven't had a chance yet to try them out riding, so will report back in a few weeks!

[bmccasland]

Just like some of you, I wear contacts for distance but need readers for close-up. So I've been having more trouble reading my Garmin when riding, and I imagine trying to find/dig out goatheads and such from my tires would be a challenge too. I just found & ordered sunglasses with built-in magnification from this place: http://www.dualeyewear.com/ Sort of like bifocals, but without any correction in the main viewing area. They aren't terribly expensive at $50 a pair.

I just received my order today and like the way they look! I can read my watch, my phone, etc., with these on! I only wish they had adjustable nose pads so they wouldn't rest on my cheeks. Haven't had a chance yet to try them out riding, so will report back in a few weeks!

OOOOoooo, now there's a thought! I have interchangable lenses for my riding glasses. Hopefully I could find a reader lens to fit whatever brand it is that I have. I have the same trouble seeing, and have been stuffing a pair of readers in my jersey pocket (in their little case). Thanks BikeDutchess!

[GLC1968]

I'm considering a similar pair from Amazon (only $25) to see if they'll work for me, too.
http://www.amazon.com/Wrap-Around-Sp...=3CGOJE4OIQNBH

I just got progressives a week ago and I can't get used to them. They make me sick to my stomach when I wear them! I'm trying my best, but it's really difficult. BUT, I can't see my phone, the dashboard of my car or things I'm chopping in the kitchen (or the recipes) without readers but readers are often unrealistic in those situations.

Now my old readers are my computer glasses (as my eyes got worse, the Rx for the readers moved to the computer screen distance really nicely!) and I'm switching back and forth between the two types of glasses as I go through my day at work.

I miss my youth!