Glasses: Single Vision

[Robert Scott]

I agree with Bill that having different glasses for different applications
is the way to go.  For me it is easy because I have no asstigmatism and
am only mildly far-sighted, so I can use the cheap off-the-shelf drug-store
reading glasses for various special purposes.  My main problem is the usual
age-related loss of focusing power.  I use a +1.50 diopter for
computer work (and piano playing), +2.50 for close-up work (soldering, etc),
and perscription bifocals for general use.  My dad is 80 and just got on
the net.  He was getting a sore neck using his bi-focals for computer work
until I got him some perscription single-vision glasses.  Now his entire 
field of view is in focus (as long as it is 19 inches from his eyes!).

I would rather take the time to change to just the right glasses than
suffer the compromises that come with progressives.  But if you must
wear bifocals, you might want to ask the opticians to place the dividing
line as high as you will tolerate.  That way your close-up field of view
is large and close-up work is easier.  I had my bifocals set up so the
dividing line just meets the top the dash in the small plane that I fly.
That way the instruments are in focus.  At first the smallish distance
portion took some getting use to, but now it seems normal.  If you
spend most of your time looking close then shouldn't the close-up
portion of your bifocals be as large as practical?



-Robert Scott
 Ypsilanti, Michigan