Best Solution(s) For Creatives’ Aging Eyes? (I’d Love Your Input!!)
I know this isn’t my usual type of post, but I’d really love any input from those of you who have been through this, have had to deal with your aging eyes, and have found a solution that works really well for you. I’d especially love to hear from those of you who are creative types who are continually working on projects, whether it’s sewing, painting, building, or anything else like that.
The bottom line is that ever since I turned 40 (ummm…that was six years ago!), I’ve noticed my near vision changing. For a long time, it was just a bit annoying, but now it’s to the point that something really needs to be done because it’s affecting literally every single project I work on these days. In order to clearly see any project I work on that’s relatively close to my face (i.e., the distance between my eyes and the top of my new work table), I have to put my glasses as far down my nose as possible like this…
…which is totally impractical because half the time, I’m working outside using my saws, and my glasses just slip right off of my sweaty nose. If I need to read something, like instructions on the side of a can of rubber cement, then I have to take my glasses off completely and hold the item about 8 inches from my face to read the fine print.
So clearly, it’s time to do something about this so that I can get back to actually seeing clearly and working more efficiently.
Anyway, it’s been an embarrassingly long time since I’ve had my prescription updated and gotten new glasses anyway, so I have an appointment with the eye doctor tomorrow afternoon. But when I made the appointment, the lady asked me, “Is this for glasses or contacts?” Ummm…I have no idea! I’ve been doing some reading on the different options, and I just have no idea which one works the best for creatives who obviously need clear distance vision but who spend a great deal of time each day also needing very sharp near and intermediate vision.
Contacts with reading glasses?
This option seemed like the natural go-to option just because I see people using reading glasses all the time. And I wore contacts from the time I was eight years old until about seven years ago, so while I might have to get used to them again, wearing contacts is nothing new for me.
But does this option really work for creatives? I’d be constantly having to put the glasses on, pull them off, put them on, pull them off, throughout the entire day. And always having a pair of reading glasses around my neck like a permanent necklace doesn’t seem appealing to me.
Monovision contacts?
This is where you have a contact lens in one eye (generally your dominant eye) for far vision, and a different prescription in the other eye for near vision. It sounds strange, and I probably wound’t even consider it, except that I know two people (my aunt and my brother) who both love this option. My brother currently wears glasses, but he says that he’s going back to monovision contacts as soon as possible because he liked it so much.
But my brother isn’t a creative. He’s a computer guy, and spends his days in front of a computer screen. So he’s not sewing, threading needles, creating artwork, needing to see the tiny measurements on tape measures, etc.
Plus, the idea of not having the combined power of both eyes for both far vision and near vision when I need it seems strange to me, but when I expressed my concern to Matt, he said, “Well, the brain is a powerful thing. There would be an adjustment period, but your brain would get used to it after a while.”
That’s true, but I’m still not sure if this is even a viable option. Is it more suited for people who do desk jobs at computers all day long, or would it work for creatives also?
Bifocal/multifocal contact lenses?
This option interests me because I could finally get rid of glasses altogether (except for the pair I have on hand for early morning and late night use before and after I put my contacts in). When I’m working outside and getting sweaty, there’s nothing more frustrating than my glasses slipping down my nose.
And, I’m ashamed to say, I never wear a proper pair of safety glasses when working with my saws and other tools because it’s just not practical when I already wear glasses. I’d either have to wear safety glasses over my current glasses (tried that and it’s awful), or continually switch out my glasses for prescription safety glasses (wouldn’t work because I’d misplace them and spend my days looking for glasses), or just wear prescription safety glasses all day long when working on wood working projects (which is not going to happen…ever).
So it would be nice to actually be able to wear a proper pair of safety glasses to fully protect my eyes when needed. But I don’t think I’ve ever known anyone who tried bifocal or multifocal contact lenses and loved them.
Bifocal/multifocal/progressive glasses?
I believe my brother currently wears no-line bifocals, and as I mentioned above, he’s planning to go back to monovision contacts. I constantly see him removing his glasses and holding things up close to his face to read fine print, so clearly his current glasses aren’t cutting it for him.
My mom wears progressive glasses, and seems to really like them. She spends quite a bit of time on the computer working on photos in Photoshop, so while she’s incredibly creative, her time is spent on very different creative endeavors than mine.
My one main concern about bifocal/multifocal/progressive lenses is that while it would help me with near vision while working at my saws or at my work table, I’ve noticed that there are many times when I’m needing sharp near vision to see things above my head — measuring for, installing, and painting crown molding; measuring for and installing curtain rods; installing light fixtures; etc. I don’t know how that would work with bifocal or multifocal glasses.
Are there any options that I’ve left out? Those are the ones that I’ve come across as I’ve searched for any options available to me, but I’m sure I could have overlooked something.
What works for you creative types?
I know that each person is different, and what works for one person may not work at all for another. But I’m starting from square one with this, and my appointment is tomorrow afternoon. And while I’m sure my eye doctor will have some input on the various options, he spends his days eye doctoring and not doing creative-type projects, so he won’t have any firsthand knowledge of what would work best for a person like me.
So I’d love to hear from those of you who actually do spend your days in creative endeavors, especially if you sew (and have to thread needles), build (and have to see the small marks on your measuring tape as your measuring pieces of lumber), install molding (including crown molding above your head), create artwork, etc.
And if you’ve tried more than one option and found one to be better than the other, I’d love to hear why one worked and the other didn’t.
Help a girl out, please! 🙂
Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
I went with progressive lens eyeglasses. I used to have gas permeable contact lenses and was always putting reading glasses on and off and on. Much easier to remove my glasses if necessary and then put them back on. Friends that have multifocal contact lenses tell me that things get blurry for them at night.
I wear contacts with reading glasses.
I work at an eye doctor office and we get a lot of patients that wear the multifocal contacts! You could always talk to the dr about it to see if he thinks they would work for you and your rx. They should have a trial pair for you to try at their office before you actually buy them.
Kristi, you won’t like this answer but concessions must be made as we age.
That might include reading glasses
( with many pairs scattered about because they’re so cheap) or making your peace with Rx safety glasses and a dedicated hook for them. Maybe a second pair as well. As noted in your post there are many combos to consider and you might need to try more than one to see which you can live with. All are a hassle in some way. Also, please take care of your aging eyes with regular checkups. My Dad was nearly blind from macular degeneration and that’s a problem no one wants, creative or not!
Good luck 👀
At 48 I had lasik surgery and that worked great until mid fifties, then I added readers. Now at 68 readers are a perm, low on the nose, part of my crafting, etc. I’ve had to change to a higher strength and still have trouble with tiny print. So,I guess I’m in the boat with you (eyes not age LOL) Let me know what you decide! 😊😊🤓
Kristi,
I don’t know if you’ll ever see this, but my husbands biggest complaint has been looking up through the distance part of his glasses (like you would for crown moulding) and feel like he should turn his glasses upside down so he could look through the bifocals 🙂 of course they wouldn’t be for the right eye. We were just at the eye doc sat and the new multi focals with the help for people with astigmatism they were so excited about. I agree with some one else that said you HAVE to spell it out gor them very clearly what you do. When I worked in tbe pharmacy I had a pair to see to the top of the book shelf and read I couldnt see accross the room clearly but they were perfect for the pharmacy. I’ll bet the new multifocals with good quality clear safety glasses with breathing slits would be worth the investment. My husband uses them in the plant dressed in plastic a sweaty mess he says , but you have to save your eyes. Love love love your blog!! You’re amazing!
Have you considered eye laser treatment?
I’ve heard too many horror stories about this option!!
Totally disagree. Lasik was best money I have ever spent on myself! Would do it again in a heartbeat. I did it about 50 ish… and am now in my 60s and love it.
This not nearly as popular today because of the side effects. Daughter had it done in her early 30s. She’s now 53 and is basically blind in one eye and needs a corneal implant. The other eye was saved thru what’s called a crosslink procedure. Doc cannot tell how thick/thin your cornea is. If thin, then the procedure causes the cornea to act like the surface of a waterbed and you can’t see thru all that wobbliness.
I got home from the eye doctor 30 ago, and saw your post! I used to wear contacts and use readers when I worked in the public eye more, but over time found it easier to wear progressives and have work glasses that fit over my frames, especially now that I work from home. And contacts don’t play well with work dust. I agree with CATHYR, make time to take care of your eyes with regular checkups, so worth it to catch and prevent bigger eye health concerns. Good luck!
I have tried it all. Contacts all my life to one for close up to one for far away. Progressive eyeglasses. One contact for far away and nothing on th other eye for close up. The brain is amazing! It uses whatever. Then at 42 I laid lazer surgery. Best thing I ever did!! I’m 70 now and use reading glasses at night. I only had to start doing this six months ago. It was like a miracle to see without contacts or glasses.
I’m a creative who also uses the computer a lot. I NEED that center lens to see my computer, the top lens for driving and distance, and the bottom lens for reading or closer work. I used to love my multifocal contact lenses but eventually my near and far sight got too far apart to be able to use them anymore. I could cry, what freedom they gave me. I now wear trifocals. The lines don’t bother me at all, after getting used to them that is. Still for really tiny stuff I have to wear a pair of otc glasses over my trifocals to see small stitches and any detailed painting. I have noticed the trifocals or progressives work well for the vast majority of things I do except for somehow painting walls. There are angles where I am not looking through the correct lens and its annoying but I just do the best I can. Outdoors where its really hot in AZ I put one of those string glasses holders on to weed etc to keep them on. I also find that I am looking through the wrong lens when weeding bent over. Sadly there is no perfect solution. I hope you get something you can live with. Getting older really is a pain when trying to do lots of large and small projects. Another thing, if you get trifocals or progressives do not choose the smallest lens glasses, you need the extra space for the 3 distances and will like it better if you choose a medium sized lens.
I did exactly the same thing. I loved my lined glasses. The middle part was great for computer work and the bottom was for reading and close up. Top for distance. I had no problem adjusting to lined glasses. The progressives were a huge problem, things were literally jumping out in front of me. NOT good when driving. You are right when you said get larger frames, which are in style now. They give you more reading space.
My first pair of Progressives were great., no problems. My second pair, two years later had that same problem you had of things jumping up at me, and no perspective. I couldn’t tell a crack in the sidewalk from the curb. Just awful. Luckily I knew that since my first pair were great, that something was wrong with those glasses and the optician had that second pair remade with a better and different grade lens. The new glasses were perfect!
My husband wears one contact, for reading and up close work in one eye and in the other one for distance and has success with both. My mother tried it and it made her so dizzy she could not push through enough time for her eyes to adjust.
I, too, have been in glasses/contacts since I was 8 years old. I’m now 71 and am have been in “monovision” contacts for close to 30 years. I ALSO have progressive lens glasses for when I’m not wearing my contacts, which is minimal. I would strongly urge you to try Monovision contacts as I believe it’s the “overall” best option outside of “laser” surgery, if affordable. And, you can do “monovision” with laser surgery. Unfortunately, from our late 40’s on, our vision is forever changing until “cataract” surgery time and, then, we still have to make the decision of monovision vs. glasses!! And, it is a pain when doing distance and up close work. It WILL take some adjustment until your brain kicks in, but in my opinion, this is the absolute best win-win scenario. You’re not constantly trying to tilt your head just the right way, as you must with glasses. Monovision is the “best” overall solution to achieve as close as you can get “normal” eyesight!! BTW I was just about your age when I started monovision. You just can’t “give up”….it will “kick” in one day and you will be so grateful!! Good luck!!
Susan, your eyes sound a lot like mine. I have worn monovision contacts for around 30 years, also! Kristi, you should be able to get a trial pair from your Doctor to sample them. In my case, there was zero adjustment time. They work great. My uncorrected vision is fairly bad, and at just about the threshold of what is considered for this type of lenses. Love them- give them a try!
I agree with everything Marion wrote! I am 65 now. At about age 50, I started with mono-vision contacts but found I got sawdust and dirt in my eyes and they were not so good for working outdoors in the wind. I’ve transitioned to trifocals and feel they work reasonably well for me. Only problem I experience is if I am working on a project near the ground, I cannot quite seem to get the middle of my glasses in focus without using a low stool so I can get my face at the right level. I haven’t resorted to laying on the ground (belly down) yet but it might come to that! Right now as a hobby I am rebuilding an older house!
I loved my monovision contacts from age 49-54 then my depth perception dramatically became a problem, especially driving. I’m three months with progressives and am very happy. Except for the price of the glasses. 😂
I do a lot of sewing, wood working and “general” crafting. I was struggling with glasses on off and often sweatily slipping down my nose. I went with contacts and different Rx for each eye and LOVE the results. The brain does adjust and depending on what you’re doing and I had about 2 weeks where I was getting headaches when I first started wearing them ( nothing severe just required ibuprofen). I wish I would have done it sooner.
Talk to your eye doctor! He’s absolutely the best for your particular situation. And think about this: he’s using his eyes to check yours. No one knows better than him how you need good vision for close up work.
And use your safety glasses by all means. Your glasses are not the same thing. Painting and sawing and all the work we do. I’m 72 female working at these things since I was a little girl.
I think no one has subjected their eyes to as much as those like us. We’ve got to protect our eyesight so we can keep doing.. wishing you well at all you do!
Take good care of your eyes.
I totally agree with Linda. Everybody’s eyes are different. Tell your eye doctor EVERYTHING you do, and let him help you decide the best route for you. Good luck with everything!
The best advice here from Deb and Linda. If your doctor (ophthalmologist!!!!) knows what you do and what materials you are working with you will get the best recommendation from the professional. The question has been asked countless times to the doctor.
Dust is the greatest annoyance/danger with contacts unless you wear safety glasses without fail.
I wore every kind of contact lenses for myopia known to humankind. Ten years ago, I had cataracts removed. They were “ripe” and ready. I had two options: get the usual implants and be sentenced to wearing reading glasses forever. Or, choose and pay for multi-focal implants. (Medicare did not cover them) .
Since my life and work was reading (Document handwriting examiner) I had to be able to see well close. I also sew a lot. I chose the multi-focal. There is not a day I don’t thank God for my good vision. I had the best-rated surgeon in Seattle and he got that implant positioned like a bullseye.
I don’t have to wear glasses for near or far vision. One eye is 20/20 and the other is 20/40. I live in Ecuador and I don’t have a car or need one. If I still drove, I would have a lens put into frames to augment my weaker eye to 20/20.
Sometimes I wear readers when working at the computer. That distance needs to be sharper if I work a long time. I can do without but it eases my eyes if I type for long.
Of course, my experience does not apply to your situation.
I’ve worn progressive bifocals since I was 19 (i’m 42 now) and think they’re fab. I will say that there is a VAST difference between the pricey GOOD progressives…and the cheap Wal-Mart progressives. This is not the place to bargain hunt, IMO. Nothing’s easier than sliding on a pair of glasses in the morning. You will need to clean them quite a bit when working with wood. But, the Buff Quick Cloths on Amazon are the best ever for cleaning glasses. One swipe and the lenses sparkle!
Was just going to say have you thought about laser eye surgery. My brother had his done years ago, huge difference for him!
I had laser surgery on my eyes and opted for monovision in 2008. Eleven years later my distance vision is still great but the last couple of years I have had to wear reading glasses. I was hoping to get an enhancement but was denied because I have the beginning of cataracts (I am 67 years old). I would love to get the enhancement and have never regretted the surgery.
I teach woodshop. I used to wear glasses, but had a difficult time finding safety glasses that fit well over them without being too big for my face and leaving gaps in the coverage (and my frames were super flexible titanium, extra flexible hinges, and polycarbonate lenses so that if I did take a hit from something, my glasses wouldn’t shatter into my eyes). Then I wore contacts, which was lovely for freedom and fit of regular safety glasses, but I occasionally ended up with tiny bits of sawdust in my eyes behind the contacts which was incredibly painful. Then I had laser eye surgery and it was life changing. It might be worth looking into whether you are a candidate.
I have mono focal contacts, well actually, just one contact. To my naked eyeballs, I can see up close without any aid except if it is really dark or the writing is incredibly small. However, I need help for seeing distance. So, I have one contact for distance vision, and the other eye is “ naked” since I can see up close fine with it. This very unusual system works great for me. I don’t sew and am not creative, but do read a lot and do lots of crosswords and other close up paperwork. I used to have distance contacts in both eyes, but since my eyes were adjusted for distance viewing via the contacts, they couldn’t focus through the contacts on anything close up. So, I needed reading glasses, too. The constant putting on and taking off drove me crazy.
I would suggest you give monovision contacts a try for a month or so (with disposable contacts) and see if it works for you. If not, you can try the glasses which are more expensive. And yes, our wonderful brains adjust rather quickly to the different sight ability in each eye.
Alternatively, you can ask about laser surgery, but I’m not sure how/if that works for people who need both distance and reading help. Good luck.
I have had mono vision contacts and loved them so much that I had Lasik eyes done with mono vision. Then when I needed surgery for cataracts I had it done in mono vision. No need for glasses which I love! I sew, paint, make cards and have no problems.
Hmmm, am I right in assuming that the reason you pull your glasses down like this is to read WITHOUT (above) them, not through them? In that case, maybe it would be better to pull them upwards over your hair, to avoid having them slip.
I’ve been having issues due to age 😛 and trying to get used to glasses, but I don’t have any other issues with my eyes, so I don’t know how it plays out when the various issues merge. But I think that one cancels the other a bit (well, myopia at least). So maybe if you get new glasses you will find them less annoying. While I can’t tell you anything about dealing with a combination of eyesight issues, I can point out a few things about protection to consider (from lab safety). Contacts can be an issue if you deal with volatile substances, because if anything dissolves in your eyes’ watery layer, it can become trapped between the lens and the eye. That’s probably less severe in your case where you are guaranteed to be in your own house with the ability to wash, remove them and treat your eyes properly if this happens, but still. Glasses on the other hand should be secured, and they are considered to offer a little bit of protection, particularly if they have plastic lenses that would be scratched rather than break.
Also, there are ties for people doing sports, or maybe something like this can help (or a strap): https://www.walmart.com/ip/Holiday-Clearance-2-pairs-Anti-Slip-Tip-Ear-Grip-Silicone-Hook-Glasses-Spectacle-Holder-Sports/575294648
If I’m trying to see something at tabletop level, like a project in my work table, I actually pull my glasses down to the tip of my nose and look through the glasses. I can see very clearly like that, except for fine print. For fine print, I have to take the glasses off (or put them on top of my head) and hold the item very close to my face to see the fine print. 😃 So maybe that’s an indication that I need multi focal lenses and not just bifocal. Hmmm.
Krist, I cried when I first got my progressives…..only because I went from bifocals and it was awful adjusting. I asked everyone that had them about the adjustment period. I waited it out. I can’t imagine ever not having them now. The amount of different focal points is endless. I’m a fine detail artist, play piano, computer use and craft. If you do decide to go the progressive way, don’t be discouraged…..hang in there. Costco has the better lenses. Now with my input, I’ve been reading comments about the monovision contacts…..I’m going to do some research on them, I hate wearing glasses 🤓 . I do love them for constant eye protection. You’ve got a tough decision.
I love my monovision contacts! Be sure you figure out your dominant eye. When I first tried them, the doctor had it wrong and I hated it. I tried it again a couple years later and I love it!
I was a contact wearer for years, but now I love my progressive eyeglasses. I can see see everyday stuff, and then they work for all my creative projects like sewing, ceramics, painting. When I’m doing just fine detail work like carving in ceramics, then I put on a pair of prescription readers to get even better clarity and detail. Laser correction is too expensive, and my eyes have been changing slightly for the past few years after being steady the previous 10. I want the depth perception of having both eyes working together instead of the contact lens solution of one distance corrected and one near corrected. Good luck! Any way you go it is expensive to properly get it solved.
I have worn progressive lenses since I was forty and I love them. Also, maybe prescription safety glasses?
I use contacts with reading glasses. It really will depend on your exact prescription. My doc asked how much I needed the distance compared to the up close and helped me get a great Rx.
I tried monovision contacts and just couldn’t get used to them. I have multifocal contacts and have for several years and I’m just not crazy about them (my husband however loves his). My dr says I have an astigmatism so that’s my problem. They have new ones for that and he’s ordered me a trial pair. I sure hope I like them because I hate not being able to see well. I still need reading glasses for sewing, etc. I’ve been told they can’t get both visions (near and far) perfect so that’s the problem. Which makes no sense to me, but that’s what they say. I’ve thought about going back to contact just for distance and reading glasses, but can’t make myself bite the bullet and have to keep up with reading glasses. Ugh getting older is no fun – I’m 56
I love my monovision contact! It did take about 6 weeks to fully adjust, but now I wear the one contact daily with no issues. If, for some reason, the contact is bothering me (allergies or just tired eyes) I use progressive bifocals, but I prefer the contact.
Not being able to see well can drive a person crazy. My brother had lasik for nearsightedness and wears readers on a “La loop” necklace, seems to work well for him. I used to wear two different contacts one for for nearsightedness and the other for seeing up close, but like another reader, I aged out of that option. I now wear progressives and love them, never take them off. It does make a huge difference to go to an optometrist who knows what they’re doing, rather than taking the prescription to a discount lens maker (which I used to do, but the zones never were in the right place on the lens).
I have both. I have mono vision contacts and I have progressive no line bifocal glasses. I am far sighted. I use the glasses mostly.
My problem is putting in the contacts properly. Wish I had gotten hard contacts instead of soft. That’s what I would change next time. Also it is true at night wearing monovision contacts create blurs. Especially lighting.
Downfall for glasses is the weight on my nose after awhile. So for me the glasses are easier.
I’ve had soft contact lenses, hard contact lenses, and progressive eyeglasses. But nothing compares to having laser surgery and not have to deal with looking for eyeglasses or dealing with putting in and taking out contact lenses. My eye doctor said that my eyes wouldn’t change once I had the surgery. It’s only been a year, but so far, so good! (And it was quick and painless!)
Bonnie, every friend I have who has had laser eye surgery has had changes as they age. You didn’t state your age or how long ago your surgery was but I’d be willing to bet your eyes will change in some fashion
Yes I agree cathyr, my SIL had lasik done, was great for about 20-25 years. As she got closer to her 60’s her vision started changing and she had to go back to glasses.
Sounds like you have the same type of vision as my husband. If he had laser surgery, he’d have to have a lens replacement (approximately $12000), but it would fix the problem for the rest of your life. He currently wears progressive glasses and has pairs laying all over the house. I was near-sighted with astigmatism in both eyes and had LASIK a couple years ago at ago 45, and I wish I would’ve done it sooner. Super easy and painless. The lens replacement sounds gross, but you won’t feel a thing. 😁
No, I’ve had glasses all my life, about 55 yrs; got them when I was 10. I tried contacts in high school but my allergies were too severe. My point about LASIK and other eye surgery is most patients think it’s 100%effective and 100%forever. I’m a retired surgical RN and worked with docs who did this surgery. They all had a hard time telling patients that as you age your eyes change, both in shape, dryness, vision etc. no matter what.
Progressive lenses are great. I’m a woodworker who also does sewing, painting, and crafting. I haven’t done much above my head since getting progressives though.
I have mono vision which works well for me until my eyes change before I get to the doctor. Overall it works and when it doesn’t I just add reading glasses for the boost or go any correction without for up close work. I HATE wearing my bifocals, especially for up close work or driving.
Your eye MD should be able to give you all the info re: the available choices. Sometimes it is a bit of a trial to find the one thing that will work for you. I can say if you are near-sighted, this will change as you get older to the point of having much better sight seeing far away, but difficulties seeing close…essentially you become far-sighted. The joy of growing older!
What you are going through is a really annoying period. My own situation was acute nearsightedness as a kid and into my 40s. Then astigmatisms kept getting worse. Then I was diagnosed with something called corneal dystrophy which means really dry eyes. So I was never a candidate for contacts. I wore no-line progressive trifocals for years,(as did my father, so the condition is probably inherited). At any rate, when I had cataract surgeries 6 years ago, they did another laser procedure at the same time to correct the astigmatisms. I could see MOLECULES my vision was so sharp — for about a year. Now I use readers which have gotten progressively stronger, and they are fine for reading and the computer. I have prescription distance supposedly for driving, but I see better without them! The only thing I would caution against when using saws, etc., is to check the actual distance of your fingers from the saw blades! Things appear closer than they are with readers! Sad to say, surgery or that pesky chain where you can quickly switch them on and off might be the most practical solution. FYI I did find the trifocals kept my neck sore because I got used to positioning my head in a certain way depending on what I was doing at the time. Now I have readers as well as magnifying glasses all over the house. I also use OTT lights for sewing and applying makeup or getting out splinters. As we age we need more light, too, alas!
What works for me is two separate prescriptions. One for near work which is good for up to about 12 feet away, and the other for distance which I keep in my car for driving. I tried the no line bifocals and spent way too much time getting adjusted at the chiropractor’s because of constantly having to tilt my head a certain way to do close work – there was no error in the prescription. I do a lot of computer work, but also a lot of sewing, crafting, larger DIY projects, etc.
I had 20/15 vision all my life, until the dreaded 40-something birthdays started. Having never worn glasses I started with $10 drugstore readers and graduated to “real” glasses, bifocals and quickly trifocals. Having no experience, I thought the large optical shops at the local mall was a good choice. They talked me into their (oh-my-gosh-super) expensive 100% guaranteed Progressive trifocals. They were awful……so awful I quickly return them.
Fast forward to a chance meeting with an out of town optician. He assured me he could make a pair of Progressive lenses which I could again see as if I wasn’t wearing glasses. They were amazing. Since then I’ve found a local optician who makes mine and my husband’s progressive glasses. I wear my glasses from the minute I wake up until I go to bed. I’m a gardener, outside most of each day – out in the hot Texas sun. I love my Progressive lenses and better yet, my local optician and his 30 years of experience.
One note about Lasik surgery (if that is what you’re considering). My husband had worn glasses all his life, had the surgery and within 10 years had cataracts forming (he was is his early 50’s). Cataract surgeon told him Lasik surgery can lead to early forming cataracts. something the Lasik surgeon failed to mention.
Best take-away from my experience is find a local optician with years of experience in successfully making glasses. For me, the cost was similar, but the quality of the product was vastly different.
I STRONGLY recommend asking your optometrist for his/her suggestions. Just because they’re a doctor doesn’t exclude them from knowing about the best options for detail work! If their answer is not satisfactory, DO NOT hesitate to ask at a different clinic!! Honestly, if you were to walk in and ask, prescription in hand, for their opinion on what would work for you, only a terrible place would refuse an answer.
I have an excellent eye clinic, and I would take their suggestions, because they clearly explain their processes and have never tried to up sell me on treatments. Hopefully you can find the same.
As a former English and drama teacher, I had oodles of essays to check through the 32 years, as well as creating items for the plays. I wore contacts and had the readers, too. I had tried the weighted contacts, nope! I tried the monovision contacts, nope! I had Lasik surgery after developing cataracts……joy of waking up in the morning and seeing perfectly, until I had to read or work on projects! Soooo, I went to my ophthalmologist to see what was best for my 68 year-old eyes.
My very active granddaughter wears glasses and her ophthalmologist suggested glasses that have everything-blue-blocking, corrective lens, that transition as well.
BOTTOM LINE: Go to a trusted, highly recommended ophthalmologist in your area, see what he has to say. He is the expert who is required to keep up with research, so he could best advise you! You only get one set of eyes, so make sure you find a professional to help you with your individual case.
Good luck!
Kristi, I hear your pain. Once I got into my late 50’s – 60’s, my once great close-up vision declined, and my corrected distance vision improved so I barely needed glasses anymore.
My doctor at the time told me this is totally normal as you age. (anther annoying thing about ageing!) I wish I could tell you what works, but I now have a pair of glasses for computer work, a pair for driving since things seemed a bit blurry to me, and pairs of reading glasses (including so called cheaters) ALL over the house! It is a daily job to find glasses when I need them – they wind up everywhere but where I am, and I can’t see anything close up without them. Of course I can’t wear them all the time. I wish I had the miracle answer, but having tried progressives – they made me SO nauseous – I have no solutions. I will be watching your posts (I always do, and look forward to them) with great interest to see if you and your professional have a viable solution. I HATE this issue myself! I hope there IS something that would work!
This is a vote for multifocal contacts. Been wearing them for 5 years. I don’t even carry readers with me any more.
I hope I never have to back to glasses. I play tennis or jazzercise almost every day and contacts are also the answer for sweat!
Girlfriend tried all the glasses options and finally had the Lasix and said there is nothing compared to it, like having “new eyes.” So would recommend checking it out.
Think this is going to be a try and see what works situation.
Have you seen the readers that magnetically connect at the nose? They have a strap around the neck so they are super easy to take on and off. No losing them😃 my husband uses them. I’m lucky at 52 I can still see close up.
I had mono vision contacts for years and loved them until my distance and closeup script became too far apart to work effectively. Now have trifocal contacts and it is very hard to get the close up right and difficult to keep readjusting myself to be able to see through the right portion of the lense. Not a surgery candidate and live with throwing reading glasses on over them. The sharpness I can get with that combo is worth the hassle to me.
I do many types of hand crafts and work all day on a pc; I love my progressives for both these activities. That said my daddy, who made silver and turquoise jewelry and worked on tractors engines, chose to use multi-focal lenses because he often had to do close work overhead. Lately I have been thinking of getting some of those because of the necessity to see detail overhead.
I have recently looked into corrective surgery and/or contacts, both of these options involve correcting one eye for distance and one for close work or reading.
I am not impressed with what I have read about these options so I have made my peace with bifocal/multi-focal lenses.
Hi Kristi — I have mono vision. One of my eyes is near-sighted and the other far-sighted. For years they just worked perfectly together but then age happened to me to. I can’t use the drug store glasses because of the mono vision. My doctor made me what she called “computer” glasses. They were for work that was a certain distance away. The prescription for them was quite different then my normal prescription. When i had them on people or objects far away from me were blurry and close up were out of focus. But there was a “window” of a few feet that was perfect. Made a huge diffin my ability to use my computer. Maybe something like that would work for you. Or maybe your new prescription will take care of it. Good luck.
Kristi, I am happily mono vision by accident. I have been near sighted since grade school. To be prettier (in my mind only) I spent my first $500 on a pair of soft contact lenses in the late 70s. I have been a successful soft lens wearer ever since. By my late 40s I needed readers in addition to my contacts. I’m sure I bought a new pair every time I walked into a Tuesday Morning. Then one day during a long flight I realized I had been reading a small print novel without readers. That night I found that in my haste to get to the airport, I had left out my right lens. It really works for me, driving, reading, everything! I have not used readers since. My optometrist and my ophthalmologist both approve. So now I only buy left contact lenses and I no longer buy readers. The only glasses hanging from my ears are sun glasses and it makes me so happy!
If you want to try this, I need to add that a bifocal contact lens does not work for me with just my left eye wearing a lens. My vision is not as good.
I have to add that pretty, creative projects are on hold for me now that we’ve moved into a wreck of a farmhouse on 100+ acres but If I were sewing, choosing paint colors, tile, other finishes, I would stay with my one left lens. I feel my vision is the sharpest its been in my later adult life. Both of my parents, in their 70s, have had cataracts removed. They both say it has really restored color perception.
I do a lot of both sewing, hand and machine, and woodwork and I use my progressive lenses for both. If you haven’t had progressives, they do take some getting used to. I’ve not had a lot of problems working overhead because I’ve got neck issues which necessitate my using either a step ladder or fold up work platforms to get me to eye level. When I’m doing something that really needs safety glasses I use the over-spec kind which doesn’t bother me and I put a band on them to keep them from slipping down. My biggest irritation as I age, and I am 14 years older, is that since manufacturers started putting bilingual information on smaller cans, it renders the printing so small that I have to use a magnifier to read it even with glasses on; I do see my optometrist annually and update my scrip as needed.
I also do some beading and jewelry making and I like to use a large, floor model, lighted magnifier for that but haven’t found it necessary for hand sewing.
I feel your pain. I am farsighted with severe astigmatism. My solution is to have three different glasses. An everyday pair which allows me to drive with progressive bifocals which allows me to read the backs of boxes. A reading pair set at 12 inches. And a reading pair set at 26 inches with progressive lens down to 2.5 magnification. This last pair allows my eyes to easily focus from about 4’ to 6” and still see about 1/64th detail. Many headaches and eye strain have been avoided with this last pair! When I am doing projects I don’t need to be able to see 20’ away. I tried lined bifocals but couldn’t adapt. My eyes naturally find the level of help they need within the options the progressive lenses provide. The only glitch is that I need a larger frame than women’s frames so I switched to men’s frames. But bigger frames are coming back in style. 😉
I attempted the 2 contacts – one for distance, one for close work – it distorted my close vision to the point that whatever I was looking at looked “wavy”. I’m prone to motion sickness anyway so that didn’t work for me!
I tried mono vision and bifocal contacts, but finally wound up with blended trifocals. They work except for extreme close ups, then I take them off. Everybody is different and vision for me is fluid it changes regularly for me so I see my ophthalmologist regularly and swear under my breath. BTW, you can get glasses that are safety glasses with your script!
I have done all 3 things you mentioned. I have worn contacts, both monogrammed and multifocal. Your mind adjusts. With both I would end up using readers when I did sewing or crafting. The multifoacal are great but they will bounce in and out of focus. Sometimes that is annoying. I still had to use readers for sewing. I have had laser surgery and she set up my eyes as mono. I have loved it because the majority of time I don’t have wear glasses at all. However I lost the really near sighted vision that I had. When i sew or in certain light i still have to wear readers. I think if they don’t set it up for mono you either can see far or close up. Now i have had to add glasses back when i drive at night. Good luck with your decision.
I agree with everyone who said talk through the options with your doctor and then try them – especially if it’s contact lenses. When I was trying to decide, I went through several trial pairs of monovision and multifocal contacts until I found the exact right fit for me. I also worked with an optometrist who let me return glasses when they didn’t fit my needs. It may take some time but it’s worth it to find the exact right combination for your needs.
I’m 67 and have worn hard (gas permeable) contacts since I was 13. I have an astigmatism in both eyes (thanks parents!) About 20 years ago I started wearing monovision contacts. I had absolutely no trouble adjusting to them! Although I have very dry eyes and sometimes have to take my contacts off in the late afternoon, I love being able to see close up and far away without glasses. I have bifocal progressives that I use for backup but they hurt my nose and ears! I’ve never figured out how to see properly with them and get a sore neck when using a computer.
My BIL had cataract surgery and doesn’t have to wear contacts at all anymore! Seems like the plastic lens they use to replace your own one can be made to a prescription. I’m guessing he has monovision-style lenses in his eyes. I have the beginnings of cataracts the doctor told me and can’t wait to do what he did! No more contacts or readers!
If you wore contacts before, try monovision contacts first and see how they work. You’ll probably adjust very quickly to them. It’s all about attitude! If you want something to work bad enough, it will!
Talk with the doctor about what it is you do & what the issue is. I’m sure he/she will have some ideas. Also, they may give you just a few pairs of contacts for a “trial” – to see if you’ll like them/they work for you. The more you can tell them about your vision & issues you’re having, the more they can help you see your best!
I’m interested in other’s solutions too- I haven’t found one yet either. But I have to say you look beautiful! Your keto diet seems to be transforming your skin tones and your eyes look so bright! I pray you find a workable solution to your vision challenges.
I had lasik. I was almost legally blind. I researched tons of doctors and finally settled for the Wirght Eye Center in Colorado Springs because Dr. Wright is one of the pioneers of this procedure. He does not cut into the lens. He uses a laser beam. Just want to note that you look gorgeous. Your skin is luminous.
I am very much a creative. I do a lot of DIY and professionally I own a business making bespoke cakes. No line bifocals changed my life. I wore contacts for years but found that they were no longer a good fit for my life and job (so much tiny detail work!). I fought getting those bifocals but, man, am I glad I did. I ‘m 41 and I’ve been wearing corrective lenses since I was 8. I will tell you that there is a learning curve with bifocals, but I have zero regrets.
I’m badly nearsighted and have always worn glasses, but with getting older I now need reading glasses on top 🙁 My eyes are really difficult (I think my brain doesn’t really want to adjust) and I don’t think that the multifocal glasses I have bring me back to the level at young age when I only had to correct my far vision, so I often have to take them off for reading or sewing (which sadly isn’t working too well either). I don’t know if anybody suggested this to you (too many comments to read through) but what I quite like is my new multifocal glasses which are for anything between 1 1/2 or 2 metres and closer. In German it’s called something like “workplace” or “desk glasses” because that’s what they are supposed to cover: the distant of a desk screen and anything closer. I use them for crafting, too, and they work much better then my far sight multifocals as they have a broader area that is in focus.
I would try the contact solution if I could, but I cannot adjust to them, but they might work for you, too. If not, Isuggest you try one of these working multifocals in addition to what you get for everyday situations…
I fought this problem for years as I am a needlepoint enthusiast…..what finally worked for me is the best of both worlds. I wear one contact lense for distance in one eye and none in the other. The brain balances this perfectly in a few days. I have wonderful far and near vision now!
I’m pretty sure I’m overdue a lens change, as there are so many times I have difficulty seeing. When reading up close, I have to take my glasses off (or likely throw on top of my head like a headband). This has stretched my frames to the point that whenever I bend over, they often fall off my head. Just yesterday I was in the car, about to leave, and wasn’t wearing my glasses because I’d been at my computer and had taken them off. I do need to wear my glasses to drive, and see any detail at a distance.
I have progressive lenses in my glasses, but I never really thought they were effective. I chose large frames, thinking each “zone” would have more room, but I’m going to differ from the group and say I will get smaller frames next time. I couldn’t ever get the angle right to see up close (so I started taking them off). I think with a smaller frame, the angle you’d have to adjust your head would be less dramatic. At my last appointment, before I got progressive glasses, I was leaning toward regular contacts and readers. My eye doctor didn’t think I’d like having to use readers at all. But I kinda think it might not be so bad. I currently have to take glasses off, which isn’t much different from having to put readers on. That might be inconvenient, but it’s not dangerous. In the instance of me accidentally driving without glasses – which has happened a couple of times – that actually becomes dangerous. If I wore contacts I could at least see at a distance all of the time.
I’m afraid that by the time I could afford Lasik, my eyes will be too old and I won’t be a candidate. I also don’t know if I’d be brave enough for the actual surgery.
Let me first say I don’t think there is a perfect solution and whatever you choose will take some getting used to. After getting adjusted to the option I chose, I have great vision at my new normal. I do construction, home DIY, upholstery and sewing and can see everything with no problem with both. I use both monovision contacts and progressive no-line bifocals. Contacts during the day and glasses when I get home to rest my eyes…both provide good vision for reading and distance; again, after adjusting. I couldn’t do reading glasses because I was constantly looking for them; so I tried bifocals and ended up ruining my distance vision. So after much trial and error with contact strength, I went with contacts that have one prescription for reading in my left and another for distance in the right; my eyes finally adjusted to the weird vision in between and now everything works together just fine. Contacts irritate after wearing all day so I just take them out when at home. Hope this helps!
I worked in a lab when I transitioned to needing glasses and we were not allow to wear contacts due to solvents used in the lab. Also, without wearing glasses we were to wear protective goggles but glasses were an acceptable substitute. I went right into transitional lenses and was told it was best to start with them rather than adjust to them later. They felt weird going down steps for a day or so but are part of my face now.
When I was about your age, I was wearing monovision contacts. I had laser correction in one eye for distance leaving the other eye in good shape for near work. It was great for a number of years. Now. about 15 years later and age 68, I have a pair of reading glasses always on the top of my head or laying around somewhere. I have also noticed that my distance vision is not as sharp as it once was and will just go to the transitional lenses that I wear for night driving. I just can’t do contacts anymore.
Hi. Maybe someone’s already mentioned this, I didn’t read through all the posts. When I took my son in to get glasses the optometrist mentioned contacts that you only wear at night and it reshapes the cornea. These have to be worn every night and they are taken out in the morning. We didn’t try them because they were somewhat expensive but you might want to ask about that(orthokeratology).
I’ve never written on here before, but I absolutely love your blog. You are the best!
Love my progressive lenses. I wear my glasses all day every day. I have a pair of progressive computer glasses for photo editing on my large screen. The most important thing with progressive lenses is a qualified professional to measure you properly and then to adjust the lenses and frames to your face. Your eye has to look through the lenses at the right place. It takes some adjustment initially but they are great.
Sounds to me like you would benefit from trifocals, not that I’m expert. I have worn bifocals for years (no line) but like you, it’s hard to thread a needle, and to see the join at wall and ceiling to paint, is almost impossible. I tilt my head back so far, that my eyelids block my view! It’s a pain! I just do my best, which is still better than my husbands’ !! This year I also have the beginnings of glaucoma ( I’m 65) so have drops to put in every night. Anyway, I find that I have less desire for sewing and other close up projects. Not sure if it’s because of my eyesight or age or something else, maybe all of the above. I’ve never been able to find contacts that worked and felt comfortable, partly due to astigmatisim. I gave up on them years ago. If you do go with glasses, they sell pads for the nose that grip so no slippage, even sweaty! Good luck!
have you thought about lasik? I’d been very happy wearing contacts for well over 30, but my husband finally talked me into getting lasik. Best. Choice. Ever!! The procedure was simple, I took a day to sleep and rest my eyes, and I’ve had 20/15 vision ever since (I was legally blind before, so huge difference). It doesn’t sound like your vision is as bad as mine was, lol, but not being dependent on glasses or contacts is amazing. It even got rid of my astigmatism. Just a thought 🙂
I wore progressive bifocals for years and I loved them but I have also worn monovision contacts for over 30 years. Check out the monovision contacts. They are the closest thing to your “real vision” that you will get. If you wore gas perm contacts, you will be amazed with the soft contacts … no comparison … soft are so comfortable that I forget I’m wearing them. I also went the LASIK route. Think long and hard about that. After about 10 years you will need readers again … but, oh my, they didn’t tell me that. I had cataracts removed about 2 years ago and I’m now wearing one soft contact on one eye and one eye no contact … monovision again. It really is the way to go. Your ophthalmologist or optometrist can advise you on the dailies contacts or the leave in and sleep in them contacts. Good luck!!
Creative, or not we’re always reading something or doing something. I wear mono vision contacts and it’s worked well for a number of years. This year I’m going to inquire on bifocal contacts ( I have a friend who loves them) but as I understand it there’s a learning curve and it takes your brain a bit to adjust. Also, I see better if a project is close up with my own eyes so if I have my glasses on I’ll take them off and if I have contacts on I’ll need a magnifying glass ~
Kristi- safety glasses would be a good thing for you. Decorate them with your favorite colors and you might be more likely to wear them !
If you’re tempted to look into lasik please read about the down side and when it goes bad it can go very very bad.
I am naturally monovisioned, but I never had glasses until my reading necessitated reading glasses. I finally went to a really good optometrist and got glasses.
I have progressives, and they are on my face from morning till night. They are great, period.
I also got progressive sunglasses, so that I can see distance plus read a map or GPS close up. Also great for reading outside.
I also have one day contacts, which I bought for my children’s weddings. They work fine for distance, but I still needed (drug store) reading glasses for close up (like reading menus when out at a restaurant).
After each of the weddings, I really have not worn the contacts, even though they are quite comfortable. The sharpness of my vision is very important to me, so while they are find in social settings, they are not satisfactory to me for flipping between computer work, watching tv at a distance, walking around outside, cooking, or doing close work, like sewing. My progressives are terrific for all of these.
That said, if you do a lot of one type of work, you may need glasses one particular distance, such as just for computer work. My new progressives work fine for the few hours a day I am on, but for you, perhaps these might also be useful.
Now about those safety glasses: You lavish many hours of research and contemplation on each and every project you do. How much diminished would your joy in being able to do these projects be, if you damaged your vision because of a safety accident, one that could have been avoided by wearing proper safety goggles? I am sure there are real, workable solutions out there for you, and a good optometrist will help you with your options. What price are you putting on your vision?
I wore contacts for years and it was the best I could ever see in my life. It was wonderful. Yes, I did wear reading glasses also, but at least they were 1/2″ thick, but light because the reading glasses were OTC and very light. Then my eye doctor said I should get eye surgery and they put lenses in my eyes. LIFE CHANGER! Best thing I ever had done. Somehow she was able to get my insurance to pay for it saying I had cataracts, but I didn’t, it is just my eyes were so bad that I never could get a good enough prescription to be able to see like I should. I was like 6+ and wore glasses since I was about 5. Now I can actually wear sunglasses without wearing two pairs of glasses. It didn’t hurt at all having the surgery and took only minutes to do. Recovery was pretty much non existent, except for wearing a clear patch at night to bed for a couple days. I know I could never do the one eyed thing with the contact. Seems like it would really throw me off.
I used to wear contacts and I was always getting some sort of dust on them and was miserable. The slightest dust or specs on my contacts made me feel as if I had rocks in my eyes. I did lasik and love it.
I wear progressives and I also have the same prescription in my sunglasses. When I’m working on something that may make my glasses slip down my nose I wear an adjustable strap that goes around the back of my head and holds them in place. What are they called? The type made for sunglasses?
I have been wearing glasses since I was 9 years old. I’m nearsighted. I’ve worn contacts several times in my life. The last time I started wearing them in my late 30’s. In my late 40’s I switched to monovision contacts. They worked well until my farsightedness got worse. I switched to single vision contacts and used reading glasses. Around the time of menopause my eyes became very dry and I had to stop wearing contacts. I switched to progressives and I’ve never looked back. I didn’t have any problem adjusting to them. I had tried bifocals and nearly killed myself on my stairs. Progressives have been seamless for me. That being said I still am able to take my glasses off to read books. I do have to hold books up to my face but I’m fine with that. I’m 65 and cataracts are developing so when I have to have surgery I will have to wear reading glasses again. Please take care of your eyes, by wearing eye protection. My husband was hit in the eye with a fishing weight and developed traumatic glaucoma.
Hi, I wear mono vision contacts and I sew, knit and craft and I love them!!
Hope you find something that works for you!
VERY IMPORTANT!!!!!! I hope you see this before you have your appointment. You will be asked to hold reading material at a “comfortable distance” and to give other info about the distances at which you do things and need to see clearly. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT to simulate a viewing experience at the eye doctor. I’ve gotten the wrong prescription and had to wear reading glasses down on my nose like your photo (CUTE picture, BTW!) because I didn’t estimate the distance correctly. I also got bifocals that don’t work well for the main reason I got them (painting en plein air—both distance and near vision tasks). I just didn’t know how to describe the situation well enough. I use the bifocals for other things, but boo-hoo, they would have been so good for my painting!
So…think through your top viewing needs before you go, and MEASURE the distance from your eyes to your reading material/measuring tape, etc.
Also, if your eyes are basically the same or very similar, drugstore magnifiers will work fine. My eyes are different, so drugstore glasses make me dizzy and give me a headache. I use them only in “emergencies”. However, my husband has different strengths for different jobs—shaving, reading, woodworking, etc. He just keeps them stashed near where he uses them. Recently he got mono-vision contacts so isn’t needing the reading help any more—-but he still uses his other “cheaters”—just changed the strength for the job he wants to do.
I was severely nearsighted from age 10 until 10 years ago. I had my cataracts out and paid extra for the CrystaLens implants that were supposed to allow me to see near and far. Don’t believe that hype anyone! Doesn’t always work. I am now far-sighted and need reading glasses. I can use cheap reading glasses or wear my bifocals with the bifocal being the reading part. I wear those most of the time now. They work well for me.
I understand the sweaty, working outside part and the slipping/sliding bit. The cheapest route to go would be 2 pairs of glasses: One nice pair of bifocals for everyday and one pair that have the biggest possible lenses (since you don’t always wear safety glasses!) and put a sport strap on them. Keep them in the area you’re doing sawing, etc. Very easy to change out. I had to do something like this when I was near-sighted. Regular distance lenses with near bifocal. 2nd pair, put the bifocal section to see computer focal length and the main glass to see the world! Then there were bifocal sunglasses . . .TMI! LOL Needless to say, it was not easy to tote 3 prs of glasses when I was traveling to jobs where I would have to use a computer.
Do a Pros/Cons list for each option and start by eliminating the worst option in terms of your lifestyle. Then re-evaluate and eliminate until you’re down to one or two options.
I feel your pain! “If I could turn back time,” to quote Cher.
My first pair of progressive glasses were great, but the next prescription for my second pair of progressive lenses made it look like the ground was jumping up at me and I couldn’t tell the difference between a line in the sidewalk and a step off the curb. Not good. “See if you can get used to them.”
They were impossible to “get used to” and after a few dizzying days, the optometrist had a new and better pair of lenses made. Yes there are different grades of progressive lenses! Who knew? Problem solved.
For fine work use more light and more concentrated light. It will definitely help you see fine work better.
I have found it best to omit the non-glaring coating on your glasses. The coating made reflections when doing closeup work.
My husband did most of his work in front of a computer, and for about 10 years enjoyed having contacts with one lens for distance and one for reading, but then it stopped working for him.
My cataract surgery was so long ago that the implanted weighted lenses that correct for near and far were not available. Even so, some people love them, some do not. There are no easy answers.
Sadly, allergies keep me from wearing contacts.
Talk with your Doctor. She will heal you decide!
When I went on a trip with my daughter (at about 50)I gave up on readers and went to full time glasses as I was tired of always having to hunt down readers to do the ring work. I wear progressive lenses and love them. There are a variety of different ones out there and if you have good insurance you can afford the nice wide vision ones. Well worth it!! I no longer have to hunt down readers BUT I also. Ow always wear glasses.
I had lasik surgery about 25 years ago. I was the perfect candidate because I was horribly myopic. After wearing thick glasses my whole life, then contacts and eyes drying out all the time, then the glasses on top of that, I had one eye close sight, one eye distant and it’s been the best thing I ever did in my life. I gave away my twelve pairs of glasses from all over the house and never looked back!!! Love, love, love it. Perfect vision.
Kristi, I have worn progressives for years and they work fine for me. The reading glass part of the lens needs to be a little on the higher side to see the very fine stuff. I would also suggest getting very large glasses to protect your eyes. Progressives are very expensive. I purchase eyeglasses with progressive lenses online at EyeBuyDirect.com and am able to get them for around $100 for frames and lenses.
I’ve also bought several pairs of glasses from EyeBuyDirect.com and love them. Very affordable. I’ve never had any problems with the glasses or frames I’ve bought there, and I’ve recommended several people to them. I, too, wear progressive lenses and it took me about two weeks to get used to them when I first started wearing them. Just about the time I decided to give up, suddenly, they worked like they were supposed to (or maybe it was me working like I was supposed to).
I am 79 years old and only use reading glasses in low light and to read very small print. This is because I’ve had cataract surgery on both eyes. I started wearing glasses for distance in the 10th grade. Years later I started wearing hard contacts, eventually going to soft when they became available. When I needed help reading I went to monovision and then bifocal contacts. They all worked great for me. Only the hard contacts took awhile to adjust to. I still do some sewing, crafts, and furniture refinishing and not having to worry with glasses is great.
Take care of your eyes Kristie. Please wear safety glasses when using your saws.
Hi Kristi, I thought I’d chime in quickly, although you’ll have to forgive me for not reading all of the prior comments.
My dad was an electrician at a hospital for 40 years, and a very creative active person in his free time. I believe he ended up with progressive trifocal glasses for work. If I remember correctly, they were able to put the reading glasses prescription in both the top and bottom of the lens so that it was easy for him to see wiring over his head. Meanwhile, the middle portion had his distance prescription.
Progressives didn’t work for me, so like others have said, this may need to be an area where you set aside some money to allow for trial and error to discover what works best for you over time.
Also, I totally understand not wanting to remove glasses when your hands are busy or gross, but if you’re just worried about losing them and hate the look of a chain, there’s another option of a magnetic shirt clip where you can hang them. Look on Amazon under “magnetic glasses holder.”
Good luck!
Talk to your doctor about lazik surgery. It’s a quick and easy procedure. It’s been awesome not having to wear glasses!
Biofinity multifocal lenses with one for reading and the other for distance( let the Dr explain) has been the near perfect solution for me. I’m 65 and do all the same kinds of things you do.
I have been near sighted most of my life. Wore glasses since 3rd grade. So reaching the point where I could also not see close was a hard pill to swallow! I have never liked contacts so for me that wasn’t on the list at all. My aunt did the monovision thing for years where one lens was near and one was far and it worked for her. I tried progressive lenses. HHHHHHATED them. I tried for six weeks and I never got to the point that I was looking through the lens in the right place and I felt like my field of vision was awful.
The first few years I was able to have one set of distance glasses and one for reading. Now I’ve reached the level where I need a different pair for reading, distance, and sort of that intermediate space in between. Some people call them “piano glasses” others call them computer glasses. But the gist is their magnification is between reading and distance. It works barely. I still don’t enjoy not having one pair of glasses that will work.
Oh for awhile I tried traditional bifocals too. This was on top of the other glasses. I kept them around for when I didn’t want to tote multiple pairs of glasses but I really didn’t like them and never replaced them after my last prescription update.
I think at the end of the day there’s some trial and error involved in finding what works for you individually. Be sure to go somewhere with a nice exchange policy. LOL
It’s likely been said, but I’ll say it–your glasses are slipping down your nose because they don’t fit your face. The frames of glasses, like anything else, get stretched out of shape after awhile. On and off your face, bumping them, etc. and just the general shape of the head can make an impact on the way frames fit. Get new glasses and have them fitted, and they’ll likely stay in place.
I have progressive lenses–I’ve had them for several years now. It took about two weeks to get used to them, but now I rarely notice. Although I spend the majority of my time on the computer, I do sew, paint and other home remodeling type of work (hence one of the reasons why I like your blog). As long as the light is good, I’m good to see.
I used to wear contacts, but as I aged, my eyes got too dry and they weren’t an option anymore. I tried progressive bifocal glasses, but they were very blurry on the sides. I had laser surgery 9 years ago and my vision is still just as good today as it was then for distance vision. But, I had to start wearing reading glasses after surgery for near vision. I haven’t figured out a great place to store them, so I put them on top of my head. Some people use Reader Rest. I double up readers or use a magnifying glass when I am working on very small projects. Good luck.
I have a dedicated pair for computer work, bifocals for the rest of the time, and a large magnifier arm for fine work at my art table. My dad loves his trifocals, and my cousin’s husband (appliance repair) has reading glasses that unhook at the nose and hang around his neck that he swears by. So I guess what I am saying is that you have to fiddle to find what works for you.
Hi! You have LOTS of replies here so I’m probably just an echo, but: I have eleven pairs of eyeglasses– three are for close-up work and the other 8 are for distance, in fun colors and patterns. I also have one pair that I wear only when I am painting or doing messy work. I couldn’t ever adjust to no-line bifocals, and traditional bifocals only gave me a tiny window (literally) of space to see things close-up so I have two separate prescriptions. I don’t have to swap pairs of glasses that often, but I keep two pair on me all the time. One distance and one close-up. I order frames from Peepers and have the optical place put their lenses in. This is a cheap enough option that makes multiple pairs affordable, and I like having the full area of the lens to see through when doing detail work. As for sweating and having to keep pushing your glasses up the bridge of your nose, you can use Nerdwax or you can buy those little clips that go on the earpiece of your classes to make them stay put.
Oh wow there are so many replies to this, I will just add my experience. I had 20/20 vision until my 40’s, I then used reading glasses as and when I needed them, until I couldn’t read price tags, ingredients at the supermarket etc, then I went to bi-focals, I tried progressives but couldn’t adjust to them. I hated wearing glasses (too vain) anyway a friend of mine wears two different contacts, one for close up and one for distance. I asked my optician, she said I would only need one for close up. I tried it out. I LOVE it, there was an adjustment period but I absolutely love this one contact. When I need to work on very close work i.e. embroidery, sewing etc, I have a pair of prescription glasses that equalise my eyes and are stronger than my one contact. I love this solution and have had this for nearly 10 years now. BTW my husband is a builder and he uses progressives and loves them. I think it is a matter of trying things until you get something that fits your purpose. Best wishes
So I’ve worn contacts since I was a teenager for my distance vision. For the last 10 years I wear dailies that I sleep in for a month then discard. In my mid 40’s, my reading went too. I tried the multifocal contacts but I really couldn’t see as clearly with them as my dailies so I returned to them but this time I wear mono vision contacts. Most of the time it works great for me as long as the lighting is good. Occasionally I wear cheaters over them.
At your age, I think you will find bifocal contacts a good choice. I have been wearing them for 20 years and only now at 60 feel frustrated with the lack of clarity at times. My eye doctor is so great and tweaks the fit and prescription as needed until she gets it right. This last time she wasn’t able to get it quite right so I’ve resorted to reading glasses with contacts. Good luck!
Yes I agree cathyr, my SIL had lasik done, was great for about 20-25 years. As she got closer to her 60’s her vision started changing and she had to go back to glasses.
I need glasses for distance, like driving. Last year I told my Doctor my vision seemed much worse. My prescription hadn’t changed much but he said I had an astigmatism. It makes doing anything up close nearly impossible. I have tried cheaters but they dont work since my eye doesnt really focus on anything. It has totally affected how I do things. To read a stain can is futile. I have to go online to get the information in readable form. This may not be your normal post but it certainly is an important one. Thank you for starting the conversation.
I wore contacts for years and just used readers for up close work. My eyes are very dry so my Dr put plugs in my eyes to make more tears.
When I quit driving, I went to just glasses. I tried the one for far, one for close up, my brain never adjusted and they made me ill. I’m retired now and only read or make jewelry so I wear glasses only with progressive bifocals.
My daughter wears bifocal contacts and does great with them.
I’m 65 now and have worn soft contact lenses since I was 25. At age 45, my reading vision started to go so I’ve been wearing bifocal soft contact lenses for the last 20 years. Although I’ve had to change brands, they continue to be more comfortable and thinner over time. Best thing I’ve ever done as they make me feel like I have no reading problem at all. My doctor adjusts my left eye to be a little less strong than a perfect prescription, which gives me outstanding reading ability. It does affect the long distance vision a bit, but the only time I could tell is if I’m looking for down the horizon while driving trying to read a sign. Ever since I’ve had them, it’s contributed to my feeling significantly younger than I actually am. My eyes are getting a bit drier, but that’s the only effect of aging I’ve had. And a retired ophthalmologist told me not to do the laser vision. He said long-term it can affect peripheral vision and sense of balance. I took him at his word and have not been tempted by laser surgery. Also when I take my eyes out and sit down to read, my vision is perfect for reading even if I can’t see worth beans at a distance.
Hi Kristi. I wear progressive lens and mono contacts. I have presbyopia and have been for sometime. It is very daunting when doing closeup work and I end up taking my glasses off and working without them. Yard work is a challenge because as you stated the glasses slip off your face. I inquired about laser but was told my eye shape would not render a good outcome. I am now looking into Oakley sports glasses to wear for outdoor work. As far as my other activities I struggle between taking my glasses off and on. Since my retirement, I have not used my contact lenses in a long while. Laser surgery sounds like an option but take the advise of your eye practitioner.
I have tried the multifocal contacts and what I gained in close up, I lost in distance and vice versa. I’ve tried contacts with reading glasses, but there just too much close up work to be constantly looking for glasses or wearing them and then pushing them down my nose so I could see out over the top when I didn’t need the close-up. Progressives are the only thing that allow me to see all levels that I need. They did give me migraines and I ended up doing bi-focals for the first year before switching to progressives. But once I hit 40, my eyes got so bad that I needed a new prescription each year. Once I used bi-focals, I was able to transition to progressives without a problem. Because I’m far-sighted, to do lasic would mean having one eye corrected for distance and one for vision and that seems like a recipe for migraines, so I will stick with glasses. Good luck!
This is not regarding your actual glasses / surgery, since you’ve gotten lots of advice that way already. But, something that might help in addition to whatever you end up doing. My mother has been a seamstress / quilter / needleworker / painter and more for most of her life. When her eyes started to change, she bought (at the craft store) the magnifying glass that hangs around the neck and fits against the chest. Of course, it wouldn’t work for everything, but would certainly help with many of your close-up projects.
I’m in the terrible, trying-to-figure-out my eyes as well. I – thank goodness – tried out contacts before going for the surgery (I’m not a candidate for LASIK, but lens replacement) and it was such a chore finding the best contacts – which, a year later, are no longer working – that I’m glad I didn’t spend thousands for a permanent solution that would have been the wrong one anyway.
Good luck!
Rhonda
I’m a quilter, crafter, furniture refinisher, reader, cross stitcher and home project-er. I also use a computer at work. I have progressive lenses and a mild prescription- I can see you across the room and read signs down the street just fine, but can’t see a hangnail on my own finger and reading is blurry. The progressives allow me the ease of readers, some mid-level magnification and enhanced distance vision and I wear them all the time, especially for quilting… except for at work. Because everything I do there is reading within an arm’s length (and computer) my doc suggested exclusive use of +1.0 readers. Works great. The doc even has glasses he uses for work and changes at the end of the day to a different pair too, so…
If I’m cross stitching, I use +2.0 readers for extra magnification. You wouldn’t hesitate to use different tools for different tasks when building or making something… having different tools for your eyes isn’t really any different. It’s ok to not have one pair that does everything. Besides, glasses can be fun- think of the color options readers come in! 💙
I’ve been wearing monovision contacts for over 15 years. I’m 62 and love them. It may take a couple of adjustments but well worth it! You won’t be sorry!
At 72 and always having to wear glasses[near sighted] or contacts, I now wear tri-focals that should work for all distances. I paint detailed work and do some sculpture and need up close then arms length as well. Agree to not use Wal Mart for them, as these I have now are no where near as good as my previous ones. My old Dr retired! ;{ and I am now on limited income.
Also, agree that go with as big a lens as you can and my guess is you will like glass lens best with invisible lines. They take a little time to get use to, but worth it
One thing I would suggest is to get on the vitamins and herbs that support good vision. There are two main ingredients to look for, and I’ll have to go look them up if your interested, and yes it will slow the changes down!
I’m 67 with progressive bifocals for the last 10 years. In the last year I have had a lot more trouble reading fine print, and recently discovered that I couldn’t thread the needle on my sewing machine. I bought an LED magnifying Ott light at Joanne and it solved my eyesight problems for now. As Kristi says often – don’t pay full price! I used a coupon for 50% off.
Like you, my vision changed drastically in my 40’s. My ophthalmologist told me it’s very common. Unfortunately I can’t wear contacts, I have chronically dry eyes. I wear line-less bifocals (progressives). It took about a week to adjust. They are amazing and work for everything! Best of luck finding the right solution for you.
I am a painter, sculptor, woodworker, Asian calligrapher and textile artist. I can’t do any of this with multifocals, the field of vision is too small and distorted for any of these tasks. I don’t get any smooth transition, or middle distance clarity at all. Apart from the intense headaches and vomiting from the distortions. And I had the ultra expensive, least distorted lenses. I suspect my autism may come into play here and it’s a sensory processing issue. I find the blurred peripheral fights with the clear peripheral that is past the outer edge of my glasses – this us the visual version of someone shouting in your ear. Going back to switching between single vision lenses. It’s the only solution I can abide. Can’t wear contacts, my eyeballs are too small.