How do others who need reading glasses cope?

[TrueBlueTerrier]

However, if its only the smallest fonts you have trouble with and you prep your own then write the number in large somewhere on the envelope.

[peshwaarinaan]

I wear varifocal glasses. A bit more expensive but they do the job

Snap

What's the difference between bifocals and varifocals? I've got my prescription so I could order them online.

I find I really struggle with the number 26 and 28, particularly if the font is small!

[antcpfc]

The Bifocal is a lens split into two parts. The top part is normally for distance and the bottom part (or segment) is for reading. The lens can be modified depending on what they will be used for ie. Intermediate (computer) vision at the top and reading at the bottom is a common combination. A major benefit of a Bifocal is that it’s the easiest way to give a pair of spectacles two focusing points. They offer a very wide field of clear vision for both parts. The down side however, is that there is a sudden “jump” between the two parts and means there is a visible line in the lens. At first this can lead to a gap in the overall vision, so will take some time to adjust to.

Now to the Varifocal lens (also known as Multifocal or Progressive). This lens is more advanced and offers a very different way of viewing things than a Bifocal. The basic premise of a Varifocal is that it’s like a blended Bifocal, with an invisible line to provide seamless vision from distance through to reading, allowing the wearer to view objects at any distance. A drawback however is the width of vision available. Varifocals offer a clearer band of vision down the middle of the lens, but this means more distortion along the edge of the lens. This can result in more head movement when looking and focusing on objects, which could lead to a feeling described as “image swimming”. The key is to be patient and persevere and eventually these feelings will pass as the brain acclimatizes.

Overall, each style of lens offers you different ways of solving your visual needs. Together with an optician, you can look at the pros and cons of each option and choose the one that is right for you and your lifestyle.

All my own work.

[peshwaarinaan]

The Bifocal is a lens split into two parts. The top part is normally for distance and the bottom part (or segment) is for reading. The lens can be modified depending on what they will be used for ie. Intermediate (computer) vision at the top and reading at the bottom is a common combination. A major benefit of a Bifocal is that it’s the easiest way to give a pair of spectacles two focusing points. They offer a very wide field of clear vision for both parts. The down side however, is that there is a sudden “jump” between the two parts and means there is a visible line in the lens. At first this can lead to a gap in the overall vision, so will take some time to adjust to.

Now to the Varifocal lens (also known as Multifocal or Progressive). This lens is more advanced and offers a very different way of viewing things than a Bifocal. The basic premise of a Varifocal is that it’s like a blended Bifocal, with an invisible line to provide seamless vision from distance through to reading, allowing the wearer to view objects at any distance. A drawback however is the width of vision available. Varifocals offer a clearer band of vision down the middle of the lens, but this means more distortion along the edge of the lens. This can result in more head movement when looking and focusing on objects, which could lead to a feeling described as “image swimming”. The key is to be patient and persevere and eventually these feelings will pass as the brain acclimatizes.

Overall, each style of lens offers you different ways of solving your visual needs. Together with an optician, you can look at the pros and cons of each option and choose the one that is right for you and your lifestyle.

All my own work.

Thank you. I'm going to order a pair today.

[deristrong]

As per previous answer bifocals/varifocals would prob do the trick, depending on how strong your prescription is you could also talk to your optician about using a contact lens in just 1 eye.

I've got contact lenses. One eye for distance & one for reading. Sounds odd but the brain gets it sussed. Still struggle in dark blocks of flats though!

[TrueBlueTerrier]

wish I could wear contacts but because of a condition they only give me 80% vision.

[redneck]

If you are lucky enough to be on the same round most of the time you will learn the blurred names without your glasses (if long sighted) and holding mail a bit away from you, easier to work out through the fog than numbers. And if your eyes are both deteriorating the same then Poundland glasses are exceptional value and easily replaced

[masterblaster]

I've been wondering whether I can claim an amount on my income tax for glasses, after all it something you need to do your job which you are not being reimbursed for by the company, which I believe is the criteria? Does anyone else claim?

[meercat]

I've been wondering whether I can claim an amount on my income tax for glasses, after all it something you need to do your job which you are not being reimbursed for by the company, which I believe is the criteria? Does anyone else claim?

Everything you need to know is here-
http://www.taxation.co.uk/taxation/Arti ... -spectacle" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

In a word no. They have 'duality of purpose' (ie you can use them to read a book at home) and so are not considered exclusively for use at work so not tax deductible.

[buzzboy]

I thought we were allowed free eye care no? anyway I need glasses !

[BexyB9]

As per previous answer bifocals/varifocals would prob do the trick, depending on how strong your prescription is you could also talk to your optician about using a contact lens in just 1 eye.

I've got contact lenses. One eye for distance & one for reading. Sounds odd but the brain gets it sussed. Still struggle in dark blocks of flats though!

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Me too. They do the job perfectly for me.