Bifocal (progressive lens) Sunglasses

[marcoalza]

Do any of you own or have tried a pair of bifocal sunglasses.

I?m thinking of getting a pair made to make my life more enjoyable when out and about in the sun and for reading and driving. The type I would get would be progressive bi-focal so the line wouldn?t be visible on the lens.

I?d love to hear your experiences.

 

[bassman284]

Re: Bifocal (progressive lens) Sunglasses

I have been wearing progressive lense sunglasses for about 16 or 17 years. I have astigmatism, which basically means I can't see anything clearly from any distance, so I previously used various sunglass options that would fit over my regular glasses. Greatest thing I ever did was get prescription sunglasses.

At its simplest, you could have your current clear lenses tinted (and polarized, if you wish). I wanted mine optimized for fishing which meant side protection and some wrap around. My old Bolles could take regular plastic lenses and had nice side shields built into the earpieces. Everything available now in sunglass frames requires polycarbonate because of the amount of curvature. The polycarb has a different index of refraction so if you put them on after wearing your regular glasses, it may take your eyes a few minutes to adjust. No big thing, and I seem to be more sensitive to this than some people.

The more extreme wrap arounds can't be fitted with prescription lenses. I'm currently using the frames from a $40 set of Cocoons which have been quit satisfactory.

Go for it.

 

[JB]

Re: Bifocal (progressive lens) Sunglasses

I've had several prescription sunglasses, marco. Two bifocal. I hated the progressives but really like my current RayBans. I use them and callthem "outdoor glasses" because anytime it's daylight I wear them outdoors.

Years ago I had bifocal, non-prescription, fishing glasses with the close-up much lighter than the distance lens. I liked them because I had good view to tie knots, bait hooks, etc.

I believe the Raybans are optically superior to other "sun" glasses I have had. Vision through them feels much more natural; so natural that I have caught myself trying to put my indoor glasses on without removing the RayBans.

 

[r.j.dawg]

Re: Bifocal (progressive lens) Sunglasses

I used to have a pair of progressive sunglasses but now have progressive transitions. The ones that darken by themselves. When I'm in the car they won't darken because of the UV blocking so I keep a pair of clip ons in the car.

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Bifocal (progressive lens) Sunglasses

I'm currently using the Bolle w/snapin prescription. All good until time to clean the salt spray off. Four lenses w/two sides each is a pain.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Bifocal (progressive lens) Sunglasses

I have progressives, both plain and polarized sun. Wouldn't trade 'em for anything except possibly Transitions - that way I would only have one pair instead of the two pair I have now.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Bifocal (progressive lens) Sunglasses

I've been wearing bifocals for 55+ years now, and you'll get used to them after a while and never give 'em a thought. The only time they aren't so good is for very fine close up work, so a magnifying glass is handy. I get my glasses at Walmart optometrist and get the clip-on sunglass lenses for outdoors. I also like the light-weight, thin titanium frames that are very flexible, comfortable, light and very rugged!....Check by Walmart and let the glasses folks explain your options. Good Luck!

 

[aspeck]

Re: Bifocal (progressive lens) Sunglasses

I like my polarized progressive sunglasses. Makes a word of difference when boating. Just need to remember to take my other glasses out on the boat if there is ANY chance of coming in at dusk or later. (BTW my "regular" pair are transitions and they are nice, but when on the water or snow I really miss the polarized lenses.)

 

[marcoalza]

Re: Bifocal (progressive lens) Sunglasses

Great feedback guys.

Just want to check one thing, by progressive I mean bifocal without the obvious line where the reading lens changes to a distance lens.

Is that what you guys are talking about or have I messed up my opthaterminology (?)

 

[aspeck]

Re: Bifocal (progressive lens) Sunglasses

That is what I meant ... hated having to get them at age 40 ...

 

[bassman284]

Re: Bifocal (progressive lens) Sunglasses

Great feedback guys.

Just want to check one thing, by progressive I mean bifocal without the obvious line where the reading lens changes to a distance lens.

Is that what you guys are talking about or have I messed up my opthaterminology (?)

It's definitely what I'm talking about. I went to progressive when my only other choice was trifocals.

 

[marcoalza]

Re: Bifocal (progressive lens) Sunglasses

It's definitely what I'm talking about. I went to progressive when my only other choice was trifocals.

That is what I meant ... hated having to get them at age 40 ...

Cool. I thought some of you were talking about progressive tint.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Bifocal (progressive lens) Sunglasses

Cool. I thought some of you were talking about progressive tint.

Be aware that progressive lenses are not for everyone. Some people, including myself couldn't get used to them. Progressive lenses don't have the width in the part of the lense that has the reading precription as the bi-focal with lines. Where ever you buy them, ask them to show you what i am talking about. What you will find in progressive vs regular bi-focal is when reading with progressive you will be moving your head more to read vs just moving your eyes when using regular bi-focals.

 

[buildmark]

Re: Bifocal (progressive lens) Sunglasses

the newer progressive lenses are able to have a wider area than before. when getting them, it's important that they line them up properly. I was measured wrong and i had to look too far down to get to the reading part. the right technician makes a big difference. my last pair, the progressive part was wider and I couldn't be happier. I also have the transisition which is great when you are outside but not so good in a car. in that case, you can get clip ons or a separate pair for the car.

I tried the bifocals with the line and it kept getting dizzy from them when walking.

 

[drrpm]

Re: Bifocal (progressive lens) Sunglasses

I haven't made the transition to bifocals yet. For close up I take my glasses off and so far that works alright. Outdoors I don't really need the close up vision so it hasn't been an issue. The best sunglasses I've had were made with Bausch and Lomb grey/green glass lenses in Flexon (Titanium) frames. The optics were great, the lens don't scratch and the grey/green has minimal color distortion. Some people have trouble making the switch to bifocals and if you don't need close up vision they're of no benefit. A lot of times optical shops will give you a hard time if you want glass lens, but I've used them for 34 years in my sunglasses and my daughter who is a lifeguard uses them too.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Bifocal (progressive lens) Sunglasses

I'm talking about no-line bi-focals. I had no problem getting used to them, but you have to keep them on or getting used to them is a bear. The eyes/brain train naturally. In the beginning I was moving my head up and down, now moving my eyes is second nature.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Bifocal (progressive lens) Sunglasses

I've had progressive lenses for years. I wanted to get the same in sunglasses on my last visit to the optomitrist but he said I could not get a larger curved lense with a progressive prescription. The style I wanted I couldn't get, so I settled for the clip-ons.

 

[marcoalza]

Re: Bifocal (progressive lens) Sunglasses

Go for it.

I have

Just went to the opticians and ordered them.
I'm having the lenses put in my current sunglass frames with a similar tint.
Should be ready in 4/5 days.

I'll let you all know how I get on.

Thanks for the advise guys.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Bifocal (progressive lens) Sunglasses

My prescription has gotten so strong, I decided this is it. Next time it worsens, it's time for Lasik. I know it doesn't necessarily free you from glasses for life but it at least establishes a new base line and even that would be a big help. I had a heck of time finding frames to accommodate my thick lenses and paid out the %$& for my last pairs of glasses. Enough is enough.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Bifocal (progressive lens) Sunglasses

I've used progressive lenses with transition for years, but was never really happy with them on the boat. I never felt they darkened enough, and didn't shield my eyes well enough.

Last spring I broke down and bought a pair of progressive, polarized wrap-around Ray Bans. Made a HUGE difference- I wouldn't be without them now. Only issues are that they're expensive and I need to remember to bring my 'regular' glasses too for when the sun goes down. I keep them attached to a neck strap so I won't lose them overboard.

My .02