How Much Vision Correction is Reasonable to Expect?

Question:

I've always had excellent vision, but I've gotten older, and now I wear progressive lenses. Mostly for reading, but one of my eyes needs minor correction for distances. My prescription seems right for reading, computer work, etc., but I can't see well enough to do any close work--take out a splinter, etc. Should I expect my glasses to be good enough for me to do everything I used to be able to do? Or should I expect to have to use a magnifying glass or something to do close work?

Answer:
Progressives, bifocals and reading glasses have the power at near set to a "normal" reading distance -- usually about 16" to 18". So when you try to look closer, say at 5" to 6" to take out a splinter they don't work well. If your glasses were set to work well at 5" to 6", they would not work well for normal reading and computer distances.

So, yes you will need to use a magnifying glass for taking out splinters. If you have a hobby or other activity that involves looking at closer distance a lot of the time (quilting, decoy carving etc), measure the distance from your eye to the task and ask your eye doctor to prescribe single vision reading glasses for that distance. You can then switch from your progressives to the special purpose glasses for the task.

Your glasses will need to be adjusted, but they will help you see like you used to. You will probably have to get new prescriptions every year to strengthen the lens, but if you have the laser eye surgery, it would possibly be a one time thing.

Assuming that the Rx in your progressive lenses (especially the add) is correct, the key to using them is understanding how they work.

Just below the center of your pupil is the "zone" for intermediate tasks, such as seeing your computer and the dash instruments of your car.

The lower you get in the lens, the stronger the power. The very bottom is for closer tasks.

Just like a magnifying glass has a single focal distance that will focus the light to a small pinpoint, your progressives have a focal distance for each power in the lens.

If something is out of focus, move your head up or down, or your reading material (finger, splinter) closer to you. Small objects may need to be held much closer than before.

With some of the new, smaller frames, you may not have "full add" unless one of the newer "small corridor" progressives was used. In that case, you'll need to supplement your glasses with a magnifier for extra small tasks, like your splinter, or ask your doctor if you need a higher add.

How Much Vision Correction is Reasonable to Expect?

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