ZapBrannigan
If it ain’t a Boeing, I’m not going. No choice.
I know I’m getting old because I’m starting a thread about progressive lenses. Actually to share my experience with you and offer some advice. I know my near vision was deteriorating because I was having to zoom the heck out of my iPad screen to read the small print on the charts. Eventually I bought some drug store cheaters and used those for a while until at my last recurrent I realized that the PowerPoint slides were a little fuzzy too. So I went to an eye doctor and was told my distance vision was no longer 100% either.
She recommended trifocals but suggested progressives as an option. The challenge for pilots is that we need to be able to focus on infinity out the window, mid range vision for the panel, close up for the EFB, close up for the overhead panel. So I started doing some research on Progressives. I quickly found out that most pilots recommend Varilux lenses, so I went to an eye doctor that specialized in those, explained the issue and my specific needs and then sat down with the retail flunkies that worked selling frames in the lobby to order.
I didn’t know any better so just ordered frames that I liked, the cheapest Varilux lenses I could buy - the comfort series. When I got them two weeks later, I was really disappointed. If I wasn’t looking directly at something, I couldn’t see it. Near vision was ok, but mid and distance were garbage. And the magnetic clip on sunshades were polarized, so no bueno.
Took them back to the store and spoke with the lab manager. First thing she says is, “oh, you’re a pilot. No sunshades for you. They only make polarized.” Then she took some measurements and explained that the frames that I LIKE, may not be appropriate for progressives. Position of those lenses on your face are more important than regular glasses because of where you look through the lens for each area of correction. Ordered that pair, and two weeks later they showed up.
They were better, but I still had to look precisely at an object for it to be clear. I tried them at work and realized I how virtually no peripheral vision. So if I wanted to see the engine gauges I couldn’t just turn my eyes to peek at them, I had to turn my entire head. Nope.
Back to the eye doctor again. This time I called Esillor first. They are the manufacturer of the Varilux lenses. I explained the situation. They completely understood and recommended that I try one more time, but this time with the X Series. That’s their highest end lens but has a much wider ”channel” for corrected areas, and a smoother transition between. Game changer!
Yes, these are expensive, but I can see perfectly even in my peripheral vision. Reading is just learning to tilt my head up a little bit to look through the bottom of the lenses. Virtually seamless transitions with little to no waviness.
So if you too are generation X and looking at needing more than drugstore cheaters, don’t waste time, go right to Varilux X series.
www.essilorusa.com
She recommended trifocals but suggested progressives as an option. The challenge for pilots is that we need to be able to focus on infinity out the window, mid range vision for the panel, close up for the EFB, close up for the overhead panel. So I started doing some research on Progressives. I quickly found out that most pilots recommend Varilux lenses, so I went to an eye doctor that specialized in those, explained the issue and my specific needs and then sat down with the retail flunkies that worked selling frames in the lobby to order.
I didn’t know any better so just ordered frames that I liked, the cheapest Varilux lenses I could buy - the comfort series. When I got them two weeks later, I was really disappointed. If I wasn’t looking directly at something, I couldn’t see it. Near vision was ok, but mid and distance were garbage. And the magnetic clip on sunshades were polarized, so no bueno.
Took them back to the store and spoke with the lab manager. First thing she says is, “oh, you’re a pilot. No sunshades for you. They only make polarized.” Then she took some measurements and explained that the frames that I LIKE, may not be appropriate for progressives. Position of those lenses on your face are more important than regular glasses because of where you look through the lens for each area of correction. Ordered that pair, and two weeks later they showed up.
They were better, but I still had to look precisely at an object for it to be clear. I tried them at work and realized I how virtually no peripheral vision. So if I wanted to see the engine gauges I couldn’t just turn my eyes to peek at them, I had to turn my entire head. Nope.
Back to the eye doctor again. This time I called Esillor first. They are the manufacturer of the Varilux lenses. I explained the situation. They completely understood and recommended that I try one more time, but this time with the X Series. That’s their highest end lens but has a much wider ”channel” for corrected areas, and a smoother transition between. Game changer!
Yes, these are expensive, but I can see perfectly even in my peripheral vision. Reading is just learning to tilt my head up a little bit to look through the bottom of the lenses. Virtually seamless transitions with little to no waviness.
So if you too are generation X and looking at needing more than drugstore cheaters, don’t waste time, go right to Varilux X series.
World leader in prescription lenses | Essilor US
Everyone everywhere should experience the life changing benefits of vision correction and vision protection. Choose your lenses from a committed brand.
www.essilorusa.com
