Best progressives for artist/graphic-designer

[julieoakley]

I apologize in advance to all you experts, however I want to be well informed before I fork out possibly more than £500 on a pair of progressives. I'm very shortsighted (about -7 in both eyes). Last year I bought both reading and distance glasses because I was advised that varifocals were not suitable for someone who uses a monitor a great deal. However I'm being driven mad with frustration with not being able to see properly - particularly if drawing from life (wearing distance glasses can't see sketchpad, wearing reading glasses can't see subject), so I think the solution is varifocals for everything but keep the reading glasses for use with the computer. I also definitely want ultra thin lenses and plastic as my toddler is liable to break them. As vision is so important to me I know I have to swallow the cost of the Rolls Royce solution - whatever that is. I would appreciate any input on brands. Also I can see that fitting is very important - do I just have to hope the optician is good at fitting or are there pieces of equipment an optician can have that will help get a better fit?

[OPTIDONN]

I apologize in advance to all you experts, however I want to be well informed before I fork out possibly more than £500 on a pair of progressives. I'm very shortsighted (about -7 in both eyes). Last year I bought both reading and distance glasses because I was advised that varifocals were not suitable for someone who uses a monitor a great deal. However I'm being driven mad with frustration with not being able to see properly - particularly if drawing from life (wearing distance glasses can't see sketchpad, wearing reading glasses can't see subject), so I think the solution is varifocals for everything but keep the reading glasses for use with the computer. I also definitely want ultra thin lenses and plastic as my toddler is liable to break them. As vision is so important to me I know I have to swallow the cost of the Rolls Royce solution - whatever that is. I would appreciate any input on brands. Also I can see that fitting is very important - do I just have to hope the optician is good at fitting or are there pieces of equipment an optician can have that will help get a better fit?

Hmm...There are several lenses out there and we have had great sucess with the Zeiss Gradal Top lens. Its thin and many patients love the design. Its important to have realistic expectations about a progressive lenses capabilities and limitations, but it seems that you do so I am sure that you will do fine with them. As for how they are fit the optician will measure from pupil to pupil using either a pd stick (a small ruler) or a pupilometer. The fitting height is often done with the pd stick and thats about all that needs to be done. Most places will only have the most experienced opticians take these measurments. If they are done wrong then they need to be remade and the office is looses money.

[julieoakley]

Thank you for your time. Many years ago I used to have Zeiss lenses, when I only had my short sight to worry about and they were great. However some people said I was paying over the odds for the name so I then went on to cheaper lenses. I also found glass lenses slightly sharper than plastic, but having smashed a number of lenses over the years I think its safer to go for the plastic.

Are there any other brands in the same ballpark as the Zeiss lenses or are they much better than the rest, in your view?

[roopesh]

In plastic Essilor Panamic 1.74 fusio or 1.67 are options also Kodak precise 1.67 are all options you be looking at £350 ish for 1.74 £290 for 1.67

[Robert Martellaro]

Julie,

Emerging presbyopes can usually see the monitor comfortably through the distance portion of their multifocals if the distance to the screen is not closer than about 55cm.

As you age, you will be better served by two pair of glasses: one pair for general use and a separate pair that is designed to provide clear vision, without posturing, for distances to the monitor and desktop.

Hope this helps

[drk]

Julie:
As Robert infers, we need more info. How old are you/how high is your "add power"?

We also need to know if your sketchpad is being held in your lap or on a desktop, or on an easel.

You also have to decide whether you want these glasses to be more "general purpose" or "task specific" for artwork.

[julieoakley]

I am going to have an eye test tomorrow, so I'll give you the information then. Thanks very much for your help.

I'm a bit reluctant to buy glasses from the optician doing the eye test until I've done some research as they're a chain and it looks as though they're tied in with nikon - and I'd rather go elsewhere if some other brand is more suitable

[SkiBunny]

We're kind of in the same boat in needing/wanting our first progressives - and wanting to understand it. You'll find some great info here, but you'll also get some different opinions the more you go (which might get a bit confusing). The basic thing I've found is that all the top lenses are probably quite good (including those nikons), it's not unusual for dispensers to have a bias towards the brand with which they're familiar, good fit is most important, and feeling good about your provider is paramount.

I think a previous poster asked your age because younger presbyopes don't need an intermediate zone in their progressives... ie. Can you read a computer monitor fine with your existing distance glasses? Other questions... how much reading/near-focused stuff do you do? What lens material do you prefer? What is the power of your prescription and/or what index do you want? Do you want photochromic? What is the height of the frame you're interested in, or what is your fitting height if you know it? (ie., small fashionalbe frames are shorter and may require short-corridor lenses which will limit your selection of lense/brand).

[Jedi]

A lined flat-top 35mm bifocal, distance in the top, intermediate in the bottom. I would also position the segment just under the pupil. Then buy a second pair of progressives as a dress pair for everything but work.

My reasoning:
Have you ever tried to draw looking through a fish bowl? You will drive yourself crazy if you try to take quick looks at a subject then back to your page to draw. With most progreesive and even computer progressive you have to maintain a relatively constant head position/movements. A lined bi-focal will give you clear distance, clear reading vision with very little or no distortion, and the ability to go back and forth between distances quickly.

I'm making an assumption on the next part. Most of your close work is probably done within 3 feet but not within a foot and a half. Your full reading power in the bottom segment will dramatically reduce your ability to work on the computer, but if you use the intermediate (half the add power) power you'll have more range of vision and *should* be able to accomodate the really close stuff too. Also by moving the reading segment a little higher you will require less head movement while working on the computer, just a slight tilt up with the head. Alternately, if you have can position your monitor below your line of sight it should be very comfortable.

There are high index materials available in FT35 bifocals and you can also get them AR coated. Now keep in mind the pair I suggested above is best suited for working situations. The reason I suggest a second pair of regular progressive is they are more youthful looking, the offer a wide range of vision and are very convenient. I take no responsibility for the ridicule you might recieve if your just decide on the FT35 as your full time pair.:D

[lana]

As an optician and longtime wearer of progressive lenses I would clearly recommend one of the computer style progressives. Either the Hoyalux Tact
or Zeiss Gradal Rd would be excellent choices. These lenses afford the greatest comfort,a wide field of vision, and offer good head mobility for one who works in front of a CRT for many hours.

[Lewy]

In plastic Essilor Panamic 1.74 fusio or 1.67 are options also Kodak precise 1.67 are all options you be looking at £350 ish for 1.74 £290 for 1.67

I guess I must be undercharging £240.00 for 1.67 Panamic & £280.00 for 1.74. I supply Ipseo's (1.67) for £380.00/pair

As for advice, ask around for reccomendations for an Optician local to you, Usually there is at least 1 Optician who has built up a good reputation. It's been a long time since I was on the road and called on practices within St Albans but I seem to remember Boots were reasonable and one in Churchgate? churchyard? ma have been reasonable too. Failing that if you want accuracy of fit you could try Buchanan Optometrists in Snodland (No I don't know where Snodland is!), they are the first practice in the Country to be using the Zeiss RV System, which takes super accurate facial measurements. Alternatively find a Varilux Specialist Optician near to you

http://www.varilux.co.uk/html/variluxopticianfinder/

Otherwise carry on posting on this board, where we will try to help.

Lewy (Varilux Specialist Optician, Northampton)

[Chris Ryser]

A lined flat-top 35mm bifocal, distance in the top, intermediate in the bottom. I would also position the segment just under the pupil. Then buy a second pair of progressives as a dress pair for everything but work.

I a share exactly above opinion and instead of coming up with the same arguments I just second Jedi.

[julieoakley]

so now I have the prescription if that is of any help with your advice to me
its R sph -7 cyl -0.50 axis 155
L sph -6 cyl -0.50 axis 160

Add +1.25D near +1.50

requirements or recommendations BVD - 12 mm

My age is 47

Jedi I completely understand the idea of needing maybe the bifocals for work but at the moment I can only afford one pair so I was thinking I could continue with my reading glasses for at the computer and buy the varifocals for everything else. If bi-focals are the best solution for drawing they will have to wait till I have the money. Alternatively I could buy the bi-focals, wear my distance glasses for driving and going out and save up for the varifocals

I draw at any spare moment I have - sitting in the car, on holiday etc. The sketchbook is about 18 inches away and the subject can be anything from 2 foot away to the far distance. I don't particularly want to carry around another pair of glasses just for the occasional drawing when I'm out and about. I'd rather have one pair of glasses that doesn't look too bad that works for as many things as possible. I don't mind what I look like when I'm working at my computer

I went to Dollond and Aitchison in St Albans and they said that the best lenses they supply are Varilux Ipsio and Nikon Double Design - however the price is very high - £490 just for the lenses - which I see is a lot more than you charge Lewy. I'm not particularly committed to using Dollonds, so I will look around.

some of you might enjoy an illustration I did recently on my artblog - http://julieoakley.blogspot.com/2005...ay-ageing.html

[drk]

Julie:

It sounds as though you need a progressive (varifocal) lens with as large a near zone as possible, but one that performs well for general purpose. You can sacrifice the intermediate on these, somewhat, since you will not use these at work, primarily.

Shamir's Genesis design fits the bill. It has been independently rated highest for overall performance, as well as for the specific use of "far and near vision". It does not offer the best midrange, but average only.

You do not need much midrange, anyway, at 47 with +1.50 add, as you can still focus through the top of you lens for most midrange stuff, for now. So this option is perfect.

Not only that, but Shamir's Genesis is a very good value for the pound. It is available in 1.60 index, which will drive up the price, somewhat, but will give you a nice looking lens. I'd stay away from the 1.67 at your high, but not too high, lens powers. The money would be better put towards a good AR coating.

Don't let yourself be tempted into a frame that doesn't allow at least 18 mm for a fitting height.

Best wishes.

[SkiBunny]

Don't let yourself be tempted into a frame that doesn't allow at least 18 mm for a fitting height.

Yup for sure. Hard but resistance is not futile :bbg:

You do not need much midrange, anyway, at 47 with +1.50 add, as you can still focus through the top of you lens for most midrange stuff, for now.
-snip-
I'd stay away from the 1.67 at your high, but not too high, lens powers. The money would be better put towards a good AR coating.

Not to hijack this thread, sorry, but i'm wondering, why not the 1.67 for her?

Like julie I'm also a newly emerging presbyope, -6 with 1.25 add, and my optician favors a 1.67 albeit in rodenstock life 2, or as second choice only if i want transitions is zeiss gradal top ...
I'm an avid reader, do either of these lenses jive with your point above about midrange?

Thanks, judy (similar vision, age and even name as julie :D )

[drk]

Prescribing lenses is going to involve judgement. At your Rx levels, the reduction in acuity and increase in price does not equal the increase in thinness. It's not a BAD choice, just not the BEST choice.

Zeiss is a good intermediate lens, but needs a big frame to work right. The reading area is average. Rodenstock Progressiv Life 2 (I think it's called the "AT" now?) is not a bad lens, from my experience.

[julieoakley]

I think I read the report about Shamir lenses which was so favourable and I was very interested, however I don't think it'll be easy to find an optician locally in England that prescribes them, as I think they've only just become available here. I have e-mailed the company to find out who sells them but no reply as yet.

[SkiBunny]

At your Rx levels, the reduction in acuity and increase in price does not equal the increase in thinness. It's not a BAD choice, just not the BEST choice.

The edge thickness decreases ~1 mm for a 1.67 from a 1.6 ... i like thinner.
However, you say acuity suffers with the higher index?? Nobody ever told me that before!

Zeiss is a good intermediate lens, but needs a big frame to work right. The reading area is average.
Rodenstock Progressiv Life 2 (I think it's called the "AT" now?) is not a bad lens, from my experience.

It's still the Life 2 here... And like Julie, I don't need intermediate I'm 45.
In your judgement is the Rodenstock a better lens fit (in plastic) for me?? Good distance & reading areas??
(I picked a frame with a fitting height about 19 mm total height 30).

Thanks

[Lewy]

I think I read the report about Shamir lenses which was so favourable and I was very interested, however I don't think it'll be easy to find an optician locally in England that prescribes them, as I think they've only just become available here. I have e-mailed the company to find out who sells them but no reply as yet.

Julie,

Most independant opticians in the UK would be able to get the Genesis lens for you as they are available from Altra which was formally Cambridge Optical. if they haven't heard of Cambridge I would be very suprised. Most independants can get anything, that's what makes them independant. Failing that Northampton is probably an 1½hours drive away from St Albans, we can supply virtually anything you want. Allthough i do tend to shy away from Rodenstock due to a disagreement with their 'Rep' many years ago. My lens suggestion would be probably Ipseo, Gradal individual, Gradal Top, Shamir Individual or Genesis or Comfort, dependent upon your budget. Bear in mind also that most lens manufacturers offer a 30 day adaption warranty, so if you do have any difficulties the lenses can be changed. IMHO the best combination of correction would be one of the above progressives for general use, a regressive lens for office use and possibly either an executive bifocal or wide D seg bifocal for your drawing/painting with the segment fitted slightly high. Yes I know it's going to cost more but we don't have a lens that mimics a real eye yet. Saying that are you employed or self employed? If you are employed and are using a vdu screen for the majority of your working day you are entitled to financial help towards spectacles that are used purely for the VDU and an eye test paid for by your employee. Also I am sure that if you were going to purchase 3 pair of spectacles you might get a better deal from the Optician.

By the way, I liked the picture, the use of wash and shadow was very good, just wish I had the time and inclination to get back to watercolour.

Regards,

Lewy:cheers:

[Daisy]

I think I read the report about Shamir lenses which was so favourable and I was very interested

Which report is that? Is it a company/lab report, Sheedy, or a (better) consumer/wearer feedback report?

Everyone is different, but I tried Shamir Genesis and disliked them. Dizzy, too much peripheral distortion and a swimmy feel when worn. I'd go with one of the other French or German lens companies. If you get genesis, just make sure before buying that you can return them for a full refund just in case.

[Chris Ryser]

I know I have to swallow the cost of the Rolls Royce solution - whatever that is. I would appreciate any input on brands. Also I can see that fitting is very important - do I just have to hope the optician is good at fitting or are there pieces of equipment an optician can have that will help get a better fit?

Read up on progressives..................and NOT manufacturers descriptions................read up on limits and lateral distortions on the distance portions, the limits on the reading area. If you want perfect vision as stated get yourself 2 pairs one for the fashionable look and one non progressive for work.

[QDO1]

If you are a professional VDU user I would always sway to the two pair of spectacles soloution. If you think about it your VDU screen occupies the same part of your visual field as the area above your steering wheel in the car, clearly if you sit infront of the screen all day you do not want to have to adjust your head position to view the screen sucsessfully. A qualified dispensing optician is not going to give you a regular varifocal lens that upsets your distance vision, so something has to give somewhere.

Graphic designers / artists tend to want to see straight lines as straight and have few colur distortions, a professional qualified DO in the UK will be able to walk you through all of the options, and ensure your work spectacles have ultimate performance, and your everday spectacles equally serve the purpose in the rest of your life.

What you want to do before the dispensing is work out (get a coleague to use a tape measure) the working distances for your screens / easels. and the size of your working area. In that way the dispenser will be able to advise you on the best of the occupational lens soloutions out there

You say you are in St Albans, I can reccomend an Independant DO in Berkhampstead who virtually wrote the book on occupational dispensing!, sadly I am in Nottiingham, which would be way to far to drive to

[julieoakley]

QDO1 could you let me know the name of the independent in Berkhamsted. I meant to look here earlier but have been snowed under with work - which hopefully will go towards the cost of new glasses!

[QDO1]

I sent you a private message Julie. Good luck