I wear gas permeable (hard) bi-focal contact lenses. GP contacts have superior optics. Since they're firm, they retain their shape better when you blink, so your eyes don't have to refocus as much. And they are better for astigmatism or bifocal needs.

Concentric bifocal pattern lenses are the most commonly used lens for bifocal and multifocal lenses. With a concentric bifocal pattern contact lens, the near correction is located in a small circle at the center of the lens and is surrounded by a larger circle that contains the distance correction.

The lenses do take some time to get used to, but eventually you easily make the minute adjustments needed to focus through whichever portion of the lens needed.

I have found that there are some subtle drawbacks to the lenses. My distance vision is not as crisp as a single focal contact or glasses, however I am still corrected to 20/20 and can pass the distance vision eye test. Also, near vision is also not as crisp as it would be if I was wearing "cheaters" for near vision, but I get by in the cockpit just fine. All in all it is a trade-off. My vision is good enough to pass the vision test both far and near but would probably be better with 2 specific lenses for each specific deficiency. For me the need to correct for distance vision with contacts and near vision with cheaters was absolutely unacceptable in the cockpit. Trying to juggle cheaters during an instrument approach (needing the cheaters to read the approach plate) was simply impossible for me. I have never tried regular bi-focal glasses because I tried this route first and it works for me.

 

Going by even the most conservative definition, I think it's safe to say you're still middle aged at 54.

 

Not all progressive lenses are the same -- in fact far from it.

My first set of progressive lenses were pretty much the standard issue, and they worked well at medical time and OK in general life. But they were useless in the airplane. Long story short, I found an Optometrist who was used to working with pilots, coughed up the money and am very happy with the results.

Premium progressive lenses are expensive, but for me they have been well worth it.

 

I'm curious, what is a ballpark cost?

 

I got so tired of taking readers on and off. I finally broke down a went with progressives. I took about one year to get used to them and another year to really like them. After the first year I had the optometrist readjust the layout of the different view areas for a few extra bucks. They are better now. But it is a pain to have to move your head to focus on the engine instruments instead of just moving your eyes from the flight instruments.

 

Thanks for the continued and informative posts. I also read that the US Navy allows Wavefront LASIK/PRK for fighter pilots which apparently provides enhanced results due to customized mapping of each eye. You can google "Dr. Schallhorn" for info on this. The Navy was reluctant to approve refractive surgery for many years and for probably very valid reasons, such as lack of data on long term effects etc. The USN/NASA seal of approval does instill confidence and the new data is promising.

Anyone get the surgery done in ATL? My wife had PRK done in ATL @ Woodham Eye Clinic two years ago with good results, although she had to go back 6 months later to get a redo on one eye. She wanted LASIK but was not a good candidate for it due to excessive scar tissue. Turns out PRK was actually cheaper with better long term benefits. PRK recovery and results take longer though. She absolutely loves the results after being a lifelong contact lens and eyeglass user.

I am a bit squeamish about the thought of getting eye surgery but I figure if I can get my distance vision corrected then all I need to worry about is the near vision with glasses. And yes, taking the cheaters on/off is a real pain. I bought some on Amazon (Clicks) so I don't lose them!

 

I just had a new pair made. $400 plus frames. This for a guy who, if he had a real job, could get by with nothing for distance vision and 1.75 readers from the drug store. But the mix of near and intermediate vision needs in the cockpit, especially at night, make this a tougher nut to crack.

The difference between the standard progressive lenses and the premium lenses is that the latter do not require me to hunt for that one spot of good vision -- the area of the lenses "that work" for each task is much larger.

The Optometrist also moved the near vision area up a little bit, since in her experience "pilots like that better".

Here is a brief discussion:

Four Types of Progressive Lenses (No-Line Bifocals)

Everyone has their own situation and approach to this, but for me this has been a good solution. It took awhile to come to terms with spending the money, but in the end it simply works (for me).

 

Glad I asked, and thanks. I have a normal progressive pair as well but had never considered the option for advanced customization. For me personally as well, daytime and non-aviation activities don't pose any issues. It's mainly night flying and simulator environments where you are constantly changing areas of focus. I think finding the right "pilot friendly" person to customize a prescription is paramount in a success story.

 

Very informative. Thank you!

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For my prescription, about $800 for the top of the line ("premium"...see previously mentioned link) Zeiss progressives (lenses only). Take a bit to get used to but worth every penny.

Premium, digital Vari-lux lenses also very good and similar pricing.