Bifocals vs. Progressive Lenses ???

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05-02-2018, 04:05 AM

#21

742Dash

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Quote:

Originally Posted by DELTA DOG

I'm resurrecting this thread because I just got back from the eye doctor and it looks like I'm getting close to needing progressive/bifocal lenses.

Can anyone tell me how progressive lenses are now (4 years after this thread was started)? I wonder if there are glasses that will allow me to clearly see outside/instrument panel/HUD. I fear that may be too much to ask from a single pair of glasses.

If there are any 737 captains out there who can tell me how well they work (or don't work) with the HUD it would be much appreciated.

Thanks

DD

There are several, perhaps many, variations on progressive lens technology, the best of which are still under patent ($$). My first stab was at Costco, and they were useless at work. Then I spent a lot of money at an Optometrist who was used to working with pilots, and have been very pleased with the result. As with most things, you get what you pay for.

I can not help with your HUD questions, but if they did not work I think that we would all have heard about it by now.

05-02-2018, 06:03 AM

#22

Learflyer

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And don't forget if you go with progressives, you're probably going to have to get progressive sunglasses. Since the lenses have to be a bit larger, the frames have to be a bit larger as well. I have Ray Bans for my progressive sunglasses. I look like a dorky aviator but I guess that's what I am. The best price I saw was at Lenscrafters if you have those in your area.

05-02-2018, 06:06 AM

#23

galaxy flyer

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I used Varilux progressives on both the Collins and Thales HUDs (Global Express) without a problem. Spending the money on Varilux was worth it and I hated my earlier progressives.

GF

05-02-2018, 04:02 PM

#24

TroutBum

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Quote:

Originally Posted by galaxy flyer

I used Varilux progressives on both the Collins and Thales HUDs (Global Express) without a problem. Spending the money on Varilux was worth it and I hated my earlier progressives.

GF

I hated my progressives because I had to move my entire head to focus on things that weren't directly in front of me. Anything out of the very center of the glasses was out of focus. So, for example, I had to move my head back and forth just to read a newspaper. Do Varilux lenses remedy this?

05-02-2018, 07:29 PM

#25

galaxy flyer

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In my experience, Varilux were natural right out the door. I don’t notice them at all, daily or flying. Might depend a bit on your prescription.

GF

05-03-2018, 03:17 PM

#26

Spin

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I'm retired now, but I use Varilux progressives for daily use. Not for reading or for the computer, you have to move your head too much. Never tried them for flying, but they're good for driving.

05-04-2018, 10:28 AM

#27

TroutBum

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Quote:

Originally Posted by galaxy flyer

In my experience, Varilux were natural right out the door. I don’t notice them at all, daily or flying. Might depend a bit on your prescription.

GF

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spin

I'm retired now, but I use Varilux progressives for daily use. Not for reading or for the computer, you have to move your head too much. Never tried them for flying, but they're good for driving.

I may check them out. Thanks.

05-22-2018, 01:59 PM

#28

3 green

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Quote:

Originally Posted by TroutBum

The same exact problem I had with progressives. I just ordered bifocals and will report back when I try them out..I heard progressives work the best if your vision is really bad, and that is not the case for me..My eyes are still pretty good, and the progressives didn't work at all for me. The area of focus was way too small.

06-04-2018, 04:24 AM

#29

CaptYoda

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Has anyone have experience getting an eye exam for progressives in ATL from:

Dr. John Henahan, optometrist at Spectrum Eyecare in Peachtree City or

Alan Kozarsky, MD

Alternatively, other recommendations welcomed.

07-07-2018, 09:02 AM

#30

3 green

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After trying both progressives and bifocals, I strongly recommend bifocals while flying. U can have the magnification part of the lense cut to whatever height u choose.