Health

Progressive Lenses–Yay or Nay?

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Photo by Francesco Paggiaro on Pexels.com

About two years ago, I had cataract surgery on both eyes. While they weren’t able to get my near vision back to 20/20, they were able to manage 20/30, which meant I should still wear corrective lenses for near vision.

But I also need lenses for distance vision, so they suggested progressive lenses.

And I hated them.

Now, let me explain. They were great for driving, watching TV (especially since I like to watch old programs while I knit) and around the house. They were great for grocery shopping, so I could see the signs up overhead and read labels.

They were not so good for walking through the parking lot or taking my nature walks through the woods or down our dirt and gravel road.

Why?

Let me explain.

When you walk and need to look down to watch where you’re stepping, you need to use distance lenses. But the way the lenses are made puts the distance bit is at the top of the lenses. So you wind up looking down toward your feet with the near vision part of the lenses, which does no good whatsoever. It puts everything out of focus.

I couldn’t tell how high curbs in front of the store were, or see dips and rises in the road ahead when walking. I don’t know how many times I tripped because I couldn’t actually see where I was going. I finally started tipping my glasses up and looking with just my eyes. They weren’t quite as clear as they would have been with distance glasses, but they were a lot better than with the near vision portion of the progressives.

What I wound up doing was getting a pair of single vision glasses for distance. They took a little getting used to, but I seldom trip over bumps in the road. I still don’t quite trust them when stepping over curbs.

I thought it was just me, but according to an article in the latest AARPBulletin (October 2024), The Hidden Dangers of Progressive Lenses, I’m not alone. Studies have shown that people over age 65 with multi-focal lenses are up to three times more likely to suffer falls. The stronger the near vision part of the prescription, the greater the risk.

Is it a bit of a hassle to carry a second pair of glasses and switch? Yes. But I would rather have the inconvenience than a fall that put me in the hospital.

Do I like the progressives?

I do–for driving and shopping. For driving, I can see both the road ahead and the information on the dashboard. For walking? Not at all.

So if you’re getting a new prescription and considering progressives, give it some thought. See if the provider has a program for a discount on a second pair of glasses. Or just spring for a second pair for walking.

Take care of your eyes, but don’t forget to take care of the rest of you, too.

Stay healthy, stay happy, and stay safe!

(This is one of the places where I walk.)

A Summer Walk

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Sometimes we just need a break. Maybe a nice walk to get in touch with the nature. I know you can’t actually slip into my world just now, but…

...come walk with me. A virtual walk if you will.

Out the front door, we close the heavy iron gate behind us. The trees arching over the sidewalk invite us forward as we begin our stroll. Turning toward the little country road, we walk in the shade of the trees, cooling us from summer’s sun.

The scent of the earth after a rain surrounds us, as a cool breeze rustles the leaves. The crunching of our footsteps along the dirt and gravel lane provide a percussive note to the birdsong from the woods alongside.

Though it’s mid-day, the shade from the trees cools us as we walk along. Reaching a branch in the path, we turn downhill toward a little stream. The shade is deeper here, and the breeze coming up off the stream is wonderfully refreshing.

Before long, we hear the splashing of the stream as it tumbles over the rocky ledge. Turning off the path, we go down to the water’s edge, feeling the refreshing mist rising from the stream.

The interplay of light and shadow here under the trees, beside the stream, along with the woodland sounds, is soothing, relaxing. It feels as if all your troubles could float away, like fallen leaves on the water.


Stop for a moment.


Close your eyes and breathe deeply of the woodland scent. The smell of moist earth warmed by the sun, mingling with the wildflowers growing along the stream teases your senses. On the breeze, you catch a hint of newly mown hay from further down the path.


Take another deep breath. Hold it in for a few seconds before you slowly exhale, releasing your cares into the vastness of the universe. Listen as the sounds of nature speak to you soul.

I could spend all afternoon here by the water, but I need to go home. So we turn away from the water, taking a last look at the ferns growing there in the shade, and wishing we had time to climb out and sit on the log bridging the stream.


I fell lighter of spirit, somehow, as if a weight has been lifted. Back up the path to the turn, and then up the road toward the drive, we look out across a meadow filled with tiny yellow flowers.

Back to the sidewalk, we slip under the living arch, stroke the cat who is waiting there for us, and open the heavy gate back into the house.

I feel refreshed and ready to face the rest of the day now. I know, it’s time to say goodbye. But thanks for coming with me. I had a wonderful time.


How about you?