Can't adjust to Autograph II

by Ken
(Dayton Ohio USA)

Q: I am 63 with mild cataracts. Have been wearing progressives for years. Not seeing as I would like too. But, satisfactory.

My last pair are Varilux Free Form. 2.5 years old. My current prescription hasn't changed much other than a axial change of .5. That is how I remember it being explained by optician.

I got the Autograph II and see worse. Have worn a couple days. Problem is I need to look at very top for anything long to mid distance, even while I drive. Reading distance is very hard to find a sweet spot also.

Varilux was much easier on this even when I first started with them. If I look at same reading text at short distance and same sign at long distance, the Varilux are still better. I just take off one pair and put other on without moving my head. I know time is needed to adjust. But, should it be so hard comming from similar quality lenses. I doubt doctor misdiagnosed and the optician says glasses are made to what he ordered. Not sure how they tell that. Is it just Autograph for some folks. I think I am around +2.50, so not very high with that measure. Any ideas how to proceed. I don't want to reorder unless they come up with a definite issue. Maybe get new prescription in the latest Varilux. I didn't think these two glasses would be so far apart for me.

Ken


A: Hello Ken

I first must congratulate you for having only the best eyewear you can have: the progressive eyeglasses. I also can understand your frustration about the changes so I will try to give you some hints about changes that I hope will help you.

First, I think the biggest problem is described by you in the first proposition: the cataract. This is sadly a condition that is always advancing and disrupting the vision until you decide is enough and make the lens transplant.

It comes a moment in its evolution when no eyeglass can help improving your vision and you will just spend money for expensive eyeglasses for nothing. The only cure for the cataract is the operation and any other option is just means postponing and extra-money-spending.

If you don’t do the surgery, it will only get bigger and deteriorate your vision further. The other problem with the cataract is that in its evolution, it is continuously changing your diopters because of the inflammation inside the crystalline lens, so it will be harder and harder to get a good pair of glasses and to remain good for more than 6 month.

So, from this point of view, I recommend you an ophthalmological consultation followed by the proper steps to ensure a final good result.

I can tell you that I don’t prescribe progressive lenses to cataract patients, usually is happening exactly as you described and there is a lot of money spends for short time wearing eyeglasses.

But… if the surgery is not an option for you yet, we must look at the glasses a little bit. You said there are no big changes with the diopters; this makes me think the problem is in the mounting of your personal measurements in to the lens.

I think they did something wrong because with the same diopters and lens category you should see the same. The fact that you search for the sweet spot and find it hard, it could be because it is misplaced.

I only say this because you mentioned that you see better with the old Varilux, because if not, I would place the blame on the cataract.

So maybe you should do a recheck of eyes and diopters, but my opinion is that if the Varilux was the better one, you don’t need to change them, or make the new ones the same because you are already used to them .

For any other questions about glasses or cataract surgery don’t hesitate to make a comment.

Hope this helps,
Arpi

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