Help with high-index glasses?!
Question: I have a prescription that is -7.00 is both eyes, and the last three pairs of glasses I have purchased have been awful because of distortion at the edges. I have heard that once you have a prescription this high, it is almost impossible to get a pair of glasses that will give you comfortable vision. I'm wondering if anyone with my prescription or worse could tell me if they indeed have found a comfortable, crisp pair of glasses and what index of lens did they use? What style frames? Did you go to a nationwide chain or to a small optometrist? I would like to actually have a frame of reference for what I should choose in my next pair before I plop down another $500. Thanks.
Answers: I have a prescription that is -7.00 is both eyes, and the last three pairs of glasses I have purchased have been awful because of distortion at the edges. I have heard that once you have a prescription this high, it is almost impossible to get a pair of glasses that will give you comfortable vision. I'm wondering if anyone with my prescription or worse could tell me if they indeed have found a comfortable, crisp pair of glasses and what index of lens did they use? What style frames? Did you go to a nationwide chain or to a small optometrist? I would like to actually have a frame of reference for what I should choose in my next pair before I plop down another $500. Thanks.
There are different types of high index and i believe a 1.7 would be good and also use a zyle frame, and get the edges polished and hopefully you will see less distortion. I have seen someone with a -19.50 in both eyes and can see pretty good with glasses. We are a private practice and don't have a lab to cut and edge lenses so we have to send them off to a lab. I personally believe these big chains are just that too big and you don't get quality work. With your RX its very important. One of our biggest complaints from patients who take their RX somewhere else is that they couldn't see with the glasses, a small office takes pride in perfection and 9 times out of 10 you will have the best pair of glasses from a small private office.
You may please try to go for planoconcave lenses with a frame that fits very close(ie., as close as possible) to your eyes, for constant use, to achieve best results to overcome your problem.
If you're -7.00 in both eyes, you definitely want high index lenses (maybe index of 1.66 or similar). The higher the index, the thinner the lenses, but the more distortion you'll see. Therefore, don't get any higher index than you absolutely need for the frame. I'd definitely recommend a frame with a small eye size (thus thinner lenses) and a plastic frame is possible, to hide the thickness and keep edge distortion minimal. A small optometrist's office is probably better, since they usually can address your specific concerns more directly. Also, if you have any problems, they should be willing to redo the lenses or allow you to pick a new frame. With your prescription, there's no reason that you shouldn't be able to have comfortable vision. Also, I'd recommend an anti-glare coating so your lens thickness isn't as noticeable.