which is better? lower Rx or clip-on magnifiers?!
Question: Which is better? lower Rx or clip-on magnifiers?
However, when I use the clip-on readers, they have a rating of +1.75. Sure they take my prescription down to -2 or so, but they do so with this magnification effect that I like. It feels nicer and I don't have to get so close to what I'm reading. However, people keep telling me the lower prescription glasses are better than the clip-ons or progressives. What do you think?
Answers:
It's not really a question of which is better. It's which one you are comfortable with.
The ideal computer distance glasses power is usually 1/3 less than the normal distance correction , so maybe the - 2.00 glasses were a bit weak if you actually have - 4.00...the clip leaves you with - 2.25 which could be what is making the comfort difference. 1/3 less would be closer to - 2.25 than - 2.00
The - 2.00 glasses would probably work better if your actual Rx was a - 3.00...but you probably notice that extra 0.25 difference that you are getting with the clip.
The only reason glasses may be better is if you find the clip too heavy and cumbersome , otherwise, if it works...then there is no problem
I think Dr. Evil missed the whole point of your question.
Optician
you're using the opposite kind of lens when you are using clip on readers. Clip on readers are just convex lenses that are also used in magnifying glasses, binoculars and old people's reading glasses. Its true that the plus or minus power has an effect on the length of the eyeball. this was proven by testing on monkeys. Myopia is mainly caused by an overly long eyeball (front to back). So if you were to use a lens to try and reverse this problem then you would be encouraging the right mentality and manipulation of the eyeball via medial rectus and lateral rectus.
Source of Research proving plus/minus lenses change length of eyeball after long-term continual use:
Shaeffel, F., Glasser, A., and Howland, H.C. (1988) Accomodation, refractive error and eye growth in chickens. Vis. Res. 28, 639-657.
Shaeffel F., Howland HC. (1991) Properties of feedback loops controlling eye growth and refractive state in the chicken. Vis Res; 31:717-734.