Unhappy with new glasses

[CathyA]

I've worn progressive lenses for quite awhile. (Progressives mean triflocals without any lines).
My vision was fine with my old glasses until fairly recently, when the distance vision in my right lens and my close-up wasn't as good. So I've worn the same prescription for at least 5 years.
This last visit, I decided to go with a new prescription, since the technician told me it would be better.

Well, I can't see as well in my new glasses in the right eye, and the close-up isn't as good for both eyes as I had hoped.
I spent over $400 on these glasses (with insurance paying $100). What complicates things is that my ophthalmologist has changed who he works for several times in the recent past (office politics). He's now in a new place, not where I had my last exam, and also not where I got my new glasses made.

I know you're supposed to give your brain 2 weeks to adjust to new glasses, but I can't imagine that these particular problems will correct themselves.
What do you think I should expect? I'm thinking I should expect a new exam, free of charge. But what if they find a significantly different prescription this time? Who should pay the several hundred for new lenses?

The optical department guy (who I trust) said that if my last prescription was stronger than this one, it doesn't mean this one isn't appropriate. (Meaning our eyes change alot, and I very well may have needed a different prescription. And stronger isn't always better.).

What should I do, and what should I expect?
Thanks!

[domestic goddess]

I don't have any suggestions, CathyA. I'm sorry, and I wish I did.
This is the reason why I hate getting new glasses. They never seem to match my expectations, and I suspect that is mostly my fault. You know how they change the lenses and ask you if it is better or worse? I can never tell if it is better or worse, just different. I know it doesn't make much sense, but I need to live with a change a little while before I can tell if the change is for the better or not.
I, too, wear progressives, but I can't read or do close work with my glasses on, and probably will never be able to. Don't know if I can get progressives without the close vision, but I cau sure use the mid and distance lenses. The bonus is that I was never able to do anything without my glasses, and sometimes magnifying lenses, but now I need little to no assistance with close work at all. However, my distance vision is pretty terrible.
My last glasses, several years ago, were $500. I'm dreading the cost now, and I have no insurance to help defray the cost.
I hope someone has some advice!

[CathyA]

Hi domestic goddess.
I have a little trouble with that "better or worse" thing too. I ask for repeats alot!
I was expecting a period of adjustment........but I thought it would be because they were stronger, not weaker!
Then I start feeling insecure that I'm just expecting too much. I'm always way too sensitive to changes!

I got frustrated not being able to see the computer well with my glasses (old and new), so I went out and bought some of the cheap reading glasses.
But they don't take into account the eye differences, so that didn't work either.
The guy at the optical department said that you can have glasses made just for using at the computer. But........that would be another $500 and I'm sure the insurance company wouldn't want to help with that.
I guess we just have to get used to things not being perfect! (which is a bummer!).
Good luck with your vision problems too!

[Miss Cellane]

Cathy, I've had problems with a pair of new glasses in the past. I called the office where I got the new prescription and was told to try them for two weeks, which I did. They were still bad.

So I went back to the office and they tested the lenses and ... the prescription for each eye had gotten mixed up--the left eye had the right eye prescription and vice versa. The glasses place had to make me a new pair for free.

So I'd start with the doctor who gave you the prescription--either he will see you again or you will have to go to his old office and see someone else. It is possible that the lens weren't made correctly. Or that the doctor gave you the wrong prescription. Whatever the cause, you shouldn't have to pay the whole $400 all over again.

I have three pairs of glasses. I'm very nearsighted and slowly getting more and more farsighted. Pretty soon, I won't be able to see anything clearly without glasses. I have the progressive lenses for most of the time. I have reading glasses. And I have computer glasses, because I'm spending more and more time on the computer for work. The reading and computer glasses don't cost nearly as much as the progressive lenses, because they are just the one single prescription. If you can wait until Lenscrafter or Pearle Vision does a big promotion, like buy one pair, get a second for free or nearly free, they won't cost much at all. And they are very, very worth it.

[iris lily]

I don't have a suggestion for help, sorry! I waited too long, way too long, to get new glasses because I just loved my old frames, but I was having eye strain. My new glasses have pretty much eliminated that and I think it's as much about proper fit (they aren't loose like the old ones) as it is about prescription strength. The new ones are weaker in at least one eye.

I don't know about the OP's optician, but where I go you have a period where you can replace your new glasses for no cost if you don't like them.

Some years ago I ended up hating the lense-free new glasses I got, but I wouldn't have dreamed of replacing them because it was just the "look" I didn't like, they were perfectly functional. I think that's why I clung to their successor for so long because I has wasted money on new glasses and yes, they are all around $400+.

So OP, don't dilly dally--report it to your guy and see what they recommend.

[CeciliaW]

Hah! Thread drift for a moment. I just 'got' Miss Cellane's nick ...

[JaneV2.0]

I don't have a suggestion for help, sorry! I waited too long, way too long, to get new glasses because I just loved my old frames...

There are places on line where you can get lenses made to specs (couldn't resist) and fitted into your old frames. I just got new glasses that seem a little "off," but my eyes will probably never get used to them (if that's the problem) because I only use them to drive. I wasn't thrilled by the choice of frames available to me (Costco, so not cutting edge), so I may put frames on my thrift list to see if I can come up with something more interesting.

[CathyA]

I suppose I'll get used to the frames...... I really liked them initially. They are copper wire frames, with a sort of mosaic plastic ear pieces. BUT.....on both sides where the ear pieces meet the glasses, there's a little knob-like thing. When I wear the glasses, its like bugs on both side of my vision. haha It always takes me a second to realize its not something I need to shoo away.

[razz]

I had to have the new progressive lenses changed three times until the fit was correct. The optometrist phoned the lab and got the latest type of lenses that worked with my perscription at not extra cost to me. Don't delay and explain clearly what is happening expecting a correction. Whoever took your money should, IMHO, be responsible for ensuring that the lenses are correct for your vision.

[SteveinMN]

I like Miss Cellane's response. But I think you should start with the place that actually sold you the glasses (assuming it's different than the opthalmologist's office). At the least they can verify that the glasses meet the prescription as written; they also can measure your face for things like centeredness of the image and possibly where the progressive lenses start changing to the higher prescription. Once you've verified they didn't mess it up, then you likely will have to go back to the/another opthalmologist. You stand a better chance of a discount or free visit if you go to places you've visited before (with or without this particular doctor). Tell them why you want a reexamination and ask if there isn't some break they could give you on the cost, especially if you can pay cash. I know many practitioners have almost a different price list for procedures when insurance isn't paying for it. And, for that matter, you could call your insurance company and ask them what you could do. The call will cost only a bit of your time and they may have some ideas -- or at least some engagement for paying for medical goods and services which aren't working as intended.

[creaker]

My first set of progressive lenses were awful - they definitely messed up one lens, I wasn't sure about the other - I got one lens redone, it was better but still didn't seem quite right, other didn't feel quite right, either. Also, the "sweet spot" wasn't lined up on the lenses - if you're not used to progressives, basically you move your head until find the correct focus. On my lenses, they did not "line up" - whenever one eye was focused, the other would be a bit off and vise versa. Also for distance I felt a little farsighted in one eye and a little nearsighted in the other. But I thought maybe it was just me not being used to progressive lenses. The place I used was one in the same place my doctors office is and I like my doctor, but the eyeglass shop was so unhelpful, didn't seem to be able to do much more than take your order and hand you the glasses when they were ready. My glasses were passable for everyday stuff, but I was actually switching to my old glasses to work on the computer.

Fast forward 3 years, I had health savings account dollars to burn before the end of the year, got new prescription in same style frame - so much better. Both my eyes are in focus when I look at something and vision in each eye is pretty much the same. I use my new glasses for computer work fine. I used a new place, much more helpful, they were actually concerned that my new glasses worked well, which is much more than I got from the other place.

I'd start with the place that sold them and have them verify the lenses are correct, tell them what issues you are having.

[fidgiegirl]

I second razz's suggestion (hey, doing that a lot tonight . . . )

Plus, $500 retail doesn't mean it costs that to them. So don't let the numbers make you feel bad. If anything, at that price point, they owe you correctness.

Rosemary has used online glasses makers. Perhaps she will chime in here.

And as much as I am not a fan, my parents always went to Walmart for my brother's glasses as a child. He was always breaking them and they saved a lot of money that way.

[chord_ata]

Sometimes, the labs just mess up. I had three tries on my latest prescription before they tried a different lab. The second lab got it right on the first try.

[Sagewoman]

I've used the online glasses places for a long time now and have had very good luck. My previous glasses cost around $800. I can get the same glasses for around $100 online. That's for high index progressive lenses with the transitions type sunglasses feature. Actually the $800 did not even include the transitions lenses. If you start at glassyeyes.com, you will see some educational information about glasses, helpful tips, reviews of various online companies and some coupons. Then study the information on fitting the glasses at several sites until you understand it. It takes a bit of work the first time, but very worth the savings. Heck, if it takes 7 hours the first time, that's still $100/hour, and the second time is much quicker. I've used eyebuydirect, zenni optical and 39 dollar glasses. I like eyebuydirect best, but that's specific to my needs and frame styles, the others were also very good.

The other thing I figured out early on is that I need two pairs of glasses. One is the progressive lens for everyday use, driving, etc. The reading portion, or up close portion of progressives are very small, so ok for reading a label in the supermarket, definitely not ok for reading or computer work. For reading/computer I get a single vision lens. That way, I have the whole lens as a window, not just a tiny portion at the bottom. This takes into account the difference in my eyes strength (plus astigmatism in one) unlike the drugstore glasses. Because they are not progressives, these single vision glasses are way cheaper than the progressives. Online they are likely under $40 or even about $25. They are way more comfortable for up close work. With my old insurance (no longer have that one) I got these made at my optometrist and it was very cheap. But now I'm not covered with that plan, so have gotten them online. Also, some of the online places have name brands like "Transitions" and Zeiss lenses, so the quality is the same. There's a huge markup on glasses, that's why.

I have had the local optometrist labs mess up horribly and have had the opticians argue with me to get me to accept glasses that were totally unuseable. This is everything from Walmart to the private office. I have only had one problem with the online, with the glasses being too thick. I could still see out of them. But I was ordering 2 pair on a 2 for 1 sale and forgot to check the thin lens box when I ordered the second pair.

Many people are hesitant to get the script from their doctor, but they are required to give it to you. Also, make sure they include pupilary distance and ask them to include it if it's not on there.

[CathyA]

I made myself wait, to see if I could adjust, which I sort of have. Here's my question to all of you: If you look out of one eye at a time, do you see better out of one, than the other? (with your glasses on).
I wonder if I got my one lens's distance made stronger, if I would then feel the other lens was too weak?? To be honest, one reason I haven't gone in, is that I have very little faith in people, and I could see me going in for several visits, and having it still not be "perfect". I can still go, but have been putting it off.

[domestic goddess]

I never see as well out of my right eye as I do my left. I have a fairly severe astigmatism in that eye, so my vision there is never really completely corrected.
Don't wait too long to get these corrected, CathyA. Good Luck!

[Sagewoman]

It's possible, with progressives that one lens is rotated to the wrong angle. I had that happen and though the prescription was correct, I could only see well out of one eye. This does happen sometimes. You could try looking through the one lens in by rotating it and see if you can see better that way. Of course sometimes they just get one wrong, too.

I see equally well out of each eye with my glasses on.

[Life_is_Simple]

The first time I got progressive lenses, it was when I had vision insurance through work, and went to someone in their network. They had to send the glasses to their network glasses-grinding-place (I don't know what else to call it). I couldn't see very well distance-wise, so went back and they fixed it.

A few years later, I went to a different shop, still in that vision insurance network. These glasses never really were right.

So the THIRD time, I said "screw it, I'm going back to my-pre-vision-insurance guy", who I always thought was excellent. He told me what was wrong with the previous pair of glasses. Being progressive, they needed enough space from top to bottom for each of the 3 distances (close/medium/far). And the previous pair I had were too small, so cutting off just where one of the distances should start.

The vision insurance actually did pay some of that out of network person, not as much. But there were other discounts.

So to make a long story even longer:
- go to someone who is excellent, even if it costs slightly more
- sometimes vision insurance network doctors and network glasses-making-places are cheap for a reason
- people are usually willing to fix the glasses problem, if at all possible
- progressive glasses need to be properly done by someone who knows what they are doing