Prescription Glasses, what do you have that works

[_Sheffjs_]

1979 is the first time I wore contacts and about 2 years ago dye eye ended that, so three sets of Oakley prescription glasses later and I need to move on. I wish this would work as the Oakley’s I bought have a 6° curve on the face frame - I hate flat lenses. The Oakley’s scratch way to easy they don’t clean well and they don’t hold up.  What do you have that works?   

[Bighead]

You talking every day wear or sunglasses? I wear Nike frames for everyday and a pair of Maui Jims for sunglasses. Damn It hurt the wallet to pay for them but worth every penny.

[Valker]

I ride with these: http://rxsportoptics.com/motorcycle.html

[scooperhsd]

I buy my glasses at the Optomitrest . I ALWAYS get the Crizal coating (anti-scratch), and an Anti glare coating. For motorcycle use - Transition Extra is nice (they darken in the sun for sunglasses) - however, it doesn't work for my cars - they have UV so the Transititions don't darken . I've been wearing progressive bifocals since age 45. So, my last pair of glasses totaled $600 with exam. For "just sunglasses" - I'll get regular bifocals with polarized lenses - and they also work on the bike.

You should notice a theme here - I pay far more attention to my lenses than to my frames.
You should too.

[Lyle Laun]

Big fan of the Maui Jim's prescription sun glasses but as noted, fairly pricey

[Bighead]

Big fan of the Maui Jim's prescription sun glasses but as noted, fairly pricey

Yes they are but Great product.  Almost choked  when I had to pay for them but they had them to me in one day and they were worth it. I will buy another lair when RX changes.

[Jess from VA]

I would never stick contacts in my eyes, and never get laser surgery (after what they did to one of my wife's eyes).

I wear polycarbonate trifocal seamless Varilux lenses to read, compute and work up close.

But for riding and driving (and recliner TV) I only wear single (distance) vision lenses.  I want to be able to use the entire lens to see when driving/riding, not just the top half of the lens, and I can read all street signs fine with distance vision only.  And IMHO, distortion is reduced in single vision from bi or tri focals.  And a set of single vision glass lenses are a third the cost of polycarb varilux, or less.

And in all my single vision glasses, I never get polycarbonate/plastic (coated or not) lenses, I get glass lenses because it has much better optical clarity than any polycarbonate/plastic lenses (and are much harder to scratch; like when wiping mud or a bug from my lens while riding with my gloved thumb) (but don't drop them).  Glass weighs a bit more, and I don't care. (I always carry a pair of Varilux with me when riding so I can do close work or read if necessary)

But here's the tricky part; how much curve you can get in your lenses depends on your particular prescription.  My eyes have never been that bad, so I can have some curve, but not pure wraparound lens curve, which would give me (very) distorted and distracted vision on the edges of those curves.

Now you can pick any frames you want (wire, plastic, sport, tactical or full goggles) so long as the amount of curve you can have for your prescription lenses will fit in those frames (without distortion on the outer edges).  Any good optician should be able to lay this out for you.  So don't buy an expensive pair of glasses, then bring them to the optometrist for lenses without checking out the amount of curve you can have (and how much curve those frames require).  Extreme wraparound frames always have the most curve in the lenses.

The most curve I could ever get in riding glasses that would accept my prescription without any distortion on the edges was (tactical) Wiley X SG1's*.  And they have extra foam on the inside to close the lens to your eye orbits.  And they come with both a headband and a regular set of leg arms to your ears.  I could never make the elastic band work (my helmet pushed the band down hard on my ears), so I stuck with the legs.

The other big variable in riding eyeglass selection (to me) is whether you wear an open or closed face helmet.  I only wear half DOT helmets, and even with fairings and shields, I need better eye protection than someone who wears the full face or flip face (with it mostly closed) (or a 3/4 with full length visor). It seems to me full face guys could wear about any glasses at all.

* My lenses in these are single (distance) vision, glass, dark, and polarized.





(Hey lady, that's not a handhold)

[_Sheffjs_]

Every day use is what I struggle with

[Fazer]

I were bifocals and cannot find any curved prescription sunglasses that I like.  I tried the Wiley's that Jess mentioned, but they were huge.  Sent them back for a different style and got curved frames with a pare of regulare looking lenses that snapped in.  I did not like these either so I backed out of the whole deal.

What really caught my eye on this post, though was the cost some folks pay for glasses.  I get my prescription from the optometrist and order glasses thru Zenni Optical.  Takes a few days, but my last pair with a fancy eyebrow frame were less than $100.  Inlcudes no line bifocal.  Only add was anti glare coating.  You can select different options and increase cost, and still be way under what you will pay at eye doctor.  They have a large selection of frames and options for the actual rx.

[old2soon]

          Regular discount single vision scratch resistant lenses with a light weight metal frame. I have a selection of polarized sunglasses of varying colors for different light conditions. A black lensed a brown lensed and my latest a yellow lensed pair that work rather well in cloudy or cloudy/bright situations. My sunglasses come from wally wurld and are in the $20.00 price range. They offer complete coverage but still let air circulate. I remember giving Evan-oss-a pair and I believe he said his gourd was bigger than mine!  I believe-but don't quote me-they come in med and X L and i use the X L. The glasses work well in the cage or with a half shell a 3/4 or full face helmet. With the full face you put-well i do-glasses and shades on after helmet is on.  And for plastic lenses in the shades they seem to last for awhile unless i sit step drive or leave them on the roof of cage or trunk of Phatt Ghurl.  And prior to the ones i git along with now there WAS some pricy experimenting.  Good luck on yer search. Please let us know what ya come up with.  RIDE SAFE.

[Hook#3287]

Living in a rural area, eye doctors are few and far between.

I've gotten my annual checkups at Walmart for the last 6-7 years w/o issue and have purchased 4-5 sets of eyewear from them.

I tried progressive for everyday use but didn't like them because of the constant up and down of the head to get the correct focus.

I use the standard bifocal for every day and progressive sun glasses for riding.

My everyday lenses are Nikon and seem to hold up well.

[old2soon]

          Just now recollected. I have a clear pair of Airfoil goggles fer dust rain wind hail etc. They have a nice foam rubber or plastic cushion. But that is detoriating and I need a new pair. Got 6 or 7 years out of the Airfoils. Gonna buy the identical replacement if at all possible. RIDE SAFE.

[Wizzard]

I am 64 and wife is 62. 1 year ago we had a relatively new surgery performed that replace the lenses in our eyes. Cost 4k an eye and insurance does not cover it but we now have 20/20 vision and will have the rest of our lives. We don't need glasses anymore.   https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=intraocular+lenses

[Jess from VA]

But, you still need eye protection for riding, using power tools and equipment, shooting, solvents and paint.  And maybe your surgery fixes this too, but I recall even Lasik surgery didn't remedy the need for reading glasses for (us) old people.

I've been wearing glasses almost 50 years (even have callouses from the ear pieces) and I can't count the times I've had something whack me in the glasses and I was glad they were on there. 

[0leman]

Been wearing glasses since I was 8 years old (now over 70).   Have always had glass glasses.  Tend to scratch non glass lenses.  Do have the Varilux lenses with the transition feature.  And no, they don't change when driving my cage.

I started using the Varilux instead of normal lined bifocal when I had to have help seeing up close.   Got used to them so its no problem.   Only problem I have, is when working on something over my head.  Hard to move head back far enough to see clearly.   

Do go to local Optometrist for check up and new glasses.   Though still wear the same frames with new lenses that I got 6 years ago  Seems my eyes have not changed much in the last 10 years.  Doc says that its normal as one gets older, at least for a while.   AND those who are nearsighted, the trend is to get less nearsighted. 

[carolinarider09]

I have used Panoptic glasses for the past 10 or so years (see link below). They are dependable and fit well.  The only issue I have ever had was the removable "liner" (its like a foam gasket that attaches to the frame and helps block insects and such from getting under the frame and striking your eye at speed).  The liner gets old and has to be replaced every so often.  Just a thing.

I purchased them in a "bifocal" arrangement.  However, I worked with my optometrist to get the bifocal part corrected for about 20".  This lets me easily read the GPS and the dash stuff on the bike.  Normal bifocals are set for 7" I think so it makes things blurry on the bike.  

I also got a specific pair or glasses for work (which I still use now that I am retired).  They were bifocals but the main lens was set for 20" so I could easily see the computer screen and then the bifocal part was set for normal document reading.  Made it real easy to use the computer screen and look at a printed document  I still use them at home (like right now).  

My vision does not change that often and if it does, I can ret the Panoptics redone for my new prescription.  The only issue I have ever had with this is getting the right interpupil distance on my last prescription.  I changed optometrists (well my old one retired and the new one is just so so0 and the new place has no clue how to do that so I no longer go there.


https://7eye.com/collections/rx-frame

[Wizzard]

But, you still need eye protection for riding, using power tools and equipment, shooting, solvents and paint.  And maybe your surgery fixes this too, but I recall even Lasik surgery didn't remedy the need for reading glasses for (us) old people.

I've been wearing glasses almost 50 years (even have callouses from the ear pieces) and I can't count the times I've had something whack me in the glasses and I was glad they were on there. 

Eye protection and eye glasses are completely different.

[Jess from VA]

AND those who are nearsighted, the trend is to get less nearsighted.  

No kidding.  My last exam in 2019, imagine my surprise when I was told my eyes were better than they used to be.  There is not one other part of my body (or mind, probably) that is better than it used to be.  

[Jess from VA]

But, you still need eye protection for riding, using power tools and equipment, shooting, solvents and paint.  And maybe your surgery fixes this too, but I recall even Lasik surgery didn't remedy the need for reading glasses for (us) old people.

I've been wearing glasses almost 50 years (even have callouses from the ear pieces) and I can't count the times I've had something whack me in the glasses and I was glad they were on there. 

Eye protection and eye glasses are completely different.

Well they are different, but not completely different.     They both go on your face.

[Wizzard]

But, you still need eye protection for riding, using power tools and equipment, shooting, solvents and paint.  And maybe your surgery fixes this too, but I recall even Lasik surgery didn't remedy the need for reading glasses for (us) old people.

I've been wearing glasses almost 50 years (even have callouses from the ear pieces) and I can't count the times I've had something whack me in the glasses and I was glad they were on there. 

Eye protection and eye glasses are completely different.

Well they are different, but not completely different.     They both go on your face.

True but one should wear eye protection under certain circumstances no matter if they need glasses or not.

[scooperhsd]

I have another pair of glasses that were PERFECT for me for looking at computer displays all day - the focus is right at the end of my reach, 6-12 inches closer and maybe 2 feet beyond. Absolutely useless for driving (I'm 20/200 without distance correction) this range was covered by my bifocals, but in a really small sliver. The glasses were wonderful for me scanning a screen quickly for information (I read faster than ANYBODY I know (1000-1200 words / minute) or have ever met).

[John Schmidt]

I am 64 and wife is 62. 1 year ago we had a relatively new surgery performed that replace the lenses in our eyes. Cost 4k an eye and insurance does not cover it but we now have 20/20 vision and will have the rest of our lives. We don't need glasses anymore.   https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=intraocular+lenses

Not necessarily so. I had Lasik surgery in both eyes at age 59, now 81 and have had to use dime store readers for at least the last 10 years. I've developed a slight astigmatism in the right eye, the left is still 20/20 or close. If I wanted to get back to normal I'd have the right eye done again but it doesn't bother me. I don't wear glasses except for reading if it's fine print with bad contrast. Reason for the readers has nothing to do with the surgery, as you age your eyes lose the ability to focus as well but you can still have really good vision at 20' and beyond. Prior to the Lasik, I was so nearsighted I couldn't read a large clock on the wall. My pilot license instructor challenged me one day to land without my glasses(before I had the Lasik). I was able to do it....2 or 3 times on the same approach.  

I see the type of surgery you had, same as my wife. She still ended up using glasses in her later years.

[XVWDVW]

This is a great topic.  I have a very mild distance prescription but need bifocals to see the dash and, mostly for dirt roads, gps.  
About 10 years ago I experienced a detached retina that ultimately led to loss of vision in that eye.  (for most people they can fix this, but I am above average!)  My eye docs forbid my wearing glass lenses as I don't have any "Spares" left, so I always get poly-carbonate.  For the same reasons, I mostly ride with either a full-face, or at least full shield helmet.  
As with some of the previous posters, I have always bought my glasses through my optometrist, but after buying my first pair of computer fitted progressive no-line bifocals I will follow Fazer's advice and get my scrip from the DR, and get the glasses either from a box store or online.  I always liked that the lenses were made (ground) by a local business, but they can't do the fancy bifocals and send out of town for those anyway.  The bill for my current pair was $780.  I almost tossed my lunch.  At that price there was no room in the budget for a pair of prescription sunglasses.  
I am past due to get my prescription checked/updated and will prob keep my old frames with updated lenses and look into some prescription sunglasses for driving and riding.  
Maybe some of those Panoptix that Carolina recomended...

[Wizzard]

I am 64 and wife is 62. 1 year ago we had a relatively new surgery performed that replace the lenses in our eyes. Cost 4k an eye and insurance does not cover it but we now have 20/20 vision and will have the rest of our lives. We don't need glasses anymore.   https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=intraocular+lenses

Not necessarily so. I had Lasik surgery in both eyes at age 59, now 81 and have had to use dime store readers for at least the last 10 years. I've developed a slight astigmatism in the right eye, the left is still 20/20 or close. If I wanted to get back to normal I'd have the right eye done again but it doesn't bother me. I don't wear glasses except for reading if it's fine print with bad contrast. Reason for the readers has nothing to do with the surgery, as you age your eyes lose the ability to focus as well but you can still have really good vision at 20' and beyond. Prior to the Lasik, I was so nearsighted I couldn't read a large clock on the wall. My pilot license instructor challenged me one day to land without my glasses(before I had the Lasik). I was able to do it....2 or 3 times on the same approach.  

I see the type of surgery you had, same as my wife. She still ended up using glasses in her later years.

It is so. My eye doctor whom is well respected guarantees it. Surgery is of a new type and took 10 minutes. He can change the lens again if he has too.

[John Schmidt]

I am 64 and wife is 62. 1 year ago we had a relatively new surgery performed that replace the lenses in our eyes. Cost 4k an eye and insurance does not cover it but we now have 20/20 vision and will have the rest of our lives. We don't need glasses anymore.   https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=intraocular+lenses

Not necessarily so. I had Lasik surgery in both eyes at age 59, now 81 and have had to use dime store readers for at least the last 10 years. I've developed a slight astigmatism in the right eye, the left is still 20/20 or close. If I wanted to get back to normal I'd have the right eye done again but it doesn't bother me. I don't wear glasses except for reading if it's fine print with bad contrast. Reason for the readers has nothing to do with the surgery, as you age your eyes lose the ability to focus as well but you can still have really good vision at 20' and beyond. Prior to the Lasik, I was so nearsighted I couldn't read a large clock on the wall. My pilot license instructor challenged me one day to land without my glasses(before I had the Lasik). I was able to do it....2 or 3 times on the same approach.  

I see the type of surgery you had, same as my wife. She still ended up using glasses in her later years.

It is so. My eye doctor whom is well respected guarantees it. Surgery is of a new type and took 10 minutes. He can change the lens again if he has too.

I hope he's right for your sake. My wife had one done about age 60, the second one done about ten years later at age 70. She passed one month shy of her 80th b'day and had been using glasses for about five years, mostly for one eye, the other lens was pretty much plain glass. They tried a new lens in the affected eye but anything closer than 10 ft. she still had to use reading glasses. She also had 20/20 from about 20-25' on out, but the hard lens didn't help focus up close is the reason she used glasses. And you're right about the time involved. We arrived at the drs. office on the hour, she was back in the waiting room in under 20 minutes....glad she could read the sign across the street but asked to borrow my readers to see if that helped to see what she was writing on the check. Everybody is different, and the older you get....the more that becomes noticeable.

After my Lasik at age 59(hard to believe that was 22 yrs. ago), some coworkers kidded me about using readers. The usual question was "you just had Lasik and have 20/20 now, so how come you're still using glasses." I told them it's quite simple....I'm well past middle-age which is about the time your eyes will start to lose their ability to focus up close. They didn't yet understand until I retired some 15 yrs. later and I caught a few of them...now in their late 40s-early 50s, using reading glasses. I just teased a bit to the effect of "remember back when you asked about me and reading glasses?"

[G-Man]

https://7eye.com/

[lakehunter]

I discovered the Wylie X brand a few years ago, they are the only brand I have seen with curved wrap around lenses that keep the RX focused all the way around for side vision in their rider style wrap around frames. I have stigmatism issues with weird RX lenses and they are still light and comfortable. Big plus is they are ANSI rated, also meet the military ballistic VO impact rating and so are acceptable as shooting glasses at the range too. Some models come with the foam inserts to close the gap between frame and face during cold weather or high wind conditions. Even have anti-fog lenses available. Do yourself a favor and check them out ... https://www.rx-safety.com/wiley-x-sunglasses/ .
20k miles later and I still love them !

Mike

[DIGGER]

For outside every day reading glasses I go to the local welding shop and buy safety sun glasses with 2.50 bifocals.   Cost about $10

[pastmast95]

Look at Riderseye,com, They will do your prescription and you can pick from different types of tint or go with the kind that is clear until you get in the sun then they turn dark, good for night or day. Lots of choices to choose from and less than $200.00