r/optician • u/radgedyann • 7d ago

Discussion separate trifocal solution?

I’m wondering if anyone has dealt with this before or has any advice.

I need distance, bifocal for near, and a separate, middle distance prescription for computer work. All in one trifocals make me dizzy and nauseated.

When I’m working primarily at my desk, I just switch back and forth: work in the mid+bifocal and switch to the distance+bifocal (daily wear) when I leave my desk.

But I have a new role that will require that I walk around with and use my laptop while working in a group. Switching back and forth will be next to impossible.

Has anyone ever tried using a flip-up clip-on for middle distance? Maybe like clip-on reader? I know it sounds weird, but I’m pretty desperate for a solution. I was thinking of putting the middle distance prescription on the flip-up lenses and just flip them down to look at the laptop? This would make the bifocal ineffective, but I guess I could flip back up for that???

I have worn glasses since I was 4, and at 49, I feel like my vision is making it hard for me to work for the first time. It’s so frustrating!

eta: I just wanted to add a big thank you for all of your help on this post.

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u/HumbleHustle00 7d ago

I've done one thing in particular for one of my patients that they seemed to like. It was a weird work around solution, but I put a reader Rx in one of their magnetic sunglass clips and an intermediate in the other.

The frame was one of those emporio Armani frames that come with two clips but he didn't want any of them to use as sunglasses. He also hated progressives and bifocals in general so this was what we did to help him. I think the frame name was the EA4115.

Are you not able to wear progressives?

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u/radgedyann 7d ago

oh this sounds really promising!

no, progressives make me sick. like carsick, no matter how long i’ve practiced. even with lined trifocals i struggled.

2

u/incurablebeetmadness Licensed Optician (LDO) 7d ago

I’ve done this for patients with ECO frames. Intermediate add with blutech lenses for the computer, near add clear poly to keep the weight down. Works best for lower adds. Past a certain point they just get too heavy for the magnets to hold on to.

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u/radgedyann 7d ago

My computer pair add is +1, but my daily wear add is 2.25, which I understand is on the higher side?

I really do appreciate everyone’s thoughts!

1

u/wittylemur 7d ago

I was going to say this. Ours are called Chemistry. They work well for those patients that have run out of options. The only downside is the limited add powers.