Distance vision improving with age?
Discussion
I've worn specs for distance since I was 12, initially just so that I could read the blackboard at school.
In my late teens, I started wearing them for riding my bike, then for driving cars.
In my late twenties, I started wearing them for watching TV.
In my late thirties, I wore them all the time when out of the house.
In my mid-forties, I started wearing "reading" specs for close work (clock repairs and model-building). I can still read books and magazines OK without specs - just!
In the last couple of years, I've noticed that I can't read at all with my distance specs on. I have to peer over the top or underneath the lenses, so I wear specs with small lenses. I tried varifocals, but hated them - dangerous for driving as mess up peripheral vision.
So far, so normal for someone in their mid-fifties.
Just recently, I have stopped wearing my glasses at work. I have a part time job in a petrol station, and have to keep an eye on the forecourt at the same time as working the till. I find that I can see outside OK - I reckon I'd pass the number plate driving test eyesight check. I don't think I'd drive without my specs, but I'm convinced that I can see better now than I could 5 years ago.
I have an eye test every 2 years, and generally get some new specs, as the old ones get tatty from continually taking them off. AFAIK, my distance prescription hasn't changed in over 30 years. The last couple of times that I've got new specs, I've felt that they were a little too strong.
Is it possible that my distance vision really is improving at the same time that my close vision is getting worse? Spoke to my brother the other day (similar vision history), and he feels that the same thing is happening to him.
In my late teens, I started wearing them for riding my bike, then for driving cars.
In my late twenties, I started wearing them for watching TV.
In my late thirties, I wore them all the time when out of the house.
In my mid-forties, I started wearing "reading" specs for close work (clock repairs and model-building). I can still read books and magazines OK without specs - just!
In the last couple of years, I've noticed that I can't read at all with my distance specs on. I have to peer over the top or underneath the lenses, so I wear specs with small lenses. I tried varifocals, but hated them - dangerous for driving as mess up peripheral vision.
So far, so normal for someone in their mid-fifties.
Just recently, I have stopped wearing my glasses at work. I have a part time job in a petrol station, and have to keep an eye on the forecourt at the same time as working the till. I find that I can see outside OK - I reckon I'd pass the number plate driving test eyesight check. I don't think I'd drive without my specs, but I'm convinced that I can see better now than I could 5 years ago.
I have an eye test every 2 years, and generally get some new specs, as the old ones get tatty from continually taking them off. AFAIK, my distance prescription hasn't changed in over 30 years. The last couple of times that I've got new specs, I've felt that they were a little too strong.
Is it possible that my distance vision really is improving at the same time that my close vision is getting worse? Spoke to my brother the other day (similar vision history), and he feels that the same thing is happening to him.
B19GRR said:
He is saying his distance vision is improving and not that his near vision is deteriorating.OP, I could have written your post. I too have worn glasses for distance and to read for years (I'm 47) but in the last few years, I now only ever wear them for driving* as my eyesight is near perfect for close up and 9/10 for distance.
- I have been told my vision is legal for driving but I want everything to be crystal clear regardless of the law.
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