I recently had eye checkup (after 3 yrs). I'm 51 and have been wearing Progressive lenses (my first pair) for last 3 years. My distance prescription hasn't changed, however, the axis increased in both eyes. The doctor changed my reading power from 1.75 to 2.25. I'm having eye strain and headaches all the time now.
With my old lenses, they told me I saw 20/20. Things just seemed to not be as clear as they should be. I could see well though from top to bottom of lenses and the normal distortion at the sides of lenses was minimal and not bothersome.
With the new lenses, the "distance" is clearer, but sometimes I feel like it might be a little too strong. Also, there is "more" noticeable distortion(or blurriness) at bottom and sides of lenses which is very bothersome (I guess from the increase in bifocal power). Looking through my lenses now seems like it has the binocular effect. That's the best way I can describe it.
I have eye strain and headaches all the time now. I didn't change frames, just lenses. They tell me that both old and new lenses are made the same way with same material, etc. Both lenses have anti-reflective coating and they are transition lenses.
I wonder if the "axis" isn't correct which might make them seem a little strong and could a doctor make a mistake? Or could it be the increased power of the bifocal causing the increased noticeable distortion at the bottom and sides of the lenses that I see that is causing all my eye strain and headaches? I think the increased power in the bifocal has caused the way I see the "mid" distance to change also. I see well enough to read and sit at computer without glasses. If my problem is from the increase in the bifocal, I'd much rather go back to the 1.75 power. They keep telling me that 2.25 is where I should be, but it isn't worth it if I have eye strain and headaches all the time.
With my "old" lenses, my eyes felt more relaxed. Even though things looked like they could be a little clearer overall, I wasn't bothered with the 'minimal' distortion and I wasn't having eye strain and headaches. The doctor seems to think this new prescription is right, but clearly something "isn't" right.
I hope all this makes sense. I'm feeling very frustrated right now. Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks!