glasses

[Gasket18]

Hi all, coming up to my next medical and I've needed reading glasses lately and I've been wearing bifocals as I hardly need anything for distance. I was thinking about switching to those transitional lenses. When I was talking to the person in the glasses shop about them she mentioned theres a wide area that really isnt any good for peripheral. Has anyone here used them, do most ppl prefer bifocal or do you in fact prefer the transitional lenses. Cheers

[choppermech1986]

There was an episode of The Rotary Wing Show podcast that spent an hour or so talking on this subject. I wish I could remember the number but I'm sure Google will yield results.

Good luck.

[Gunga Din]

I used transitionals in the cockpit for many years, so it made reading approach plates, looking at the instruments, and seeing outside all very simple - small distance correction in them..

However, as stated, even with the most expensive option giving a broader swathe of correction, you still have to turn your head to look at something specific on the dash. It might involve a small movement up or down to find which section is the right focus for that distance.

But looking at overhead panels requires the head to go up and a hand to tilt the glasses up to get the focal area right.

Don't bother with the lenses that go from clear to dark because the UV that activates them doesn't get through the windscreen, so they will not go dark.

[skypig]

I’ve recently transitioned to “transitional” glasses. (The biFocals have been fine, then I started having trouble with “mid” distance - across cockpit, eg STBY AH. Distance is still fine.

Obviously, you do have to tilt/pan your head to get the target in the correct part of the lens. Not perfect, but the best option for me.
Expensive - having to buy 3 pairs. 1 dark (Max shade available - I fly in bright sunlight) 1 clear (I also fly at night) one photochromatic (required “spare” day/night)
I believe the modern photochromatic lenses do work behind windscreens.

[CyclicH145]

yup have them in clear and as sunnies....expensive but worth it!

[Gasket18]

Thanks for that. I knew I'd have to tilt my head etc. I kind of do that with bifocals anyway. It was just when the shop started saying about the big area that wouldn't be good. They did also say the more expensive the less of the peripheral area was wasted. I'm happy to pay more for quality anyway with anything in life. Still getting used to wearing glasses as it is lol.

[NZHelo]

The Rotary Wing Show Podcast.
Bet that’s a hoot. One could only imagine the back and forward banter about Hooke’s Joint Effect.

[choppermech1986]

The Rotary Wing Show Podcast.
Bet that’s a hoot. One could only imagine the back and forward banter about Hooke’s Joint Effect.

Yeah, it's a wacky concept I know, listening to a professional interview a verified expert in their field. I too would rather get my information from a random internet stranger.

[NZHelo]

Yes, Twitter is my treasure trove of truth.
No offence. Outside of hours I just don’t have any interest in the industry.

[Gasket18]

There was an episode of The Rotary Wing Show podcast that spent an hour or so talking on this subject. I wish I could remember the number but I'm sure Google will yield results.

Good luck.

oh sweet I shall google it. thanks

[Gasket18]

yup have them in clear and as sunnies....expensive but worth it!

actually this brings me to the other part I forgot to ask. Did you still opt for the aviator style, can they even do that in perscription glasses ? I was planning on getting a pair of clears and sunnies. Specsavers do 2 for 1 deals. However my partner just told me of an online place I'm about to look at. Where did you get yours from

[CyclicH145]

yup have them in clear and as sunnies....expensive but worth it!

actually this brings me to the other part I forgot to ask. Did you still opt for the aviator style, can they even do that in perscription glasses ? I was planning on getting a pair of clears and sunnies. Specsavers do 2 for 1 deals. However my partner just told me of an online place I'm about to look at. Where did you get yours from

Hi, I tried (and failed) at spec savers. I went to my optimistrist in BNE and got2 pairs of these https://www.brighteyes.com.au/serengeti ... gunmetal-d. and had a set of clear and smoke. I also got some over the ear extensions so they dont slide IF i sweat. Note, these are no good if you wear a helmet, I have a different set of frames (memory metal) so they slide in easy https://titaniumoptix.com/glasses/women ... ss-frames/