Need some guidance, help, advice please.

I need to replace my current glasses because my working circumstances
have changed significantly.

My script 3 years ago was:-
Sphere +1.75
Cyl. 0
Axis 0
Add 2.5
Int Add 0
P.D. 0
Near P.D. 33.0
Prism 0
Prism2 0

Both eyes are the same prescription. I can see perfectly with these,
so I do not expect a very big change, if any, in script. when I get
them re-tested. (I have always felt like I have a degree of 'tunnel-
vision' with pal though**)

My new circumstances are that I will be spending a lot more time in
front of a monitor, a lot more time reading books, and a lot of time
outside in bright light. I will likely be using chemicals in a lab.

I have been researching a lot on lenses and understand that it is a
minefield out there, and therefor need some independent expert advice.

I know I need Transitions to take care of outside in bright light.

I think I would like 100% back surface progressives (for wider FOV**
and less distortion)
I think I would like Double Aspherical lenses.
I think I need UV, AR, scratch resisting and Water Proofing coatings.

From the research that I have done, it seems that Seiko P-1SY or P-1EM
would be the answer.
I am in Australia, and Seiko Pentax Perfas are not available, so if
you are overseas and unfamiliar with the P-1 lenses, there is a very
informative (although obviously very biased) PDF available here:
http://www.apcthai.com/upload/02_P-1EMSemminarEng.pdf
One of the reasons I am thinking Seiko, is that they come UV, AR,
scratch resisting and Water Proofing coatings without extra cost,
although I have no idea of the actual cost yet.

Other brands that are available to me are Zeiss, Hoya, Opticare Smart
Pro (claimed to use a Seiko lens design. See Opticare page here:
http://www.opticare.com.au/smartpro.html) and also Essilor lenses
like SolarOne HD. and Ego.
I might add that I have already bought the frames (Seiko T646,
54-16-140, A=54 B=37.4 ED=56.2)
My pupil height seems to be 17mm above bottom of the lens without
frame adjustment, so I assume I will be safe with 14mm minimum
fitting height? Or maybe even 16mm?

Am I on the right track?
Am I looking at spending too much for what I really need?
Is there another brand that will give me all I want including
coatings, (or really need) for a better price?
If the Seiko is a good choice will I be better off with the P-1SY or
the P-1EM?

If you need any more info to make a judgement, please let me know.

Thanks in advance.

Phill.

 

Looks like a good lens, and comes in 1.60. 1.67 and 1.74 index material. For
your Rx, I would consider 1.60 to give better optical quality (lower
chromatic aberration -- measured as higher abbe value).

But, you have multiple requirements that complicate things and make it
difficult to get everything in one pair of glasses. I don't know if the
Seiko comes in a Transitions lens (doesn't appear so from the link you
provided).

The P-1 SY has wider reading and middle distance area, but not as good
distance area P-1 EM.

For your lab work, none of these would be considered as safety lens unless
you have polycarb (terrible optics) or Trivex (available from Hoya). Check
with your employer to find out what they require for lab work.

Hoya an excellent high end (and expensive) progressive called the iD, but I
don't know if it comes in Trivex (not according to the latest datasheet I
have). However the Hoyalux iD Lifestyle (also surfaced on both sides) does
come in Trivex (Phoenix) material with Transitions. The Trivex is a safety
lens like polycarb, but much better optical quality. The Hoya iD Lifestyle
also has two different sub-models, one of which is for short corridor
lenses. Hoyalux iD Lifestyle in Trivex (Phoenix) might be your best choice
to meet most of your requirements, but for extensive computer and reading
you might want a separate pair of computer lenses if you find the Hoya iD
Lifestyle (or whatever you get) are not sufficient for all your
requirements.

 

Since your frame height is 37.4mm, that would put your pupil below the
center of your lens. That is certainly possible depending on the way your
frames sit on your face, however, it is a bit unusual with most frames (not
sure about yours), and if you could adjust the frame comfortably and raise
the fitting height (lower the frame on your face), you will have a little
better reading area with most progressives.

 

Mark, thanks for the advice. I will check if transitions is an option
in the Seiko.
I must admit, I never thought about a second pair for computer use.
That is
something to think about.
I am sure I can get the frame to sit a little lower if need be..
With regard to wider zones, I would like to have the extra width for
reading, but not at the expense of loosing width at longer distances
because I have found that when driving, I need to turn my head a long
way to the side to get clear vision at intersections etc. One is life
or death, the
other is just comfort / convenience. No contest really.