Klarinet Archive - Posting 000864.txt from 1999/04

From: "Ray S. Whitmore" <ray@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] Progressive lenses & music-reading glasses
Date: Mon, 19 Apr 1999 13:11:56 -0400

I too have gone through the progressive lenses versus single focal length
glasses argument. My ophthalmologist told me point blank that progressive
glasses are poor for both music reading and computer screens, both of which
I do. He says that the correction from top to bottom is like an hourglass
which narrows at the middle, the exact point you need for reading music.

His solution was 3 sets of glasses, one half pair for reading, one full size
set to 36" for computer screen and music, and one full size for driving. To
complicate matters, I also had the distance pair made with Transition lenses
so that they darken outside, and another distance pair made with Polaroid
lenses because Transitions don't darken in the car. Finally, I also had a
pair of mid-range glasses made with Transition lenses for parades since I am
also a member of a marching band and also do frequent outdoor concerts.

My only problem now is finding the right pair at the right time!

As for conductors, find those that are very expansive in their movements.
Solo passages can sometimes be a bear.

Ray S. Whitmore
COmputer COnsulting Associates, Inc.
730 Hebron Avenue
PO Box 342
Glastonbury, CT 06033
ray@-----.com
860.657.2210 (voice) 860.659.0787 (FAX) 800.313.2210 (outside Hartford)

-----Original Message-----
From: CmdrHerel@-----.com]
Subject: [kl] Progressive lenses & music-reading glasses

Let me share with you the smartest thing I did in the last two years.

Reading music was becoming increasingly difficult, especially on my summer
jobs when I have to share a stand with other players.

I tried progressive lenses and realized in about two hours that they were
worthless for music. So... I had my optomologist write a perscription for
reading glasses, BUT set at a music distance! (He had me show him the
average distance that I need to be able to read music at and set the
whatever
length of the lenses for that.)

My only concern would be that the conductor would be blurry when wearing
these lenses, however, it's not a problem. He's slightly out of focus, but
not enough to inhibit communication. The only caution - Don't look out at
the audience! Hee hee, that'll make your head swim.

I keep the glasses in my case all the time. I don't use them often, but on
jobs where I'm tired, or the lighting is bad, having them has been a
lifesaver.

Teri Herel

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