Flying with varifocal eyeglasses
I’m a private pilot and recently had my eyes tested. I got a new prescription (age 50 with low-level of short sightedness). Per my low prescription and medicals (EASA & FAA), I don’t specifically have to wear glasses; but it’s a good idea and easier on my eyes. Day-to-day I don’t wear glasses; just for when working at computer, reading or driving.
I got both new eyeglasses and sunglasses with the new prescription. My primary glasses are varifocal (also called progressives) whereas my sunglasses (what I’ll nearly always wear when flying) are a single prescription.
I fly with a Garmin Aera 660 on a Ram mount in front of me and to my right on the bubble. On my first flight wearing the new glasses, I found my distance vision is sharpened up and I see the aircraft gauges fine except for close items. However, I couldn’t read my GPS clearly (was actually much worse than without glasses at that distance) and I subsequently just took the glasses off for the remainder of the flight.
Sunglasses that I cannot use while flying are not a great solution,so I’ve spoken to and am returning to my optometrist to change these lenses. I’m aware one solution could be to have varifocal lenses in my sunglasses also. However, I don’t want any distortion of distance/view when landing/taking-off from confined areas. Another compromise could possibly be a prescription “in the middle” so that my distance is better but not “spot on”.
Anyone have a similar problem and solution?