Do You Wear Reading Glasses – Please Read

[Stubby]

Hi Folks,

 

A few years ago I bought some 'designer' reading glasses from a local shop in Chiang Mai for about 14,000B. After a few months, all the color started to come off the frames. I didn't expect this from a brand name. It wasn't paint as such; it was almost like tin foil that kind of flaked off in bits. Anyway, tacky finish aside, the actual lenses were very good. They had anti-glare coating, scratch resistant, and were generally of a high quality. 

 

The reason I'm writing is because I lost those glasses a couple of years back. Since then I have worn nothing but cheap reading glasses that cost little more than 300B a piece. As I've been able to see perfectly well with them, I vowed never to waste money on expensive reading glasses ever again. Well, that was then and this is now. 

 

EYESIGHT AND HEADACHES 

 

I have recently started to suffer with some nasty headaches. I spend a lot of time on the computer, so I'm now thinking that perhaps these cheap lenses might have been damaging my eyes over time. They seem fine, but what do I know!  I'm no expert, but maybe there are some latent imperfections that could be damaging to eyes over time. Anyway, I've read that substandard eye glasses can contribute to headaches, hence this post. 

 

CALLING ALL SAVVY SHOPPERS 

 

I'm thinking about buying some quality lenses again, to see if that solves the headache issues. I am skeptical though. Opticians seem to charge the same—or more—for frames as they do the actual lenses. So does anyone know of an optician in Chiang Mai that has a good selection of non-brand frames of decent quality? And also, is the price of lenses pretty much fixed, or is there some competition in this area, perhaps in lesser known paces? Every optician shop I walk by seems to have a never-ending sale going on. This tells me it's nothing more than a ploy to attract vulnerable passersby. Yes, I hold my hands up; I'm pretty vulnerable to good sales patter, especially with products I know little about. 

 

Any advice from Chiang Mai's many wearers of reading glasses much appreciated. 

 

Thanks in advance, 

 

Stubby

[lemonjelly]

Go to a real optician or doctor to get your eyes tested to see what lenses you need, your left and right eye may not have the same focal length (?)
Don't trust the likes of Top Charoen staff; they're a bunch of Charlies who don't really know what they're doing, although once you have your prescription from a properly qualified doc, You can order the frames and lenses from Top Charoen


Sent from my y-fronts using Thaivisa Connect

[FolkGuitar]

There was a documentary recently on TV about eye glass frames. It turns out that something like 95% of ALL eye glass frames are made in the same factory, and just branded for sale by different companies. RayBan, Armani, Chanel, Ralph Lauren, Burburry, Oakley, etc., etc... all made in the same factory.  The fellow who owns the factory (and owns RayBan now too) also owns two of the larger chains of Optical stores in the US.  It's almost a monopoly on the frame game, so it's no wonder that the prices for 20 cents worth of plastic can sell for $200.

 

If you get your eyes tested by a reputable eye doctor, and order your lenses on line, you can get some very good deals on frames. And as these days, EVERY shop sends out lenses to be ground via computers rather than hand grinding in their shop, you can be fairly sure of getting a very good deal!

[jerojero]

Cannot read this post. Where's my damn glasses.

[canthai55]

Nakorn Ping optical. Chiang Klan road - LH side. Green store front, Across the street from Wachirawit school. Used them for years. Top notch.

[logon1]

1 hour ago, canthai55 said:

Nakorn Ping optical. Chiang Klan road - LH side. Green store front, Across the street from Wachirawit school. Used them for years. Top notch.

me too==family run 

[jobin]

I like the eyeglasses shop, with specialist eye tester chap, very near the UN Irish Pub.  They are esp good at fixing up the frames and cleaning for no cost, just goodwill. 

[CMKiwi]

5 hours ago, jobin said:

I like the eyeglasses shop, with specialist eye tester chap, very near the UN Irish Pub.  They are esp good at fixing up the frames and cleaning for no cost, just goodwill. 

 

And the guy speaks a bit of English (very well).  He isn't there to rip you off. He will ask what country you are from and then advise you if frames are cheaper here or in your home country. Can't get better than that.

 

In fact of you have your own frames he is quite happy to make your lenses and fit them for you.  

 

Great shop.

[Trujillo]

14,000 baht for reading glasses? I guess they saw you coming....(sorry, couldn't resist....). 

 

All shops will make lenses to fit your existing frames. And getting a proper medical eye exam is the way to start. 

[Trujillo]

60 Minutes - Luxottica. Do you know who makes your glasses?

[muskoka]

Thanks for starting this thread. I need to replace my scratched up reading & computer glasses soon and in 8 years never found a shop I like in CM.

 

BTW, for (computer) eye strain issues and improving eyesight (age related, I am 69yo) my naturopathic dr in Canada put me on this product which you can get at iherb.com at a really good price. I have paid as much as US$40 in the past, on sale for $20 currently so I have stocked up.

 

http://www.iherb.com/pr/Advanced-Orthomolecular-Research-AOR-Classic-Series-Vision-Support-II-60-Softgels/39928

 

 

 

EXCELLENT PRODUCT! You will notice an improvement within 7 days and if you want to save money after a couple weeks cut back to one a day to maintain. I've been using it for approx +12 years. When I go thru a few weeks of not using it my eye strain returns, I am on the computer a LOT.

 

When I take 2 a day for several weeks I can actually read without my glasses most of the time.

 

Doug

 

 

[Stubby]

21 hours ago, lemonjelly said:

Go to a real optician or doctor to get your eyes tested to see what lenses you need, your left and right eye may not have the same focal length (?)
Don't trust the likes of Top Charoen staff; they're a bunch of Charlies who don't really know what they're doing, although once you have your prescription from a properly qualified doc, You can order the frames and lenses from Top Charoen


Sent from my y-fronts using Thaivisa Connect

Thanks  Lemonjelly. Actually, it was Charoen that I bought my designer glasses from last time. Interesting point seeing as they are everywhere and have high tech eye-testing equipment.

 

Stubby

[Stubby]

20 hours ago, FolkGuitar said:

There was a documentary recently on TV about eye glass frames. It turns out that something like 95% of ALL eye glass frames are made in the same factory, and just branded for sale by different companies. RayBan, Armani, Chanel, Ralph Lauren, Burburry, Oakley, etc., etc... all made in the same factory.  The fellow who owns the factory (and owns RayBan now too) also owns two of the larger chains of Optical stores in the US.  It's almost a monopoly on the frame game, so it's no wonder that the prices for 20 cents worth of plastic can sell for $200.

 

If you get your eyes tested by a reputable eye doctor, and order your lenses on line, you can get some very good deals on frames. And as these days, EVERY shop sends out lenses to be ground via computers rather than hand grinding in their shop, you can be fairly sure of getting a very good deal!

Thanks for that FolkGuitar. I didn't know any of this, although I have always thought that the price of frames was outrageous. I would prefer to try frames out rather than order them online though, as not all frames fit the same, or look right on different people. Great response though, so thanks for posting

 

Stubby

[Stubby]

19 hours ago, canthai55 said:

Nakorn Ping optical. Chiang Klan road - LH side. Green store front, Across the street from Wachirawit school. Used them for years. Top notch.

Thanks canThai55 and Logon 1, I will check them out :)

 

Stubby

Edited March 5, 2017 by Stubby

[Stubby]

4 hours ago, Trujillo said:

14,000 baht for reading glasses? I guess they saw you coming....(sorry, couldn't resist....). 

 

All shops will make lenses to fit your existing frames. And getting a proper medical eye exam is the way to start. 

I hear you, but based on what I was told I thought they'd probably outlive me - the frames at least. It was the first and last time I'll be drawn into such hype.

 

Stubby

[Stubby]

18 hours ago, jobin said:

I like the eyeglasses shop, with specialist eye tester chap, very near the UN Irish Pub.  They are esp good at fixing up the frames and cleaning for no cost, just goodwill. 

Thanks for the tip Jobin

[Stubby]

3 hours ago, Trujillo said:

60 Minutes - Luxottica. Do you know who makes your glasses?

That was interesting, and probably the same program that FolkGuitar was referring to. 

 

 

Stubby

[Stubby]

1 hour ago, muskoka said:

Thanks for starting this thread. I need to replace my scratched up reading & computer glasses soon and in 8 years never found a shop I like in CM.

 

BTW, for (computer) eye strain issues and improving eyesight (age related, I am 69yo) my naturopathic dr in Canada put me on this product which you can get at iherb.com at a really good price. I have paid as much as US$40 in the past, on sale for $20 currently so I have stocked up.

 

http://www.iherb.com/pr/Advanced-Orthomolecular-Research-AOR-Classic-Series-Vision-Support-II-60-Softgels/39928

 

 

 

EXCELLENT PRODUCT! You will notice an improvement within 7 days and if you want to save money after a couple weeks cut back to one a day to maintain. I've been using it for approx +12 years. When I go thru a few weeks of not using it my eye strain returns, I am on the computer a LOT.

 

When I take 2 a day for several weeks I can actually read without my glasses most of the time.

 

Doug

 

 

That's interesting muskoka, I will look into it and read any consumer reviews I find.

 

Stubby

[dingdongrb]

I've had the need for reading glasses for nearly 20 yrs now (currently pushing 60). My eyesight is great other than the issue with old age and the need to have glasses for reading and computer work.

 

I have been using cheap 99 THB glasses as well as the $9.99 (USA) ones for all these years. Never have had any headache issues as the only headaches I generally have is due to excess drinking which is a rare occurrence but happens during those special events in life.

 

I'm generally reading or on the computer over 8 hrs every day.

 

I buy the cheapies as they do work for me as well as being able to have a pair nearly everywhere without having to carry them around from room-to-room. Also if one breaks or is lost they can be easily replaced with little cost.

[Denim]

I an eye test or even two from opticians then take the prescription with me to Chinatown and get half a dozen sets of glasses at a time ......40 baht a pair and just as good as glasses I've paid over a thousand baht for.

 

Maybe as the OP mentions , if you are on the computer a lot and your face is too close to the screen then this could be the culprit. Give up using the computer for everything but essential work for a week and see if things improve.

[Stubby]

1 hour ago, dingdongrb said:

I've had the need for reading glasses for nearly 20 yrs now (currently pushing 60). My eyesight is great other than the issue with old age and the need to have glasses for reading and computer work.

 

I have been using cheap 99 THB glasses as well as the $9.99 (USA) ones for all these years. Never have had any headache issues as the only headaches I generally have is due to excess drinking which is a rare occurrence but happens during those special events in life.

 

I'm generally reading or on the computer over 8 hrs every day.

 

I buy the cheapies as they do work for me as well as being able to have a pair nearly everywhere without having to carry them around from room-to-room. Also if one breaks or is lost they can be easily replaced with little cost.

My exact reasons for going for cheap eye glasses after I lost my costly pair. But like Lemonjelly pointed out, maybe one of my eyes has become weaker than the other, in which case that would explain a lot. I will find out once I get my eyes tested.

[Stubby]

32 minutes ago, Denim said:

I an eye test or even two from opticians then take the prescription with me to Chinatown and get half a dozen sets of glasses at a time ......40 baht a pair and just as good as glasses I've paid over a thousand baht for.

 

Maybe as the OP mentions , if you are on the computer a lot and your face is too close to the screen then this could be the culprit. Give up using the computer for everything but essential work for a week and see if things improve.

Good points, thanks for posting Demin. Headaches are recent though, so it's probably time for an eye test and a new pair of glasses, preferably with anti-glare coating. I just don't want to spend a fortune on frames again, that's all.

 

Stubby

[canthai55]

1 hour ago, Denim said:

40 baht a pair and just as good as glasses I've paid over a thousand baht for.

Been wearing glasses since I was 10 years old. 40 baht glasses - up to you. 1000 baht - must be real quality. My eyes worth a lot more than that

[amexpat]

5 minutes ago, canthai55 said:

My eyes worth a lot more than that

My eyes are worth billions but it's a myth that glasses can harm your eyes. Neither can dim light, sitting close to tv set, etc. etc. 

[OneZero]

2 hours ago, Denim said:

I an eye test or even two from opticians then take the prescription with me to Chinatown and get half a dozen sets of glasses at a time ......40 baht a pair and just as good as glasses I've paid over a thousand baht for.

 

Maybe as the OP mentions , if you are on the computer a lot and your face is too close to the screen then this could be the culprit. Give up using the computer for everything but essential work for a week and see if things improve.

Good points, thanks for posting Demin. Headaches are recent though, so it's probably time for an eye test and a new pair of glasses, preferably with anti-glare coating. I just don't want to spend a fortune on frames again, that's all.

 

Stubby,

Also see if you see any improvement in the headaches after the March bad air (actually possibly mid Fe4b - Mid Apr) is gone.

[dingdongrb]

1 hour ago, amexpat said:

My eyes are worth billions but it's a myth that glasses can harm your eyes. Neither can dim light, sitting close to tv set, etc. etc. 

I would actually question the sitting in front of the old CRT monitors for a prolonged period of time.....  Those things produced a chitload of radiation....  Long before there was EMF testing on consumer devices....

[Stubby]

23 minutes ago, VIBE said:

Its the blue light from the screens.  I use a computer for 12-16 hours a day for work, used to get severe headaches and tired eyes.  Not anymore.  Use gunners  everytime I look at a screen, they really do work....

I'm impressed by what I've since read on the technology and can't help but wonder why I've never heard of gunnars before. In this thread we've been talking about the high cost of frames, but with this brand it seems that the prescription lenses, not the frames, push the price  up, by more than 200% in some cases. The other downside is that I'd never part with over $300 US on any glasses without getting to try a few pairs on first. I don't suppose they sell them in any of the high-street outlets VIBE?

[Denim]

11 hours ago, canthai55 said:

Been wearing glasses since I was 10 years old. 40 baht glasses - up to you. 1000 baht - must be real quality. My eyes worth a lot more than that

Sorry....but you're just getting 40 baht glasses and paying a thousand baht for them.....like I used to.

 

The worst culprits for over charging are Top Charern

 

You can go in there and have an eye test and be fluffed up by the pretties they employ and then get a quote for a couple of thousand baht. You politely thank them and say you want to shop around a bit first. As you reach the door they call you back and offer you a special discount that slashes 500 or more baht off. Presumably because they like the cut of your jib and the way you dress because nothing else has changed as you walked for the door.

 

It's a scam. Don't believe for a minute that if you throw more money at it you automatically get a better product.

I was duped for years because I thought my eyes are worth it.....which they are ! But if you have taken the trouble to go to a few opticians beforehand and get an accurate prescription then there is nothing wrong with the 40 baht glasses except you have to buy in bulk....half a dozen pairs...different styles...minimum 6 pairs.

 

I have expensive glasses in my bedside draw. Cost me 3500 baht back in the UK. Can't use them at all for anything.

 

Of course if your eyes are not the same in the prescription and one is significantly stronger than the other then the cheap option is no good because you can only get them at that price if the weakness in both eyes is the same.

 

And for anyone getting glasses like this for a few hundred baht you can be sure the vendor got them for 40 baht in Chinatown. Still.....not a bad deal if you live a long way from Bangkok.

[dingdongrb]

15 hours ago, VIBE said:

http://www.gunnars.asia/computer-styles/

 

Its the blue light from the screens.  I use a computer for 12-16 hours a day for work, used to get severe headaches and tired eyes.  Not anymore.  Use gunners  everytime I look at a screen, they really do work....

I actually had no idea what you were talking about so I Googled it...... It would help if you would had spelled it correctly, it's 'gunnars'...

 

Instead of buying some extra glasses perhaps try this app.....  f.lux

 

https://justgetflux.com/

 

[Stubby]

9 minutes ago, VIBE said:

I work on multiple computers, for different companies. So you think trying to install an app on EVERY device is better than simply having a pair of computer glasses? 

If I could 'try before I buy' these special glasses locally, I would certainly be looking into them right now. Perhaps there is a local alternative, so I'll keep looking for that. I'm surprised opticians don't carry something similar as one of their options, especially as computer-generated eyestrain is nothing new. For now, though, I have downloaded the  f.lux app suggested by dingdongrb. Can't comment on it yet, but it looks interesting so thanks for the link on that.

 

Stubby