Best helmet for old eyes

[txrpls]

Last time I did any welding was over 15 years ago and I had an auto darkening hat. Now I'm 60 and wear progressive lenses. Any thoughts on helmets I was looking at the local store today at the Miller Titanium. Big lens area that looked like it would work well. Not stuck on it though.

[jlames]

I use a run-of-the-mill Lincoln AD and have been struggling with seeing the puddle. For months, friends here have been urging me to get a cheater lens; a 2'1/"X4" polycarbonate, correcting lens that integrates into the AD unit/helmet, but I kept on using my regular reading glasses under my hood. Last week I was at the LWS in town and picked up a 2.0 diopter cheater and snapped it into place. What a difference! I should have taken the time to do this when the guys here told me about it but I didn't. My Bad as my grandkids say. Everyone has their own preferences when it come to AD/non-AD helmets and my suggestion is that you try a few out. We throw Weld-o-Ramas occasionally here for that exact purpose; to try different equipment and machines out and there may be similar get-togethers in your area. Then, see which one you prefer. They all have their pluses and minuses BUT the cheater lenses, for me at least, in a variety of strengths in .5 diopter strength increments rather like drugstore reading glasses, are a must-have for older eyes like mine at 56. I think it was about $8.

[nikodell]

Depending on what you are working you might want different options at times ie: 1.25 for general welding and say a 2.0 for small stuff if you magnify too much you wont be able to get close enough.



http://compare.ebay.com/like/1304800...Types&var=sbar

[BD1]

Besides a auto dark hood, LIGHTING will really help. The more light the better.

[royesses]

I'm 64 and use bifocals. I have the Lincoln Viking 3350 and use a 1.75 and 2.25 cheater lens. I sometimes just use my bifocals or a pair of readers, but when I start sweating they fall off my face. The cheaters stay in place. I really like the Viking, huge view and comfortable headgear. Of course what is good for me ain't necessarily good for you. As BD1 said extra light really helps.

[sanddan52]

I'm 61 and I only recently tried a 2.0 cheater lens and for TIG is was GREAT. I wish I had tried it sooner. I might also get a 1.5 or 1.75 as I did have to get close to the work but not a big deal so far.

[jbacc]

I find that extra light on the area being welded is helpful.

[JD955SC]

Besides a auto dark hood, LIGHTING will really help. The more light the better.

Indeed. the more light you have on an area the more help your eyes will get.

Otherwise try out some cheaters.

[jlames]

Ah, a good point. I hadn't thought of that. I've been physically moving my head into and away from my work trying to get the right distance but that's a much better idea. I have an exam on Monday with my ophthalmologist for new glasses so I'll see what he thinks. Thanks for the tip.

[Rog02]

Agreed on the cheaters! I have them in everything eye wear in the shop (welding related). I wear bifocals and the cheaters allow me to see through the upper part of the lens which put my head in a better position (less neck strain).

Tackit has a good point on the focal length on the prescription in your glasses. I had mine set so I could see the work at a comfortable working height (no stooping over). No additional charge at my eye place. Also you mention the progressive lenses. No line (progressive) lens tend to reduce peripheral vision (which I find to be helpful in all I do). Bifocals let me roll my eye off center to catch glimpses of the seam or puddle without moving my entire head.

Getting older sucks and accommodations need to be made. I prefer function to fashion.

[txrpls]

Thanks for all the input.