I wear bifocals (not progressives, though).  I have a pair for regular use (driving, watching TV, etc.).  But I have a different pair of bifocals for when using my non-DAW computer and a different pair for using my DAW computer which has a larger screen further away than my non-DAW screen.  Fortunately, my older non-DAW glasses became right for my DAW as my eyesight slightly deteriorated.  I can't imagine not having computer-specific glasses - the requirements are very different from those when the upper part of the lens is for the longer distances of everyday non-computer activities.
 
Next time you see your optometrist, go in with measurements of how far your computer screen is - it is probably a bit further than the distance for reading a book.  You might be very well served with a computer-specific pair.  I'm perfectly happy with bifocals and don't feel any need for progressive lenses for my computer glasses, which probably saves a significant chunk of change.

michaelhanson
 
Next, I have to deal with some hearing loss.  

There's some natural remedies there as well.  I used some tools from the following website to help with my tinnitus many years ago: http://www.samonas.com/
 
 

I tried progressives but couldn't handle them. Went with lined bifocals. Progressives require the eyes to retrain the brain to focus thru 3 different focal lengths. Bifocals are straight forward with no retraining. But they're getting harder to find as eye shops discontinue making them.
 
For computer use I have a pair of straight (1 power) lenses just for that.

I started with progressives about 10+ years ago and didn't really have any issues at that time. The last 'upgrade' that I got was a complete nightmare though. I too kept thinking I was in a fishbowl as the whole world was warping around me. I took them back and they remeasured everything and the replacement pair was much better but they still didn't seem right. I went back to the ophthalmologist to get the new glasses checked and eyes re-examined but all was supposedly ok. I just had to get accustomed to them. They said part of it was with large diameter lenses each progression area is much larger so your peripheral vision is affected more.
 
I can't help but wonder if there is some kind of new grinding or cnc or cutting tech they are using that is somehow causing that effect to be emphasized. My upgrade was just a small uptick in strength but a huge difference in warping.

The cool thing with progressives, though, is you can name your own price....

soens
The cool thing with progressives, though, is you can name your own price....

 

 
I tried, but they said no, so I no longer have them as of last Monday!
 

DrLumen
I started with progressives about 10+ years ago and didn't really have any issues at that time. The last 'upgrade' that I got was a complete nightmare though. I too kept thinking I was in a fishbowl as the whole world was warping around me. I took them back and they remeasured everything and the replacement pair was much better but they still didn't seem right. I went back to the ophthalmologist to get the new glasses checked and eyes re-examined but all was supposedly ok. I just had to get accustomed to them. They said part of it was with large diameter lenses each progression area is much larger so your peripheral vision is affected more.
 
I can't help but wonder if there is some kind of new grinding or cnc or cutting tech they are using that is somehow causing that effect to be emphasized. My upgrade was just a small uptick in strength but a huge difference in warping.

A couple things that can cause the effect you're describing: If you switched materials. Say your old lenses were CR-39(plastic), and you switched to polycarbonate or hi-index. Another thing that will cause the issue is when they change base curves, which is the front curve of the lens. These two things will cause your problem. I would suggest taking your old and new glasses back in and having them compare materials and measure the base curves of both. I would bet that there's a difference.

Leadfoot
A couple things that can cause the effect you're describing: If you switched materials. Say your old lenses were CR-39(plastic), and you switched to polycarbonate or hi-index. Another thing that will cause the issue is when they change base curves, which is the front curve of the lens. These two things will cause your problem. I would suggest taking your old and new glasses back in and having them compare materials and measure the base curves of both. I would bet that there's a difference.

It's been about a year now but the hi-index sounds familiar. I always get the highest density material so a material change was very likely. Each time I go there is some newfangled plastic. I'll also keep that base curve info in mind as well. Thanks for tips.

Leadfoot, so glad to have you onboard for this discussion. Thanks for lending your expertise.
 
It's day 4 wearing these progressive lenses constantly. It's getting easier, less disorienting. But it's also the 4th consecutive day of a mild headache. At this point, if I'd known last week what I know now, I'd have skipped the progressives and just bought two pair of glasses.

I feel your pain... Like I said earlier, it took me a month or so to get used to mine. Lots of eye strain headaches for me too at first. All I can say is that it will continue to get easier, assuming that your Rx is correct, and that your segment height and pupillary distance were measured correctly.