Progressive Lenses

Why progressive lenses? You may be maturing, but "mature" doesn't have to mean "old." If you're a 40-something who has trouble reading fine print, you have more options than just the lined bifocal lenses your parents wore.

Progressive lenses, sometimes called "no-line bifocals," eliminate the visible lines of traditional bifocals and trifocals and hide the fact that you need reading glasses.

No one else has to know whether you're wearing glasses just for fashion - or because your arms have "grown too short" for you to see up close.

Advantages of Progressive Lenses Over Bifocals and Trifocals

Progressive lenses also provide a more natural correction of presbyopia than bifocal or trifocal prescription eyeglasses.

Instead of providing just two or three lens powers like bifocals or trifocals, progressive lenses are true "multifocal" lenses that provide a seamless progression of many lens powers for all viewing distances.

With progressive lenses, you can look up to see clearly across the room and in the distance. You can also look ahead to view your computer in the intermediate zone and drop your gaze downward to read and do fine work comfortably.

And it's easy to adapt to today's modern progressive lenses.

A "corridor" of optimum vision runs vertically down each progressive lens. Your eye care practitioner will take careful measurements of your eyes and eyeglass frame in order to place the corridor in just the right location so your eyes can naturally access the various powers within the lens for comfortable viewing at all distances.

And progressive lenses eliminate an annoying problem caused by bifocal and trifocal lenses known as "image jump."

With conventional bifocals and trifocals, images seem to "jump" as your eyes move past the sharply defined boundary between the distance and near parts of the lens. With progressive lenses, the transition between lens powers within the lens is smooth and seamless, letting you change focus from distance to near and back again more comfortably.

Adjusting to Progressive Lenses 

If you're new to progressive lenses, you may need a little time to get used to them. No-line bifocals will slightly alter your peripheral vision due to power changes that occur at the edges of the lenses.

This initial difference in your peripheral vision will probably require some slight changes in horizontal head and eye movements. Sensitivity to this area of the lens will diminish with time as you become more accustomed to your new lenses. 

These guidelines will help you adjust quickly and comfortably:

Stop wearing your old glasses immediately.

Wear your new glasses non-stop throughout the day.

Wear your new glasses high on the bridge of your nose and as close to your face as possible.

To look at an object, turn your head (instead of just your eyes) toward it.

Move your head vertically until the object glides into focus.

For most, the adaptation period will only last a few hours. Some individuals may need from several days to two weeks before they become completely comfortable. If you've been wearing your lenses for this period of time or longer and your vision feels uncomfortable in any way, contact your eye care professional for an evaluation.