Your eyes deteriorate with time. They’ve worked very hard over the years, but now they might need some assistance to see clearly at various distances.
A progressive additional lens (PAL) might be a choice if you or your child would prefer a no-line multifocal lens. Do you have a comprehensive understanding of progressive lenses and should you take the plunge? Everything you need to know about progressive lenses will be covered in this article. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Progressive Lenses: What Are They?
For people who require corrective lenses to see both distant and close-up objects, PALs are a type of multifocal lens. Simply put, these lenses enable you to see clearly at various distances without the use of a bifocal line.
As we age, we become more in need of progressive lenses. By the time they are 35 or 40 years old, many people have trouble keeping their eyes on nearby objects. Presbyopia is what this is known as, and some people wear both reading glasses for close work and single-vision eyeglasses for distance in order to make up for this focusing issue.
Although it may be effective, PALs offer an easier, more practical solution to age-related vision issues:
- A progressive lens upper portion gives you the strength you need to see clearly in the distance.
- You have the strength you need to see clearly up close thanks to the lower section.
- Clear vision at intermediate or middle distances is made possible by the middle section.
These lenses offer a gradual increase in strength from top to bottom.
Although some people need progressive lenses as they age, children who need glasses for both nearsightedness and farsightedness may also be able to use these lenses.
Read More: What Is A Photochromic Lens
The Function Of Progressive Lenses
For near, intermediate, and distance vision, progressive lenses have different zones. The fusion of these regions causes a gradual rather than abrupt change in power.
The top of the lens typically aids in distance viewing and functions when you’re looking straight ahead. When you are looking at a computer screen at an angle that is just below eye level, you would use the middle section of the screen for intermediate viewing. The bottom of the lens typically has the near vision region, which makes activities like reading and sewing simple.
Who Should Wear Progressive Lenses?
Almost anyone with vision issues can wear these lenses, but presbyopic (farsighted) people over 40 often require them because their vision becomes hazy when performing close-up tasks like reading or sewing. Children who are developing myopia (nearsightedness) are also treated with progressive lenses.
Ask your doctor if progress is a good fit for you.
Advantages Of Progressive Lenses
Astigmatism is also corrected by progressive lenses, in addition to nearsightedness and farsightedness.
When the cornea’s irregular shape prevents light from being evenly focused on the retina, it causes astigmatism, which causes vision to become blurry.
Progressive lenses have advantages besides just addressing vision issues, such as:
- 1. All you need is a pair of glasses
Progressive lenses allow some people to see clearly at various distances without needing to carry a second pair of glasses, which they find to be better than single vision lenses.
You only need one pair of reading glasses because progressive lenses can replace both of them.
- 2. No unsightly bifocal lines
Progressive lenses have the benefit of being multi-focal without having multifocal lines. Progressive lenses don’t have to deal with the abrupt sharpness changes that multifocal lines frequently experience because the lens strength changes gradually.
- 3. A modern, youthful look
Older adults are occasionally linked with bifocal and trifocal eyewear. Bifocals may thus cause you to feel self-conscious. You might feel more at ease wearing a progressive lens because there are no visible lines.
Disadvantages Of Progressive Lenses
While progressive lenses can offer “stripless” visual clarity, it’s important to be aware of their drawbacks as well.
- 1. You have to learn how to see through a lens
It is simpler to locate a clear field of view when using bifocal or trifocal lenses because they have a visible line. Because progressive lenses don’t have lines, there is a learning curve that can take a week or two to master in order to see through them correctly.
- 2. Temporary visual distortions
Because it is made for reading, the lower portion of the progressive lens is magnified. Therefore, it may be challenging to gauge your stride if you look down while walking along the curb or going upstairs because your feet may appear to be bigger. Tripping or other accidents might result from this.
You must train your eyes to see through the distance, not the reading, portion, of progressive lenses if you want to avoid issues when walking.
When the eye moves from side to side while wearing progressive lenses, the peripheral vision is also distorted. As your eyes become accustomed to the lens, these visual effects become less obvious.
- 3. More expensive than monofocals and bifocals
Be mindful of the price variations between progressive, single vision, and bifocal lenses. Because you need three pairs of glasses, progressive lenses are more expensive.
Additionally, you are paying for the convenience and additional time needed to create multifocal glasses without bars.
But given the convenience and simplicity of progressive lenses, some believe the extra cost is worth it
The Price Of Progressive Lenses
Usually, these lenses cost more than bifocals. For instance, a bifocal lens costs just $105 while a standard progressive lens costs $260, according to Consumer Reports.
Progressive lenses of higher quality will cost more as well. For instance, you might pay $350 for a high-index progressive lens while only shelling out $310 for a high-definition progressive lens. The cost can increase to $400 if you want progressive lenses that are scratch-resistant.
Prices may also vary by region and eyewear manufacturer. Shopping around and comparing prices is crucial, therefore.
Online shopping could be a possibility, but it also carries potential risks. Progressive lenses must be measured to your eye in order to function properly, which can be challenging to do online.
You might also believe that a 2011 American Optometric Association study revealed that 44.8 percent of 154 pairs of eyeglasses ordered online were incorrectly prescribed or had safety concerns.
If you want the best results, think about working with a qualified optician who can guide you in selecting the right frame and lens type for you.
Advice On Getting Used To Progressive Lenses
Use the advice below if you decide to give it a try:
- Select a top-notch optical store that can guide you through the process, assist you in selecting a suitable frame, and ensure that the lenses are precisely centered on the eye. People frequently find it difficult to fit progressives because of poor fit.
- A week or two should be enough time for you to adjust. Some individuals may require up to a month.
- Make sure you comprehend the usage instructions provided by your eye doctor.
- Stop wearing additional eyewear and put on as many new lenses as you can. The adjustment will happen quicker as a result.
Progressives Vs. Single-vision Lenses
Consequently, what distinguishes progressive lenses from conventional lenses? Progressive lenses have more than one prescription strength, whereas single-vision lenses only have one, despite the fact that they both appear to have the same prescription.
Don’t worry if you already wear single-vision lenses and believe you might need progressives as well; your progressive lenses can incorporate your current single-vision prescription to produce crystal-clear images of everything in your field of vision.
Progressives Vs. Bifocals And Trifocals
Multifocal lenses include progressives, bifocals, and trifocals. The latter two types, however, don’t have the smooth gradations between powers that progressives do; instead, their various zones are divided by visible lines.
You can see the distinct near-vision field on a bifocal lens; it’s typically a half-moon-shaped area at the bottom of the lens.
The three outlined zones for near, intermediate, and distance vision on a trifocal lens can also be pointed out.
No lines can be seen on the surface of progressive lenses. Compared to bifocals and trifocals, they also cover a much wider range of power levels.
Bifocal wearers might find it challenging to see something at an intermediate distance (consider: arm’s-length) distance away because there’s no “in-between” zone on the lens—there is only distance- and near-vision zones. The right power for your vision requirements can almost always be found with progressives.
How Can You Determine If Progressive Lenses Are Right For You?
Although progressive lenses give you clear vision at both close and far distances, not everyone should use them.
Progressive lenses can be uncomfortable for some people. In the event that this occurs to you, you might experience persistent vertigo, issues with depth perception, and peripheral distortion.
Additionally, if you use a computer, you might discover that a regular progressive lens doesn’t give you the clarity you require at a medium distance.
As an alternative, you might need a computer or occupational progressive lens, which has a stronger strength for intermediate distances. This can lessen eye fatigue and strain.
Progressive lenses must be tried on to determine if they will work for you and how your eyes will adapt to them. Your optometrist might need to change the strength of your lens if you don’t adjust after two weeks. A bifocal lens might be more suitable for you if the issues persist.
The Bottom Line
Progressive lenses are excellent for correcting nearsightedness and farsightedness, but there is a learning curve and some people never get used to them.
Start by wearing progressive lenses as frequently as you can to assist your eyes in adjusting. Develop the habit of turning your head to look at things rather than sweeping your eyes left and right. Looking out from the side of your glasses can distort your vision
But when reading, focus on your eyes, not your head.
The development of eyewear is ongoing. In other words, even if you can’t wear progressive lenses right now, you might be able to in the future.
