As we get older, seeing well at all distances can become challenging. That’s because presbyopia, also known as age-related farsightedness, is a natural part of aging. Many adults choose reading glasses, but bifocals, trifocals, and progressive lenses are alternative options for better sight.
Unlike bifocals and trifocals, progressive lenses offer a seamless transition between the different zones in the lens that correct for near and distant vision. If you’re interested in progressive lenses, consider scheduling a comprehensive eye exam with your optometrist to determine your prescription needs. Your optometrist can then make professional recommendations based on your vision needs, lifestyle, and circumstances.
What Are Progressive Lenses?
Progressive lenses are a type of multifocal lens, which is a lens that contains multiple prescriptions for vision at various distances. While multifocal lenses are often associated with middle-aged and older adults, they are sometimes used to treat vision conditions in children and young adults, too.
To understand progressive lenses, it may be helpful to understand the main refractive error they address: presbyopia.
Understanding Presbyopia
Presbyopia makes it more challenging to see objects up close. It’s considered a natural part of aging and happens because the lenses in our eyes lose elasticity as we age. It typically starts after age 40 and can gradually progress until a person’s early 50s.
Symptoms of presbyopia include needing to hold things farther away to read, finding it challenging to read in low light, and headaches and fatigue when doing activities that require near vision.
If you suspect you may have presbyopia, the first step is scheduling a comprehensive eye exam with your optometrist. Your optometrist can then diagnose presbyopia and make lens type recommendations based on your prescription needs and lifestyle.
How Multifocal & Progressive Lenses Work
Multifocal lenses contain different zones with different prescriptions for near and distant vision:
- Bifocals contain zones for near and distance vision.
- Trifocals contain zones for near, intermediate, and distance vision.
In bifocals and trifocals, there’s a visible line distinguishing each zone. Progressive lenses are different because they offer a gradual transition from distant to near vision from the top of the lens to the bottom. There are no visible differentiating lines in progressive lenses.
Types of progressive lenses include computer progressive lenses and ground-view progressive lenses. Computer progressive lenses have a larger prescription zone for intermediate-distance vision. This can be helpful for people who spend long periods of time in front of computer screens, which are typically positioned 50 to 66 cm away from the eyes. Meanwhile, ground-view progressive lenses can be helpful for those who frequently look at the ground, such as golf players.
Benefits & Considerations of Progressive Lenses
Progressive lenses offer several advantages that make them a popular choice for people with presbyopia:
- One pair for all tasks: Progressives eliminate the need for multiple glasses. You can read, drive, and use the computer with a single pair of lenses.
No visible lines: Unlike bifocals or trifocals, progressives have a seamless appearance that many people find more attractive. - Smooth vision transitions: Progressives provide a gradual shift between prescriptions, so you don’t experience the “image jump” common with bifocals and trifocals.
While the benefits are significant, it’s helpful to be aware of a few considerations:
- Adjustment period: It can take weeks or even months to get used to progressives, as your eyes learn to use different areas of the lens for different tasks.
- Peripheral blur: Some users notice slight distortion in their side vision, especially when moving their eyes side to side.
- Higher cost: Progressives typically cost more than bifocals, and lens shape options can be more limited.
For many people, the convenience and comfort of progressives far outweigh these challenges, making them a worthwhile investment in both vision and lifestyle.
Progressive Lenses & More at Brighton Eyecare
Modern eyewear offers a large variety of frames and lenses. If you feel overwhelmed by your choices, a professional optometrist can help. Your optometrist should take the time to get to know you, your lifestyle, and your vision needs before recommending a lens type. Your optometrist can also advise you on additional features like lens coatings.
Brighton Eyecare partners with trusted local labs to create custom prescription eyewear. This means our patients often receive their new glasses faster than expected, without compromising on quality.Our team at Brighton Eyecare strives to provide all our clients with thorough and compassionate care. If you believe you or a loved one can benefit from progressive lenses, book an eye exam with us in Saskatoon.
