Progressive lenses are multifocal corrective lenses specially designed for people who need to see both distant and close-up objects. The need for this lens increases with age as older people have both nearsightedness and farsightedness. This condition is known as Presbyopia and people need corrective lenses to compensate for single vision eyeglasses.
The benefit of a progressive lens is that it can also correct Astigmatism, which is a condition when light does not focus evenly on the retina due to the irregular shape of the cornea, which causes blurry vision. The main advantage of this glass is that you do not need to carry several glasses for different vision problems. The upper section of the progressive lens allows you to clearly see the distant objects. The middle section helps you to focus on the intermediate or middle distances and the lower section is for close-up vision.
There is no distracting bi-focal line and there is a gradual transition in strength from the upper section of the lens to the lower section of the lens. Though it takes some time to get used to the lens but gradually over time you get used to it and it is convenient to carry one pair of eyeglasses.
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Benefit Over Bi-Focal or Tri-Focal Lenses
Progressive lenses have the benefits of the multi-focal lens without a bi-focal or multi-focal line, which causes sudden changes in the clarity of the vision. The gradual shift in the strength of the lens is what eliminates this problem. Also, bifocal and trifocal eyeglasses may be associated with old age and make the wearer feel self-conscious. It is also very inconvenient to keep changing glasses to view different distances.
The main benefits of using progressive lenses are:
- No distracting bi-focal or multi-focal line.
- One pair of glasses to compensate for Presbyopia.
- Modern youthful appearance.
Disadvantages Of Progressive Lenses
One of the main problems of the progressive lens is that they are slightly more expensive than eyeglasses with single vision lenses, bi-focal lenses, or tri-focal lenses. This is because progressive lenses combine three eyeglasses in one and a multi-focal eyeglass with no lines. But the convenience of progressive lenses far triumphs the price so it is worth it.
One more significant problem of the progressive lens is that it takes time to get used to. The absence of the line means that there is no way to determine where to look for clear vision. Therefore, due to the use of the learning curve, it may take a lot of time to figure out the correct way to look through the lens. The time that it takes to adjust to a progressive lens can cause peripheral distortion. As the lower part of the lens is magnified because it is designed for reading, walking down the staircase may be problematic if your eyes are not trained to do so. The trick is to look through the distant part of the lens rather than the magnified part to avoid problems while walking.
Thus, the main disadvantages can be summarized as:
- Temporary vision distortions
- Adjustment problems
- Higher cost
Why choose progressive lenses?
Despite the obvious pros and cons, the choice to wear progressive lenses rests with the individual. Even though they allow you to see near and far distances clearly, they may also cause several problems like:
- Peripheral distortion
- Problems with perception
- Constant dizziness
So it clearly depends on your situation to decide if progressive lenses will work for you. For example- people working on computers may find that progressive lenses do not provide them with the clarity that they need. This work requires stronger strength for intermediate distances. In this case, an occupational or computer progressive lens can reduce fatigue and eyestrain. Therefore, try a progressive lens to see whether your eyes adjust to it. If you can adapt then the optometrist may need to adjust the strength of your lens. If problems still persist then single vision glasses or eyeglasses with a bi-focal lens might be a better idea.
Caring for Your Progressive lenses
- You’ve chosen the proper pair of progressive lenses, now you will be required to take care of them.
- Caring for your contact lenses includes practicing good hygiene, cleaning and storing your lenses, and knowing when it is time to eliminate them. This is often the simplest trick to avoid discomfort, poor vision, irritations, and infections.
- Cleanliness and good hygiene will ensure your “progressive lenses” don’t offer you any problems.
- It should go without saying, but always remember to scrub your hands before touching your lenses.
- Contact lenses sit directly on the surface of your eye, so germs could easily get trapped between your eye and therefore the lens.
- Your contact lenses are required to be cleaned daily with a sterile solution.
- An equivalent goes for the tip of the bottle of contact solution and therefore the contact case.
How to Adjust To Progressive Lenses
Progressive lenses are perfect for people with nearsightedness or farsightedness but the learning curve can prove to be problematic. To help the eyes adjust to glasses with progressive lenses wear them as often as possible in the beginning. Looking out of the side of the glasses can cause vision distortion, therefore; it is advisable to get into the habit of turning your head to look at objects instead of moving your eyes. This is mainly advisable for distance vision. For reading move your eyes and not your head. These are some things that will help you to adjust to progressive lenses. Also, technology is ever-improving so if you have a problem wearing progressive lenses right now there is a possibility that with the improvement you will be able to wear them in the future.
Progressive lenses are the lenses that include the property of bi-focal and tri-focal lenses. These lenses are easier to travel with as you do not have to carry multiple lenses for different vision problems. It also has some drawbacks like it is costly as compared to normal lenses. This is due to its property of combining the use of multiple lenses. In the beginning, you may find it hard to adjust to but gradually over time, you will learn to live with it.
Therefore, it is suggested to use a single lens i.e. progressive lens instead of using several eyeglasses for different vision problems.
To know more about it, you can easily visit our website Eyemantra. If you are looking for other services like cataract surgery, Retina surgery or Ocuploplasty you can simply ring at +91-9711115191. Even you can simply mail us on [email protected].
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