You sit down at your favourite coffee shop to read a book, but the text looks completely blurry. Maybe you try holding the page further away to clear things up, but you realize that your arms simply aren’t long enough to make the book clear. Our team at Summit Eyecare Center frequently help adults with this common shift in near vision as they get older.
Progressive lenses are customized glasses containing multiple prescription powers in a single seamless lens to help you see clearly at distances near, far, and everywhere in between. With progressives, you can read a restaurant menu, work on a computer monitor, and drive a car without constantly swapping out your stylish prescription frames.
The Basics of Progressive Glasses
What Are Progressive Lenses?
These customized lenses help correct presbyopia, an age-related change in near vision, so you can see clearly at 3 distinct distances. They feature a blended surface without any visible lines across the middle, with multiple prescription powers wrapped into 1 convenient lens.
This means that you can have clear vision across 3 different distances without changing glasses.
How Your Eyes Focus
The layout of the lens is designed to match how you naturally view the world. You’ll look straight ahead to see road signs or watch a movie at the far distance. The middle section provides a clear intermediate view for things like your computer or car dashboard.
The bottom section is designed to support near tasks. Instead of turning your whole head, you’ll drop your eyes downward to read a recipe or check a text message on your phone. With some practice, your eyes can move fluidly between these zones to find the right focus.
Signs You May Need Progressive Lenses
Common Vision Changes
Many people notice specific shifts in their daily vision that are hints they could benefit from progressive lenses. You might spot these signs during regular activities at home or work:
- You experience difficulty reading small print close up
- You find yourself frequently switching between 2 pairs of glasses
- You feel eye strain after computer work or extended reading
When to Visit an Eye Doctor
It’s a good idea to come in for a comprehensive eye exam if your blurred vision is affecting your quality of life. Switching glasses for every little task can be very inconvenient, and our team wants to help you discover a more comfortable way. Our local eye doctors in Kamloops can assess your exact visual needs, discuss any noticeable changes in your near vision during the appointment, and recommend specific eyewear that suits your lifestyle.
Progressive Lenses versus Other Glasses
Single Vision Glasses
Standard lenses correct your vision at 1 specific distance. They’re a great option when you need them exclusively for 1 task, like driving. Single vision lenses are limiting, however, when you need to switch to a close-up task.
With standard lenses, you may end up taking them on and off constantly throughout your day. You might even misplace your reading frames if you leave them in different rooms, causing even more inconvenience when you have to get up and go get them.
Bifocals and Trifocals
Older multifocal options have 2 or 3 distinct sections. These solid lines can create an abrupt shift in clarity as your eyes move past them, known as an “image jump”.
For example, the floor might look like it suddenly shifts upward when you walk down stairs. These traditional designs also lack a smooth middle-distance focus, so some people struggle to see the computer screen clearly with them, which often leads them to buy separate glasses for computer use.
Benefits of Progressive Lenses
Convenience for Your Daily Life
With progressives, you can keep 1 pair of glasses on your face all day long. This simplicity makes it easy to transition from driving to reading a book, back to driving. You could also pair this visual support with multifocal contact lenses for active days outdoors.
Comfortable Vision Support
The smooth design promotes a natural head posture while you work at your desk to help avoid computer eye strain symptoms. You enjoy a gradual transition between different focus areas instead of jarring jumps, so you don’t have to crane your neck backward to see your monitor.
These modern lenses look exactly like regular prescription lenses to everyone else. You get all the practical visual benefits without the visible lines associated with older multifocal designs.
Tips for a Smooth Transition
What to Expect at First
Everyone is different, so everyone’s transition period is different. That being said, many people take 1 to 2 weeks to adjust to the new viewing zones. You might notice slight peripheral (side) distortion when you look out of the corners of your eyes, but this will go away. You can practice moving your head to look directly at objects instead of just moving your eyes sideways.
Advice from the Eye Doctor
Our team offers helpful strategies to help with comfort during your adaptation period. Try these simple steps to build comfortable viewing habits when you pick up your new frames.
- Point your nose directly toward the object you want to see
- Wear them consistently
- Return to the clinic for frame adjustments if they slip down your nose or pinch your ears
Find Out if Progressives Are Right for You
Finding the right eyewear can help you get back to enjoying your favourite activities comfortably. Our team at Summit Eyecare Center is open 6 days a week, so you can find a convenient time for your family’s busy schedule. Book your exam and find the right vision support for your lifestyle.
