When you need glasses that can help you see both near and far, the price of progressive lenses can be surprising. At Family Vision Care, we understand how tempting it is to see a deal for standard progressive lenses and wonder if it’s worth it. However, when it comes to your vision, our team truly believes that quality lies in how the lenses are made and how they affect your daily comfort and vision.
Investing in quality progressive lenses can improve comfort for many wearers. This means you get to enjoy clear sight without the frustrating distortions or eye strain that can come with other designs.
What Are Progressive Lenses and How Do They Work?
A Single Pair of Glasses for Everything
Progressive lenses give you a smooth visual experience in a single pair of glasses. Instead of a hard line separating different prescriptions like bifocals, these lenses have a gentle transition in magnification. It’s designed to help you see across multiple ranges, which is great for addressing a common age-related condition called presbyopia.
How to Use Them Correctly
Learning to use your new lenses can be a transition, but once you’ve got the hang of them, many people find they love their progressives. The key is to remember which part of the lens to look through for different tasks. It becomes second nature after a little practice:
- Look through the top part for distance vision for activities like driving
- Use the middle section for intermediate distances, such as your computer screen
- Use the bottom part for reading a book or looking at your phone
The Difference Between Kinds of Lenses
How They Are Made
Not all progressive lenses are created equal. Standard lenses are sometimes made using a fixed, pre-molded design. Because of this, standard lenses may not account for as many individual measurements or how a specific frame sits on your face.
Quality lenses are digitally customized to your eyes and your frame choice. The process uses precise measurements, and this personalized attention results in a lens made just for you.
Your Field of Vision
Some people may notice a difference in what they can see out of the sides of their lenses. Standard progressive lenses often have narrower viewing areas, which can create a “swim” effect or peripheral (side) blur when you glance out of the corner of your eye.
Quality progressives are designed to provide wider viewing areas and may reduce edge distortion. This can make activities like checking your mirrors while driving feel much more natural and comfortable.
The Benefits for Your Comfort
A Quicker Adjustment Period
Your brain needs time to get used to progressive lenses, but with customized ones, some people find that the wider viewing zones and smoother transitions can help their brains adjust more quickly.
Though everyone is different, with standard lenses, the adjustment may take several weeks. Some people report feeling more off-balance as their eyes and brain work harder to find clear spots in the lens.
Less Eye Strain and Fatigue
If you spend hours on a computer or drive frequently, lens design matters. The wider vision zones in quality lenses may reduce how much you need to move your head to see clearly. This can lead to less neck and eye strain throughout your day.
Get Used to Your New Progressive Glasses
Give Your Brain Time to Adapt
Just like with any new tool, when you first get your progressive glasses, patience is key. It is normal to notice some slight blurriness as your brain learns to switch between the different parts of the lens. We recommend wearing your new glasses as much as you can, as this can help you adapt more quickly.
Tips for a Smooth Transition
A few simple tricks can make the adjustment process easier. Instead of just moving your eyes, point your nose toward what you want to see. You can also tilt your chin up or down to find the right part of the lens for clear focus. If you feel any strain, take short breaks. We are here to guide you through the whole process.
Choose the Right Frames and Get a Professional Fit
Frame Size Matters
The frame you choose can impact how well your progressive lenses work. Taller frames are generally a good choice because they provide enough vertical space for the different prescription zones. Your eye care team can help you select a style that works well for your vision needs from a wide selection of eyewear brands.
The Importance of a Custom Fit
A great experience with progressive lenses depends on precise measurements, as the lenses must be centered over your pupils to function correctly. This is why a professional fitting from your eye care team at 1 of our 4 locations is so important.
Schedule Your Visit
Clear and comfortable vision starts with a conversation about your lifestyle and needs. Our team at Family Vision Care is here to provide personalized attention and help you find the right optical solutions for you and your family. Schedule an appointment at one of our locations, Baden, Cranberry, Wexford and Mt. Oliver to explore your options.
