How Do Progressive Glasses Work and Why Choose Them?

It's reported that 60 million people successfully wear progressive lenses. If your regular glasses aren't cutting it, or you find bifocal glasses a bit bothersome, then progressive glasses may give you the comfort and clarity you deserve.

People Also Ask

  • What is the difference between progressive and regular glasses? Progressive glasses have multiple prescriptions in one lens, while regular glasses usually only have one prescription.

  • What is the downside of progressive lenses? Progressive lenses offer convenience and comfort for individuals with multiple prescriptions. However, they can be more expensive than bifocal or trifocal glasses and may cause blurriness in peripheral vision.

  • Who should wear progressive glasses? Progressive glasses are ideal for those who struggle to see both near and far. Because progressive lenses have multiple corrective zones, they are great options for individuals with multiple prescriptions.

  • Do you wear progressive glasses all day? Yes, progressive lenses are meant to be worn all day. You may experience discomfort during the adjustment process, but this will fade with time. It is normal to experience discomfort, fatigue, or blurriness when you first start wearing progressive glasses.

Keep reading to learn more!

See Related: How to Clean Your Microfiber Lens Cloth

woman looking at her phone wearing glasses near vision near vision adjust correct focus intermediate age power power example eyeglasses eyeglasses presbyopia focus power power eyeglasses adjust point distance vision correct distance vision eyeglasses eyeglasses adjust correct distance vision vision correct distance lens

What Are Progressive Lenses?

Progressive lenses are a type of prescription lens that contains multiple prescriptions. Unlike regular glasses that only contain one prescription, progressive lenses allow the wearer to see at different distances without multiple pairs of glasses.

Progressive lenses can go by several different names, including "no-line" bifocal lenses, trifocal lenses, and multifocal lenses.

How Do Progressive Lenses Work?

Progressive lenses are outfitted with different zones meant for different distances. These zones seamlessly blend into one another, so the change is progressive (hence, the name) and not abrupt.

Typically, progressive lenses are divided into three zones: the top portion is meant for distance vision, the middle is for intermediate vision, and the bottom is for near vision.

glasses from native sons single pair one eye adjust point focus power uv rays clear vision single lens same way image jump wear bifocals distance glasses prescription glasses reading glasses reading glasses near vision correct vision correct vision

Image Source: Native Sons

Progressive Lenses Vs. Single-Vision Lenses

Though progressive lenses and regular lenses look nearly the same, they are very different. Single-vision lenses have only one prescription strength, while progressive lenses can have multiple.

Progressives Vs. Bifocals & Trifocals

Progressives, bifocals, and trifocals are all types of multifocal lenses. Multifocal lenses have multiple prescriptions in one pair of glasses. However, there is a key difference between progressive lenses and bifocals or trifocals.

Bifocals and trifocals have visible lines dividing each prescription, so you can clearly tell where one prescription ends and another begins. Some find this helpful, and others find it distracting. If you're one of those who find it distracting, then progressives may be a better eyewear option.

Unlike bifocals and trifocals, progressives have no visible lines. The different prescriptions blend into each other. Additionally, progressive lenses have an intermediate zone for intermediate vision, which bifocals do not.

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Image Source: Anne et Valentin

Progressive Glasses: Pros & Cons

Like all types of eyewear, progressive lenses have their advantages and disadvantages. Progressive lenses aren't a perfect fit for everyone, and it's important to discover what type of eyewear (including the lenses and frames) is right for you.

Pros of progressive lenses:

  • You'll only need one pair of glasses for your regular activities.

  • Progressive lenses don't have a visible line of "jump" between lens powers.

  • Computer progressive lenses may help correct bad posture and prevent computer vision syndrome.

  • Progressive glasses pair well with contact lenses if you often wear contact lenses.

Cons of progressive lenses:

  • There is typically an adjustment period with progressive glasses.

  • Progressive lenses cost slightly more than other multifocal lenses or regular glasses.

Bonus: What Are Reading Glasses & How Do They Help?

woman wearing glasses looking at the computer distance lens distance lens correct vision progressive addition lenses premium progressive lenses correct vision distance vision bifocal lens straight ahead computer screen

The Bottom Line

If you are considering switching to progressive lenses or you finally purchased your first pair of glasses, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with what progressive lenses are and what they do!

If you're ready to see and be seen in a new way, you can visit our optometry practice in Seattle. In addition to offering comprehensive eye care services, we also offer personal styling appointments to match you with glasses that are comfortable, functional, and fashionable.

Keep Reading: How To Select The Perfect Frames For Your Eyeglasses

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Oculus Eyecare is Seattle’s premier optometry practice and optical boutique for those looking to see and be seen in a new way. Located in South Lake Union on Denny Way, Oculus Eyecare offers comprehensive eye care services and exams for individuals and families in Seattle. Click here to schedule an appointment or a personal styling session. To stay connected and learn more, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X/Twitter.

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