Guide to Using Progressive Lenses for Beginners

Those who need to switch to progressive lenses as they age find that wearing new glasses is not as easy as it seems. If you are planning to buy progressive lenses or just starting to use them, here is a quick guide on how to adjust to progressive lenses.

Different Types of Progressive Lenses

Most people are familiar with bifocal lenses, which have been around since the 1700s and are believed to have been invented by Benjamin Franklin. Bifocal lenses are made from two pieces that help adjust distance and near vision. Trifocal lenses were invented a century later and are made from three pieces that help adjust distance, intermediate (or arm's length), and near vision. Bifocal and trifocal lenses are made from separate pieces of glass and have clear viewing areas on the lenses.

Progressive lenses are a great alternative for those who find bifocal or trifocal lenses uncomfortable or visually unappealing. They have a gradual change in power within a single lens and are often thinner and lighter than other types of multifocal lenses. Progressive contact lenses are produced using a similar process as progressive glasses.

Use your nose as a pointer to look straight at an object, then move your chin up and down until the object is in focus. This will bring the precise optical power right in front of your eyes for the clearest vision. Remember that the upper half of the lens is for distance and the lower half is for reading.

The bottom part of the lens is used for close-up activities like reading, so the tip here is to lift your chin until you look through the bottom part of the lens. Use your nose as a pointer and slightly turn your head as you follow the words on the page from left to right. Following the words by moving your head instead of your eyes will clarify everything for you.

Many first-time progressive lens wearers or those who receive a new prescription notice that the ground or stairs can appear blurry. This is often because when you look down, your eyes are looking through the bottom part of the lens designed for close-up viewing. Simply lower your chin until the ground is in focus. This action will quickly become second nature.

Progressive lenses are designed for your normal posture, meaning your vision may be affected if you lie down or are in a tilted position. This happens because your vision does not pass through the central area of the lens.

In the first few days, if you feel uncomfortable wearing glasses while driving, you can switch back to your old pair, but persisting with your new glasses is the best way to get used to your new progressive lens design.

Tips for Wearing Progressive Lenses

• When reading with progressive lenses, remember to lift your chin and lower your eyes to read the text

• Be careful when going up stairs or steps - lower your head to ensure you are looking through the top part of the glasses for clear vision

• If you are used to using separate reading glasses, you may notice that the reading area is slightly reduced because these lenses combine your distance and reading prescriptions

• Remember to wear your progressive lenses daily, from morning to night, so you can get used to how they work

• If you work on a computer, adjust the screen height slightly lower than eye level

• Remember to move your head when looking around, not just your eyes - your clearest vision will be through the center of the lens. This may take a little time to get used to, so be patient with yourself!

• At your fitting appointment, we will adjust the frames to fit your face perfectly to optimize your vision and help you succeed with your new lenses

• Feel free to come back and see us anytime if you think you need adjustments or if you have any concerns

Frequently Asked Questions about Progressive Lenses?

DID YOU KNOW?

Your eyes make over 100,000 movements each day 8

In today’s digital connected world, our eyes are working to process information more than ever, moving over 100,000 times a day – constantly shifting and checking as we move.

Does wearing progressive lenses cause headaches?

Using progressive lens products does not cause headaches. Headaches or dizziness, if any, usually occur during the initial adjustment period (about 1 week).

How long does it take to adapt to progressive lenses?

After about 1 week, your eyes will gradually get used to and adapt to progressive lenses.

Do progressive lenses change color in sunlight?

Today, there are many progressive lens products that can change color to sunglasses when outside and return to clear indoors.

Do I need to wear progressive lenses all day?

You do not necessarily have to wear progressive lenses all day; you can take them off during the day or wear them when needed.