Progressive lenses are helpful for near-sighted people who go on to discover that they not only need continued help seeing things that are far away, but that they now need help seeing things that are close-up as well. Called presbyopia, this often comes with age and makes it harder to read small print.
In addition to the vision benefits of progressive lenses, many prefer them simply for aesthetic reasons. While traditional bifocals have a visible line across the center of the lens (trifocals have two), progressive lenses look like regular lenses.
This article discusses five different kinds of progressive lenses that are available and any challenges you may have adapting to them. Use this information to have a discussion with your vision care provider about what is best for you.
The price is higher than regular flat-top bifocal or trifocal lenses. Still, they are quite affordable. Depending on the brand name, these lenses will range in price from $175 to $250 for the base lenses.
Benefits:
Comparatively affordableGive you a fairly wide reading area
Disadvantages:
May not work with all frames
Standard progressive lenses require a certain frame size so there is enough vertical height to provide—and allow for a smooth transition between—all three strengths.
If you choose a frame that’s too short, the most useful power for reading may be lost during the manufacturing process.
Because of their size, it takes a skilled optician to fit them properly.
They are slightly more expensive than standard progressive lenses and range from $250 to $400.
Benefits:
Can be used in small frames, which may be extra helpful for those with a narrow face
Disadvantages:
May be difficult to adapt to and cause some distortion
The “corridor” for reading vision is not very wide with these glasses. If you look down to read, make sure you keep your eyes centered and not out to the sides.
If you’re at a computer more than four hours per day, these lenses are ideal. They help reduce visual fatigue, or computer vision syndrome.
Computer progressive lenses are great for people working at near and intermediate distances. These lenses also allow for better posture, making it easier to hold your head in a more natural position. The price is generally in the $150 to $250 range.
Benefits:
Greatly improve visual comfort and eye strainReduce the neck discomfort caused by the head positions you need to hold when wearing a regular progressive lens
Disadvantages:
Are only meant to be used for computer work; regular glasses are needed at other times
These lenses are designed by computer, with small changes to allow both eyes to work together. They often allow for the fact that you have a dominant eye.
This means both your prescription and your frame are better customized for you. Instead of compacting a lens design, as with short corridor progressive lenses, they allow for all ranges of power to fit nicely into any frame.
As expected, these lenses do cost more than standard or entry-level progressive lenses. The prices will range from $600 to $800.
Benefits:
Custom-designed to fit both your chosen eyeglass frame, prescription, and eye anatomyGenerally much easier to adapt toHave much less “swim effect," or dizziness with head movementMay sometimes feel like you’re not wearing a multifocal lens at all
Disadvantages:
Comparatively much more expensiveCo-pays usually much higher (even with vision insurance)Can only be purchased through a provider that has the technology to take digital measurements needed to make these lenses
These lenses range from $350 to $550.
Benefits:
Offers another area at the bottom and sides of the lens to allow for better vision when looking down at the ground, using the computer, or driving
For example, golfers can look down past the reading part of the lens to another zone. It provides clear vision at an intermediate length, to better see where the ball is on the ground. A regular progressive lens may cause that area to be blurry and not in focus.
Disadvantages:
Tend to cost more than standard progressive lenses, though the price is often lower than premium progressive lensesOnly available from a few manufacturers
Photochromatic lenses are generally anywhere from $80 to $150 above the regular price for a progressive lens.
Benefits:
Make it easy to have just one pair of glasses for both indoor and outdoor activities
Disadvantages:
Sometimes do not darken as much as you might like when you’re on the road due to UV protection added to windshields by some car manufacturers
Summary
People who are ready for bifocals due to age-related changes in vision may want to try progressive lenses. If so, they have a few more options than they once did. The available lens styles offer “better optics” in terms of style, at the same time that they address specific vision needs.
If you need a smaller frame but don’t want to lose the lens fields that help with reading, you can try short-corridor progressive lenses. If it’s in your budget, you may opt for premium lenses that give you a custom fit. Or you may go with a “ground view” lens that works best for your active lifestyle. Check with your eye care provider to find out which style of progressive lenses is best suited to your needs.
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