What about Progressive Lenses, Progressive Lenses good for you?

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Introduction

There are many different kinds of glasses. This includes lenses having several strengths throughout the entire lens, such as bifocal or trifocal lenses, as well as single-vision lenses with a single power or strength across the entire lens.

But while the latter two are possibilities if you require different lens strengths to see distant and close objects, many multifocal lenses are made with a line that clearly delineates the various prescription zones.

 If you want a multifocal lens without a line than a progressive Lenses are a better option

What are progressive Lenses?

PALs are a specific type of multifocal lens designed for persons who require corrective lenses to view objects both close up and far away. Simply, these lenses provide you the ability to see properly at various distances without the use of a bifocal line.

With age, a progressive lens becomes more necessary. Many people start having trouble focusing their eyes on near objects by the time they are 35 or 40 years old. This condition is called as presbyopia and some people use reading glasses for close work as well as the single-vision spectacles for distance to correct it.

Although it may be helpful, PALs provide a better, more practical answer to age-related eyesight problems:

The strength required to see clearly in the distance is provided by the top portion of a progressive lens.

The strength required to see clearly up close is provided by the bottom portion.

You can see properly at intermediate or middle distances due to the center part.

The power changes gradually from top to bottom because of these progressive lenses

Progressive lenses are an option for youngsters who need eyeglasses for severe nearsightedness and farsightedness, even though some people require them as they’re older.

What’s the benefit of progressive lenses?

Progressive lenses may also be used to correct astigmatism with nearsightedness and farsightedness.

A cornea with an irregular shape causes light to focus irregularly on the retina, leading to astigmatism and blurred vision.

Other benefits of a progressive lens besides treating vision issues include:

1. Only need a pair of eyeglasses

Some individuals believe that progressive lenses are preferable than single-vision lenses because they enable wearers to see properly at various distances without having to carry along an extra pair of eyeglasses.

You just need one pair of glasses since a progressive lens replaces both reading glasses and single-vision lenses.

2. Absence of an ugly bifocal line

The advantages of a multifocal lens are provided by progressive lenses, but there is no multifocal line. Additionally, you won't experience any abrupt shifts in clarity, which are frequent with multifocal lines, because a progressive lens gradually increases lens strength.

3. A contemporary, young look

Trifocal and bifocal eyeglasses are frequently linked to advancing age. So, having bifocal lenses in your spectacles may cause you to feel self-conscious. Given that there is no apparent line, you could feel more at ease wearing a progressive lens.

What are disadvantages of progressive lenses? 

Although a progressive lens might offer "no line" optical clarity, it's crucial to be aware of their drawbacks as well.

1. You must become adept at using a lens.

There is a visible line on bifocal and trifocal lenses, making it simpler to know where to gaze for clear vision. There is a learning curve with progressive lenses because there isn't a line, and it might take one to two weeks to understand how to use the lens properly.

2. Transient eyesight alterations

Because progressive lenses are made for reading, the lowest portion of them gets amplified. As a result, it may be challenging to judge your step size if you glance downward when stepping off a curb or climbing stairs. This may result in tripping or stagger.

To avoid issues when walking, you'll need to train your eyes to focus on the distant portion of the progressive lens rather than the reading portion.

Moving your eyes from side to side while wearing progressive lenses might also result in peripheral distortion. As your eyes grow used to the lenses, these visual impacts become less obvious.

3. Expensive compared to bifocal and single-vision lenses

Be aware of the differences in cost between bifocal, single vision, and progressive lenses. Due to the fact that you essentially receive three pairs of glasses in one, progressive lenses are more costly.

You are also paying for the added convenience and labor-intensive process required to create a multifocal eyeglass with no lines.

However, considering the ease and convenience of progressive lenses, some people believe the added expense is justified.

What is the price of progressive lenses?

These lenses are often more costly than bifocals. According to Consumer Reports, you may pay approx.  INR 5000-15000 for a regular progressive lens and only  INR 1500-4000 for bifocals.

Additionally, a higher-quality progressive lens will cost more. For instance, a high-index progressive lens may cost approx. INR 20000 whereas a high-definition progressive lens could cost approx. INR 25000. Additionally, the cost might increase to approx. INR 30000 if you want a progressive lens that is scratch-resistant.

Additionally, prices may differ by area and eyewear manufacturer. Therefore, it's crucial to comparison shop and shop around.

Online shopping might be an alternative, but there are potential disadvantages as well. Progressive lenses must be measured to your eyes in order to function properly, which can be challenging to do online.

You can also take into account the fact that, according to a 2011 American Optometric Association research, 44.8% of 154 pairs of online-ordered glasses had insufficient or unsafe prescriptions.

Consider dealing with a qualified optician who can assist you in selecting the ideal frame and lens type for you if you want the finest results.

 

How can you know if progressive lenses are the perfect choice for you?

Although progressive lenses provide you great vision at both close and long distances, not everyone should use them.

Certain individuals never get used to wearing progressive lenses. You can feel persistent dizziness, issues with depth perception, and peripheral distortion if this occurs to you.

Additionally, if you use a computer, you could discover that a typical progressive lens doesn't provide you the sharpness you want at a middle distance.

An occupational or computer progressive lens, which offers a stronger strength for intermediate distances, may be necessary in its place. This can lessen eye tiredness and strain.

Progressive lenses must be used and adjusted to in order for you to know if they will work for you. Your optometrist may need to change the power of your lens if you don't adjust within two weeks. If issues persist, you could benefit more from a bifocal lens.

Consequence

The best lenses for nearsightedness and farsightedness are progressives, but there is a learning curve and some individuals never get used to them.

Wear your progressive lens as frequently as you can at first to help your eyes adjust. Additionally, train yourself to look at things by turning your head rather than by gliding your eyes about. Your eyesight may be distorted if you look out the side of your glasses.

But when you read, focus on your eyes, not your head.

Technology for glasses is always evolving. Therefore, even if you can't use progressive lenses right now, you might be able to in the future.