The introduction of Progressive Lenses was a significant step in optical lens technology, offering patients an advanced solution for different prescriptions in a single lens. No more switching between glasses with single-vision lenses or dealing with the abrupt jump between prescriptions in bifocals.
As Calgary Optometrists passionate about Progressive Lenses, we are dedicated to educating our patients about how they work, who benefits from them, and the difference they can make in your daily life. Keep reading to learn more about Progressive Lenses.
Progressive Lenses: Explained
Progressive Lenses allow you to see far and near without distraction from unsightly lines on your glasses. Normal lenses have one prescription, while Progressive Lenses have multiple prescriptions in a single lens. And unlike bifocals, Progressive Lenses have a seamless, gradual change in prescription instead of an abrupt, segmented jump in prescription where the line would be. This way, Progressive Lenses offer wearers the distance prescription, the near prescription, and the intermediate prescription between the two.
Progressive Lenses allow you to:
- Read close-up
- Work on a computer
- See from a distance
- Have a sharp vision at a range of distances
- Have all of your focus needs met in a single pair of glasses
Progressive Lenses are varied and technically advanced. For this reason, you need an optometrist with expertise in lens optics and design and the training to recommend the Progressive Lenses that will work best for you.
Who benefits from Progressive Lenses?
Progressive Lenses are the preferred eyeglass lens for most presbyopes. Presbyopia is the age-related loss of near-focusing ability that affects all of us sometime between ages 40 and 50. When this happens, your optometrist will write a different eyeglass prescription specifically to address the reading problems that come to all presbyopes. Then, your optometrist will present various lens options and help you choose the best solution for your vision requirements.
These options include:
- A pair of single-vision eyeglasses for reading - This is a handy solution if you are lucky enough to have perfect distance vision. For patients who don’t need glasses to see far things, simple reading glasses are affordable and convenient if you don’t mind putting them on and off as you switch from reading to distance vision and back and forth.
- A pair of single-vision eyeglasses to see far - If you need glasses to see far, and you now need a different prescription to see near, you may want one pair of single-vision eyeglasses for each. This can work well if you don’t mind switching between the two pairs of eyeglasses.
- Bifocals Lenses - If putting your glasses on and off or switching between two pairs of glasses sounds like a hassle; then bifocals will allow you to leave your glasses on and see both far and near. Bifocals have a border between the far and near prescriptions you can see on your glasses. It looks like a horizontal line on the lenses, just below your pupil. This line divides your glasses into two “segments”. The top segment is for seeing far, and the bottom segment is for seeing near.
- Progressive Lenses - If the thought of bifocal lines on your glasses sounds unattractive, then Progressive Lenses are the way to go. They are a popular choice for those who have various prescriptions. If you spend lots of time on a computer, it’s an advantage to have access to the intermediate prescription. Otherwise, the key advantage of Progressive Lenses is that they offer clear, sharp vision at all distances and nobody else can tell because there are no distracting lines on your glasses.
Where to find quality Progressive Lenses in Calgary
Doig Optometry is the Progressive Lens destination in Calgary. In fact, providing people with the best possible Progressive Lens experience is one of the reasons Dr. Doig created Doig Optometry. We take the time to understand the variables contributing to each patient’s unique adaptation experience and customize their Progressive Lenses specifically for their eyes. Not all eye care providers take this approach.
Today’s Progressive Lenses can be completely personalized and customized for each patient’s prescription, frame style, and how their glasses are worn. There has never been a better time to have Progressive Lenses made that are easy to use and easy to get used to.
Book your next eye exam with us at Doig Optometry and let’s get you closer to finding a pair of eyeglasses and lenses that will help you See Sharp, Look Sharp, and Love Your Glasses.