Adjusting To Progressive Lenses When Your Eyesight Changes

As the years go by, we all notice subtle changes in our eyesight. You might start suffering from farsightedness which means you have to hold a book at arm’s length to make out the words.  At some point, it’s our distant vision.  As we age, this is a common symptom that is known as presbyopia.

You will buy a pair of reading glasses but the strength can change over time. Before you know it, you have a desk drawer loaded with reading glasses.

Another common symptom is nearsightedness known as myopia.  You can only see objects clearly when they are near you, at a distance they are blurred. This is caused by the shape of your eye which causes light to refract incorrectly.

You have probably visited your eye doctor for an eye exam. He or she might recommend you consider progressive lenses.  Even though these lenses take a little time to adjust to, in the long run, you will be glad you did.

About Progressive Lenses

Progressive lenses have 3 viewing areas, farsightedness, intermediate, and nearsightedness. The primary viewing area in your standard progressive lens is distance and a smaller area in the middle of the lens for intermediate, and another small area at the bottom for near-vision. As these areas blend together, you will see a blur when looking at the edges of the lens.

OpticalNext Offers Different Types Of Progressive Lenses -

Near-Range is designed for those who spend a great deal of time at a desk or other workspace. You will get greater comfort and visual clarity within 3 ft.

Mid-Range is designed for those who need increased, higher quality up-close vision to see an entire room clearly. They offer narrower near-range vision with greater mid-range for comfort and visual clarity within 10 to 14 ft.

Standard is designed for distance vision but narrower near and mid-range areas. They offer great comfort and visual clarity around 20+ feet.  Click Here to learn more.

What Are The Difference of Bifocals and Progressive Lenses?

Many people do not understand the difference between bifocals or trifocals and Progressive lenses.   Bifoculs and trifocals have a visible line in the lens while progressives have a seamless, invisible design so the changes are not visible throughout the entire lens.

Getting Adjusted To Your Progressive Lenses

Due to their unique design, there is a period of time to adjust to the progressive lenses. It’s recommended that you change some habits including turning your head toward the object you want to view vs moving your eyes. For instance, if a vehicle is passing by, instead of just focusing your eyes on the object, you should move your head in that direction otherwise, you will end up looking through the blurry edges of the lenses.

If you are new to progressive lenses, you need to gradually get used to them by increasing how often you wear them over the first couple of days.  Do not attempt to change glasses as this will only increase the time you need to adapt.  Just remember to turn your head and move your eyes to find the perfect spot for the object you want to view.

Those of you who are experienced wearing these progressive glasses, you might have a slight advantage during the adjustment stage.  Keep in mind, no 2 pair of progressive glasses are the same.  Some people are more sensitive to viewing several areas through a small lens.  You might want to go to frames that are larger in size to experience more comfort and a shorter adjusting time.

Most people will not have any issues wearing these lenses after a few weeks, while others will suffer from headaches or feeling off-balance. If you do, contact your eye doctor to check your prescription and lens placement. Most people who have chosen progressive lenses are extremely satisfied with the results.