Did your recent vision exam reveal the need for progressive
lenses? If you've always worn single-vision glasses or contacts, take a look at
what you need to know about multifocal lenses and your eyesight.
What Are Progressive Lenses?
Progressives help you to see both near and far-without the
need to switch glasses. Like the name implies, these glasses progressively
change as your eyes move up or down the lens. The bottom of the lens allows you
to read or see objects near to you, correcting hyperopia or farsightedness. The
top of the lens helps you to focus on anything that's in the distance. This
corrects nearsightedness.
Are middle-distance objects blurry? Progressives can help
with this issue too. The middle section of the lens is in between near and
farsighted, creating a smooth transitional area. This allows you to see objects
at all distances without a break or jump from one type of vision/sightedness to
another.
Do Progressive Lens Have a Line?
You've seen the lines on your friend's or family member's
bifocals. These multifocal lenses also allow you to see near and far clearly.
But bifocals (and trifocals) have a distinct line that breaks apart one type of
vision correction from the other. Unlike these lenses, progressives are
line-free.
Again, progressive lenses provide a visual progression from
close-up to middle-distance to far. This happens seamlessly, eliminating the
need for the bifocal line.
Not only can no-line progressives make it easier to switch
back and forth between near and far vision, but these glasses also have a more
youthful appearance - especially in comparison to bifocals. If lined multifocal
lenses remind you of your grandparents, talk to your eye doctor about the
benefits of progressives.
Why Do You Suddenly Need Progressive Lenses?
Are you nearsighted? Farsighted? Neither? Whether you've
always worn single-vision glasses to see far away or close-up, it's likely your
eyes will change as you age.
According to the American Optometric Association (AOA),
close-distance vision may start to change as early as your 40s. This change
makes it difficult to read or look at objects near to you without added
assistance. Some adults need to use prescription eyeglasses to correct this
issue.
If you also have difficulty seeing objects at far distances
(nearsightedness), you may have to constantly switch between readers and your
regular glasses to see clearly at all times. Progressives eliminate this need.
Along with near-vision issues, age-related changes may also
include the need for more light to see clearly, issues with glare, changes in
color perception, and reduced production of tears. While progressive lenses
won't stop or correct every age-related change, these eyeglasses can improve
clarity in a variety of situations.
How Quickly Will Your Eyes Adapt to Progressives?
Even though progressives have advantages over bifocals or
trifocals, these glasses aren't always easy to adapt to. Without the line, you
may find it difficult to switch from near- to far-distance vision. According to
the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), it typically takes a week to a few
months for most adults' eyes to adapt to these lenses.
You'll need to train your eyes to seamlessly switch from
close-up to middle to faraway sight. Don't give up on your progressive lenses
if the adjustment takes more time than you expected. The more you wear the
glasses, the sooner your eyes will adapt.
The better the lenses are fitted to your eyes, the easier
this process should become. Choose a qualified ophthalmologist to help you find
the best progressives for your needs and guide you through this process.
Do you have vision changes? Are progressives right for you?
Contact Calvert Ophthalmology
Center
for more information.
