Problems Adjusting to Progressive Lenses with Double Vision

Progressive lenses are the latest alternative to bifocals or trifocals. Instead of dividing the lens into discrete sections, they provide a gradual change in magnification power over the area of the lens. This allows users to see at long, intermediate and short distances without changing or removing their glasses. However, there is a trade-off. Because of their design, users often experience blurry or double vision and have trouble adjusting to progressive lenses.

Peripheral Vision Loss

• Progressive lenses cause users to lose peripheral vision. The edges of the lens appear blurred, and users must move their head from side to side to read a newspaper or the content of a computer screen. This causes some to stop wearing progressive lenses altogether.

Incorrect Fitting

• For progressive lenses to work correctly, they must be carefully adjusted to the wearer's eyes. The lenses are designed to adapt to the movement of the pupil for long and short distance viewing. If the measurement of the mounting points is not accurate, double vision and discomfort will increase.

Small Lenses

• According to lens manufacturer BBGR, the minimum height between the center of the pupil and the bottom of the frame is 18 millimeters. The fashion demand for smaller lenses makes it harder for wearers to adapt to progressive lenses.

Distortion

• Progressive lenses may cause wearers to have double vision, which distorts the shapes of objects and makes them look blurry. The stronger the magnification power of the lenses, the stronger the distortion. If wearers use progressive lenses from the beginning and increase the addition power of the lenses gradually, their adaptation will improve.