How to Tolerate Progressive Lenses

Progressive lenses in eyeglasses are used for people who in the past, would need bifocals, a lens that lets you see both near and far without needing two pairs of glasses. The different prescriptions in progressive lens are graduated so that there is no visible line between the two (or three) sections on the lens. Some people have a hard time adjusting to progressive lenses, while others experience no difficulties at all. Learning about where the nearsighted and farsighted prescriptions are located on the lens, and how to effectively use each part of the eyeglasses can help your tolerate your progressive lenses.

Things You'll Need

• Adjustable nose pads

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Instructions

• 1

  Ask your eye doctor to show you which area of your progressive lens contain the prescription for your nearsightedness and where your farsightedness prescription is located. According to All About Vision, a typical progressive lens places distance vision in the top half of the lens and close vision in the bottom half. If you require a third correction for computer work, it is most likely located in the middle third of the eyeglasses. Knowing where to look for each type of vision can help you adjust more easily and tolerate the transition to progressive lenses.

• 2

  Wear your glasses as regularly as you can, according to your doctor's recommendations. You may feel like objects are a little blurry or "swim" toward you at first, which can cause a stomach queasiness in some people. Master Eye Associates explains that within a couple of weeks, this feeling will decrease. All About Vision states that full time wear will help you begin to tolerate the new lenses.

• 3

  Learn how to turn your head to offset some of the unpleasant effects that you may experience after getting a new pair of progressive lenses. Master Eye Associates recommends pointing your nose at the object you want to see. You may also need to tip your head slightly in the direction that you are looking as you get used to the multiple prescriptions in your lenses. After your adjustment period you most likely will not need to move your head.

• 4

  Choose eyeglasses frames that have adjustable nose pads to increase your tolerance for progressive lenses. The placement of the prescriptions in your lens is based on measurements taken while you are wearing your frames. Adjustable nose pads help you get a better fit on your nose, and ensures the location of each prescription will be accurate.