Proper Fit of Progressive Lenses

Progressive lenses are also known as no-line bifocal or multifocal lenses. This type of spectacle lens contains a distance prescription (power) correction, an up-close or bifocal power correction, and an intermediate power for everything in-between. Making sure you get a proper fit with your progressive lenses is important for optimum vision success.

Understanding Progressive Lenses

• Progressive lenses are usually prescribed for presbyopia, which is a common age-related vision correction. Most people start experiencing the need for a multifocal lens after the age of 40, according to Allaboutvision.com.

  A progressive lens is designed to help you see and read at many distances. Bifocals with lines can be distracting when looking from the distance and through the line, into the reading portion of the bifocal. The sudden change in perspective is called image jump and can be jolting and hard to use for some people. Progressive lenses incorporate the distance power at the top and then slowly increase the power of the reading portion as you look lower into the bottom of the lens.

  This transition in power makes the no-line bifocal have an almost invisible mountain shape in the lens, with the peak of the mountain sitting just below your pupil. The top of the reading power is designed to allow you to read things at a slight distance, such as a newspaper or a computer screen. The middle part of the progressive lens and the very bottom are used for reading things you would hold closer, such as a medicine bottle label.

Proper Fitting for Progessive Lenses

• The optician who is fitting you for your progressive lenses needs to make sure the lens is big enough to hold a no-line bifocal and that the frame fits you properly. Varilux.com, the company that invented progressive lenses, suggest that you pick a frame that fits high on the bridge of your nose and as close to your face as possible.

  Your optician will ask you to sit straight in the chair facing him, and will have you look into his eye while he uses a small ruler and small pen to mark the location of your pupil and place he wants the progressive lens power to start in your lens. The optician will also note the horizontal measurement of your pupils in each lens.

  Before finalizing a progressive fit, you should discuss your lifestyle needs for eyewear with your eyecare professional. Some jobs and hobbies require modifications in measurement or even a second pair of glasses. For example, pharmacists have unique vision requirements in trying to read labels that are high on a shelf. A regular progressive lens will not work in this type of situation. Your optician can adjust lens power if needed to accommodate specific needs.

Tips for Getting Used to Progressive Lenses

• According to Varilux.com, the best way to adjust to new progressive lenses is to stop wearing your old glasses immediately. Remember to turn your head and point your nose when reading something to the side to avoid looking through the progressive blended power lines. Varilux also suggests wearing your glasses continuously to make the adjustment to your new prescription easier.