Kinds of Bifocal Lenses

Bifocals are designed to help you see both up close and far away without having to remove your glasses. Bifocals are commonly associated with older people and are available in several types. This is primarily due to technological advances in eye care as well as cosmetic appearance. You should know the different types of lenses available and materials used to make an informed decision when the time comes to begin wearing bifocals.

Segmented

• Bifocals with segmented areas forming a "D" or circle are used to force your eyes to focus on closer objects such as books and newspapers when reading. Segmented bifocal lenses change lens strength at the lower eyelid, so that your eyes can adjust naturally as they did before you required glasses. Made of heavier plastics, segmented lenses offer scratch resistant coatings as well as a more evened appearance, leaving the segments less noticeable than with traditional bifocal lenses.

Franklin or Executive

• Original makes of bifocal lenses left a large bottom portion that brought close objects into focus using the entire line of vision. Working on the same properties as a magnifying glass, these lenses do little to hide the different focal strengths. Formerly made of glass, executive bifocals are now made of heavy plastics and are not meant for extended wear due to the pressure exerted on your eyes and nose.

Progressive

• Progressive lenses are a more modern development that eliminate visible lines. Named progressive because of the lens' ability to progress focal strength without the harsh changes in strength of other bifocal lenses, progressive lenses offer a more youthful appearance. Made of light high-index plastics, progressive lenses are in fact multi-focal, encompassing all aspects of natural vision. Progressive lenses are 50 percent lighter and more durable than other bifocal lenses available, according to Dr. Liz DeFranco.

Contact Lenses

• Bifocal wearers are not doomed to a life with glasses. Bifocal contact lenses are available to those who are physically able to wear contact lenses. Bifocal contacts are made of soft, pliable gas-permeable materials, reducing the incidence of slipping or discomfort. Made the same way that lenses for bifocal glasses are made, contacts ease transition from near to far sight in individuals who are no longer able to naturally make the transition.