Definition of Progressive Lenses

Progressive lenses are a modern-day alternative to bifocals. After reaching the age of 40, many people begin to experience presbyopia, a condition that makes up-close reading or hand work difficult. For people who already have nearsighted vision, this used to mean bifocals were needed or you had to take your glasses on and off repeatedly. In addition to a lack of visible lines, progressive lenses provide a middle sight area. This makes the transition from computer work to up-close work to distance viewing seamless. The lack of lines is an additional incentive for those not wanting to look older.

History

• Benjamin Franklin invented bifocal lenses.

  Progressive lenses first appeared in 1958 when a French company named Essilor International came out with a brand named Varilux. Prior to that there were bifocal lenses and trifocal lenses. The first bifocal lenses were invented by Benjamin Franklin in 1784. John Hawkins invented the trifocal in 1826.

Benefits

• There are many benefits to progressive lenses. Bifocals do not have a middle focus area. To work on a computer you have to bob your head up and down often. The rough transition with bifocals and trifocals can also cause dizziness and nausea. Transition lenses mimic regular vision.

Types

• Earlier versions of these lenses called for larger glasses to fit all the vision areas on the glass. Today's lenses have been fine tuned, making it possible to wear trendier and smaller glasses. The size of the different areas can be adjusted also, according to what type of work you do. Someone who is frequently working on a computer may want a larger middle view. Your eye-care professional will help you decide. While mainly focusing on three areas of sight, it is important to note that progressive lenses have up to 20 focal points.

Considerations

• There are some negatives involved in progressive lenses. There are still some optometrists and opticians who do not offer them due to the complex nature of their manufacture. Price is also a factor; they cost more to produce, making them more expensive.

  For some wearers there will be an adjustment time. Some will have blurred peripheral vision at first, but this should wear off in a short amount of time. Other problems can be caused by an incorrect fit. If you continue to have problems with the glasses, take them back to your eye-care practitioner to be refitted.

Conclusion

• In general, progressive lenses provide a way for eyeglass wearers to look near, far and in between without having jumpy vision or constantly changing glasses.