What Are Progressive Eye Glasses?
- Progressive lenses perform the same job as bifocals or trifocals. One special quality of progressive lenses is that there are no lines in the lens, so they don't appear like traditional bifocals. The bifocal is literally two lenses put together. Progressive lenses are single lenses that have up to 20 focal points. The wearer can just move the eyes until the object comes into focus. The lenses provide a more natural correction of vision problems because they are not two distinct lenses. Progressive lenses gradually transition from a correction for distant objects to intermediate distance or computer objects and then near objects. There is overlap between the zones so that the correction appears more clearly with subtle movement of the eyes.
- Progressive lenses have many benefits over traditional bifocals or trifocals. The multifocal lenses make the transition from distant objects to near objects easier. The glasses don't need to be adjusted to view different objects. The wearer just looks through the top of the lens to focus on distant objects, looks straight ahead to focus on computer screens or other intermediate range objects, then gazes downward through the bottom of the lens to make reading books easier.
Adjusting to the lenses is easy. The lenses are custom built according to measurements that are taken of the eye and the field of vision. The lenses are set up to align perfectly with how the wearer views the world. Unlike with bifocals or trifocals there is no experience of 'image jump'. This is the experience of the image moving because of a lens shift. The idea is similar to how fish appear in a slightly different position than they really are because of looking through water. - Any lens can work now because of technology improvements. However, certain considerations must be taken before purchasing the lenses, including the primary use, time spent by the computer, reading or viewing distant objects. This evaluation is done by the primary eye care provider. The actual lenses are selected by the patient after the consultation with the doctor. The lenses can be selected to be stylish. Even small lenses can comfortably allow for a large enough reading zone to prevent visual discomfort or strains on the eyes. Any material or configuration of options can be applied. Lenses can be made of photochromic, polycarbonate, plastic, glass or high-index materials.
- Progressive lenses require a short adjustment period. The transition to new lenses can take a few moments through several days depending upon the severity of the near-sightedness and far-sightedness. Also, the use of peripheral vision requires some adjustments as well. Progressive lenses allow a viewer to look ahead easily, but there is a region along the lower outside of the lens that does not function to focus on the appearing object. Quick changes of peripheral vision cause a blurred viewing experience. The glasses don't adjust the object's focus, so it feels as if no glasses are being used at all. There is a kind of confused sensation caused by this. Some people may need to alter their viewing habits in order to overcome this blurred, 'swim' sensation. Small changes like turning the head slightly to view the object more clearly may be necessary. As the eye is trained to use the lenses these physical adaptations become less important.
