5 Things You Need to Know Before Buying Progressive Lenses

12-01-2022

Progressive lenses give you clear vision from near to far, just like you’ve always wanted. Unlike with bifocals, you won’t have to worry about lines or drastic changes in vision from looking through one part of the lens to the other. Instead, you can enjoy a seamless transition, as the lenses magnify gradually toward the bottom. 

There are some general things you need to know before buying progressive lenses, however. 

5 Things You Need to Know Before Buying Progressive Lenses

Shopping for progressive lenses at your local optical store is fun. For once, you can look forward to exceptional vision, no matter the distance, and for many of us with refractive errors, this can feel like a dream come true. 

Here are some things you should know before buying progressive lenses:

#1: Adapting to progressive lenses can take time. 

Some people need at least a few days to get used to this type of eyewear, while others require up to a month. How long it takes to get used to progressive lenses varies based on your eyes and prescription. 

#2: It’s best to steer clear of small frames.

Progressive lenses should be 28-30mm tall. If your frames are too small, your lenses might not give you the proper coverage for all three fields of view. That can inhibit your near vision, making it difficult to read or see things that are close to your face. However, if you prefer small frames, short-corridor progressive lenses are a great option. 

#3: You must look through the correct part of the lens to see well. 

With progressive lenses, you’ll want to look through the top part of the lens while driving, the midsection while using the computer, and the bottom region while reading. If you don’t peer through the correct part of the lens while doing a specific task, the glasses may not work for you. 

#4: Premium progressive lenses may cost more than standard lenses, but they can be customized to your needs. 

If you do a price comparison for progressive lenses, you’ll find that standard lenses are more affordable than premium lenses. However, premium lenses can be customized to your needs, which is worth the extra cost. 

#5: An eye specialist will need to fit you for progressive lenses. 

To ensure the best fit, you'll want to try your progressive lenses on with an eye doctor, especially if you get premium lenses. Depending on your working conditions, you may require a different type of progressive lens. If you are an office worker, your eye doctor may give you progressive lenses with a wider midsection to accommodate how often you look at the computer. 

Summary: What to Consider When Buying Glasses With Progressive Lenses

It’s always fun to get new eyewear at your local For Eyes, but if you choose progressive lenses, you have some extra considerations to keep in mind. Here are some things to know before buying progressive lenses:

• The Adjustment Period: It can take up to a month for your eyes to adapt. 
• The Selection of Frames: It’s better to choose large frames with lenses that are more than 28mm in height to prevent issues with your near vision.
• How the Lenses Work: You’ll want to look through the proper part of the lens when doing specific tasks. For instance, the top of the lens is for distance vision, while the bottom of the lens is for close-up vision. The middle portion of the lens is for intermediate vision. 
• The Cost: The price for progressive lenses will vary based on the type you select. Premium lenses may cost more than standard lenses, but they are designed for your eyes. 
• The Progressive Lens Fitting: You’ll need to see an eye doctor for your lens fitting. They may recommend specific types of lenses based on your needs, and they’ll ask questions to ensure your eyewear is comfortable. 

Progressive lenses are the answer to your multifocal eyewear needs. If you have any questions or need any advice for styling these new glasses, we’re only a phone call away.