Progressive spectacle lenses, also called graduated prescription lenses, or multifocal lenses, are corrective lenses used in eyeglasses to correct presbyopia and other disorders of accommodation. 

Why are they suitable for any ages? They are characterized by a gradient of increasing lens power, added to the wearer's correction for the other refractive errors. The gradient starts at the wearer's distance prescription, at the top of the lens and reaches a maximum addition power, or the full reading addition, at the bottom of the lens. The length of the progressive power gradient on the lens surface depends on the refractive index of the lens, with a final addition power between 0.75 to 3.50 dioptres for most wearers. The addition value prescribed depends on the level of presbyopia of the patient and is closely related to age and to a lesser extent, existing prescription.

Progressive lenses or Multi-focal lenses offer an effective and great looking vision solution for individuals with presbyopia (age-related near vision loss). As we age, particularly after the age of 40, our near vision begins to deteriorate. Progressive lenses allow you to see at all distances with one pair of glasses. They start from your distance power (if you have one) from the top of the lens (1) and gradually move towards the bottom of the lens (3) which is the reading power. You simply move your eye position to allow you to focus through different areas of the lens. 

The main advantage of progressive lenses is that you do not require several pair of glasses for different distances. They don’t have a visible line, but rather a seamless and gradual change in power as you move down the lens. Progressive lenses offer a smooth transition of focal powers that covers the total range of clear vision from far to near and every point in between. The blurred area is designed in this way to facilitate the progression of the lens power more smoothly. 

This is Peripheral Distortion.

Progressive lenses suffer distortions in the periphery, leading to poor vision when turning the eyes to the sides. This is due to multiple power are incorporated into a single lens that is produced once the reading power is achieved in the lower part of the lens. Most of the progressive lenses have more or less of this distortion.

The higher the reading addition, the more distortion is produced. Objects in the peripheral may appear blurred and shaking the head from side to side may give the wearer a swaying sensation.

Due to technology used today, manufacturers have been able to minimize unwanted distortion by improving lens manufacturing and measurement technology thus explaining the difference in price. 

When recommending a progressive lens design, an eye care practitioner usually ask questions finding out more of customer’s lifestyle, which coupled with prescription restrictions, understanding of job requirement, frame selection, can establish the suitability of various models of the progressive lens.

Different lens material availabilities, minimum and maximum fitting heights, prescription ranges and as such the variation in quality between lower to higher end progressive lenses is considerable.

Progressive lenses must satisfy several visual requirements in order to deliver sufficient performance and overall utility: 1. Good critical vision 2. Good dynamic vision 3. Good binocular vision 4. Good ergonomic utility. Ultimately, it still boils down to the customer’s expectation and requirement. 

Fitting Accuracy: Progressive lenses require careful placement relative to the wearer's pupil centre for a distance-viewing reference position. Incorrect specification of the fitting location can cause problems for the wearer including (depending on the design of the lens) narrow fields of view, clear vision in one eye only, on-axis blur, and the need to alter the natural head position in order to see clearly.

Wearing progressive lenses is like riding a bicycle. Balancing is the fundamental basis of success. Find a bicycle suitable for different height - (Choosing a suitable lens design). Starting from pushing the bike along with their feet - (Feel how progressive lens work). 

As they practice scooting and coasting, encourage them to look forward rather than down at their feet - (Walking with the glasses focusing on distance object). Once they’re adept at scooting the bike, challenge them to pick up their feet and glide, increasing the distance they can keep their feet off the ground - (Using the lenses in the working environment). There you go!!

The biggest factor, however, will be whether you want to learn to wear the lenses and place the trust on the optician to give you the best. First time progressive wearers may start as late as in the 70's. 

An eye care practitioner will usually ask the customer some questions about their lifestyle, which coupled with prescription restrictions or recommendations and cost can establish the suitability of various models of progressive lens. Different lenses have different glazing restrictions, lens material availabilities, maximum and minimum fitting heights, prescription ranges and as such the variation in quality between higher and lower end progressive lenses is considerable.

Remember that everyone learns differently and may respond to some methods better than others. Learn what works and adapt as needed. 

Errors can be corrected through the application of different types of lenses. The eye is a complex system and there are many points throughout the journey of a ray of light through the eye, resulting in a, less than ideal, visual acuity.

Most of the optical principles described date back to centuries, and glasses are such a common solution that we often, scarcely notice them. What's not common are the technologies needed to make these lenses work ideally for individual wearer, and the skills required to select, fit and troubleshoot the eye wear people rely on everyday. As an optician, we play a key role in bringing these principles to life, in the form of a great visual experience for our patient.

The result: A new design with the opportunity and expectation to improve patient success, professional identity and the wearer's personal satisfaction. 

Progressive lenses are perfect for nearsightedness and farsightedness, but there’s a learning curve and some people never adjust to these lenses. Every wearers deserve a good vision and comfort. 

Visit Optic Precise Optical, we will assist you to learn to wear progressive lenses in a structured and effective manner such that you will enjoy clear vision at any distance.