What are progressive glasses?
What are progressive glasses?
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General Info
Progressive (or multifocal) glasses consist the most modern way to meet all the vision needs of an elder, ie of a person who has difficulty in near vision. By using progressive glasses, the user can see at all distances (far, near or at intermediate distance). This is something that is not ensured with a single-vision pair of glasses (lenses that correct vision only at near or only at long distance). In addition, the multifocal lenses include all the necessary corrections of possible refractive errors (myopia, astigmatism, hyperopia, presbyopia) that the user might has according to the eye prescription.
Multifocal glasses work as follows: The dioptric power of the lens changes gradually and smoothly from the top (where the distant focus is found) to the bottom (where the near focus is found), thus offering perfect vision in the intermediate distances (e.g. computer use, office work, driving, etc.). Therefore, the user gets the ability to see clearly at all distances, without being bothered with many pairs of glasses (one pair for seeing distant objects, one seeing close-up objects and one for middle-distant objects).
The appearance of presbyopia and the use of progressive glasses
Progressive glasses can be used from the age that presbyopia starts to appear (after the age of 40). It’s worth mentioning that when we use the term presbyopia we mean the difficulty that someone faces in reading due to the changes in the composition of the crystalline lens of the eye due to the age. All people over the age of 40 need glasses for presbyopia without any exception.
This need could be addressed in three different ways:
• With an individual pair of close-up glasses.
• With bifocal glasses (corrected vision in 2 distances: near and far)
• With multifocal/progressive glasses (corrected vision at all distances: far, intermediate and near)
With the individual close-up pair of glasses, the user can see clearly in near distance, e.g. reading, but has difficulty in focusing on the remaining distances (intermediate and long distance). The bifocal glasses cover the needs for long and near distances. Finally, with multifocal glasses, the user has the ability to see clearly at all distances (near, long and intermediate distances) without facing any problems at all.
Progressive glasses and progressive lenses
The first multifocal glasses appeared in 1959. Their design differed significantly from the modern multifocal glasses (enlarged field of vision), which thanks to the rapid development of technology can satisfy even the most demanding customers.
The new generation of multifocal lenses has an advanced design that eliminates diversions and reduces distortions. In addition, those lenses are equipped with anti-reflective coatings, thus protecting the users against UVA and UVB rays that are harmful to the eyes and can cause various eye problems, such as premature cataract, macular disease, etc.
Progressive lenses are available in a wide range of types, prices and refractive indices (for better aesthetic result at high ametropia) depending on the needs and requirements of each customer. In addition, the progressive lenses can be also photochromic, ie they can darken (up to 85%) outdoors depending on the sunshine, while remaining completely white indoors. Progressive sunglasses are also available in a wide variety of colors and coatings for those who want 100% protection from the ultraviolet rays of the sun.
The optician - optometrist is the expert who, based on his knowledge and experience, will indicate the right type of multifocal lens for your needs so that you have the best possible vision. It’s worth mentioning that in order to ensure success, the optician should be also aware of your habits as well as of your daily routine.
Key success factors of multifocal glasses:
• The correct prescription of the ophthalmologist.
• The accurate measurements of the optician (heights, interstitial distance, correct frame inclination, pantoscopic angle, etc.).
• The selection of the appropriate vision frame depending on the ametropia and the profile of the face.
• The correct application of the glasses to the user's face upon receipt.
• The detailed and correct information of the customer for his immediate adaptation to the multifocal glasses.
• The familiarity of the user with the progressive glasses by wearing them and following the instructions of the optician – optometer.
