Progressives

As you get to that magic age of 4,0 most of us will find that we can no longer see up close, some people take their distance glasses off and can focus up close ... but why?

Let’s start at the beginning ... a super smart guy named Benjamin Franklin invented bifocals. The top part would correct for distance (six feet away -all the way to the moon) and the bottom segment would correct a range of approximately 11-18 inches away from your eye. (See Picture A) This is called a Straight top or Flat Top 28 bifocal, 28 signifying the width of the top of the line in millimeters).

The next stage of evolution is a Trifocal which has two segmented lines, again the top part would correct for distance (six feet away -all the way to the moon), now the middle part is for intermediate use. This accommodates the vision at roughly arm’s length away and the bottom would correct the close up range. This type of trifocal is called an executive trifocal, these larger types ere very popular years ago but the way they were made, made the lenses heavier than they need to be and many different types of widths, circle bifocal or blended which polishes the line out were than made.

Progressives go by a few names - no lined bifocals, PALs (Progressive Addition Lenses), multifocal lenses and so on.  Progressives have the distance prescription at the top and gradually increase in power to your full reading prescription as you move down the lens.

Multifocal lenses and so on. These lenses were designed to mimic the way your eye focuses using a variable corridor that shifts the distance to the intermediate and to the reading seamlessly to the best of our technology

The original thinking was for vanity, no line means you are are not old, but progressive eyewear uses far outweigh the cosmetics of not having a definitive line. Not just because it hid the fact that you are wearing bifocals, but progressives open up the opportunity to see at various ranges in front of you and to the side.

Because of the advancement of computer technology, we now have digital or High Definition Progressives, making peripheral vision  better than ever before.

The power in the lenses progressively changes from far to intermediate to your full reading power. Therefore, progressive lenses are often referred to as “no-line” bifocals or trifocals. It is the best lens for complete vision correction at ALL distances – near, intermediate and far. Proper eye measurements, frame selection and frame adjustments are essential to maximize your comfort with these lenses. Also, there are many progressive lens designs available, and some may be more comfortable for you than others, based on your specific visual needs.

Progressive lenses are not a do all. They provide a great luxury and advancement in today’s fast paced world of computers and motion. They are meant to compliment your normal daily activities but reading, computer glasses and/or occupational glasses might still be needed for different lifestyles.

It is most important to have your frames fitted by an experienced optician. With that in mind, there are many types of progressive lenses, just as there are many styles of shoes and the wrong one, or if not measured and designed properly, will present problems for you.

You now have a blended prescription immediately.  There is no image jump or visible line on the lens.  What this means for you is comfort, better vision and safety when driving. Focus is seamless and with no lines.  Progressives allow you to adjust focus from one viewing distance to another naturally simply by moving your eye up and down, while dramatically reducing eye fatigue.

Progressive lenses are a great convenience and advancement in today’s fast paced world of computers and mobility. And, you don't have to carry a separate pair of glasses for reading or wear lined bifocal lenses like your parents did.

Do not give up if you have had difficulty with progressive lenses in the past. Wearing progressive lenses that are not properly fit to your eyes will distort your vision.  Talk with Doug Wohl at 215-443-7706 or email him at doug@wohloptics.com

Fit is EXTREMELY important when it comes to progressives.  Your optician is the person who does the fitting. With progressive lenses, it really matters where the prescription changes are positioned relative to your pupil.  Even, the adjustment of the nose piece and fine-tuning of the parts that go over the ears can make your glasses will affect your vision with progressives. With the wrong lens or if you are not measured properly in a correctly designed frame, you are going to run into vision problems. Contact Doug Wohl Optician via email here.

Progressive lenses absolutely MUST be placed precisely in the frames so when they are on your face, you are looking through the proper zones.  With that in mind, there are as many types of progressives as there are styles of shoes.

The true benefits of progressive lenses can only be experienced when your glasses are properly adjusted to best fit your frames and how your frames sit your face.  It is so important to have your frames fitted properly and to have an professional optician review your needs to design the right progressive lenses for you.  Wohl Optics will find the best vision solution working with you to give you optimal vision within your budget.