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What Is A Progressive Lens?

23 September 2012
What Is A Progressive Lens?

An alternative to two pairs of glasses

You may have heard people talk about progressive lenses, but what are they and how can they help your vision?

What is a progressive lens?

Progressive lenses, also known as multifocals, are a good alternative to owning two pairs of glasses for short and long distance uses or bifocals, which many find unattractive and inconvenient.

Unlike bifocal and trifocal lenses, which have two or three separate sections with different powers, progressives offer a seamless progression between powers. This means when you look up you can see clearly in the distance, when you look down you can read clearly and there is an intermediate zone for things such as computer work.

Benefits of progressive lenses

There are a range of benefits to switching to progressive lenses. One of the main reasons people choose progressives is purely for aesthetics. They can make you appear much younger and are considered to be more fashionable than standard bifocals.

However, there are practical reasons for wearing progressives too. When you wear bifocals there is a distinct break in vision when looking near and far, whereas progressives offer a seamless transition between the two. It’s a more natural feeling.

How do I get progressive lenses?

If you would like to switch to progressive lenses, arrange a consultation with your Toowoomba optometrist who can talk with you about your suitability and have a look at frames that will work with progressive lenses.

In the past, progressive lenses would only fit in large frames, which meant progressive wearers only had a limited range to choose from. Nowadays, you have a wide choice of frames - big and small.

Whether or not you need progressive lenses, you should visit your Toowoomba optometrist every two years for a comprehensive eye exam, to keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear.

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