How to Tell if You Need Progressive Lenses

Bifocal and trifocal lenses have a line through the center that separates each section of the lens. While this doesn’t always bother the wearer, some would prefer lenses that don’t have this distinguishing feature for cosmetic purposes. Called progressive lenses, they provide the same vision correction as their bifocal and trifocal counterparts. 

What Are Progressive Lenses?

Progressive lenses, also called multifocal lenses, have three prescriptions in one pair of glasses. It means that you can use one pair of eyeglasses while doing close-up work, middle-distance work and distance viewing. Progressive lenses are an upgrade of bifocal and trifocal lenses. While bifocal and trifocal glasses have obvious lines on the lenses, progressives don’t have them, allowing for a more seamless look. For this cosmetic reason, many patients in need of vision correction prefer progressive lenses.

Should You Get Progressive Lenses?

Before prescribing your corrective lenses, your optometrist will conduct a comprehensive eye exam to test your eye health, visual acuity and optical wellness. You may be prescribed progressive lenses:

• If you have multiple prescriptions. Some people can have farsightedness, nearsightedness and other vision conditions at the same time. This can make it challenging to see objects at varying distances. Instead of shopping for several pairs of glasses, it’s best to choose progressive lenses, giving you flexibility in your eyewear choices. Although it may take a long time to adjust to progressive lenses, this eyewear can give you all the visual coverage you need without the obvious lines from bifocals and trifocals. 
• If you have presbyopia. Adults over 40 years old are at a higher risk for presbyopia, which means the lenses in your eyes cannot move as much as they used to, causing issues with your near vision. Many adults turn to progressive lenses as an effective method for vision correction. Your eye doctor may also recommend them if you have been diagnosed with astigmatism as well.

Do you need progressive lenses? Or do you simply wish to upgrade your bifocal or trifocal lenses? Get in touch with Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry. We provide top-quality eye health services, including post-op care following LASIK eye surgery and more. Give us a call at (703) 660-9494, or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment. We serve residents of Alexandria, VA, and the surrounding communities.