Progressive lenses are lenses which incorporate multiple powers of vision (such as close up, or far away distance) into one single lens. Unlike bifocals, which are split, a progressive lens contains one continuous, smooth lens without a dividing line. The lenses power changes progressively from distance to near vision power. They’re basically bifocal or trifocal lenses, but without the dividing line. They’re ideal for patients who have presbyopia, a vision condition which makes it hard to focus on close up objects. This happens to many people over time as they age. Both objects near and far become harder to see sharply and focus on.
In progressive lenses, the distance field is usually built into the upper portion of the lens while the near vision is built into the lower part of the lens. The lens is blended together, while the middle portion usually contains the intermediate vision correction if needed. The immediate vision section is good for those who work with computers. Progressive lenses are popular with people because of their ability to look like normal, single vision eyeglasses. They are good for those who don’t have a complicated prescription. Sometimes wearers can get distracted by the dividing line that bifocals and trifocals contain, making progressive lenses ideal for them. Most adults who reach a certain age will need both reading and distance glasses at some point in their lives.
