Bifocal vs Progressive Eyeglasses – Which Is Right For Your Vision?

Your eyesight can blur as you get older. This change in your vision is caused by the loss of elasticity of the lens. This is known as presbyopia; it is commonly associated with the aging process, typically appearing after the age of 40.

Your Vision Needs May be More Complex

As you age, you could learn that you need one prescription for near vision and an entirely different prescription to see clearly at a distance. You can accommodate both prescriptions with one pair of glasses by selecting bifocal or progressive lenses. To make an informed decision, you may need to know the similarities and differences between bifocal vs progressive eyeglasses.

What are Bifocal Lenses?

Bifocal lenses contain two focal points; the top half is intended to help you view objects at a distance. You will be viewing the world through the bottom half of your lens when you want to see objects that are close to you, such as when you are reading.

Traditional bifocal lenses have a distinct line, or possibly a “D” shape, visible on the surface of the lens. Some people view bifocal glasses as an indication of advancing age, so they resist wearing them.

What are Progressive Lenses?

Progressive lenses are more commonly referred to as “no-line” bifocals. Progressive lenses offer a smooth change of focus between the top and bottom of your lenses. The top of the lens adjusts your vision to see clearly at a distance, like the bifocal lens

Through the middle of the lens, your vision is adjusted to seeing at an arm’s length, with near vision clearest at the bottom center of the lens. While bifocals have two distinct focal points, progressive lenses are multi-focal, they have many.

Progressive glasses may take a little longer for you to adjust to than bifocals. It’s impossible to create a seamless multifocal lens without creating aberrations somewhere in the lens. For example; if you glance downward to the left or right, you may notice that your vision has blurred slightly. You may also notice feeling a bit “off” when you turn your head quickly.

Adjusting to Your Bifocal or Progressive Lenses

Whether you select progressive or bifocal lenses, you should plan on living with a brief adjustment period until looking through your new lenses becomes a habit. You will learn to adapt, and you will stop looking through the wrong area of the lens. Your minor vision issues should resolve within a few days of wearing your new prescription.

While adjusting to your new glasses, put your old glasses away. Switching back and forth can make adjusting to your new prescription more difficult. Your brain will adapt faster if you simply stick with your new lenses.

Even if you don’t notice any significant vision problems, It’s important to have your eyes examined every two years or every year after the age of 60. Routine eye exams can detect conditions that could threaten your vision, and your health, before symptoms are apparent to you. In Dartmouth, Novia Scotia, contact Eyeworld Ltd, to schedule your stress-free eye examination and learn more about the differences and similarities of bifocal vs progressive eyeglasses.