How do I use my new progressive glasses?

Here’s what you need to know!

So, you finally reached a point in your life when you need progressive glasses, fret not.

Here is what you need to know to make a smooth easy transition:

First, let us quickly review how a progressive lens works:

  • Progressives are sometimes called “no line bifocals”, since they do not have that pesky line that the bifocals have!
  • A progressive lens has multiple prescriptions in it; far, intermediate, and up-close distance. Far distance vision at the top portion of the lens, intermediate vision at the center of the lens, and close-up vision at the bottom of the lens.
  • The prescription in a progressive lens changes gradually from far to close-up vision through out the lens. Unlike a bifocal lens that only has two distinct distances, far and close.
  • When you get fitted for progressive glasses measurements are taken to align where the lens starts going into your reading power. It is important that the glasses are in the position that they will be when you wear them.
  • The closer to your eye the glasses sit the better when you wear progressives, like looking through a keyhole your field of vision will be wider.
  • The peripheral areas of the progressive lens will not be as clear as the central part, make sure you turn your head to face the item that you want to see straight on.
  • When you are facing the item you want to see, you may need to tilt your chin up or down to get clarity depending how far away the item is. Tilt down for far away and up for close.
  • Expect that there will be a learning curve of up to two weeks to get a hang of everything, sometimes things will feel a bit weird at first.
  • If things feel weird but your vision is clear, then it is just a matter of time until everything will feel good.
  • If your vision is still blurry following these directions, then you may want to make a trip to your eye doctor to have them make sure your measurements and prescription is correct.
  • Good luck, you can do this!