Visit our 2 convenient locations!

5900 Heckert Rd.
P.O. Box 324
Bakerstown, PA 15007
724-443-6767 Phone
724-443-6730 Fax

4001 Freeport Rd.
Natrona Heights, PA 15065
724-226-0444 Phone
724-226-0744 Fax

 

PROGRESSIVE LENSES VERSUS BIFOCALS

progressive-lensesAs we age, the need for progressive lenses increases. Just like graying hair and wrinkles, presbyopia is an inevitable sign that you’re getting older. Perhaps it started with cheaters to read but has now progressed so that prescription eyewear is necessary.

Presbyopia is the normal, gradual loss of your eyes’ ability to focus on nearby objects. Most people will start to notice presbyopia in their mid-40s. But unlike your changing hair or skin, blurred vision is much harder to live with. Thankfully, there is an answer – progressive or bifocal eyewear. We will explore the differences.

There is a distinct line in the lens with bifocals. This means bifocals only cover two different distances. With the growth of digital devices, lenses have had to evolve to cover more of a person’s field of vision.

A progressive lens is an amazing piece of engineering, allowing multiple vision fields to be incorporated into a single lens without any clear distinction between the fields themselves. Progressive lenses go from distance to intermediate to near offering a full range of clear vision. Unlike bifocals, progressives don’t have a visible line across the lens, which can be more visually attractive. You can eliminate the need for multiple pairs of glasses (i.e. reading, computer, distance) which can impact your lifestyle and tasks of daily living.

Adjusting To Progressive Lenses

Like anything new, there is an adjustment period. But consistency in wearing your progressive eyewear is key. Put away your old glasses. No-line bifocals will slightly alter your peripheral vision due to power changes that occur at the edges of the lenses. This initial difference in your peripheral vision will probably require some slight changes in horizontal head and eye movements. Make sure to wear your glasses high on the bridge of your nose and as close to your face as possible. Sensitivity to this area of the lens will diminish with time as you become more accustomed to your new lenses.

The professionals at Bissell Eye Care will help you transition as you age gracefully. Have questions? Give our office a call at 724-443-6767 or 724-226-0444.

About the author: John D. Bissell, owner of Bissell Eye Care and Tri-State Low Vision Services, offers comprehensive eye examinations for the entire family, ocular disease detection and treatment, eye glasses, sun glasses, active wear, contact lenses, and low vision examinations for those with significant vision loss. He has undergone specialized training for treatment of low vision by the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists utilizing customized telescopic eyeglasses, prisms and telescopic implants for patients who qualify. The practice accepts most types of vision and health insurance plans.