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Progressive Power Bifocals
(“Invisible” or “No Line” Bifocals)

Progressive power bifocals are eyeglasses that incorporate two optical corrections.  One is for distance vision and one is for reading, just as in regular bifocals.  The obvious difference is the absence of the dividing line between the joined lenses.  Instead of a line, the two lens powers have been blended in such a way as to create a gradual powered change from the top of the lens to the bottom.

Most people find this marvel of optical engineering, wonderful and comfortable.  Getting accustomed to them may be a little more difficult than getting used to regular bifocals, so you need to be patient and wear them for week or two.  Most people are happy that they made the extra effort to adapt to them.

Advantages

Most people feel that regular bifocals make them appear older. “Progressives”, on the other hand, do not look like regular bifocals, so it is not obvious that you have reached the bifocal age.  This is frequently the primary reason for choosing them.

Regular bifocals have a sharp dividing line and an abrupt image “jump” from the upper part to the lower part, and many people find both of these to be very annoying.  Neither problem exists when you wear progressive power glasses.

Although regular bifocals permit clear distance and near vision, they do not enable some wearers to see an intermediate (arms length) distance.  With the progressive power lenses, you can see clearly at all distances, since their blended transition zone allows for a gradual change of focus.  Thus, they are often a good substitute for trifocals.

Disadvantages

There are three differences from standard bifocals and trifocals that could be considered disadvantages:

-                     The cost of the lenses is considerably higher

-                     It takes time to adapt to new ways of looking through the lenses if you’ve been wearing regular bifocals

-                     The fitting by the optician is more critical.

You may experience a slight swimming sensation or a visual distortion when you look to the side without turning your head. For this reason you have to get used to turning your head.  There is also a small “sweet spot” or best area through the lens for each distance range, so you’ll have to learn how to use it to your advantage.  The necessary adaptations become automatic after a week or two of full time wear.

Since the lens placement in front of the eyes is critically important, proper fitting is mandatory.  Any fitting error can make these glasses unusable.  Problems caused by fitting errors are sometimes wrongly blamed on the lenses themselves.  Therefore, the dispenser you select must be experienced in fitting them and must take great care in measuring a number of important optical details.

Other information

You’ll need to buy the glasses from a person of integrity and reputation because some brands of progressives are less expensive imitations of excellent ones.  The brand specified on the prescription, may be easier for you to adapt to and you can’t tell by looking at the glasses themselves if an inferior pair has been substituted.  It is very important that the person fitting your glasses is trustworthy as well as capable.

Progressive power bifocals may not be advisable if you have a very large amount of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Also, it is not advisable if you have a large difference in optical power requirements for the two eyes.