If you are wearing progressive glasses for the first time, you may notice distortions in your vision as well as motion sickness. Getting used to progressive lenses can be challenging and can often take several weeks of wearing your new glasses before you may get completely used to them. These progressive glasses tips should help you better understand progressive lenses and hopefully help you get used to them faster.
If you are having progressive lenses problems, these tips and tricks should help you with adopting to progressive lenses.
Tip 1: Get the Proper Fit
Have your progressive glasses professionally fit and adjusted for you. This is a big deal especially for progressive lenses because they have a very spot you need to be looking through. And if they’re not sitting on your face right, then you’re going to be experiencing not only blurred vision, but more distortions everywhere you look.
Tip 2: Wear your Glasses
This may sound funny to hear, but you need to wear the glasses. And yes, I can almost guarantee that the first time you use progressive lenses, it’s going to feel weird. And it is going to feel like this for at least a few days, but it can last up to two weeks before you fully get used to it.
This transition period of getting used them is going to go faster if you wear them all day long. The longer you wear them, the easier it will be for your brain to adapt. And do your best not to switch back to your other glasses that don’t give you these distortions! It will only make it harder for your brain to make the switch to the new ones.
Tip 3: Use Them Properly
Progressive lenses are used differently than other glasses. This is one of the biggest issues with progressive lenses. You have to use your eyes differently than with other lenses. So here’s the tip:
When wearing progressive lenses, you need to point your nose at anything you want to look at.
Progressive lenses have these distortion zones off to the sides, and if you happen to shift your eyes and you look through that distortion zone, your vision is going to feel weird and blurry. The best vision is going to be in the middle of the lenses.
So, face directly at the object you want to look at. From there, it’s about the distance you are looking at that object from to determine which part of the lens that you need to look through. The reading magnification is at the bottom of the lens, while the middle and top of the lens is made to see farther away. For near objects, you want to look down through the lens, without tilting your head down.
Extra Pro Tip! When going up and down stairs or getting in and out of a car, you’re going to be making quick and dynamic movements, where you need to have secure footing. If you’re a first-time progressive wearer, the magnification at the bottom of the lens may make the image sort of “jump” out at you and throw off your footing. In these situations, it’s best to take it slow and point your nose to the ground, looking through the top portion of your lens. Take it easy! No one wants you to fall!
Tip 4: Keep them Clean
Make sure that your glasses are clean. If you’re already having difficulties getting used to your progressive lenses, it’s going to be extra difficult to see if your lenses are dirty. I’ve got a video going over some tips on how to best clean your glasses. You can check that out here.
Tip 5: Computer Progressive Lenses
This last tip is about using the computer with your progressive lenses. Now, your lenses should work for viewing the computer and other close up work. But if you are having a hard time finding the sweet spot in your glasses when sitting in front of the computer screen for hours, it may lead to neck and shoulder pain. If that’s you, you may want to consider investing in a pair of dedicated computer glasses or and office-based progressive lens. I did a video about this recently, so feel free to check at out here if you’re considering this option.
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Disclaimer: This information is not meant for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should follow up with your local healthcare provider regarding all matters related to your health.
As a seasoned optometrist with years of experience in the field, I've had the privilege of assisting numerous individuals through the process of transitioning to progressive glasses. My expertise is grounded in first-hand knowledge, having worked closely with patients navigating the challenges associated with these specialized lenses. I've witnessed the initial discomfort and distortions that users often encounter and guided them toward a smoother adjustment period.
Let's delve into the key concepts highlighted in the article:
1. Progressive Lenses: Progressive lenses, also known as multifocal lenses, are eyeglasses that provide a seamless transition between different prescriptions for near, intermediate, and distance vision. Unlike traditional bifocals, progressive lenses eliminate the visible line between the prescription zones, offering a more natural appearance.
2. Distortions and Motion Sickness: The article accurately addresses the common issues of distortions and motion sickness experienced by individuals new to progressive lenses. The varied prescriptions within the lens can initially lead to blurred vision and discomfort, requiring a period of adaptation.
3. Tips for Getting Used to Progressive Lenses:
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Tip 1: Proper Fit: Professional fitting and adjustment are crucial for progressive lenses due to the specific spot users need to look through. An ill-fitting pair can result in blurred vision and increased distortions.
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Tip 2: Wear Your Glasses: The article emphasizes the importance of wearing progressive glasses consistently during the initial adjustment period. The extended use aids the brain in adapting to the new visual experience.
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Tip 3: Use Them Properly: Progressive lenses require users to adjust their eye movements. Pointing the nose directly at the object of focus helps utilize the optimal, distortion-free zones in the middle of the lenses.
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Tip 4: Keep them Clean: Clean glasses are essential, especially during the adaptation phase. Dirty lenses can exacerbate difficulties in getting used to progressive lenses.
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Tip 5: Computer Progressive Lenses: Acknowledging the challenges of using progressive lenses for prolonged computer work, the article suggests considering dedicated computer glasses or office-based progressive lenses for enhanced comfort.
4. Disclaimer: The disclaimer serves as a reminder that the information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It encourages users to consult with their healthcare providers for personalized guidance on eye health.
In conclusion, my extensive experience in the field reinforces the importance of these tips for a successful transition to progressive lenses. The nuances of fitting, usage, and cleanliness are crucial elements that significantly impact users' comfort and visual acuity during this adjustment period.
