The Most Common Problems With Progressive Lenses (2024)

Have your friends or colleagues ever complained to you about problems they were experiencing while using glasses equipped with progressive lenses? They may have complained to you about difficulty adjusting to their new glasses, not knowing where to look through the lens, eye strain or nausea, just to name a few. In this post I will break down the most common problems with progressive lenses, recommended steps for easier adaptation, and answer a few common questions.

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Most Common Problems With Progressive Lenses

A patient who experiences difficulty adapting to progressive lenses might feel they have poor balance or that they walk wobbly with their new glasses. Perhaps the edges of their vision are disproportionately large, or disproportionately small. The edges of their vision could be bent as well. I’ve also heard of headaches or migraines in extreme cases, and it’s fairly common for complaints of nausea. These are all signs of adaptation to a multifocal lens. Let’s take a look at how to adapt.

How to Adapt to Progressive Lenses

Firstly, if this is a patient’s first experience with progressive lenses, I educate that it may take three to four weeks for them to fully adapt to the lenses. For these patients, I never recommend immediately driving with their new glasses on, as the brain has not had time to adapt yet. Trying to do higher order tasks right off the bat, such as driving, may cause dizziness, headache, or blurred vision.

The best environment to break into the new lenses is in the comfort of your own home. Start while sitting on the couch. Maybe just try watching television a little, while periodically gazing down at your phone. This will help you transition between far distance and near distance areas on the lens. Then, go ahead and walk around the house with the new progressive lenses. The most difficult exercise may be when going up and down the stairs.

The key point for success here is to remind yourself that the area delegated for distance vision is at the top part of the lens and the reading vision is at the bottom of the lens. So when going down stairs, just remember to tilt your entire head down and look through the top portion of the lens, not just move your eyes vertically down.

Choosing a well-fitting frame in which to embrace a pair of progressive lenses is an art form. There are so many different factors to consider and assess. It is not as simple as choosing any frame and plugging progressive lenses into the frame. It’s worthwhile to find a skilled optician who is able to recommend appropriately fitting eyewear for your new progressive lenses and one who takes all the necessary measurements such as the segment height and pupillary distance.

At Della Optique, we get many patients coming to us for a second opinion as they were unsuccessful with their new progressive lenses elsewhere. Most oftentimes, it is not a prescription error; it is more likely that a poor-fitting frame was chosen or a lower quality progressive lens was selected. For a detailed overview of what progressive lenses are and their design, visit my earlier blog post.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Are My Progressive Lenses Blurry?

There may be many contributing factors for blurriness with progressive lenses. If it is your first pair of progressive glasses, there is always a learning curve. Your optician will illustrate how a progressive lens is designed and how it can be efficiently used for all distances. When first learning, the brain does require a few weeks to adapt to this change. With time, looking through the multifocal lens becomes seamlessly integrated into the wearer’s muscle memory.

The first step when using progressive lenses is to become comfortable using those designated areas of the lens for each distance-specific task. For example, if the lower portion of the lens (which is specific for reading vision) is used to watch television, your vision will definitely be blurry. The opposite is also true; if the wearer tries to look at their electronic devices up close using the portion of the lens meant for far distance vision. This is why thorough education on progressive lens design is crucial for the patient’s success, especially for first time wearers.

Another cause for blurry vision may be that even though manufactured correctly, if a progressive lens isn’t sitting in the right position, it is not going to provide the wearer with clear vision. For example, if a nose pad is raised or lowered after all the necessary measurements were taken, you can expect difficulties with vision as the lenses will not be centered correctly.

How Do You Tell if Your Progressive Lenses Are Correct?

If you are able to comfortably see at all distances without thinking about doing so, we say that full adaptation has occurred and you can rest assured that the lenses are correct. However, if after a few weeks of wear, you still find difficulty adjusting to your new lenses or you have blurry vision, it may be time to return and have another re-assessment. It can be very difficult for the wearer to identify if their progressive lenses have been made to exact specifications. This can only be done by a trained optician or optometrist in office.

Are There Different Types of Progressive Lenses and Does the Vision Quality Vary Between Them?

Yes, there is a wide range of progressive lens designs, even within the same company. Companies such as Hoya, Nikon, and Essilor all carry fantastic progressive lenses. To simplify things, we like to say that there is a good, better, best, and premium lens design. The higher up the scale you go, the progressive lens design and technology improve.

I like to use cars as an analogy; the good tier is equivalent to driving a Honda civic while on the other end of the spectrum, the premium tier lens design would be comparable to driving a Porsche. All the lenses function to reach the same end goal of providing vision at all distances, but the difference between them is the quality, clarity, and technology integrated within the lenses. The higher quality lenses will ultimately provide improved vision at all distances.

One of great benefits of purchasing progressive lenses at Della Optique, is that because it is an independent practice, we are able to order from any of the multitude of companies making such lenses, like Hoya, Nikon, and Essilor. On the contrary, shopping for progressive lenses at a big box store limits the buyer’s choice, as these stores can usually only order from the one lens manufacturer they are contracted with.

To learn more about progressive lenses and to be evaluated by one of our optometrists visit our online booking page.

The Most Common Problems With Progressive Lenses (2024)

FAQs

What is the problem with progressive lenses? ›

Progressive glasses lenses can cause a “swim effect,” which impacts peripheral vision and can distort vision at the edges of the lenses. This may not go away with time like the other difficulties might. Another con of progressive lenses is the cost.

What is the main drawback of progressive lenses? ›

Drawbacks of Progressive Lenses

Some people never adjust, but most do. During the learning period, you may feel dizzy and nauseous from looking through the wrong section of lens. There may also be some distortion of your peripheral vision (what you see on the edges when looking straight ahead).

Why are my progressive lenses always blurry? ›

The strength of progressive lenses is actually the factor that leads to initial peripheral blurriness. Progressive lenses tend to be blurry on the sides because each lens promotes three fields of vision: An upper lens segment designed to help the wearer see objects in the distance.

Why do progressive lenses not work for me? ›

Who Is Not A Good Fit For Progressive Lenses? The most common reasons for not switching to progressive lenses is that the wearer has been using bifocals and may be perfectly comfortable with that decision or has had trouble making the transition. Progressive lenses also typically cost more than traditional bifocals.

Should you wear progressive lenses all the time? ›

Progressive lenses are meant to be worn all day. So, though there may be some discomfort at first, stick with it – consistent wear will speed up the adjustment process. Wear them full-time for about two weeks and after completely adjusting to them, you can wear them only as needed, if preferred.

What is the success rate for progressive lenses? ›

Our success rate for fitting progressive lenses is more than 95% . There are a few reasons why some people have difficulty getting used to their progressive lenses, especially 1st time wearers. The lenses are not fitted correctly, ie they are not position properly in frame in relation the wearer's needs.

Are premium progressive lenses worth it? ›

premium progressive lenses? If the price is a factor, opt for standard progressive lenses. However, if you have a complicated prescription or need customized lenses, premium progressive lenses are the better option. Either way, the new glasses will help get your vision back on track.

What is the alternative to wearing progressive lenses? ›

Besides progressives and bifocals, there are also trifocal lenses or bifocal contacts. Like progressives, trifocals offer three fields of vision, but have two visible segment lines that mean a double image jump. New designs in bifocal contact lenses are also an alternative.

How do I know if my progressive lenses are correct? ›

Progressive lenses are correct if you can clearly see distant objects through the tops of the lenses and nearby objects through the bottoms. Set your frames lower if your distance vision looks blurry when you look straight ahead. Adjust the frames higher if your near vision is cloudy when you look down.

Are bigger frames better for progressive lenses? ›

', the answer is yes. Here's why: Bigger lenses ensure you have ample coverage for each prescription. Most types of progressive lenses fit better in large frames, so you'll need bigger lenses to go with them.

How long does it take your eyes to adjust with progressive lens? ›

Progressive lenses can be difficult to get used to initially, and you may experience distortion in your vision until you get used to them. It can take anywhere between a week to a couple of months to adapt and get used to progressive lenses.

Do progressive lenses make your eyes tired? ›

Progressive lenses come with a natural risk of causing eye strain for your customers with different prescriptions in each eye, or anisometropia. This happens because each eye sees a different image when not using the ocular center of the lens.

What is the best frame shape for progressive lenses? ›

Lens shape is important, too. Progressive wearers should avoid aviators and cat-eyes because both can cut off the bottom portion of the prescription, resulting in a loss of reading vision. Instead, they should look for shorter frames with rounded edges such as horn-rimmed, retro wingtip, circular, and oval ones.

Which is better bifocal or progressive lenses? ›

Progressive lenses provide a transition from near, intermediate, and far vision prescription. As compared to bifocal lenses, progressives provide a wider zone of clear vision to make activities like computer use and reading easier for the wearer.

What is the average age for progressive lenses? ›

Indeed, progressive lenses are commonly prescribed for those in their 40s. This is because most people around this age develop presbyopia, which is an age-related change in how the eyes work when reading or seeing near objects. Reading prescriptions are often required, and can start as early as the late 30s.

Do you move your head or eyes with progressive lenses? ›

Progressive lenses allow you to see at all distances with one pair of glasses. They start with your distance prescription (if you have one) at the top of the lens and increase as you move toward the bottom of the lens. You simply move your head position to allow you to focus through different areas of the lens.

Can you wear progressive lenses while driving? ›

Progressive lenses are an all-inclusive type of eyewear that helps you see up close, far away, and everywhere in between. That means that progressive lenses are good for driving, so if you plan to take a road trip or drive to work, you can feel confident in your choice of vision correction.

What is the average price of progressive lenses? ›

Average cost of progressive lenses

Compared to the slightly lower cost of bifocal lenses, the average consumer pays between $150 and $250 for their progressive lenses. For this price range, you should be able to purchase a decent set of progressive lenses.

What are the three levels of progressive lenses? ›

Computer progressive lenses. Premium progressive lenses. Ground-view progressive lenses.

Do I need progressive lenses if I have astigmatism? ›

What Glasses Are Best for Astigmatism? If you have astigmatism, nearsightedness, or farsightedness, then your glasses will likely need single-vision lenses. If you need vision correction for additional conditions, such as presbyopia, then progressive lenses may be the best option for you.

What is the difference between progressives and premium progressives? ›

What is the difference between the premium progressives and standard progressives? Our high-definition premium progressives feature wider intermediate and reading areas of the lens than standard progressives. Peripheral (side) distortion is reduced by up to 40% compared to the standard design.

Is anti reflective coating worth it? ›

Anti-reflective lenses are very worth it, especially if you deal with a lot of glare from digital or LED screens, as well as glare from oncoming headlights when driving at night on a road trip. They also help you see better, look better, and feel better than going without uncoated lenses.

What is a Tier 4 progressive lens? ›

There are 4 tiers of AR coatings available — each tier offers a different level of scratch and glare resistant protection, with Tier IV giving the highest level of protection, including features to help keep your glasses cleaner.

Can you switch from progressive lenses to regular glasses? ›

Apart from convenience for reading, would my eyes adapt fine to going back and forth between progressive and regular lenses? Answer: I would regularly wear the progressive first to get used to it and then begin the switching. It usually takes most people 4 to 8 weeks to adapt.

How much are progressive lenses at Costco? ›

How Much Does It Cost To Replace Lenses at Costco?
Lens PricesSingle VisionProgressive
RX-able.com$28/pair$58/pair
Costco$91/pair$160/pair
*In most cases, Rx-able.com edges new lenses in your frame within 24 hours of receiving your frame.
Dec 2, 2020

Are no line bifocals the same as progressive? ›

Progressive lenses, also commonly called no-line bifocals, are an effective solution that can discreetly and seamlessly give you a wide range of vision. Read on to learn more about how progressive lenses work, and whether or not they are an option for you.

What size glasses are best for progressive lenses? ›

“The ideal lens height or frame depth that's required to experience clear and comfortable vision is at least 28mm,” Chua says. Here's, how to find frames with the ideal lens height for your progressive lenses: Shop our selection of progressive eligible frames (with a minimum lens height of 28 mm)

How do you watch TV with progressive lenses? ›

If you want to watch TV lying down (although not recommended to move the progressive glasses on the nose), you can leave the glasses on your nose down a bit so the top of the lens (diopters of distance) to reach the eyes. It is the simplest method and is reliable.

What is the maximum add power for a progressive lenses? ›

The length of the progressive power gradient on the lens surface depends on the design of the lens, with a final addition power between 0.75 and 3.50 dioptres.

What is the maximum add for progressive lens? ›

The maximum magnification (ADD VALUE) for multifocal lenses is +4.00 for progressive (no-line bifocal) lenses and between +3.00 to +3.50 for bifocal lenses.

How much are premium progressive lenses at Walmart? ›

Eyeglass Lens Replacement Walmart
Lens PricesSingle VisionProgressive
RX-able.com$28/pair$58/pair
Walmart$70/pair$140/pair
*In most cases, Rx-able.com edges new lenses in your frame within 24 hours of receiving your frame.

Is it normal to feel dizzy with progressive lenses? ›

If wearers are not used to multiple changes in lens power, progressive lenses can make them nauseous and dizzy at first. Another disadvantage is that peripheral vision can be slightly altered by the changes that occur at the edge of progressive lenses.

What glasses are good for computer use and driving? ›

Blue light glasses are ideal for anyone who spends a lot of time using mobile devices or computers. These devices all emit small amounts of high energy blue light, which scatters more than other colours. It's this scattering that makes it harder to focus on the screen, causing digital eye strain.

Should sunglasses have progressive lenses? ›

Progressive sunglasses offer an excellent solution for those with several prescriptions seeking eyewear for the outdoors. With progressive sunglasses, you'll not only see better in the sun and protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. You will no longer have to switch between glasses and sunglasses.

Which progressive lens has the least distortion? ›

DEFINITY™ Lenses provide the widest intermediate zone and least amount of peripheral distortion of any progressive lens. DEFINITY™ Lenses provide a much wider intermediate zone than Conventional Progressive lenses. DEFINITY™ Lenses have significantly less peripheral distortion than Conventional Progressive lenses.

Are there different levels of progressive lenses? ›

There are two types of progressive lenses, standard and premium. While one is as the name implies standard, the other is really your best option. That's because premium progressive lenses are customized to your eyes and offer a wider viewing area than standard ones.

Is it easier to get used to bifocals or progressive lenses? ›

Those who are used to bifocals typically experience more extended adjustment periods. Either way, most patients need a few days to a week to get used to the way progressives work, after which they don't think about it anymore.

Which is more expensive bifocal or progressive? ›

Bifocals do sport a traditional design with lines between the fields of vision, while progressive lenses offer seamless lens transitions and have no visible lines – a selling point to many. From a cost perspective, progressive lenses do tend to be more expensive than simple bifocals.

Why can't I wear progressive lenses? ›

Who Is Not A Good Fit For Progressive Lenses? The most common reasons for not switching to progressive lenses is that the wearer has been using bifocals and may be perfectly comfortable with that decision or has had trouble making the transition. Progressive lenses also typically cost more than traditional bifocals.

What to do if progressive lenses don t work? ›

Common Problems & Solutions for Progressive Lenses

Move your frames closer to your eyes. This might involve adjusting nose pads or pushing the frames higher up on your nose to decrease the distance between lenses and eyes. Ensure you're moving your head and not your eyes when focusing on an object.

Why do progressive lenses make me dizzy? ›

Your brain has to adjust to different strengths as your eyes move around the lenses. That's why you might feel dizzy. Older people who've never worn multifocals before may need lenses with a big change between the top and bottom of the lens. They may need a little longer to adjust.

Are more expensive progressive lenses better? ›

Conversely, higher-quality progressive lenses position the drop so that the wearer can look through it naturally, and reduce peripheral distortion by making the viewing area wider. These changes make the lenses more expensive, but result in far better comfort and vision quality.

What lens shape is best for progressive lenses? ›

Lens shape is important, too. Progressive wearers should avoid aviators and cat-eyes because both can cut off the bottom portion of the prescription, resulting in a loss of reading vision. Instead, they should look for shorter frames with rounded edges such as horn-rimmed, retro wingtip, circular, and oval ones.

Are expensive progressive lenses worth it? ›

Progressive lenses cost a bit more than other multifocal lenses. Compared to bifocals and trifocals, progressives may seem like an expensive option. But given their convenient, streamlined design and the fact that they correct vision at so many distances, most wearers find the price to be worth it.

How many levels are there to progressive lenses? ›

Progressive lenses are a type of lens which have no differentiating lines between the focal distances. These have three different levels of focal distances ranging from distance to near.

Why are my progressive lenses giving me a headache? ›

New Lens Powers

As you adjust to new bifocals or progressive lenses, it is possible to experience symptoms such as headaches or blurry vision. In addition, adapting to your glasses may cause objects to jump or move around in your vision field, leading to focus issues and eye strain.

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