One for distance vision, another for near vision? Have you changed your glasses? Progressive Lenses could be the solution!

Does this happen to you too? You wear glasses to read the newspaper. When you want to watch TV for a while, you take them off and put on another one. When you go on the road, you need another pair of glasses to see far away. Isn't it really a hassle to change these glasses? You buy one with your mind and leave the other at home. Sometimes you forget both. If you are also facing this problem, progressive lenses may be the right solution for you. Today, we will talk about this in a simple way that you can understand.

What are these Progressive Lenses?

Simply put, these are a special type of glasses that have multiple powers within the same lens . In medical terms, these are ``Multifocal`` lenses. That means you can see clearly at different distances with the same lens. Just think...

• Look closely: for tasks like reading a newspaper or book, checking your phone, or threading a needle.
• Look at the middle distance: For things like working on the computer, looking at the face of the person across from you at the dinner table, and watching TV.
• Distance vision: For things like driving a car, reading the name of a shop while walking down the street, and recognizing someone in the distance.

How easy would it be if a single pair of glasses could help you with all three of these tasks? That's what Progressive Lenses do.

These are also called Progressive Addition Lenses (PALs). You may have seen the ``Bifocal`` or ``Trifocal`` glasses that our mothers, fathers, and grandparents used. The lens looks like a line down the middle, right? That line separates the distance and near vision. But the special thing about Progressive Lenses is that there is no such line visible on the outside . Because the power change happens so smoothly inside the lens, a viewer cannot tell whether it is a regular lens or one with multiple powers.

Who really needs these?

The main answer to this question is that many people over the age of 40 may need these.

Imagine, you can't see the letters in the newspaper as clearly as you used to? Have you ever had to hold your phone a little away from your eyes to read a message ? This is a very common condition that occurs with age. The flexibility of the lens inside our eyes decreases, making it difficult to `focus` on nearby objects. In medicine, we call this Presbyopia . Many people also call it "presbyopia".

So if you have a distance vision problem (for example, nearsightedness - Myopia), and after the age of 40, when Presbyopia sets in, you will have to use two glasses. That's when Progressive Lenses become most useful.

Also, doctors may sometimes recommend this type of lens for vision problems that children may experience.

Are there any types of progressive lenses?

Yes, there are several types of progressive lenses that you can choose from depending on your needs and lifestyle. Let's take a look at the main types.

What are the advantages of progressive lenses?

There are actually several advantages to this type of mirror.

• Everything with one mirror: This is the biggest advantage. The hassle of switching between mirrors for distance, near, and computer viewing is over. You can do all your work with one mirror .
• Less hassle, easier: How much easier is it to take care of one mirror than to take care of two or three? You only have to take one with you when you go out and about. There's also less chance of forgetting.
• Appearance: This is important to many people. Since there are no lines on the lens, no one will know that you are wearing multi-focal lenses. It looks just like a regular pair of glasses. This is especially good for young people or those who don't want to show that they are getting older.
• Less eye strain: In those striped `Bifocal` glasses, when you look at something far away and then up close, you feel an image jump. It's a bit uncomfortable for the eyes. Since the power of Progressive Lenses changes very smoothly, there is no such image jump. Therefore, the vision is very natural and the eyes are less tired.

Are there pros and cons?

As with anything, there can be a few minor drawbacks to these, and it's good to be aware of that as well.

• A little more expensive: Progressive lenses are a little more expensive than regular bifocals. But think about it this way: it may be cheaper to buy one pair of glasses than to buy three separate pairs of glasses: one for near vision, one for distance vision, and one for computer use.
• Limited frame options: Because the three powers of these lenses need to be positioned in exactly the right places, the lens requires a certain height. Therefore, these lenses may not fit into very narrow, small frames.
• Peripheral Vision is slightly blurred:This is the main discomfort that many people experience at first. When you look straight ahead, your vision is very clear. But when you look from side to side without turning your head, your vision may be a little blurry and images may appear stretched out on the right and left edges of the lens. But don't worry, your eyes and brain will get used to this after a while.

How long does it take to get used to this mirror?

This is a question that many people ask. There really is no single answer to this because it varies from person to person.

Some people can get used to these glasses in as little as a week or two . For others, it may take a month or two . In rare cases, someone may not be able to get used to them at all and will switch back to their old glasses.

All you have to do is practice patience. You need to remind yourself:

• When you need to see far away , keep your head straight and look through the top of the lens.
• When you need to see at a medium distance, like on a computer , look through the middle part of the lens.
• When you need to look at something close, like a book or a phone , raise your head slightly, lower your eyes, and look through the bottom of the lens.

When should I see the doctor?

Whether you are an adult or a child, it is very important to have your eyes checked at least once a year or two . The power of our eyes can change over time.

If you experience any of the following, be sure to see a doctor, especially an ophthalmologist.

• If you have a sudden change in your vision.
• If your eyes are watery, red, or itchy.
• If you have frequent headaches.

When getting progressive lenses fitted, it is essential to get it right . When the lens is fitted into the frame, it needs to be positioned exactly in relation to your pupil. Even a small millimeter difference can have a big impact on your vision. Therefore, always have this fitted by a qualified eye surgeon (Ophthalmologist), optometrist or experienced optician.

If you are interested in progressive lenses, talk to your doctor about it. He or she will take into account everything from the condition of your eyes to your job and daily activities, and explain to you what solution is best for you.