Progressive lenses are usually prescribed if your eyes have trouble focusing on near objects. The lens has a dual power level, similar to a bifocal lens (a lens that has two focal points, one each for correcting nearsightedness and farsightedness). However, in contrast to bifocal or trifocal lenses, progressive lenses do not have a clear line indicating a change in focusing power. However, it takes some time to get used to wearing and using progressive lenses.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Choosing and Ordering Lenses
Step 1. Visit an optometrist-doctor who specializes in eye optics and vision (ophthalmologist)
If you suspect you will benefit from progressive lenses then you need to see an eye doctor. Your ophthalmologist can decide that you need progressive lenses and will help you find the right lens for your eyes.
- Progressive lenses can be helpful if you have difficulty focusing on close-up objects.
- Chances are, the ophthalmologist will suggest several alternative treatments including surgery, lens implants, or the use of contact lenses.
Step 2. Tell your eye doctor about any problems related to your vision
If you have problems with your vision, you should inform your ophthalmologist. Your information will help your ophthalmologist focus on these problems and help meet your eye health needs. Take the time to review the following list of topics you should discuss with your eye doctor.
- Discuss any real disturbances you have with your eyes and vision.
- Tell your ophthalmologist about any problems you've previously had related to your vision or health.
- Be prepared to tell your ophthalmologist about any family history of eye disorders you have, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration (macular degeneration - loss of vision due to irreparable damage to the center of the retina that puts you at risk of blindness).
Step 3. Get an eye exam
To accurately determine the level of lens power, the ophthalmologist will perform several tests based on the results of the diagnosis. Some of these tests will check the shape, strength, and health of your eyes.
- The ophthalmologist will determine how clearly you can see, which will determine how strong the lens should be for your eye.
- Chances are, the ophthalmologist will shine a strong light into your eye to determine the health of the inside of your eye.
- During your examination, you may be tested for your ability to distinguish colors.
- Chances are, you'll have medical tests to check for any signs of glaucoma or macular degeneration.
Step 4. Choose the frame you like and make sure it fits
As soon as the exam is complete, your eye doctor will prescribe you a progressive lens. Some ophthalmologists have boutiques/ophthalmologist shops, where you can redeem new lens prescriptions as well as have the frames installed. If there is no boutique/opticians shop near your home, you can also order prescription lenses with frames through online retailers.
- By visiting the seller in person, you can make adjustments to make sure the glasses fit and are comfortable to wear.
- Frames for progressive lenses are sold in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles.
Part 2 of 2: Getting Comfortable with Progressive Lenses
Step 1. Wear your glasses often
Part of getting used to new lenses is making sure that you wear them often enough. Wearing glasses often helps your eyes get used to the new lens and will help you learn which parts of the lens to pay attention to.
- Wear your progressive lenses every day, all day, for at least two weeks.
- Practice getting used to the parts of the lens that you need to see while doing your daily work.
- Wait a day or two before you drive with new lenses.
Step 2. Learn the parts of the lens
The benefit of progressive lenses is that changes in the level of correction and focus occur gradually. Since progressive lenses have several different focus areas, you will need to learn the appropriate section for a particular situation. To learn the part of the lens you need to see, you need a little practice.
- The top of the lens will be used to focus the view on distant objects.
- The center of the lens is focused on objects that are at an intermediate distance.
- The bottom of the lens allows you to clearly see objects at close range.
Step 3. Move your head, not your eyeballs
You should notice that your peripheral vision (peripheral vision, which is the peripheral vision to see objects around the field of vision) is a little blurry or unclear when you wear new progressive lenses. This blurring may be most noticeable on the lower side of the lens. Learning to turn your head instead of moving your eyes can help you to clearly see objects in your field of vision.
- After some time wearing glasses with new lenses, you will no longer notice a slight blur in your peripheral vision.
- Turning and moving your head will allow you to keep your eyes focused through the area of the lens you need.
Step 4. Practice proper lens care
As with other types of eyeglasses, your progressive lenses will require proper care. Keeping your lenses safe and clean will keep your vision clear and extend the life of your lenses. Take note of the following guidelines for maintaining the safety and cleanliness of the lens:
- When you're not wearing them, keep them in their box.
- Do not allow the lens to touch rough or abrasive surfaces.
- Do not allow others to try on your glasses, as they can change their shape and make them no longer fit when you wear them.
- To avoid scratching, make sure the lens is slightly wet when cleaning.
Step 5. Be careful with your new lens
As long as you wear these new lenses, you need to be careful when walking or driving. While serious problems are unlikely, learning how to focus and wear lenses properly will help maintain the clarity and strength of your vision.
- Be careful when climbing stairs. Lower your head so you can focus on your feet if needed.
- Walk slowly over any unfamiliar areas until you get used to focusing your steps with progressive lenses.
- Wait up to two days or until you are comfortable with the new lenses, before you drive.
Step 6. Ask your eye doctor for more instructions
Your ophthalmologist will give you some instructions as well as how to protect your progressive lenses from scratches or other damage. Your doctor may offer you some tools and products that you can use, such as a microfiber cleaning cloth-a cloth with very fine, soft fibers-or lens cleaning fluid, to get your lenses in the best condition possible.
If you're having trouble adjusting to the new lenses, let your eye doctor know. Maybe the lens needs to be adjusted
Tips
- Moving your head instead of your eyes can help you avoid difficulty focusing on an object.
- Wear your progressive lenses every day, all day, for at least two weeks.
- Take good care of your progressive lenses, away from cloth or rough surfaces.
