How to Wear Progressive Lenses Comfortably: Tips for Clear Vision at All Distances

 Progressive lenses can correct presbyopia (problems seeing up close), but also distance vision problems (myopia or astigmatism). These are lenses that actually have different corrections on a single surface. Unlike bifocals or trifocals, progressive lenses have no visible discontinuity. Sometimes it takes time to get used to them, but with technology, it's getting faster and faster. 

Getting a prescription for progressive lenses

Make an appointment with your ophthalmologist. If you have trouble reading up close, it's time to visit your ophthalmologist. They will determine if you need progressive lenses and which ones..

• Progressive lenses are lenses worn when near vision is no longer as good as it once was.
• Your ophthalmologist, depending on your case, may suggest surgery, implants or contact lenses.

Tell your ophthalmologist everything. Tell them about your vision problems; this will help them complete your file. During the examination, they will be able to take a closer look at what you've told them. There are several points that should be covered during your appointment.

• Obviously, if you have recently had a vision problem, it is essential to talk about it.
• Tell your ophthalmologist about any previous vision or health problems.
• Don't hesitate to tell him about the family history if there have been any particular vision problems among some of its members, such as glaucoma or AMD (age-related macular degeneration).

Undergo some checkups. In order to prescribe the right lenses, your ophthalmologist will make a few observations, such as the eye's surface structure, its curvature, and the cornea. He will also be interested in the internal structure, and more specifically, your retina. .

• Your ophthalmologist will have you do reading tests (average and near vision) to determine the power of each of your lenses.
• Your ophthalmologist, using one of their devices, will send a beam of light to the back of your eyes to see your retina.
• Your ophthalmologist may take the opportunity to do a color test.
• He will look for warning signs of glaucoma or macular degeneration.

Visit an eye doctor. You'll present your prescription and, based on your tastes and the lenses you need, they'll suggest a number of frames. They'll take your pupillary distance, which is used to frame the lenses. More and more eyeglass wearers are ordering their lenses and frames online. Opinions are divided on this method of distribution.

• The advantage of going to an eye doctor is that they can adjust them perfectly for you and will always be there if you encounter any minor (or major) problems later on.
• The frames of progressive lenses are no different from any other: you can choose the shape, size and color.

Being comfortable with progressive lenses

Wear your glasses as often as possible. Although it's easier and easier today with new lenses, the only way to get used to them is to wear them as often as possible. Over time, your eyes and brain will get used to them. You will then, without thinking about it, use this or that area of ​​your lenses according to your needs .

• Wear your glasses more and more often until you're wearing them all day. You should get used to them within two weeks.
• You will gradually learn how to use this or that area of ​​the lenses.
• Only drive when you are used to your new glasses.

Know the different fields of your lenses. There is a smooth, gradual increase in power between the top and bottom of the lens. You will have to learn to use the right area for a particular vision. It's getting easier and easier today, but it takes time to get used to it   :

• the top of the glass is intended for distance vision (more than 10 m),
• the central area is used to see objects that are at an average distance (a few meters),
• the bottom of the lens is the one that corrects presbyopia (near vision).

Move your head, not your eyes. At first, you'll notice that your peripheral vision is blurry, especially at the bottom of the lenses. Therefore, if you need to look to the sides, you should turn your head, not your eyes. For beginners, this is strange, but you get used to it very quickly. With progressive lenses, it's all about focusing on the right area

• Peripheral vision doesn't stay blurry for very long. Your brain eventually gets used to these new corrections.
• Understand that turning or lowering your head allows you to keep your eyes in front of one of the three corrective zones.

Take care of your glasses. Progressive lenses require no more care than conventional lenses. Your glasses should be cleaned regularly and stored in a suitable case. This will protect your lenses and allow you to have perfect vision. Here are some precautions to take:

• when you are not wearing them, store your pair of glasses in their case,
• be careful not to scratch your glasses,
• Do not lend your glasses to others, they could distort them and they would no longer fit you,
• glasses are never dry cleaned.

Be careful when you first use them. You'll soon realize that walking, driving, and climbing stairs are actions that require a little practice with progressive lenses, because vision is different. You have to learn empirically how to handle these situations. Don't worry, it's easy!

• Be careful around stairs and sidewalks. This is a classic trick with progressive lenses. Learn to lower your head to get an undistorted view of the obstacle. With practice, you won't even notice it anymore.
• If you're in an unfamiliar place, take your time moving around. Look carefully at the steps, the sidewalk, the sewer grate, etc.
• Wait a bit before driving. Driving is an activity that requires good vision. Therefore, it's recommended that you feel completely comfortable with your new lenses before getting behind the wheel.

Ask your eye doctor for some advice. They'll be happy to tell you how to see with progressive lenses. They'll also give you tips on how to properly care for your glasses. They'll also be able to suggest cleaning products, such as microfiber cloths or lotions.

• If you have a problem with your lenses, first talk to your eye doctor. They will refer you to your ophthalmologist if the problem isn't with the lenses.

Advice

• With progressive lenses, you focus by moving your head. This makes them difficult to wear for the first few days, but you quickly get used to them.
• Wear your new glasses every day for two weeks.
• Take care of your glasses by taking care not to scratch the lenses.

Warnings

• If, after a few days, you are still not used to your new lenses, if you have headaches or nausea, it is because you do not have the right lenses or they are poorly centered: see your eye doctor or ophthalmologist.