FAQ - Progressive Lenses

You don't have to go far to hear a bad story about how difficult it is to get used to progressive, or graduated lenses.  People might tell you about having to lift your chin, or they have difficulty when you are reversing a car. Yet many people successfully use progressives every day, ourselves included.  Here are some of the FAQs about progressive lenses.

Zones in a progressive lens.

Zones in a progressive lens.

What will I notice when I start to wear my progressives?  You will notice areas of soft focus at the edges of your vision.

Most people will move their head more in the first few days wearing progressive lenses. This quickly becomes more natural as you adjust into the correct position automatically.

We recommend tucking your chin when walking down stairs.

Will I have to lift my chin in order to read with the progressives? Once you are used to your progressives you will look through the correct zones without having to adjust your chin. Looking down will be clear for reading, and when you look into the distance you will be looking through the upper portion of the lens.

How should I use my lenses to help adapting to them?  Ideally you should wear your new progressive lenses every day from the very beginning - morning until evening. Avoid switching back and forth between your new glasses and older prescriptions.

View through a progressive lens.

View through a progressive lens.

Do I have to wear my progressive lenses all the time?  No. Many people successfully wear their progressives only part time, e.g. at work, or indoors at home. It is useful though to wear new glasses all day for a few days while you are adapting to the new prescription.   

I am aware of blur to the sides? Remember to point your nose at what you want to look at. You will become less aware of the vision at the sides as you use the lenses more.

Should I drive in my new progressives?  To begin with take care when driving. When you are adapting to progressives in the early days it is best not to drive with them - wait until you are confident.  

If you have any other questions about adapting to progressives contact us.