Progressive lenses are usually prescribed when a patient's eyes have difficulty focusing on objects at close range. These are lenses whose surface offers different dioptric powers and which function in a similar way to the bifocal ones. However, unlike bifocals and trifocals, progressive lenses do not have lines indicating the diopter change. It takes some time to get used to wearing and using this type of optical correction.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Ordering and Choosing Lenses
Step 1. Go to an eye doctor
If you believe you can benefit from progressive lenses, you should go to an eye doctor who will be able to define your needs and help you choose the right lenses for you.
- Progressive (or multifocal) lenses are helpful if you have trouble focusing on nearby objects.
- The ophthalmologist may also recommend alternative treatments, including surgery, lens implantation, or contact lenses.
Step 2. Tell your doctor about any vision problems you have
If you have noticed that your vision is impaired, you should tell your eye doctor. This way, they can perform a specific exam and find solutions for your health needs. Take some time to review the following list of topics you should discuss with your doctor.
- Tell him about any obvious problems with vision and eyes.
- Tell him about any health problems you have suffered from in the past, both general and ocular.
- Be prepared to answer any questions about your family history, such as whether there have been any cases of glaucoma or macular degeneration among your relatives.
Step 3. Get an eye exam
To accurately determine the power of the lenses you need, the ophthalmologist will perform diagnostic tests. In doing so, it will be able to assess the shape, dioptric power and health of your eyes.
- It will also be able to define your visual acuity and find the lenses you need to improve your vision skills.
- The eye doctor will point bright lights into your eyes to analyze the inside.
- You may be subjected to a color recognition test.
- A screening test for glaucoma or macular degeneration will most likely be done.
Step 4. Choose a frame and make sure it fits you perfectly
Once you have your prescription for your lenses, you can go to an optician to try on different frames and select the one that suits you best. If there is no optical shop in your area, you can visit some websites for the choice of glasses, but know that it is not the ideal solution, since progressive lenses are a highly customized product, the choice of which must be guided by an expert.
- If you go to an optician yourself, the glasses will fit on your face so that they fit properly.
- Frames for the new progressive lenses can come in different shapes, sizes and styles.
Part 2 of 2: Getting used to Progressive Lenses
Step 1. Wear glasses often
Part of the fitting process is to wear glasses very often. This way, your eyes get used to the new lenses and so you can learn which areas to look through to focus on objects.
- Use them all day, every day, for at least two weeks.
- Practice getting used to using the correct section of lens according to your daily needs.
- Wait a day or two before using progressive lenses while driving.
Step 2. Learn about the various parts of the lenses
The benefit of this type of optical correction lies in the fact that the variation of dioptric power (and therefore of focusing distance) is gradual. Since lenses have different focal surfaces, you need to learn which ones to use in various situations. It will take some practice to instinctively use the correct lens section.
- The upper part is used to focus on distant objects.
- The central part allows you to see objects that are at an intermediate distance well.
- Finally, the lower part of the lens allows clear vision of nearby objects.
Step 3. Move your head and not your eyes
You will find that with multifocal lenses the lateral field of view is blurred or unclear. This effect is most noticeable when you look through the bottom of the lenses. Learn to rotate the head instead of the eyes, to keep objects within the field where vision is good.
- After some time of use, you will no longer notice the peripheral blurry areas.
- If you rotate or move your head, your eyes stay aligned with the optical center of the lens in the area you need to see well.
Step 4. Take proper care of your lenses
Just like any other pair of glasses, progressive glasses also need to be cleaned and handled properly. If you keep your lenses clean and safe, your eyesight will be clearer and your glasses will last longer. Here's how to proceed to ensure thorough maintenance of multifocal glasses:
- When not in use, store them safely in their case;
- Do not let the lenses come into contact with rough or abrasive surfaces;
- Do not allow others to wear glasses, as they could deform them and, consequently, the fit may no longer fit your face;
- Make sure your lenses are damp when you clean them to avoid scratching them.
Step 5. Be careful as you get used to the new lenses
During the adaptation process you need to be especially cautious when walking or driving. Although serious problems are unlikely to arise, you must learn to focus and use glasses correctly to have sharp and precise vision.
- Be cautious when walking up the stairs. Turn your head down so that the visual axis is centered with the top of the lens and your feet are in focus.
- Walk slowly in new environments and unfamiliar surfaces until you have adapted to focus on your steps with progressive lenses.
- Before driving, wait a couple of days or until you feel confident in the new glasses.
Step 6. Ask your optometrist for further advice
He will be able to give you all the information and explain the best techniques to prevent your lenses from being scratched or damaged. He may also provide you with tools or cleaners to make the most of the potential of progressive glasses.
If you have any fitting problem, contact your optician; changes may be required
Advice
- If you move your head instead of your eyes, you can avoid the difficulty of focusing on an object.
- Wear progressive glasses every day, all day for at least two weeks.
- Take care of your lenses, protect them from rough surfaces and fabrics.
