Gafas Progresivas - Qué son y cómo pueden ayudarte

Progressive Glasses - What they are and how they can help you

Our eyes begin to show signs of fatigue with age. After the age of 40, presbyopia symptoms appear. This is the time when progressive glasses are the best option.

How can they help you? It is important to know that with progressive glasses you avoid having to buy two pairs of glasses. Whether it's because of eyestrain or because we need different prescriptions, progressive glasses are a trend.

In this article we will tell you what progressive glasses are and how they can help you. Join us to find out when and how to use them. Don't miss any detail you need to have a better visual health and look good.

What are progressive glasses?

Progressive glasses, in principle, were designed for people who apart from presbyopia suffer from another visual condition, such as astigmatism, myopia or hyperopia. They are designed to be able to have two or more prescriptions in the same lens.

They can have near, medium and far vision. To give you an idea, it's like retrofitting a bifocal lens.

Remember grandma's glasses? Yes, bifocals are those that have a very marked division in the lens. It's precisely that separation that indicates the change in magnification. If you look down you can see up close and if you want to look far away, you will have to use the upper part.

Difference between bifocal and progressive

We explain the differences between bifocal and progressive lenses:

  • Bifocals only offer two types of prescription; progressives can have two to three (near, medium, far).
  • The division indicating the different types of prescription in bifocals is very inorganic for our vision. In progressives, this line disappears and they are more comfortable as they do not have a marked transition between the different graduations.
  • Bifocals are uncomfortable and unsightly.
  • Progressive glasses have a delicate transition in the lens, which makes us see and look more natural.
  • Progressives came to improve our visual health and aesthetics, while bifocals are increasingly out of use.

How do progressive glasses work?

Progressive glasses simply offer vision that is closer to our natural vision. If we require more than one prescription to be able to see both near and far, these glasses allow us to see both ways thanks to lens technology.

In general, progressive glasses work on the basis of optical techniques that widen the fields of vision. In this way , lower or peripheral distortions are reduced. In addition, the latest advances make it possible to customize the design of the lenses according to the parameters we need.

It should be noted that the focal areas, or field of vision, are relatively small because more lens space is needed for the transition from one prescription to another. For this reason, and depending on the type of progressive we use, there will be a distortion towards the sides of the lens. This distortion may go unnoticed in customized or higher-end progressive glasses such as Freeform.

The key to these glasses is the field of vision they provide. Our eye will move downward to see up close, such as when reading; or it will move upward to see far away, such as when driving. The view will adjust depending on our visual needs.

However, depending on the type of progressive glasses we wear, this visual field will be more or less wide. This means that we will be able to widen the peripheral vision of our glasses.

What is the visual field?

The visual field represents the total area in which you can see objects in your peripheral, or side, vision when you focus your eyes on a point.

The visual field includes what you can see above, below and to either side of the point of focus. Of course, vision is sharpest in the center of the visual field.

What are visual field tests?

A visual field test is part of an eye examination. With it, your ophthalmologist or optometrist determines where your peripheral vision begins and ends and how well you can see objects in it.

An optometrist can perform an automated perimetry exam to define your field of vision. This exam will allow the parameters to be established when making a formula for standard mid-range or high-end progressive glasses.

Types of progressive glasses

As we have already mentioned, the lenses of progressive glasses are designed to allow you to see several distances in the same pair of glasses: far, medium and near. They allow you to see clearly at all these distances without changing glasses.

The upper part of the lens is graduated for distance vision. The middle is for intermediate distances, such as a laptop or cell phone. The lower part of the glass is for near vision.

Thus we find that towards the sides, that is, in the width of the vision channel we can perceive some distortions. This will depend on our investment in quality-price of the model we choose.

Differences in the types of progressive lenses

Progressive lenses vary according to the quality of the lenses. We tell you how they differ:

  • Low-range or economical: although they fulfill their function, distortions in the field of vision are more noticeable. In this case, you will have to move your head to see better instead of moving your eyes.
  • Mid-range: the field of vision is a little wider.
  • High-end: they have a wider field of vision, allowing you to see to the sides with an almost imperceptible distortion.
  • Personalized, Freeform or top of the range: these offer higher quality as they are exclusive to each customer. Their design expands the field of vision to the sides. You see clearly at all distances and in all directions. Adaptation is therefore faster.

Advantages of progressive glasses

These are some of the virtues of using progressive lenses:

  • They can be used for any prescription, and you will be able to combine them with presbyopia.
  • Clear vision in the same pair of glasses at any distance.
  • If you used to need glasses for distance vision and glasses for near vision, now you can save money by buying just one pair.
  • The adaptation will work every time you change your progressive glasses. In other words, once you get used to them, you won't have any problems when you wear them.

Adaptation to progressive glasses

You should have a period of adaptation to your progressive glasses. This is especially true for people who have never worn glasses for presbyopia. In general, in a short period of time you will be able to master the use of this type of glasses.

No matter what type of progressive glasses you have chosen, you will always be able to adapt to their use. The virtues of this type of glasses allow you to overcome any difficulties you may have at the beginning.

The simple fact of not having to carry three pairs of glasses in your bag is enough to make you love them.

Tips for adapting to your progressive glasses

Here are some tips to help you adapt well to your new progressive lenses. Take note:

  • The first thing you should do is to get good advice from your optometrist to know the limitations and scopes of the model and type of progressive glasses you will acquire.
  • It will always be better if you choose personalized progressive glasses.
  • Do visual exercises by focusing your eyes on objects that are far away and then close up. For this exercise you can try to organize your environment by trying to always have a window near your workspace. Or do not stare at a single screen (such as a laptop, cell phone or TV) for a long time.
  • Be very careful when walking. At first the change of perspective and heights, such as a staircase or sidewalks can be uncomfortable. In addition, you will need to lower your head more to focus well, due to the heights of the glass graduations.

For example, reading is not the same as looking at the road. In the latter case, you will not use the lower part of the glasses but the middle part, so you need to lower your head more, not your eyes.

  • You must get used to handle the different levels of graduation in the glass and the visual field. Try to move your eyes and determine the areas of sharpness and distortion. Also, test distances and sides to identify where you see best and where you do not.
  • Pay more attention to your driving as you adjust. Remember that it's all a matter of your brain adjusting to the new information in your glasses. It is recommended that before you get in the car, you ride a bicycle in a safe environment, so you can test your reflexes along with your new vision.
  • If you are in a process of adaptation, it is advisable that your sunglasses are also progressive. And add a gradient colored lens, so you can read better outdoors.

Recommended frames for progressive glasses

Unlike monofocal glasses in which you will have a single prescription, progressive glasses are multifocal and must have certain characteristics to provide you with better vision. Let's see what they are:

  • Width of the glasses: the frame should not be larger than your face. Remember that progressive glasses are sharpest in the center of the lens. So it should not fit you and it should not be too big either. For perfect vision, the frame must fit your face type.
  • Height: The minimum height of the frame should be 30 mm. This will ensure that all vision areas have their space. Low frames are not recommended because there will be no room for the integration of the different prescriptions. In very low frames the distortions will be greater than the vision areas.
  • Combination of positive factors: it is recommended to add features to your progressives that increase their level of action in comfort and visual health. For example, you can add anti-reflection, polarization, color filter and/or UV protection. This will make the fit and quality of your vision a lovely experience.

Taking these features into account, we have compiled some models that fit:

Tom Ford square

This frame for prescription or progressive glasses have a 52mm gauge, so they are perfect. They have a fresh and strong design at the same time, ideal for faces with marked features.

They come in two colors:

Etnia Barcelona square

This beautiful model is youthful and serious. It comes in acetate with a 53 mm caliber, perfect for a custom progressive lens. The price is affordable and the design is super trendy. And the best thing is that they come in 6 different colors:

Prada square

This novelty frame is sleek and fresh. With a 52 mm caliber these glasses are a progressive's dream. It has geometric details on the temples that give it a unique touch. They come in 4 classic and combinable colors:

Ray-Ban Wayfarer

These Ray-Ban glasses made of metal and injected material are ideal for mounting your progressive lenses. The design updates the classic Wayfarer classic, "a design with a basic vocation" with very rounded curves. These glasses are lightweight and comfortable, their vintage vibe makes them very combinable. They come in 3 colors:

Freeform Progressive Glasses

For lovers of new advances who want to venture out and try something new comes this freeform or Freeform optical technology. This is a great way to customize your glasses.

It is used by placing data into the computer for a generator to be assisted by. Then the high-tech machine will use its three diamond-tipped axes to carve any desired curve into the glass.

This technology is capable of making complex designs as directed by the software. In optical labs, lenses can now be customized for each specific need without sacrificing style.

Benefits of Freeform progressive glasses

Keep in mind that the following virtues of your freeform progressive glasses are going to depend on the frame and the professional who assists you. We recommend that you go to a reputable optician to have them made.

  • The sharpness of these glasses allows you to have a better vision of contrasts, colors, shapes and depth of field.
  • Freeforms offer a smooth transition. You will be able to see without distortion as you move from distance to intermediate and near vision.
  • Side aberrations or blur are eliminated, offering a wider field of view.
  • Free-form lenses can be made thinner, making them less heavy. The comfort during the fitting and wearing of your progressive glasses will be greater than with traditional lenses.

An ideal Matsuda model for Freeform progressive lenses

These round half-frame Matsuda glasses are a work of art for your eyes. Designed in silver titanium with a 42 mm caliber, they offer a frame free of eye-straining contours. Ideal for a more natural vision with a unique style.

Dare to try them! They will give a natural, elegant and very contemporary look to your face. They are available in our store.

Signs that you need progressive glasses

Do you get tired trying to focus? Typically, you start to move things farther and farther away from your eyes. If you notice that you do that all the time, it's because you've entered that stage where you can't see well up close.

Another characteristic is that you need more light to be able to read. All this is sudden, you suddenly realize that something has changed in your vision, that is the moment when you should visit a specialist.

Although presbyopia is completely normal in adulthood, it is always recommended to go to a specialist to prescribe the progressive glasses formula. Try not to use generic glasses, that will increase the prescription prematurely and will not give you a personalized vision.

Where to buy progressive glasses?

If you already have any symptoms of presbyopia and feel you need progressive glasses, consult an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Ideally, your sunglasses should also be progressive. Otherwise it will be more difficult to adapt and you will find it hard to see outdoors.

In Optica Bassol you have at your disposal a wide range of prescription glasses and sunglasses for progressive lenses. Value your vision and invest in your health. Alain Afflelou said a few years ago: "If you have several pairs of shoes, several handbags, or several ties, why not have several pairs of glasses?

Our specialists will customize your progressive glasses so that you can enjoy clearer, sharper vision.

Technological advances, such as Freeform lenses, play a key role in our convenience, comfort, health and aesthetics. Use them to your advantage, ask for the lightest frames and the most modern lenses.

Don't get left behind, at Optica Bassol there are summer offers on Zeiss lenses. Schedule an appointment to consult with our eye care professionals and try on all the models you like.

If you have any questions, contact us at 93 122 60 35. We hope to see you soon at Óptica Bassol!

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