How to Buy Progressive Lenses: Younger BiFocal Glasses

Progressive lenses are a great option for those who need both distance and close up vision correction. The line-less look of the lenses lets you have a more modern and youthful look, while providing improved vision.

Select the right Eye Care Practitioner. A Quality eye car provider is important. These is more customization in progressive lenses that in regular glasses. A good Optometrist will provide an exam and ask some questions that will help determine the specifications for your lenses. Work at a computer all day? Look from your computer to pages of text and back? Or do you read law journals all day? Architectural drawings? A Cashier? Each occupation has a different need in how the gradation of the lenses is done.

An architect may need a straight across change in the visual field, while someone sitting at a computer and transcribing from notes may need an arched transition. A quality eye care provider will analyze your needs and design your lenses accordingly. If they don't ask you- ask them how your lenses will be cut. Ask for a senior technician. Someone new at the job may not have the experience to mark up your specifications for progressive lenses correctly.

Pick a frame that is large enough to accommodate the gradation. A very narrow lens (top to bottom) may not allow enough space for the transition. You won't need a large frame, but should avoid a tiny frame if you want the best vision possible. If you want a less obvious look, frameless glasses are great for progressive lenses.

Check the Purchase agreement. Make sure that if you are not 100% satisfied with the glasses that they will be redone until you are satisfied. Get it in writing. A quality eye care Practitioner will agree to redo your lenses if needed to get it right. Many will even change the frame if you are not happy. Ask upfront, rather than after you have picked up your glasses.

Beware of extra charges. Progressive lenses are expensive, and then you can get anti-glare, anti -scratch and other treatments, like photosensitive lenses that will double the price of the lenses. Sometimes the "bargain" eyeglasses in the newspaper inserts are not bargain at all once all the extras are tacked on.

Test the glasses at pickup. When your glasses are ready, allow time to thoroughly test them in the store. Yes, it is true that it takes time to get used to them, but when you look though the lenses, you should be able to see clearly. What takes time is adjusting to turning or moving your head to directly face what you want to see, instead of just your eyes. Try looking out the store window to the parking lot. Look from one end of the store to the other.

Then try reading something in your hand. You may need to adjust the position of the item, or your head, but you should be able to read clearly down to a reasonable size- like the type on a shampoo bottle. If you can't, don't leave the store with the glasses- ask to have the lenses reground. Make sure to have a more senior person take the new fitting, or get a manager. It takes experience to customize the progressive lenses correctly.

Bottom Line. Take time to order and pick up your line- free bifocals. Let your eye care practitioner get to know you. Give enough time for changing to progressive lenses. You will see that the payoff in improved vision and appearance is worth every minute of time you spend to achieve it.