For people who have strong nearsightedness, be careful because when you’re getting older and experience aging eyes, you will face a problem. You will find that you cannot see clearly when reading or at a distance. But don’t be concerned, there is a progressive lens to solve this problem. Before we had the progressive lens, we had to use a bifocal lens or have two pairs of glasses, one for reading and another one for far distance. A bifocal lens is not attractive but it is easy to use, and only one pair of glasses is required. Having two glasses is not convenient, you have to switch between them and you are more likely to lose your glasses.

The progressive lens is a seamless multi-focal lens. The power of the lens gradually change from reading zone at the bottom of the lens to middle zone and then to far distance zone at the top of the lens. As a result, you can see clearer in every distance or focal length. The progress of lens power change is based on the lens design. For example, the progression is fast for the short corridor progressive lens designed for small frame. The shape of each useful zone is as shown in the picture. The shape may vary among designs of each manufacturer, but most are likely to be the same. The left and right sides of the lens are not so useful, so the big central zone is better. It’s hard to say which progressive lens is better than others.

To test the progressive lens (not yet dispensed), find blinders or other thing which has the small horizon strip lying from top to bottom. Hold a progressive lens in your hand and move the lens vertically from top to bottom along the blinders. You will see the difference in lens power along the vertical axis. You can also see the shape of useful zone, as well as the distortion on the left and right sides of the lens.

To get an efficient progressive eyeglass you have to have a good eyesight measurement, then using a well designed lens with a big benefit zone and the perfect gradient of lens powers, together with a frame that is suitable for that lens design or vice versa, and well made. After that, you must try to get used to your new eyeglasses. You have to practice how to look through the lens. Finally, after practice, you will be able to see clearer in any distance. How Great!