Are your regular eyeglass lenses no longer helping like they used to? Have you recently noticed a decline in the quality of your vision? These are both signs that it may be time for you to upgrade to progressive lenses.
They cost more than standard eyeglass lenses but can offer many benefits. You have likely heard that they take time to get used to. It could be a sign that you need to get them fitted again if you still aren’t used to them after a few weeks. You can keep reading to learn more about progressive lenses and signs that you need to get yours re-fitted.
What Are Progressive Lenses?
They are bifocal lenses without any line. You’ve likely come across lined bifocals in your local pharmacy or grocery store. Eyeglass wearers tend to like these more than their lined bifocals because they’re functional and offer a more youthful look.
You likely know they are traditionally used to treat presbyopia in adults over the age of 40. You may not know that there are different types available to treat symptoms other than presbyopia, such as visual fatigue or eye strain.
Types
Types of progressive lenses include standard progressive lenses, premium progressive lenses, blue light lenses, and computer progressive lenses.
Standard and premium ones are among the most common types and offer similar benefits. Standard ones are less expensive than premium ones and can help most prescriptions. Premium ones are custom made to fit your eye by a computer and offer the clearest vision.
If you’re someone who works in an office setting or someone who has to look at a screen all day for work, computer or blue light lenses may be a good choice for you. Computer ones can help with visual fatigue. Blue light glassescan help reduce eye strain caused by the blue light emanating from your computer screen.
Progressive contact lenses are available as an option to people dealing with presbyopia who may not want to buy corrective eyeglasses.
Whether you have progressive lenses and are looking to upgrade or you’ve been told that they may help with your eye problems, make sure to browse all the different types of progressive lensesto find which type will best help you before you buy.
Not Fitting Right?
They take on average two to three weeks to adjust to. That being said, if you still are having issues seeing out of your new progressive lenses after a couple of weeks, it could be a sign that they need to be re-fitted.
Common signs that your lenses aren’t fitting right include: having to lift your head to read at a close distance; having to look downwards to read at a far distance; and experiencing blurry vision.
Have to Lift your Head to Read at a Close Distance?
If you’re finding that you need to lift either your head or glasses to read at a close distance, this could be a sign that your progressive lenses are fitting too low on your face. Either you or your eye doctor may be able to fix this issue by adjusting your frame to sit higher on your face or adjusting the nose pads to be closer together.
Have to Look Downwards to Read at a Far Distance?
If you’ve noticed that you have to lower your head or glasses to read at a distance, this could be a sign that your progressive lenses have been fitted high on your face. Either you or your eye doctor may be able to correct this by adjusting your frames to sit lower on your face or by widening the nose pads.
Blurry Vision?
It’s normal for your new eye prescription to seem blurry at first. Having blurry vision could also be a sign that your PD (pupillary distance) is off and that you need to return your progressive lenses.
The Importance of Knowing Your PD (Pupillary Distance)
PD (pupillary distance) is the distance between your pupils. Your PD is one of the most important parts of your progressive lens prescription. This is because your PD determines where your pupils sit behind your lens. Not having the correct PD can cause blurred vision, eye strain, dizziness, and nausea.
If a PD isn’t listed on your eyeglasses prescription, then you’ve purchased a standard PD. The problems you’re having with your progressive lenses could be a result of having a standard PD and not a customized PD.
Blurry Peripheral Vision?
They are blurry on the sides by design. It’s an error called surface astigmatism that is present in all progressive lenses. Blurred peripheral vision is not necessarily a sign that you need to get them fitted again. You should be able to see clearly near and at a distance in your progressive lenses as long as you are standing in your natural position.
Get Your Progressive Lenses Re-fitted Today
EZ Opticals has helped the residents of Houston with their eye care needs for close to three decades. If you need to get your progressive lenses re-fitted or want to get fitted for a pair and live in Houston, come schedule an appointmenttoday.
Visit our blog for more information on how to protect your vision as a contact or eyeglass wearer. Keep your eye healthy; you’ll be thanking yourself in the future.
