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Progressive and Multifocal Lenses

Presbyopia, or far-sightedness, is a common condition that often begins to develop in those who are 40 or older. It's comforting to know that developing presbyopia when you already wear glasses for distance vision doesn't mean you need to start switching between multiple pairs of specs. Multifocal lenses let you see clearly all the time, tending to your presbyopia and myopia at once.

Before mulifocals, bifocals were the popular fix, but they were far from all that great; even though they correct problems with both near and distant objects, middle distance is blurred. To fix this issue, progressive lenses were made. These give you a transition part of the lens that allows your eyes to focus on the area between things like the newspaper and far objects like road signs. How does this work? Well, progressive lenses are specially curved, unlike a bifocal lens, which is harshly sectioned. For this reason, progressive lenses are also known as no-line lenses.

These lenses, although better, can require a small period of time to adjust to. Even though the invisible transition of progressive lenses is more aesthetically pleasing, the lens's areas of focus are small, so that there's also room for transitional areas.

Bifocals aren't entirely dated though; they are helpful for kids and teens who experience eye strain, stemming from a difficulty focusing while reading.

When you go get fitted for multifocal lenses, check that it's with an eye care professional you trust. Multifocal lenses work best when properly fitted to your unique eyes, prescription and line of vision.

Wearing an incorrect prescription can leave you with eye strain, discomfort and headaches. Unfortunately, presbyopia is a reality of aging. But keep in mind that multifocal lenses can make all the difference.