Adapting to Progressives Help

Progressive lenses are advanced medical devices that require some practice and getting used to. The eye and the brain learn to adjust to the different refractive powers of the lenses. The adaptation period for progressive lenses generally takes 1-2 weeks, but the adaptation period may vary based on the wearer's frame size, lens design, viewing habits, and posture. Therefore, it is recommended for first-time wearers to consult with the eye doctor for the best possible training and solutions available for the individual.

Progressive lens areas:

 

The progressive lens has different areas for various viewing distances, with peripheral and distance focus areas that may vary depending on the lens design or brand, and the provided distance estimates are typical. Still, they can differ based on the specific progressive lens design or brand. The blending region or soft focus area is used for the transitioning distances but is not intended for looking through. The following table explains each area in detail.

First-time wearers may experience discomfort due to a required change of viewing habits. Therefore, training should always be done in a safe environment without putting the wearer in any compromising situation. The progressive lens training process usually takes around 1-2 weeks but may vary based on the wearer. Training and practicing to wear progressive lenses may include getting acquainted with the progressive lens design and changing viewing habits, as explained below.

• Developing new viewing habits based on the distance of the object.
• Moving the head further up or down based on the desired distance focus range.
• Getting acquainted with the areas for Distance, Intermediate, and Near by practicing viewing objects at different distances using different areas of the progressive lens.
• Getting acquainted with the horizontal vision range (viewing to the side). Areas of soft-focus are at the edges of the lenses, and sharper focus in the center.
• More head rotation and movement, and less moving of the pupils, especially for closer distances, since the near view field located at the bottom of the lens is narrower.

When climbing stairs wearing prescription lenses, the wearer would usually look through the lower portion of the lens to see the stairs. However, with progressive lenses, the lower portion of the lens is adjusted for reading distance of approximately 16 inches only, which are of course closer than the stairs. Therefore, the stairs viewed with the lower portion of the lens will be viewed with distortion. However, the sense of sight is highly complex and adaptable. Within a short period of time, the habits of the brain are able to learn and adapt to the different viewing conditions. So when climbing the stairs, a wearer simply points their head further downwards to gain better focus of the stairs using the intermediate or distance portion of the lens.