If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your vision with progressive lenses, we’re here to help you understand how these lenses work and why they might be the perfect fit for your lifestyle. Progressive lenses offer a seamless transition between distance, intermediate, and near vision, giving you all-in-one clarity without the visible lines of bifocals or the hassle of switching between different glasses.

However, while progressive lenses are an excellent choice for many, there are certain situations where they might not be the best option. Let’s break it all down so you can make the right choice for your vision needs!

How Do Progressive Lenses Work?

Progressive lenses feature three distinct zones that allow you to see clearly at all distances:

• Top portion for distance vision (driving, watching TV).
• Middle portion for intermediate vision (computer work, dashboard view).
• Bottom portion for near vision (reading, texting).

These transitions between zones are smooth and invisible, meaning you can shift your focus from near to far without the lines found in bifocals or trifocals.

Frame Size Matters: Why the “B Size” is Important

When choosing frames for progressive lenses, the B size (vertical height of the frame) plays a crucial role. The larger the frame, the more room there is for each vision zone to work optimally. Smaller frames can compress the zones, potentially making it harder to adjust to the lenses. At Town Eyecare, our expert opticians will help you choose the right frame size to ensure maximum comfort and functionality for your progressive lenses.

Why Shamir Progressive Lenses Are Superior

When it comes to progressive lenses, we trust Shamir, one of the leading names in the industry. Here’s why Shamir progressive lenses are a step above the rest:

1. Wider Viewing Zones: Shamir offers a larger field of vision across all zones (distance, intermediate, near), reducing the "swim effect" (distortion).
2. Customized Lenses: Shamir lenses are tailored specifically to your face shape, lifestyle, and frame choice for a fully personalized experience.
3. Freeform Technology: This advanced manufacturing process ensures precise curvature and minimizes distortion, resulting in crisper, clearer vision.
4. Digital Optimization: Shamir lenses are designed to accommodate the modern digital lifestyle, making them ideal for screen use and reducing eye strain.

When Progressive Lenses May Not Be the Best Choice

While progressive lenses offer unparalleled convenience and vision correction for many, there are times when they might not be the best option. In these cases, patients may want to consider single vision lenses for specific tasks:

• You Spend Long Periods Reading: If you’re someone who spends most of your time reading or working up close, you may find that progressive lenses don’t offer enough width in the near zone. Some patients prefer the sharp focus of single vision reading glasses for prolonged near tasks.
• You Drive a Lot: Some patients report that the transition zones in progressive lenses can feel slightly disorienting during driving, particularly if you drive at night. In this case, single vision lenses optimized for distance may provide clearer, sharper vision.
• Struggles with Adaptation: Though many patients adjust quickly to progressive lenses, there are some who find it challenging to get used to the shift in focus, particularly if they experience dizziness or distortion in the peripheral areas. If you’ve tried progressives and found them uncomfortable, a combination of single vision lenses for distance and reading glasses for near might be a better option for you.

At Town Eyecare, we’ll work with you to assess your needs and determine whether progressive lenses, single vision lenses, or a combination of both is best for your lifestyle.

Experience the Best of Both Worlds with Shamir Lenses

If you’re ready to explore the benefits of progressive lenses, our team is here to help you make the right choice. With Shamir progressive lenses, you’ll get the latest in lens technology, designed for comfort, clarity, and ease of use across all distances. And if progressive lenses aren’t quite right for you, we’ll help you find a solution that meets your vision needs.

Schedule your appointment today to learn more about our progressive lenses and get fitted with a pair that works for you!