Progressive Lenses 101

What Are Progressive Lenses?

Progressive addition lenses (PALS) are glasses that help you see clearly at -far away, mid-range, and up close-without any visible lines on the lens. Occasionally people who do one thing more than others (Drive Commercially, Work on a computer all day, Have hobbies that require lots of near work) they may need a separate pair for driving, computer, reading. The top portion of a progressive is for distance vision, the middle helps with computer or arm’s-length tasks, and the bottom supports reading and close-up work. As you look down the lens, the magnification gets progressively stronger so you can see distance, reading and in between. Everything blends smoothly so you can shift between distances naturally.

Progressives vs. Bifocals: What’s the Difference?

Both progressives and bifocals (or trifocals) contain multiple prescriptions in a single lens. The key difference: bifocals have a visible line separating each power, while progressives offer a seamless, line-free design. Because of that line, bifocals can sometimes cause an “image jump,” where objects suddenly shift or change clarity. Progressives eliminate that issue by creating a smooth transition from one area of the lens to the next. Progressives have NO LINE.

Types of Progressive Lenses

Progressives come in several levels of design and technology:

• Standard Progressive Lenses: Traditional designs made with older manufacturing methods they cost less
• Custom Progressive Lenses: The most precise and personalized option, created with state-of-the-art design technology. Digitally surfaced for exceptional visual clarity.

How Much Do Progressive Lenses Cost?

Pricing varies depending on the design, the lens material, and your insurance coverage. Because progressives require more advanced engineering, they generally cost more than single-vision or lined multifocal lenses. Still, most wearers find the smooth, natural vision well worth the investment. In short “you get what you pay for”.

Are Progressive Lenses Hard to Adjust To?

There is an adjustment period-just like with any new prescription. You’ll learn to use different parts of the lens for different distances, and you may feel off-balance if you look through the wrong zone at first. Most people adapt within a few weeks. Rarely at Tacoma Eye we can remake the lenses into Bifocals, or Distance glasses or Reading glasses. So trying progressives come with little risk. If you purchase Progressive elsewhere or online, you are subject the their return policies.

Do I Need Special Frames for Progressives?

In most cases, no. The right frame depends on your face shape, lens material, prescription strength, and lifestyle needs. Your optician will help you choose frames that not only suit your style but also give your progressive lenses the space they need to perform their best.