Progressive lenses
One pair for every distance.
Progressives give you near, middle and far vision in one pair, with no visible line. Here is how the levels differ and how to get used to them. Our ABO-licensed optician and experienced team will help you choose.
Is it for me?
Signs progressives may fit.
Tick what sounds like you:
Compare your options.
| Reading glasses | Bifocals | Progressives | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it does | Near only | Distance and near | Near, middle and far |
| Visible line | No | Yes | No |
| Computer distance | No | No | Yes |
| Best for | Reading | Two distances | All-day wear |
| Drawback | Near only, so you keep taking them on and off | A visible line, and no clear middle zone for screens | Takes 1 to 2 weeks to adjust |
Progressive levels
Choose your level of comfort.
Brands design progressives differently, so the exact shape varies. What stays the same is the trade-off: each step up gives you a wider, more comfortable view. Our optician will show you the options and help you choose.
Basic
A smaller reading area, with more blur at the sides.
Good
A wider reading area than Basic.
Better
Digitally made, with an even wider reading area and smoother changes as your eyes move between distances.
Best
The widest view and the most personalized, with the smoothest transitions and less distortion. The easiest to adapt to.
Every brand designs lenses differently, and brands offer different numbers of levels. Zone sizes, features and names vary by brand and prescription. We will match you to the right one.
Brands we fit
We mostly fit Essilor lenses, including Varilux, Crizal, Transitions, Eyezen and Xperio, and Shamir. Prefer another brand, like Zeiss, Hoya or Kodak? We can order it for you.
Some insurance plans use their own lab, so not every brand is available with every plan. We will tell you before you order.
How we fit them
Measured for your face.
Progressives work best when they are measured precisely. Our optician:
- measures where your pupils sit in the frame.
- checks the fitting height, so the reading zone lands in the right spot.
- helps you pick a frame tall enough for a comfortable reading area.
- adjusts the fit when you pick them up, and our on-site lab finishes your lenses.
The measurements also depend on how the frame sits on your face: how high it sits, how close it is to your eyes, and how it tilts. That is why we fit your lenses to your frame, not just your prescription.
Make them even better.
Anti-reflective
Less glare from screens and night driving.
Transitions
Clear indoors, dark outdoors.
Office lenses
A wider zone for screens and desk work.
Tips for getting used to progressives
- Wear them full time. For the first 1 to 2 weeks, wear them all day and don't switch back and forth with old glasses. Most people adjust in about 1 to 2 weeks.
- Move your head, not just your eyes. Point your nose at what you want to see.
- Distance: look straight ahead through the top of the lens.
- Screens and arm's length: lower your chin slightly and look through the middle.
- Reading: lower your eyes to the bottom of the lens and hold the page a bit lower.
- Stairs and curbs: look down with your head, not through the bottom of the lens. Take extra care for the first few days.
- Keep them fitted. The glasses should sit straight, and the frame shouldn't slide down your nose. Come back for an adjustment if it feels off.
- Neck sore at the computer? Lower your screen so the top is at or just below eye level, or raise your chair a bit. That lets you look through the middle of your lenses without tilting your head back. If you work at a screen all day, ask us about office lenses.
- Not settling in after 1 to 2 weeks? Come see us. Headaches or dizziness can often be fixed by adjusting the fit or checking the measurements, and we'll troubleshoot it with you.
Good to know.
How long does it take to adjust?
Most people adjust in about 1 to 2 weeks. Wearing them full time helps.
Will I feel dizzy?
Some people feel a little off at first, especially on stairs or when looking to the side. It usually settles as you learn to point your nose at what you want to see. If it doesn't, come see us.
Can I drive in them?
Yes, most people do. The top of the lens is your distance zone, so the road and signs are clear when you look straight ahead, and a small glance down brings the dashboard into focus. Take a few short, familiar drives first.
Can I use them at the computer?
Yes. If you spend long hours at a screen, office lenses can be more comfortable. Ask us.
Can I get them in sunglasses or Transitions?
Often, yes. The tint or Transitions is added to the lens, so you keep the same wide view. Very high prescriptions and strongly curved wrap frames can limit the choices, and we will tell you what works for yours.
What if they don't feel right?
Come see us. Headaches or dizziness can often be fixed by adjusting the fit or checking the measurements, and we will troubleshoot it with you.