Progressive vs. Bifocals: Choosing the Right Lenses

  • By:Dr. Katie Dugan

Eye changes with age are unavoidable… nearly all people over the age of 40 will experience presbyopia. Even if you lived most of your life without the need to wear glasses, it might be time to use reading glasses to help you see up-close books and other options.

If you already use corrective lenses and you need reading glasses now, it is important that you talk to an optometrist about your options for bifocals or progressive lenses.

The Difference: Bifocals and Progressive Lenses

Bifocals are lenses that have one area to help with near vision and another area that helps with far vision. Instead of using two pairs of glasses or contacts, you can have both prescriptions built into the single lens. Another option is to use trifocals to add a middle strip that helps with mid-vision as well.

When you are looking through bifocal lenses, you will notice a distinct line where the prescription changes. You can look straight forward or up to look through the prescription for distance vision. Then, there is a line that you need to look below if you are reading. This line can create an “image jump” as your eye adjusts from one prescription to the other.

On the other hand, progressive lenses offer the same benefits of multiple prescriptions, without the need to have the distracting line in the field of vision. The prescription is designed with a gradual change so that you can scan up and down without the inconvenience of a bifocal line.

Finding the Right Glasses or Contacts for Your Needs

There’s no question that the technology in the optometry industry has improved over the years, helping patients maximize their eyesight and comfort. Our team is here to evaluate your eye health and help you find the solutions that maximize your vision. If you need reading glasses, then we encourage you to talk to our team about bifocals and progressive lenses. We’re here to answer your questions and help with anything that you need.

You can schedule an appointment by calling one of our convenient offices. Our Temecula location is at (951) 302-1331, or contact our Murrieta office at (951) 600-9226.

Posted in: Eye Glasses