Progressives or No Progressives, that is a big question -

So often I get my patients coming to me with prescription in hand, panicked because their doctor prescribed progressive lenses for them for the first time. They are expensive, my friend said they make them sick, my mom couldn't wear them or get used to them, I'm not ready to wear glasses full time...........there are so many concerns for people. Let me help you get some clarification on this subject.

What are progressive lenses? These are lenses that give you all ranges of clear vision in one lens. It corrects your distance, and then as you start to lower your eye in the lens, it brings you to your mid range (computer, store shelves, anything at arms length), then towards the bottom of the lens, it corrects your near (phone, books, etc. typically 16-18" away) These lenses are the only lenses that correct all those points of focus and are the closest to "natural" vision that you will ever have.

First of all, just because your doctor prescribed progressives for you, does not mean you have to get them. When you sit with me, I will go over your entire prescription with you. I will ask you lifestyle questions such as, are you on the computer all day for work or pleasure, do you work in a dirty and dusty environment, do you fish or play golf. I need to know how you "use" your eyes, to determine what will be the best solution for you.

Depending on your answers, will determine if I suggest a full progressive, or possibly a computer progressive, which is specificially made to give a larger area of clarity for your mid range and near, with a little bump of distance in the top for those who work in an office, need to see people coming in the door, see a clock on the wall, or even move about your office without having to remove your glasses. Some people like progressives for full time life, but prefer a pair of distance only for sports, or a pair of near only because they are an avid reader. Just as there isn't one pair of shoes that suits every situation in our active lives, it is the same with glasses.

Why do progressives cost so much? Well, think of it this way......it is replacing 2-3 pairs of glasses in one pair. Also, the progressives I use are all digital, they are the best of the best, and because they are digitally surfaced, they are completely customized to you, your individual needs, measurements, and wants. Not all progressive lenses are created equal, and I want my patients and customers to see their best. I can get basic progressives, and they certainly have their place in the world, but overall, I have worked very hard to source and provide great lenses at great, affordable prices.

There are many reasons why patients are "progressive non-adapts". Patients that have had a stroke, have vertigo, balance issues, or convergence issues struggle with them. Often times, it is just that they weren't measured correctly, a slight change in a measurement or adjustment can make a big difference for people. It can be the lens design itself. If it has been a long time since you have tried progressives, technology has improved, and odds are, you can and will be successful.

Adaptation times - it took me a full three weeks to get used to my progressives when I first got them. I am an optician, I get lenses, and my prescription isn't that high. Why did I struggle for three weeks? Well, I had years of habits using my glasses that I had to change. You have to learn how to "use" your progressives, learn where to look out of your lenses by "following your nose" and being a slight head turner. It takes about three weeks to change a habit, so there it is. Some people get used to them right away. I was not the norm. I tell my patients to wear them for a solid two weeks, if after week one, they are feeling better, but not quite there, stop in for a slight adjustment. Often times, a slight curve or angle change can widen fields of vision and make the adaptation period easier. I recommend wearing them continuously for the two weeks because your brain has to learn to adapt to what is now in front of your eyes, and that takes time and consistency.

If you are struggling with what to do with your prescription and if you have questions, stop into Path 2 Sight Optical and see me. I am happy to help and assist in any way that I can.