It’s no secret that as you get older, your eyesight changes. Rather than carry around multiple pairs of glasses for different uses, many lean more towards purchasing bifocals or progressive lenses. However, which is better: progressive or bifocal lenses? This depends on which will work better for you.
Let’s look at the difference between bifocals and progressive lenses to help you determine which is better for you.
Bifocal Lenses
Bifocal lenses are lenses that have a line separating each prescription. In most cases, the top prescription is for distance, and the bottom prescription is for reading or viewing things up close. Bifocal lenses only allow for two different prescriptions.
Progressive Lenses
Progressive lenses do not have a line separating different prescriptions. Progressive lenses look like a single prescription lens but can allow you to see better at up to three different distances. There are many kinds of progressive lenses.
- Standard progressive Lenses
The most affordable progressive lenses. These lenses give you a wide reading area.
- Short-corridor progressive lenses
Used more in smaller frame eyeglass frames. They do not have as wide a reading area as the standard progressive lenses.
- Computer progressive lenses
Used for short-range viewing, such as looking at a computer. These lenses are created to give clear vision at about 16 inches to 6 feet.
- Premium progressive lenses
These lenses are customized to your prescription and frame size. They provide a vast reading area. They are the easiest to get used to.
- Ground-view progressive lenses
Lenses that are good for people who spend a lot of time outdoors being active. They give you a better vision when looking down at the ground or driving. These lenses are great for golfers.
Which is right for you?
If you have discovered that your eyes are changing due to age and it’s time to get eyeglasses with different prescriptions, knowing what you know now can help you decide if you should get progressives or bifocals. Consider your lifestyle. Do you stare at a computer for most of the day, or are you outside working looking out into the distance? If you decide on bifocals, will the line in the middle of the lens be challenging to get used to? Whichever lenses you choose, it will help give you a wider range of vision and improve your quality of life.
Stop into the Sunglass Shoppe, and one of our experts can help you find the perfect fit for what you are looking for. We have stores located in Petoskey, Traverse City, Charlevoix, and Saugatuck, MI.
