Wearing Progressive Lenses
One of the things to remember is that your eyes and your brain comprise your visual system and they sometimes need some time to adjust to a new prescription. Here are some tips that should help you adapt ~~ remember to persevere!
4 TIPS TO GET USED TO WEARING PROGRESSIVE LENSES
As we age, our vision naturally changes. Even if you always had 20/20 vision, at some point in life you will need glasses to read. Sometimes your vision will change so much that you will need glasses for everything. If, on the other hand, you’re nearsighted and have been wearing glasses for most of your life, you may find that you suddenly need your mid- and and close-range vision corrected as well. In the past, that meant you had to switch to bifocals. But, bifocals and even trifocals have long been associated with “old people.” Today, you have other options. Namely, progressive lenses. Progressive lenses allow you to see far away, mid and close-up, through one lineless lens. It’s a pretty awesome innovation, but since you will see differently through the top, middle and bottom of the lens, it can take some getting used to. Here are four tips to help you adjust:
1.- Keep them on
You may be tempted to switch back and forth between your progressive lenses and your old glasses if the new ones start to make you feel disoriented, but you shouldn’t. The more you wear your progressive lenses, the quicker you’ll get used to them. A gradual approach will not work. Remember: practice makes perfect.
2.- Don’t just move your eyes
Constantly moving your eyes only from one part of the lens to the other will only cause eye strain, which can lead to headaches and eye discomfort. Plus you won´t be able to see through the correct prescription. Get in the habit of moving your whole head, pointing your nose at whatever you’re reading especially when looking through your far and mid-range prescriptions. You will have to move your eyes down to access your reading prescription.
3.- Position your glasses correctly
As is the case with any pair of glasses, proper positioning can make a difference in how comfortable you are and how well you see, especially when you first start wearing them. Be sure to keep your glasses positioned high up on the bridge of your nose and close to your eyes, in order to increase visibility as much as possible. If you have any issues with where the prescriptions are on the lens, visit our opticians for fine tuning and/or a redo.
4.- Be patient
If you’re diligent and stick with your new glasses, you will train your brain to see properly through them and looking through the different areas of the lens as necessary, will become habit. It may take a few weeks, but you’ll get it, and it’ll soon be far easier than switching between two pair of glasses.
Check out this video about getting used to Progressive Lenses by our colleague, Dr. Allen
