How To Use Progressive Lenses

Congratulations on choosing progressive lenses for your eyewear! These advanced lenses provide a seamless transition between different vision zones, offering you clear vision at all distances. Here’s everything you need to know about adjusting to and enjoying your new progressive lenses.

What Are Progressive Lenses?

Progressive lenses are multifocal lenses that correct vision at multiple distances without the visible lines found in bifocals or trifocals. They are designed to provide a smooth gradient of increasing lens power, allowing you to see clearly up close, at intermediate distances, and far away.

The Benefits of Progressive Lenses

• Seamless Vision Correction: No more switching between different pairs of glasses for different tasks.
• Aesthetically Pleasing: No visible lines on the lenses, giving them a more modern and attractive look.
• Convenience: One pair of glasses for reading, computer work, and driving.

Adjusting to Progressive Lenses

Adapting to progressive lenses may take some time. Here are some tips to help you adjust smoothly:

1. Wear Them Consistently: Put on your new glasses as soon as you wake up and wear them throughout the day. Consistent use will help your eyes and brain adjust more quickly.
2. Move Your Head, Not Just Your Eyes: Turn your head to look at objects instead of just shifting your eyes. This helps you find the correct part of the lens for each distance.
3. Give It Time: It may take a few days to a couple of weeks to fully adjust to your new lenses. Be patient and persistent.

How to Use Your Progressive Lenses

To make the most of your progressive lenses, follow these instructions for different viewing distances:

Distance Viewing

• Position: Use the upper part of your lenses for distance vision.
• Activity: Ideal for activities such as driving, walking, or watching TV.
• Tip: Keep your head level and look straight ahead to use the top portion of the lenses.

Intermediate Viewing

• Position: Use the middle part of your lenses for intermediate vision.  With your head held level to the ground, drop your eyes 10-15 degrees down into the lens to find the intermediate zone.
• Activity: Perfect for tasks like computer work or looking at the dashboard while driving.
• Tip: Position your computer screen slightly below eye level (top of the monitor even with your nose) and maintain an ergonomic posture to utilize the intermediate zone effectively.

Near Viewing

• Position: Use the lower part of your lenses for near vision.  Drop your eyes 20-30 degrees down into the lens to find the near zone.
• Activity: Best for reading, writing, or any close-up tasks.
• Tip: Hold reading material at a comfortable distance (generally 16-20 inches) and angle, so you are looking through the bottom part of your lenses.

Common Challenges and Solutions

• Blurriness or Distortion: This is common during the adjustment period. Follow the tips above, and it should improve over time.
• Nausea or Dizziness: These symptoms can occur as your eyes adapt. Take breaks if needed and ensure your frames fit correctly.  Our Digital Life Progressive lenses (only from Empire Optical) are optimized to reduce or totally remove these feelings!  
• Difficulty Finding the Right Focus: Practice using your lenses by looking at objects at different distances and tilting your head slightly to find the sweet spot.

When to Seek Help

If you experience persistent discomfort or vision problems after 1-2 weeks, then you should:

1.  Come back to Empire Optical so we can check the fit and alignment of your lenses and make any necessary adjustments. Then,

2.  If necessary, schedule a follow-up appointment (prescription re-check) with your eye care professional.

Maintaining Your Progressive Lenses

To keep your lenses in top condition, follow these care tips:

• Clean Regularly: Use a microfiber cloth and lens cleaner to wipe away smudges and dirt.
• Store Properly: Keep your glasses in a protective case when not in use to avoid scratches.
• Handle with Care: Avoid placing your glasses face down and handle them by the frame, not the lenses.

Enjoying Your New View

Progressive lenses offer a versatile and convenient solution for multifocal vision correction. With a little patience and practice, you’ll soon enjoy the benefits of clear vision at all distances.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us at Empire Optical. We’re here to help you see the world clearly and comfortably.