Learn how to do anything: How to Wear Progressive Glasses

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

How to Wear Progressive Glasses

The optician’s term “progressive lenses” refers to a type of trifocal lens that includes magnification for distance, intermediate and close objects. Unlike bifocals and trifocals that were once used, there is no line between the changes in magnification, so an outsider can’t tell you’re wearing them. Just like bifocals, progressive glasses are a tool that you learn to use properly over time.

Steps

Ordering Lenses

Make an appointment with an optician. You may also need to get a bifocal eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist if your eyes haven’t been examined in a while. They can diagnose potential eye problems as well as finding your prescription.
- An optician knows how to measure your eyes and face to suggest and fit the correct lenses for you.
Talk with the optician about your job and activities. For example, if you work on the computer a lot, you will need a heavy focus on the intermediate line of sight. If you drive for a living, the distance sight will be more important.
Get measured for glasses of your choice. Progressive glasses are available in many shapes and lens sizes. Keep in mind that the bigger the lens, the larger the area for sight there will be.
- Small lens glasses may make a very abrupt change between your peripheral vision and your clear vision. The point at which the glasses stop on the side of your face will determine how often this point interrupts your sight.
Return to the glasses store to try on the glasses. They can adjust the frames and give you tips on caring for the glasses.
Start wearing them as soon as possible. Your body will need several weeks to get used to the new prescription and structure of the glasses. You may occasionally feel dizzy or disoriented during this process.

Getting Accustomed to Progressive Glasses

Wear your glasses morning to evening for at least two weeks. Avoid removing them as much as possible, even when you can see well without them. This will help your body adjust more quickly.^[1]
Learn the structure of the glasses. The top part of the lens will help you see distance. The middle will help you see intermediate objects of about six inches from the tip of your hand. The bottom will help you see close up objects of away or less.^[2]
Adjust the position of your head, rather than the position of your pupils to see objects according to the right distance. If the glasses fit well, they should rest squarely on the bridge of your nose; you can tilt your head up and down to see properly.
Point your head downwards when you go up or down stairs. If you look too far up, the motion at the bottom can be disorienting. You should watch your feet to activate the nearsighted portion of the glasses.
Move your head from left to right to see objects. Don’t try to see images in your peripheral vision, or they will look distorted. It can also make you dizzy when you notice the line between corrected and uncorrected sight.
Clean your lenses frequently with a lens spray and microfiber cloth. Since you rely on progressive lenses to see, they should be spotless to avoid obstruction.